bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
influence of available oral collagen supplementation on the function of joints and skin
Authors: Kościołek Dawid , Urbaś Michał , Kępczyk Martyna , Kościołek Aleksandra , Surowiecka Kaja , Misiak Jakub , Ojdana Miłosz , Szalbot Konrad , Tokarski Mikołaj , Marczak Natalia
Published: February 2024

Introduction and purpose:  
 
In our work, we focused on presenting the role of collagen supplementation and its impact on skin and joint health. We considered studies discussing the differences in the effects of collagen from various plant and animal sources. We also examined the influence of the degree of hydrolysis on the absorbability of the supplement. The aim of the paper is to comprehensively summarize knowledge on collagen supplementation, differentiating between its sources and forms.
 
Material and methods:
 
 In our paper, we endeavored to address the subject of oral collagen supplementation comprehensively. We explored studies about various forms and sources of collagen. We also delved into the collagen supplementation impact on skin and joints health and impact of additives in enhancing the positive effect of collagen .
 
State of knowledge: 
 
Oral collagen supplementation can be beneficial for skin and joints health. It promote collagen synthesis in human body increasing strength of skin and joints. The higher the degree of collagen hydrolysis, the more easily it is absorbed by the body. Additives in the form of vitamin C and A can enhance collagen synthesis.
 
Results and conclusions:
 
This review article indicates a growing interest in oral collagen supplementation and its impact on health. Although there are encouraging findings regarding positive effects, further research is necessary to better understand and determine the optimal conditions for achieving maximum supplementation benefits. This information may be crucial for clinical decisions made by physicians regarding joint reinforcement and anti-aging effects on the skin.
ESCENAS COMUNES DE LA EXPERIENCIA ESTÉTICA. DE KANT A PINA BAUSCH.
Authors: Pellejero Eduardo
Published: February 2024

Desnudando las formas que ganan el espacio y el tiempo cuando lo real deviene imagen, y el modo singular que adopta nuestro pensamiento cuando se abre a lo que las imágenes dan a pensar, la fenomenología de la experiencia estética da cuenta, no apeans de las relaciones que establecen nuestras facultades cuando contemplamos sin objeto ni fin lo que se ofrece a nuestra sensibilidad, sino también de la utopía que abre los modos en que vemos, pensamos y hacemos el mundo a un futuro sin determinación. Utópicas parecen ser, de hecho, las coordenadas que la definen: la suspensión de cualquier interés que vaya más allá de las dimensiones aspectuales de los objetos de la experiencia, la momentánea puesta entre paréntesis de cualquier saber previo que pueda facilitar su aprehensión, la irresolución de la actividad teleológica que gobierna nuestros impulsos cognitivos. El presente artículo pretende demostrar que esas determinaciones trascendentales son, en todo caso, algo más que una idea abstracta o un ideal teórico, y que nuestras prácticas contemplativas y creativas se encuentran siempre, en mayor o menor medida, atravesadas por ellas, perteneciendo manifiestamente al orden de lo común.
HEGEL Y CALDERÓN: DE LA IMAGINACIÓN ROMÁNTICA A LA FANTASÍA NACIONAL.
Authors: Martínez Maroño Alejandro
Published: February 2024

Este artículo examina la caracterización de la fantasía en la filosofía de Hegel. Se defiende la tesis de que aquella se configura como una crítica al romanticismo jenense, cuyos vestigios cabría ya situar en el corazón de la Enciclopedia, hasta su puesta en práctica en la Estética. La característica ambigüedad que Hegel despliega en este intento de encaje de sus aspiraciones juveniles, en orden a formar una fantasía nacional, se explicará atendiendo al lugar que ocupa la obra de Calderón de la Barca
The Discount Rate for Investment Analysis Applying Expected Utility
Authors: Baucells Manel , Bodily Samuel E.
Published: February 2024

In decision analysis, expected utility of discounted cash flows is the traditional approach to incorporate risk aversion into the evaluation of a project. The choice of discount rate as well as the convergence with the beta-adjusted approach from finance have always been in question. To address this gap, we adopt a risk-sharing setup in which investors have both treasuries and the stock market as alternatives to the project. For a full utility analysis of all the investor’s capital, we provide a unique discount rate that allows setting the horizon at the termination of the project. For a traditional analyst who conducts expected utility of discounted cash flows and ignores the capital not allocated to the project, we recommend an adjusted discount rate that compensates for double-counting the systematic risk.
Informal carers, part 6: backwards and forwards
Authors: Barber Chris
Published: February 2024

This series explores the definition, meaning and roles of informal caring and informal carers, the statistics and lived experiences regarding informal caring, the law and Government strategies regarding informal caring and the role of the nurse, nursing associate (NA) and healthcare assistant (HCA) in supporting the informal carer. This sixth and final article in this series will summarise the key points made in the preceding five articles and will suggest possible future avenues for work going forward.
UK measles outbreak: why are cases rising?
Authors: Heffernan Catherine
Published: February 2024

Catherine Heffernan looks at the background behind the spate of recent measles outbreaks
The knowledge of hereditary breast cancer, and attitude and intention towards genetic testing of the patients with high-risk hereditary breast cancer
Authors: Park Hey Mi , Jun Sangeun
Published: February 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the knowledge of hereditary breast cancer (HBC) and attitudes and intention towards genetic testing of the patients with high-risk HBC, and to describe their differences according to the intention of genetic test. Methods: High-risk HBC patients (n = 138) who did not take genetic test or relevant counseling were recruited in D city, Korea. Participants completed questionnaires including demographic characteristics, knowledge of HBC, and attitudes and intention of genetic test. Results: The average score of knowledge on HBC was 9.59±2.32, and the average positive and negative attitude scores were 31.36±4.12 and 24.13±4.78, respectively. The benefit of genetic test rated as most important was “to help my daughters or sisters decide whether to undergo genetic testing” and “to motivate me to perform breast self-examination more frequently”. The most important perceived limitation was “if I were found to carry the gene, my concerns about my female offspring developing breast cancer would increase.” Of the participants, 40.6% indicated willingness to test their genes and 48.6% considered it. Participants with a partner (p=.043) and higher educational level (p=.005) showed significantly lower willingness to test. Conclusion: These results suggest that high-risk HBC patients understand important facts regarding the inheritance of breast cancer and genetic test and their interest in genetic testing is substantial. Considering previous reports that perceptions of the benefits of genetic testing were important predictors of genetic test utilization, the developments of educational and counseling programs to deliver proper knowledge are necessary.
Factors of delirium in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment in long-term care facilities: a pilot study
Authors: Jung Soo Youn , Hyeon Yong Hwan , Moon Kyoung Ja
Published: February 2024

Purpose: This study was conducted to identify factors that affect the occurrence of delirium in patients with mild cognitive impairment hospitalized in long-term care facilities. Methods: This study analyzed data collected from 2 long-term care facilities. A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted with 42 patients aged 65 years or older and mild cognitive impairment. To identify factors influencing the occurrence of delirium, multiple logistic regression analysis including general characteristics, risk-related, and medical characteristics was performed. Results: Delirium occurred in 14 (33.3%) of the participants. Hypoactivity was seen in 6 participants (42.86%), hyperactivity in 7 (50.0%), and a combination of both aspects in 1 (7.14%). The results of multiple logistic regression analysis showed that delirium in patients with mild cognitive impairment in long-term care facilities had a high occurrence in patients wearing diapers. Conclusion: This study identified the occurrence of delirium in patients with mild cognitive impairment hospitalized in long-term care facilities. One of the factors affecting the occurrence of delirium was “wearing diapers.” The findings can be used to train nurses on delirium evaluation and intervention and to help prevent and manage delirium in long-term care facilities. This study suggests that further research is necessary to reduce the incidence of delirium.
New strategies in the diagnosis and treatment of immune-checkpoint inhibitor-mediated colitis
Authors: Velikova Tsvetelina , Krastev Boris , Gulinac Milena , Zashev Miroslav , Graklanov Vasko , Peruhova Milena
Published: February 2024

Immune-checkpoint inhibitor-mediated colitis (IMC) is an increasingly recognized adverse event in cancer immunotherapy, particularly associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) such as anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 and anti-programmed cell death protein-1 antibodies. As this revolutionary immunotherapy gains prominence in cancer treatment, understanding, diagnosing, and effectively managing IMC becomes paramount. IMC represents a unique challenge due to its immune-mediated nature and potential for severe complications. However, a precise picture of IMC pathophysiology is currently unavailable. Therefore, we aimed to summarize the existing data while acknowledging the need for further research. This comprehensive review explores the mechanisms underlying ICIs, gastrointestinal adverse effects, and, in particular, IMC’s incidence, prevalence, and features. Our review also emphasizes the importance of recognizing IMC’s distinct clinical and histopathological features to differentiate it from other forms of colitis. Furthermore, this paper highlights the urgent need for evolving diagnostic methods, therapeutic strategies, and a multidisciplinary approach to effectively manage IMC.
Clinical evolution of antisynthetase syndrome-associated interstitial lung disease after COVID-19 in a man with Klinefelter syndrome: A case report
Authors: Wu Xiang-Xiang , Cui Jian , Wang Shi-Yao , Zhao Tian-Tian , Yuan Ya-Fei , Yang Long , Zuo Wei , Liao Wen-Jian
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

This study presents a case of rapidly developing respiratory failure due to antisynthetase syndrome (AS) following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a 33-year-old man diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome (KS).

CASE SUMMARY

A 33-year-old man with a diagnosis of KS was admitted to the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine of a tertiary hospital in China for fever and shortness of breath 2 wk after the onset of COVID-19. Computed tomography of both lungs revealed diffuse multiple patchy heightened shadows in both lungs, accompanied by signs of partial bronchial inflation. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid suggested absence of pathogen. A biopsy specimen revealed organizing pneumonia with alveolar septal thickening. Additionally, extensive auto-antibody tests showed strong positivity for anti-SSA, anti-SSB, anti-Jo-1, and anti-Ro-52. Following multidisciplinary discussions, the patient received a final diagnosis of AS, leading to rapidly progressing respiratory failure.

CONCLUSION

This study underscores the clinical progression of AS-associated interstitial lung disease subsequent to viral infections such as COVID-19 in patients diagnosed with KS.
Left atrial appendage occluder detachment treated with transthoracic ultrasound combined with digital subtraction angiography guided catcher: A case report
Authors: Yu Kai , Mei Yun-Hua
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

There are very few cases of cardiac occluder detachment, and it is rare to completely remove the occluder using interventional methods without undergoing thoracotomy surgery after detachment. This case innovatively used ultrasound guidance combined with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) to completely remove the occluder, accumulating some experience.

CASE SUMMARY

The patient underwent left atrial appendage occlusion surgery in our hospital due to atrial fibrillation. After the surgery, the occluder fell off and became free in the left ventricle, which is very dangerous. We innovatively used ultrasound guidance, combined with DSA, and interventional surgery to successfully capture the free occluder using a catcher, completely remove it, and then re implant a new left atrial appendage occluder. After the surgery, the patient recovered very well.

CONCLUSION

The size selection of the occluder is slightly conservative, and the shape of the left atrial appendage opening is irregular.
Autoimmune hepatitis-primary biliary cholangitis overlap syndrome complicated by various autoimmune diseases: A case report
Authors: Qin Yu-Jie , Gao Ting , Zhou Xing-Nian , Cheng Ming-Liang , Li Hong
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) are two common clinical autoimmune liver diseases, and some patients have both diseases; this feature is called AIH-PBC overlap syndrome. Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is the most frequently overlapping extrahepatic autoimmune disease. Immunoglobulin (IgG) 4-related disease is an autoimmune disease recognized in recent years, characterized by elevated serum IgG4 levels and infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells in tissues.

CASE SUMMARY

A 68-year-old female patient was admitted with a history of right upper quadrant pain, anorexia, and jaundice on physical examination. Laboratory examination revealed elevated liver enzymes, multiple positive autoantibodies associated with liver and thyroid disease, and imaging and biopsy suggestive of pancreatitis, hepatitis, and PBC. A diagnosis was made of a rare and complex overlap syndrome of AIH, PBC, AITD, and IgG4-related disease. Laboratory features improved on treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid, methylprednisolone, and azathioprine.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights the importance of screening patients with autoimmune diseases for related conditions.
A Life in Exile Literature: Linda Lê and the English-Language Literary World
Authors: Kurmann Alexandra
Published: February 2024

Abstract: Linda Lê is distinctive for her intertextual engagement with global authors. Here, I examine her connections with exiled and nomadic English-language writers in her essay collections Tu écriras sur le bonheur (1999), Le complexe de Caliban (2005), and Par ailleurs (Exils) (2014). The dialogues within reveal two parallel authorial purposes: they substantiate the attitude Lê takes towards writing in exile and offer a roadmap to navigating her supplementary home in literature. I argue that Lê's reflections on English-language writers' biographies and her interpretations of their works thus had a defining effect on the construction of her life in exile literature.
Varieties and Degrees of Authoritarianism in Central Asia: "Established" vs. "Networked" Patronal Authoritarianism in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan
Authors: Tunçer-Kılavuz İdil
Published: February 2024

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to understand the varieties and degrees of authoritarianism in Central Asia. It argues that the concept of "patronal authoritarianism" well describes the regimes there. We may further distinguish between the "established" patronal authoritarianism of Turkmenistan (the most authoritarian country in the region), and the "networked" patronal authoritarianism of Uzbekistan (the second most authoritarian Central Asian country). In the latter, founding president Islam Karimov (in power 1989-2016) relied on a coalition of elite networks, which necessitated balancing power among these factions—a consideration irrelevant to Turkmenistan, where founding president Saparmurad Niyazov (in power 1985-2006) won a clear-cut victory against his opponents and effectively monopolized power. This could explain why the established patronal regime of Turkmenistan under Niyazov was more authoritarian than the networked patronal authoritarianism in Uzbekistan under Karimov. This article also argues that these respective governance structures appear to persist in the two countries.
Next-generation Large-scale PIC Enabled by Micro-transfer Printing Technology
Authors: Ghosh Samir , O’Callaghan James , Atar Fatih Bilge , Moynihan Owen , O’Faolain Liam , Corbett Brian
Published: February 2024

Here, we present micro-transfer printing as a versatile heterogeneous integration technique that allows dense integration of multiple material systems on the same waveguide platform through a parallel and scalable process.
Hybrid optical fibre for photon pair sources
Authors: Smith Will A M , Davis Alex O C , Mosley Peter J
Published: February 2024

We discuss the use of hybrid photonic crystal fibre with engineered loss bands for photon pair generation. Coupling to the cladding reduces Raman scattered light in the core enabling low-noise photon pair generation.
Reliable and high temperature operable ultra compact Si photonics transceiver using quantum dot laser
Authors: Kurata K. , Yashiki K. , Muto T. , Kuwata M. , Okamoto D. , Nakamura T.
Published: February 2024

This paper summarizes the features, reliability, and high-temperature operation of a 5 mm×5 mm silicon photonic transceiver (IOCore) with a multimode interface, and the 32Gbps operation of a PCIe_Gen5.0. The IOCore has 4 lanes for transmission and reception, and a 1.3μm-band Fabry-Perot quantum dot laser (F-P_QDLD) is applied as the light source. Optical transceivers are installed in custom and standard modules and applied to high-performance computers (HPC), 5G +, industrial equipment, and in-vehicle computing.
Working memory load recognition with deep learning time series classification
Authors: Pang Richong , Sang Haojun , Yi Li , Gao Chenyang , Xu Hongkai , Wei Yanzhao , Zhang Lei , Sun Jinyan
Published: February 2024

Working memory load (WML) is one of the widely applied signals in the areas of human–machine interaction. The precise evaluation of the WML is crucial for this kind of application. This study aims to propose a deep learning (DL) time series classification (TSC) model for inter-subject WML decoding. We used fNIRS to record the hemodynamic signals of 27 participants during visual working memory tasks. Traditional machine learning and deep time series classification algorithms were respectively used for intra-subject and inter-subject WML decoding from the collected blood oxygen signals. The intra-subject classification accuracy of LDA and SVM were 94.6% and 79.1%. Our proposed TAResnet-BiLSTM model had the highest inter-subject WML decoding accuracy, reaching 92.4%. This study provides a new idea and method for the brain-computer interface application of fNIRS in real-time WML detection.
Controllable editing via diffusion inversion on ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography for the comprehensive analysis of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Ma Xiao , Ji Zexuan , Chen Qiang , Ge Lexin , Wang Xiaoling , Chen Changzheng , Fan Wen
Published: February 2024

By incorporating multiple indicators that facilitate clinical decision making and effective management of diabetic retinopathy (DR), a comprehensive understanding of the progression of the disease can be achieved. However, the diversity of DR complications poses challenges to the automatic analysis of various information within images. This study aims to establish a deep learning system designed to examine various metrics linked to DR in ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography (UWFA) images. We have developed a unified model based on image generation that transforms input images into corresponding disease-free versions. By incorporating an image-level supervised training process, the model significantly reduces the need for extensive manual involvement in clinical applications. Furthermore, compared to other comparative methods, the quality of our generated images is significantly superior.
Denoising diffusion probabilistic models for generation of realistic fully-annotated microscopy image datasets
Authors: Eschweiler Dennis , Yilmaz Rüveyda , Baumann Matisse , Laube Ina , Roy Rijo , Jose Abin , Brückner Daniel , Stegmaier Johannes
Published: February 2024

Recent advances in computer vision have led to significant progress in the generation of realistic image data, with denoising diffusion probabilistic models proving to be a particularly effective method. In this study, we demonstrate that diffusion models can effectively generate fully-annotated microscopy image data sets through an unsupervised and intuitive approach, using rough sketches of desired structures as the starting point. The proposed pipeline helps to reduce the reliance on manual annotations when training deep learning-based segmentation approaches and enables the segmentation of diverse datasets without the need for human annotations. We demonstrate that segmentation models trained with a small set of synthetic image data reach accuracy levels comparable to those of generalist models trained with a large and diverse collection of manually annotated image data, thereby offering a streamlined and specialized application of segmentation models.
Estimating the impact of alternative programmatic cotrimoxazole strategies on mortality among children born to mothers with HIV: A modelling study
Authors: Mathur Shrey , Smuk Melanie , Evans Ceri , Wedderburn Catherine J. , Gibb Diana M. , Penazzato Martina , Prendergast Andrew J.
Published: February 2024

Background

World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines recommend cotrimoxazole prophylaxis for children who are HIV-exposed until infection is excluded and vertical transmission risk has ended. While cotrimoxazole has benefits for children with HIV, there is no mortality benefit for children who are HIV-exposed but uninfected, prompting a review of global guidelines. Here, we model the potential impact of alternative cotrimoxazole strategies on mortality in children who are HIV-exposed.

Methods and findings

Using a deterministic compartmental model, we estimated mortality in children who are HIV-exposed from 6 weeks to 2 years of age in 4 high-burden countries: Côte d’Ivoire, Mozambique, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Vertical transmission rates, testing rates, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) uptake were derived from UNAIDS data, trial evidence, and meta-analyses. We explored 6 programmatic strategies: maintaining current recommendations; shorter cotrimoxazole provision for 3, 6, 9, or 12 months; and starting cotrimoxazole only for children diagnosed with HIV.

Modelled alternatives to the current strategy increased mortality to varying degrees; countries with high vertical transmission had the greatest mortality. Compared to current recommendations, starting cotrimoxazole only after a positive HIV test had the greatest predicted increase in mortality: Mozambique (961 excess annual deaths; excess mortality 339 per 100,000 HIV-exposed children; risk ratio (RR) 1.06), Uganda (491; 221; RR 1.04), Zimbabwe (352; 260; RR 1.05), and Côte d’Ivoire (125; 322; RR 1.06). Similar effects were observed for 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month strategies. Increased mortality persisted but was attenuated when modelling lower cotrimoxazole uptake, smaller mortality benefits, higher testing coverage, and lower vertical transmission rates. The study is limited by uncertain estimates of cotrimoxazole coverage in programmatic settings; an inability to model increases in mortality arising from antimicrobial resistance due to limited surveillance data in sub-Saharan Africa; and lack of a formal health economic analysis.

Conclusions

Changing current guidelines from universal cotrimoxazole provision for children who are HIV-exposed increased predicted mortality across the 4 modelled high-burden countries, depending on test-to-treat cascade coverage and vertical transmission rates. These findings can help inform policymaker deliberations on cotrimoxazole strategies, recognising that the risks and benefits differ across settings.
Prevalence and changing antimicrobial resistance profiles of Shigella spp. isolated from diarrheal patients in Kolkata during 2011–2019
Authors: Bose Puja , Chowdhury Goutam , Halder Gourab , Ghosh Debjani , Deb Alok K. , Kitahara Kei , Miyoshi Shin-ichi , Morita Masatomo , Ramamurthy Thandavarayan , Dutta Shanta , Mukhopadhyay Asish Kumar
Published: February 2024

Background

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence, characteristics, and antimicrobial resistance patterns of various Shigella serogroups isolated from patients with acute diarrhea of the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Kolkata from 2011–2019.

Principal findings

During the study period, Shigella isolates were tested for their serogroups, antibiotic resistance pattern and virulence gene profiles. A total of 5.8% of Shigella spp. were isolated, among which S. flexneri (76.1%) was the highest, followed by S. sonnei (18.7%), S. boydii (3.4%), and S. dysenteriae (1.8%). Antimicrobial resistance against nalidixic acid was higher in almost all the Shigella isolates, while the resistance to β-lactamases, fluoroquinolones, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol diverged. The occurrence of multidrug resistance was found to be linked with various genes encoding drug-resistance, multiple mutations in the topoisomerase genes, and mobile genetic elements. All the isolates were positive for the invasion plasmid antigen H gene (ipaH). Dendrogram analysis of the plasmid and pulsed-field electrophoresis (PFGE) profiles revealed 70–80% clonal similarity among each Shigella serotype.

Conclusion

This comprehensive long-term surveillance report highlights the clonal diversity of clinical Shigella strains circulating in Kolkata, India, and shows alarming resistance trends towards recommended antibiotics. The elucidation of this study’s outcome is helpful not only in identifying emerging antimicrobial resistance patterns of Shigella spp. but also in developing treatment guidelines appropriate for this region.
Examining allergy related diseases in Africa: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Lu Max Yang , Shobnam Nadia , Livinski Alicia A. , Saksena Sarini , Salters Dylan , Biete Michelle , Myles Ian A.
Published: February 2024

During recent decades, allergy related diseases have emerged as a growing area of concern in developing regions of the world, including Africa. Worldwide prevalence of allergic diseases has grown to an estimated 262 million for asthma, 400 million for allergic rhinitis (or hay fever), 171 million with atopic dermatitis (or eczema), and over 200 million for food allergy. In Africa, considerable variability exists in the data surrounding prevalence at the continent-wide, regional, and study site levels. Furthermore, research conducted in many rural areas and underdeveloped countries in Africa remains limited, and presently, little has been done to characterize and map the extremely heterogeneous body of literature which confounds research efforts. This scoping review will seek to identify studies examining the prevalence, management strategies, outcomes, and associated risk factors for allergy related diseases in Africa. The Joanna Briggs Institute’s scoping review methods will be followed, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) was used for writing the protocol. Four databases (Embase, Global Health, PubMed, African Journals Online) will be searched for literature published from 2003 to 2023 in any language. Title and abstract screening and full-text screening will be completed by two independent reviewers using Covidence; conflicts resolved by a third reviewer. Data will be extracted using Covidence by two reviewers independently. To report the results, we will follow the PRISMA-ScR checklist and report descriptive statistics and a narrative summary.
Parasite-induced IFN-γ regulates host defense via CD115 and mTOR-dependent mechanism of tissue-resident macrophage death
Authors: Martin Andrew T. , Giri Shilpi , Safronova Alexandra , Eliseeva Sophia I. , Kwok Samantha F. , Yarovinsky Felix
Published: February 2024

Host resistance to a common protozoan parasiteToxoplasma gondiirelies on a coordinated immune response involving multiple cell types, including macrophages. Embryonically seeded tissue-resident macrophages (TRMs) play a critical role in maintaining tissue homeostasis, but their role in parasite clearance is poorly understood. In this study, we uncovered a crucial aspect of host defense againstT.gondiimediated by TRMs. Through the use of neutralizing antibodies and conditional IFN-γ receptor-deficient mice, we demonstrated that IFN-γ directly mediated the elimination of TRMs. Mechanistically, IFN-γ stimulationin vivorendered macrophages unresponsive to macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and inactivated mTOR signaling by causing the shedding of CD115 (CSFR1), the receptor for M-CSF. Further experiments revealed the essential role of macrophage IFN-γ responsiveness in host resistance toT.gondii. The elimination of peritoneal TRMs emerged as an additional host defense mechanism aimed at limiting the parasite’s reservoir. The identified mechanism, involving IFN-γ-induced suppression of CD115-dependent mTOR signaling in macrophages, provides insights into the adaptation of macrophage subsets during infection and highlights a crucial aspect of host defense against intracellular pathogens.
Prozodezhda as costume: The function of dress and the actor on Meyerhold’s stage
Authors: Lin Alisa Ballard
Published: February 2024

Prozodezhda, or ‘production clothing’, arose in the early Soviet Union amid the post-1917 enthronement of the proletariat as the Soviet nation’s hero. Loose and practical clothing that evokes the dress of labourers, it found traction in the theatre, where Vsevolod Meyerhold famously used prozodezhda in his constructivist productions The Magnanimous Cuckold, of 1922, and The Death of Tarelkin, also of 1922. Prozodezhda as costume, because of its functionality, easily lends itself to an ideological reading in line with the socialist avant-garde’s post-revolutionary efforts to embrace Soviet principles. But an emphasis on the ideological significance of prozodezhda often occludes careful investigation of its aesthetic function and heritage, including its place in modernist costume history. Prozodezhda was very much a new and radical form of costume in line with other modernist experiments, but it seems to facilitate attention to the physical and expressive skills of the performer, rather than to treat the actor as an obstacle that must be concealed, constrained or inhibited. It thus challenges narratives of modernist fragmentation of the human, or it even attempts to overcome this fragmentation in itself by restoring to a modernist aesthetics the possibility of movement that celebrates the wholeness of the human body. It further joins in the modernist resistance to naturalism, character and figural representation, but it does so, curiously, through mimetic reference to the Soviet labourer. My argument relies on analysis of production and costume design images, as well as of primary writings by Meyerhold and his collaborators, by costume designers and by poet and costume theorist Mikhail Kuzmin. I show that prozodezhda draws attention to the fundamental question of the purpose of acting, a question that is particularly potent given the political stakes of theatre in the early Soviet era.
Vestuario Para La Escena 2022, curated by Edyta Rzewuska and Jerildy Bosch, Vestuario a Escena MX
Authors: Hudek Zuzu
Published: February 2024

Review of: Vestuario Para La Escena 2022, curated by Edyta Rzewuska and Jerildy Bosch, Vestuario a Escena MX

National Centre for the Arts (CENART), Mexico City, 12 May–3 July 2022
Native Market Factors for Pricing Cryptocurrencies
Authors: Lima Tomé , Sebastião Helder
Published: February 2024

The cryptocurrency market has been growing frantically in number of cryptocurrencies, online exchanges, and market capitalization, which has amplified the need for comprehensive and robust pricing models. Using a database of all eligible cryptocurrencies listed on the CoinMarketCap website, we study the relationship between returns and several potential pricing factors, such as size (market capitalization), momentum, liquidity, and maturity. The analysis was conducted from December 27, 2013, to December 29, 2020, using weekly data for 3'667 cryptocurrencies. Results point out that portfolios of cryptocurrencies with smaller market capitalization, higher reversal, lower liquidity, and lower maturity tend to offer higher returns. The 5-factor model that additionally includes illiquidity and maturity performs better than the 3-factor model previously proposed in the literature, meaning that illiquidity and maturity significantly help capture the cross-sectional cryptocurrency risk premia. The 5-factor model presented seems robust to different procedures to construct portfolios and factors.
Inflation in Portugal Through the Lens of the Fair Model
Authors: Bação Pedro , Diogo Silva José
Published: February 2024

This study delves into the dynamics of inflation in Portugal, employing a cost-push model as the analytical framework. The model is estimated using data from 2000Q2 to 2020Q1, a period predating the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the surge in inflation. We then produce forecasts spanning from 2020Q2 to 2023Q2. The forecasts hint strongly at a structural break during this latter period, implying that the model offers insufficient representation of inflation dynamics in Portugal. We conclude with a discussion of the model's strengths and limitations in understanding inflation dynamics, shedding light on critical aspects that impact its explanatory power.
La ruta de oro de la publicación científica: del negocio de las revistas a las revistas negocio
Authors: Delgado-López-Cozar Emilio , Martín-Martín Alberto
Published: February 2024

Este trabajo pretende evidenciar que el sistema de comunicación científica en su conjunto y, muy en particular, la edición de revistas científicas se ha convertido en un puro negocio, gobernado más por las leyes del mercado editorial que por las leyes de la ciencia. Si hasta no hace mucho las revistas germinaban y florecían en función de las necesidades comunicativas de las distintas áreas del saber y sus comunidades epistémicas sin un explícito e intencionado ánimo de lucro hoy las revistas nacen, crecen y mueren en función exclusivamente de las expectativas de negocio de los emporios editoriales que las comercializan. Se detallan cuáles son las leyes que gobiernan la publicación científica (desarrollo epistémico por división del conocimiento y de las comunidades científicas que lo cultivan para cristalizar en su institucionalización social a través de revistas) y se contraponen a las leyes que rigen el mercado editorial (crear revistas de amplio espectro temático, facilitar la publicación suavizando los criterios de selección de artículos, construcción de grandes resort editoriales con una oferta amplia y diversificada de medios que satisfagan las necesidades de los clientes-autores y conglomerados editoriales que fagociten todo el sistema de comunicación). Narrar el proceso que llevó del ocio al negocio editorial y dentro de este del negocio de las revistas a las revistas negocio será objeto de los primeros epígrafes. Se desvela el nudo gordiano que explica la transmutación de la esencia de la publicación científica: el paso del pagar por leer al pagar por publicar que desata unas dinámicas que conducen a la edición científica al puro negocio. Los caminos que llevan al negocio editorial son diversos. Cada editorial ha desplegado la estrategia que mejor se adapta a su reputación como marca empresarial. Tres son las rutas del negocio editorial descritas: al negocio por la reputación (vendiendo reputación mediante la clonación de revistas), al negocio por la eficiencia (vendiendo publicación fácil y rápida a módicos precios), al negocio por el engaño (vendiendo humo con las revistas depredadoras o comprando reputación en la periferia científica). Todo este negocio editorial es alimentado por las políticas de evaluación del rendimiento científico basadas en las métricas de publicación y citación. Sobre estos cimientos se edifica otro negocio: el negocio bibliométrico. Las exigencias de los sistemas de evaluación conducen al uso indiscriminado de indicadores bibliométricos y a la proliferación de rankings de revistas y rankings de universidades que proporcionan el combustible que hace girar todo el motor del negocio editorial.
Caracterização dos sistemas de produção de leite bovino na região de Serrinha, Bahia
Authors: Jesus Maria Antônia Carvalho , Reis Letícia Caribé , Macêdo Alice Firmo , Queiroz Cíntia Silva
Published: February 2024

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar os sistemas de produção leiteira na região de Serrinha, mediante a aplicação de um questionário eletrônico semiestruturado (via plataforma do Google Forms) a 29 produtores de leite da referida região. O questionário abordou assuntos relacionados ao perfil do produtor, sistema de produção, práticas sanitárias adotadas e problemas enfrentados na atividade leiteira, entre outras questões relevantes para auxílio do conhecimento da produção leiteira. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, foi possível observar que os produtores são considerados novos, com idade média de 43 anos e que o número de produtores com nível de estudo mais elevado contrastou com alguns estudos analisados, revelando que os produtores da região em estudo apresentando um nível de escolaridade mais avançado. O emprego da mão de obra familiar apresentou-se representativo entre os entrevistados, revelando a sua importância para este segmento. O sistema de ordenha manual predominou entre os entrevistados, devido ao baixo volume de leite produzido nas comunidades. Uma situação preocupante é que o número de produtores que não realizam os testes de diagnóstico da mastite pode ser considerado elevado. A maioria dos produtores entrevistados fazem o controle sanitário do rebanho aplicando as vacinas necessárias, porém apresentam um conhecimento pouco expressivo das legislações que regulamentam a produção de leite. Apesar da região em estudo apresentar uma vasta possibilidade de desenvolvimento, adequações no setor produtivo são necessárias com vistas a melhoria qualitativa e aumento da produtividade leiteira. As informações obtidas ao longo do estudo são de grande relevância, pois permite um maior conhecimento da realidade local, no que tange a produção leiteira, contribuindo para o aprimoramento da referida atividade na região de estudo.
Buscando un idioma en común. Propuesta de un marco conceptual de abordaje de los abusos en la Iglesia
Authors: Canarias Fernández-Cavada Jorge , Bilbao Alberdi Galo
Published: February 2024

El abordaje del fenómeno de los abusos ocurridos en el seno de la Iglesia católica requiere incorporar perspectivas y reflexiones desarrolladas fuera del marco eclesial y ya aplicadas a realidades seculares, para situarlo en un contexto más amplio que permita entenderlo mejor y proponer respuestas que resulten pertinentes también para la sociedad en la que la Iglesia habita. Con esta finalidad,ante todo metodológica: se propone como categoría central de análisis y respuesta la perspectiva de las víctimas, el reconocimiento de su condición y los derechos que les pertenecen; se presenta un modelo de justicia restaurativa que asegure un papel relevante a las víctimas y demás afectados; se considera el abuso como un ejemplo de violencia injusta al que puede aplicarse el modelo del triángulo de Johan Galtung y, finalmente, se justifica la aplicación a la Iglesia de las categorías de la ética organizacional.
Palabras y silencios. El papel de la narrativa en dinámicas abusivas
Authors: Angulo Ordorika Ianire
Published: February 2024

En las dinámicas abusivas resulta tan importante lo que se dice como lo que se calla. Del mismo modo que el silencio juega un papel esencial en los abusos de cualquier tipo, también lo hace la narrativa, que ostenta la capacidad de interpretar la realidad y de propiciar o dificultar la existencia de prácticas abusivas en el seno de un grupo humano. Un discurso veraz, en el sentido más bíblico del término, por parte de todos los implicados propiciaría la transformación de una cultura abusiva en otra del cuidado. En este artículo, iluminaremos esta cuestión de la narrativa a la luz de la Escritura y de cómo se comprende la palabra en la tradición bíblica. Además, ofreceremos dos iconos bíblicos, la serpiente de Gn 3 y Elifaz, para ilustrar las características más frecuentes de los discursos tanto de perpetradores como de la comunidad en cuyo seno se producen los abusos.
El silencio de las víctimas de abuso en entorno eclesial. Análisis a partir del caso peruano
Authors: Lecaros Véronique , Caro Ana Mercedes
Published: February 2024

A diferencia de lo que ocurre en otros países, en el Perú, salvo por el caso del Sodalicio, casi ninguna víctima de abuso de conciencia y sexual en entorno eclesial ha denunciado públicamente los hechos. Este artículo se propone analizar los motivos de este silencio. A los elementos universales que corresponden a traumas psicológicos y a la organización de la institución eclesial, se añaden factores sociales y culturales relacionados con la corrupción en la justicia civil, el machismo, la tolerancia a la violencia y agresión sexual y la precariedad material. Desde un punto de vista teológico, ciertas imágenes de Dios latentes en la doctrina oficial y muy presentes en las devociones populares, en particular las representaciones de un Dios mago todopoderoso y de su Hijo sacrificado a pedido suyo, contribuyen a reforzar un clericalismo malsano que diviniza al sacerdote y a aceptar el sufrimiento, valorándolo como un salvoconducto al Cielo.
Revisitando la obediencia. Ante los abusos de poder en la vida consagrada
Authors: Martínez-Gayol Fernández, ACI Nurya
Published: February 2024

En el marco de las investigaciones acerca de los abusos de poder en el contexto eclesial, este artículo pone su foco de atención en la cuestión de la obediencia y trata de esclarecer si este voto, dentro de la vida consagrada, supone un factor que facilita dichos abusos. Para ello, se clarifican las definiciones de obediencia teologal y religiosa, se fundamentan teológicamente y se sacan consecuencias para una vivencia cabal de la relación autoridad-obediencia entre los consagrados.
Reconocimiento del otro frente al abuso en la Iglesia
Authors: Martínez Julio L. , Montero Orphanopoulos Carolina
Published: February 2024

Este artículo plantea la teoría del reconocimiento para adentrarse en el abuso en la Iglesia. Partiendo de Hegel, se desemboca en el desarrollo del par reconocimiento/desprecio de la filosofía neohegeliana de Axel Honneth. Desarrollando esta teoría como marco de referencia, se revisa el daño perpetrado a las víctimas y sobrevivientes de los abusos sexuales, de poder y de conciencia en la Iglesia católica. Además, como acercamiento a la resolución de la siempre arriesgada lucha por el reconocimiento hegeliana —más aún si se trata en la institución que quiere ser sacramento en el mundo de hoy— se plantean los estados de paz que propone Ricoeur. A través de las categorías del intercambio de dones, el perdón y la reparación, la fe cristiana pone como camino la liberación del pecado y el mal, sin pretender con ello ejercer presión sobre las respuestas que den las víctimas. La plenitud del perdón en la teología cristiana lo vemos en el don de sí que Jesús hace a la humanidad en la cruz, que llega a su plenitud en la resurrección. Este perdón se ofrece a toda persona, sea cual sea el mal que haya cometido, pero exige autenticidad en el reconocimiento de la culpa, arrepentimiento y reparación: la reconciliación aparece como horizonte donde el amor fundado en la libertad, la verdad y la justicia vence al mal. Buscamos poner en diálogo a autores señeros de la filosofía del reconocimiento con la teología cristiana, sin desdeñar el aporte de otras ciencias.
Fiscal Decentralization, Good Governance and Local Economic Development in councils in Ngoketunjia Division, Cameroon
Authors: Fagha Munjah Vitalis
Published: February 2024

Abstract Dissatisfaction about the form of the state in Cameroon led to the putting in place of law No. 2019/024 of December 2019 instituting the General Code of Regional and Local Authorities, envisioned to improve local governance and impact local economic development. This, it was hoped will limit the interference of the central government in the management of regional and local affairs. Contrary to this theoretical supposition, there is still apparent strong centralization of financial powers by the central government in Cameroon. The rapport between the central government and the lower levels of government is rather that of command and obey relationship. Consequently, fiscal decentralization that is likely to promote good governance and engender local economic development at both regional and local levels appears to be rather an instrument of control for the central government, raising a concern as to the link existing between fiscal decentralization, good governance and local economic development in councils in Ngoketunjia Division. Employing largely a quantitative approach and within the prism of survey research design, guided by the efficiency theory of local government, findings revealed that fiscal decentralization, good governance and the transfer of revenue assignments and expenditure responsibilities following the enactment of the decentralization code on local economic development in councils in Ngoketunjia division has achieved little local economic development, established statistically by a calculated chi square value which stood at 152.14 as opposed to table value 26.217, leading to the rejection of the alternative hypothesis while the null hypothesis was accepted. It was discovered again that, there is no significant link between fiscal decentralization, good governance and local economic development in Councils in Ngoketunjia Division, shown in the computation of chi square test that stood at 130.8, disparate to table value of 26.217. The outcome was the rejection of the alternative hypotheses and acceptance of the null hypothesis. The paper concludes that, in Cameroon and particularly in the councils in Ngoketunjia division, there is tight de-concentration power rather than fiscal decentralization and good governance, suggesting that, the impact of fiscal decentralization and good governance on local economic development in councils in Ngoketunjia division is simply an ideological construct yearning for effective implementation. Keywords: Fiscal Decentralisation, Good Governance, Local Economic Development, Decentralisation, Local Government
The Effects of Teaching Human and Social Sciences in A Training Program Intended for Physical Education Students in Tunisia
Authors: Nasri Bechir , Souid Ines
Published: February 2024

This research addresses the question of the social representation of human sciences teaching in a training program intended for physical education student trainees. The objectives of the study are to identify the social representations of human sciences teaching for student trainees and to see the influence of social representation on practice[1]and educational behaviors. Data was collected through in-depth interviews using an associative method with a representative sample of students. The results show that the participants' social representation of the human sciences is organized around common elements: the understanding of human beliefs, life and culture.