Search

Taking into consideration both of the statements of the Catholic magisterium and the pastoral environment of Catholic institutions, this essay offers some observations on the roots and objectives of interreligious dialogue. Framing dialogue in the faith experience of Christ as Lord allows the dialogue of life to emerge as a living expression of the way of life of every faithful Catholic. To live in Christ is the essence of being the Church. The mission of the Church is to proclaim the saving work and living presence of Christ. Christian spirituality is an intentional search for the fullness of Christ’s humanity so that the community at prayer can embody the Risen One under all circumstances. This “embodiment” necessarily includes encountering human “others”, diminishing the feeling of separateness, and discerning human conditions and possibilities for growth. To accomplish this task, Catholic Christians are invited to find Christ in all phenomena, including in other religions as disclosures of what it is to be human. To grow spiritually under the present circumstances of our communities, Catholics can begin to listen to hear the “voice” of the Good Shepherd wherever it resounds. In hearing the authentic ring of this voice of mercy and love, the community discerns that a previously “unknown” Christ is present before us, inviting a deepened understanding of Christ, both human and divine. Out of this understanding arises an affirmation of the Christologies of the historical Catholic consensus, now impelling the Church toward new forms of mission, service, and contemplation. This essay takes note of recent trends in Christology, suggesting correction courses for both progressive and traditionalist approaches.

Background & Aims: Liver diseases resulting from chronic HBV infection are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Vaccines that elicit T-cell responses capable of controlling the virus represent a treatment strategy with potential for long-term effects. Here, we evaluated vaccines that induce the activity of type I natural killer T (NKT) cells to limit viral replication and license stimulation of conventional antiviral T-cells. Methods: Vaccines were prepared by conjugating peptide epitopes to an NKT-cell agonist to promote co-delivery to antigen-presenting cells, encouraging NKT-cell licensing and stimulation of T cells. Activity of the conjugate vaccines was assessed in transgenic mice expressing the complete HBV genome, administered intravenously to maximise access to NKT cell-rich tissues. Results: The vaccines induced only limited antiviral activity in unmanipulated transgenic hosts, likely attributable to NKT-cell activation as T-cell tolerance to viral antigens is strong. However, in a model of chronic hepatitis B involving transfer of naive HBcAg-specific CD8+ T cells into the transgenic mice, which typically results in specific T-cell dysfunction without virus control, vaccines containing the targeted HBcAg epitope induced prolonged antiviral activity because of qualitatively improved T-cell stimulation. In a step towards a clinical product, vaccines were prepared using synthetic long peptides covering clusters of known HLA-binding epitopes and shown to be immunogenic in HLA transgenic mice. Predictions based on HLA distribution suggest a product containing three selected SLP-based vaccines could give >90 % worldwide coverage, with an average of 3.38 epitopes targeted per individual. Conclusions: The novel vaccines described show promise for further clinical development as a treatment for chronic hepatitis B. Impact and Implications: Although there are effective prophylactic vaccines for HBV infection, it is estimated that 350–400 million people worldwide have chronic hepatitis B, putting these individuals at significant risk of life-threatening liver diseases. Therapeutic vaccination aimed at activating or boosting HBV-specific T-cell responses holds potential as a strategy for treating chronic infection, but has so far met with limited success. Here, we show that a glycolipid-peptide conjugate vaccine designed to coordinate activity of type I NKT cells alongside conventional antiviral T cells has antiviral activity in a mouse model of chronic infection. It is anticipated that a product based on a combination of three such conjugates, each prepared using long peptides covering clusters of known HLA-binding epitopes, could be developed further as a treatment for chronic hepatitis B with broad global HLA coverage.

Abstract Aparna Mullangath Prakasan Objective The study aimed to see the clinical outcome and to identify prognostic factors for survival in patients with carcinoma endometrium. Methods Patients registered at Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, with carcinoma endometrium from January 2009 to December 2013 were identified from hospital registry. Data regarding patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment schedules, and follow-up were collected using a structured proforma. Survival estimates were generated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Univariate analysis was done using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Multivariate analysis using the Cox regression model was performed to determine the impact of prognostic factors on outcome. The statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 11. Results The median follow-up of the 686 patients was 95 months (range 3–178 months).There were 432 stage 1 (63%), 100 stage II (14.6%), 108 stage III (15.7%), and 46 stage IV patients (6.7%). The 5-year overall survival was 89.2%. Prognostic factors for survival on univariate analysis were age 60 years or older, nonendometrioid histology, high-grade tumor, cervical stromal involvement, para-aortic node involvement, negative progesterone receptor expression, deep myometrial invasion advanced stage, surgery versus no surgery, serosal involvement, and ovarian and fallopian tube involvement. However, on multivariate analysis, age over 60 years, higher histological grade, advanced stage, and deep myometrial and parametrial invasion were associated with significantly poorer survival. Conclusion We found that age over 60 years at presentation, higher grade, advanced stage, deep myometrial invasion, and parametrial invasion were associated with poorer survival.

Abstract Lakshmi Haridas K. Introduction Testicular germ cell tumors are rare in India. Despite the advances in chemotherapy, poor-risk testicular nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT) remain as a clinical challenge. Various prognostic factors have been described in this rare disease. The Indian data in this regard is scarce. Our study is the first attempt to assess the tumor marker decline with respect to treatment outcome in poor-risk NSGCT in Indian patients. Materials and Methods This retrospective study was done among newly diagnosed poor-risk NSGCT, treated at genitourinary clinic, at our tertiary cancer center during the period 2017 to 2019. The prognostic significance of tumor marker decline in them was correlated with 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) and 2-year overall survival (OS). Statistical Methods The association between two variables were assessed using chi-squared/Fischer's exact test. The PFS and OS were estimated using Kaplan–Meier method and the significance difference between survival curves was tested using log rank test. The risk for survival was estimated using cox regression analysis. A p-value of

Burkholderia pseudomallei (Bp), causing melioidosis, is becoming a major global public health concern. It is highly endemic in Southeast Asia (SEA) and Northern Australia and is persisting beyond the established areas of endemicity. This study aimed to determine the environmental variables that would predict the most suitable ecological niche for this pathogenic bacterium in SEA by maximum entropy (MaxEnt) modeling. Systematic review and meta-analysis of data for melioidosis were obtained from public databases such as PubMed, Harmonized World Soil (HWSD) and WorldClim. The potential map showing the environmental layers was processed by ArcGIS, and the prediction for the probability of habitat suitability using MaxEnt software (version 3·4·4) and ENMeval R-based modeling tools was utilized to generate the distribution map with the best-fit model. Both bioclimatic and edaphic predictors were found to be the most important niche-determining environmental variables affecting the geographical distribution of Bp. The highest probability of suitability was predicted in areas with mean temperature of the wettest quarter at ≥26°C, annual precipitation of <2300 mm and Acrisol soil type. Combining those significantly influential variables, our predictive modeling generated a potential distribution map showing the concentration of areas and its location names with high suitability for Bp presence. The predicted distribution of Bp is extensive in the mainland part of SEA. This can be used to draw appropriate measures to safeguard public health and address the true disease burden of melioidosis in the region under the current climate scenario. Author summary: Bp causes melioidosis and the incidence of melioidosis is significantly associated with high endemicity of this pathogenic bacterium in tropical Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. There are usually seasonal outbreaks of the disease due to human encounters with the pathogen in severe weather events since it is largely influenced by environmental variables. Using MaxEnt species distribution modeling to predict its occurrence, the environmental variables identified in this study were both bioclimatic and soil predictors (temperature, annual precipitation, and Acrisol-rich soil environment) that strongly influence the geographical distribution of Bp. Combining those significantly influential variables, our predictive modeling generated a potential distribution map showing the concentration of areas and location names with high suitability for Bp presence. This predictive map showed extensive occurrence in the mainland of SEA and should be prioritized for public health interventions and protect those individuals with additional health risk factors in acquiring melioidosis. In an ongoing climate change condition, there is a need to predict further future Bp geographical distribution under different climate change scenarios within the areas of high endemicity and beyond. This is intended to establish early public health warning systems before the disease becomes a global public health problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking into consideration both of the statements of the Catholic magisterium and the pastoral environment of Catholic institutions, this essay offers some observations on the roots and objectives of interreligious dialogue. Framing dialogue in the faith experience of Christ as Lord allows the dialogue of life to emerge as a living expression of the way of life of every faithful Catholic. To live in Christ is the essence of being the Church. The mission of the Church is to proclaim the saving work and living presence of Christ. Christian spirituality is an intentional search for the fullness of Christ's humanity so that the community at prayer can embody the Risen One under all circumstances. This "embodiment" necessarily includes encountering human "others", diminishing the feeling of separateness, and discerning human conditions and possibilities for growth. To accomplish this task, Catholic Christians are invited to find Christ in all phenomena, including in other religions as disclosures of what it is to be human. To grow spiritually under the present circumstances of our communities, Catholics can begin to listen to hear the "voice" of the Good Shepherd wherever it resounds. In hearing the authentic ring of this voice of mercy and love, the community discerns that a previously "unknown" Christ is present before us, inviting a deepened understanding of Christ, both human and divine. Out of this understanding arises an affirmation of the Christologies of the historical Catholic consensus, now impelling the Church toward new forms of mission, service, and contemplation. This essay takes note of recent trends in Christology, suggesting correction courses for both progressive and traditionalist approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is one particle type in the universe I call the aitheron whose frequency gives the measure of mass in kilograms. Frequency is intrinsic to the definition of a time interval of one second. Examples of a proton mass and an electron mass serve a fresh understanding of the true meaning of mass as that of an aitheron frequency. Moreover, the term quantum is fully revealed in this respect. One mole volume solved for Hydrogen and a computer chip respectively at a particular temperature and pressure derives from the foundational empirical evidence of aitheron frequency as the source of mass. It is an exciting revelation in this paper to reveal the photon source of molar volume independent of two different materials namely Hydrogen gas and a chip. The volume of a gas being what is measured for equal moles is worked out with three defmed length parameters which draws closer to the structure of space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to analyze lexical ambiguity in the song lyrics by Cigarettes After Sex. The main focus of this study is to identify the types of words that having lexical ambiguity and explore the meanings of the words contained in these words in the context of the album with a semantic approach. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method to examine the lexical ambiguity of the lyrics in depth. The results show that the lyrics frequently use lexical ambiguity with multiple meanings, including nouns, adjectives, and verbs. This ambiguity not only enriches the meaning of the lyrics by adding the meaning of the lyrics but also creates a subjective and personal listening experience for the listener. Ambiguous words are often used to describe feelings of love, longing, sadness, and emotional complexity in human relationships. This study concludes that lexical ambiguity plays an important role in creating emotional depth and allowing listeners to find diverse meanings according to their own experiences and emotional contexts. This ambiguity also increases the complexity of the lyrics, making it an effective poetic tool in conveying nuances of emotion and multi-layered meanings.

Abstract Alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) for scalable hydrogen production largely hinges on addressing the sluggish bubble‐involved kinetics on the traditional Ni‐based electrode, especially for ampere‐level current densities and beyond. Herein, 3D‐printed Ni‐based sulfide (3DPNS) electrodes with varying scaffolds are designed and fabricated. In situ observations at microscopic levels demonstrate that the bubble escape velocity increases with the number of hole sides (HS) in the scaffolds. Subsequently, we conduct multiphysics field simulations to illustrate that as the hole shapes transition from square, pentagon, and hexagon to circle, where a noticeable reduction in the bubble‐attached HS length and the pressure balance time around the bubbles results in a decrease in bubble size and an acceleration in the rate of bubble escape. Ultimately, the 3DPNS electrode with circular hole configurations exhibits the most favorable HER performance with an overpotential of 297 mV at the current density of up to 1000 mA cm−2 for 120 h. The present study highlights a scalable and effective electrode scaffold design that promotes low‐cost and low‐energy green hydrogen production through the ampere‐level alkaline HER.

Abstract Objective Fabry disease is caused by enzymatic defects in alpha‐galactosidase A that leads to the accumulation of glycosphingolipids throughout the body, resulting in a multisystemic disorder. The most common neurological manifestations are neuropathic pain, autonomic nervous system dysfunction and strokes, but some rarer neurological manifestations exist. Among these, aseptic meningitis is a possible complication. Our objectives were to measure the prevalence of this complication in a cohort of patients with Fabry disease, and to describe its clinical features. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of Fabry disease patients followed at our tertiary referral center between 1995 and September 2023 with at least one episode of meningitis, and performed a systematic review to identify similar published cases. Results Four patients out of 107 (3.7%) had at least one episode of aseptic meningitis. Our systematic review identified 25 other observations. The median age of these 29 patients was 29.0 years, the median cerebrospinal fluid leukocyte count was 24 cells/mm3 with a predominance of lymphocytes in 64.7% of cases. In 82.8% of the patients, the diagnosis of Fabry disease was unknown before the meningitis. Large artery stenosis was present in 17.2% of patients and 57.1% of patients had a recent stroke concomitant with the meningitis. Several differential diagnoses were evoked, such as multiple sclerosis or central nervous system vasculitis. Interpretation Our study suggests that Fabry disease should be considered as a cause of aseptic meningitis. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying meningeal inflammation remain largely unknown but may reflect the dysregulation of pro‐inflammatory signaling pathways.

LiVOPO4 is a promising next-generation multi-electron cathode material, boasting a theoretical capacity of 305 mA h g−1, significantly higher than any commercially used Li-ion battery cathode material. However, the material still faces several limitations, including the difficulty in attaining the full theoretical capacity at higher rates and capacity fade over several cycles. In this paper, we show that Ti- and Nb-substitution can be used to improve the thermal stability and electrochemical performance of LiVOPO4. We show through in situ heating with XRD and a novel gradient heating technique that both Ti- and Nb-substitution cause β-LiVOPO4 to be stabilized relative to ε-LiVOPO4. This is due to transition-metal substitution, which increases the O-vacancy formation energies, pushing the β → ε transition to higher temperatures. We show that it is still possible to synthesize pure-phase ε-LiVOPO4 through the use of high temperatures to generate these O-vacancies. We show that even 1% of Ti- or Nb-substitution can improve the initial capacity and long term cycling capability of LiVOPO4 by improving the high-voltage capacity and reducing the capacity fade in both the high- and low-voltage regions. This is due to the an overall improved Li+ ion diffusion which is caused by an improved charge-transfer resistance during cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scrub typhus, a zoonotic disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi and transmitted by chiggers, predominantly affects the Asia-Pacific region. Complications of Scrub Typhus involve multiple systems, including cardiovascular (pericarditis, arrhythmia, myocarditis), respiratory (acute respiratory distress syndrome), hepatic (hepatitis), and renal (azotemia). In this review, we comprehensively focused on the cardiac manifestations caused due to scrub typhus. Scrub typhus-induced pericarditis should be suspected in patients residing in endemic regions presenting with fever, thrombocytopenia, and pericardial effusion. If undetected, it frequently leads to cardiomegaly, pericardial effusion, and congestive heart failure. Heart failure with scrub typhus commonly occurs following myocardial inflammation, particularly in patients with pre-existing cardiac disorders. Scrub typhus myocarditis is a relatively rare, but serious cardiac complication with a high mortality rate of up to 24.0%. Arrhythmias arise due to the involvement of the interventricular septum, coronary artery, or cardiac valves causing variable ECG findings including sinus arrhythmia, T wave changes, and QTc interval prolongation. Atrial fibrillation due to scrub typhus is associated with a 1.3 fold increase in 3-month mortality. These cardiac complications are mainly assessed using electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography. Serology is the primary diagnostic tool for O. tsutsugamushi. While the Scrub Typhus Detect IFA test offers 100% sensitivity, the Weil Felix test is specific and cost-effective. Nested PCR and ELISA are effective for early detection but are limited to resource-rich settings. Diagnostic difficulties arise from nonspecific symptoms and current testing limitations. Vaccine development using extracellular vesicles, nanoparticles, and subunit vaccines shows promise. Combined therapy with doxycycline and azithromycin is recommended for cardiac complications, alongside guideline-directed therapy. The review underscores the need for heightened clinical awareness and prompt management of scrub typhus, especially in endemic regions. It also highlights the necessity for further research into the pathogenesis of cardiac involvement and the development of more effective diagnostic tools and treatments.

Abstract Hutchison’s niche theory suggests that coexisting competing species occupy non-overlapping hypervolumes, which are theoretical spaces encompassing more than three dimensions, within an n-dimensional space. The analysis of multiple stable isotopes can be used to test these ideas where each isotope can be considered a dimension of niche space. These hypervolumes may change over time in response to variation in behaviour or habitat, within or among species, consequently changing the niche space itself. Here, we use isotopic values of carbon and nitrogen of ten amino acids, as well as sulphur isotopic values, to produce multi-isotope models to examine niche segregation among an assemblage of five coexisting seabird species (ancient murrelet Synthliboramphus antiquus, double-crested cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus, Leach’s storm-petrel Oceanodrama leucorhoa, rhinoceros auklet Cerorhinca monocerata, pelagic cormorant Phalacrocorax pelagicus) that inhabit coastal British Columbia. When only one or two isotope dimensions were considered, the five species overlapped considerably, but segregation increased in more dimensions, but often in complex ways. Thus, each of the five species occupied their own isotopic hypervolume (niche), but that became apparent only when factoring the increased information from sulphur and amino acid specific isotope values, rather than just relying on proxies of δ 15N and δ 13C alone. For cormorants, there was reduction of niche size for both species consistent with a decline in their dominant prey, Pacific herring Clupea pallasii, from 1970 to 2006. Consistent with niche theory, cormorant species showed segregation across time, with the double-crested demonstrating a marked change in diet in response to prey shifts in a higher dimensional space. In brief, incorporating multiple isotopes (sulfur, PC1 of δ 15N [baselines], PC2 of δ 15N [trophic position], PC1 and PC2 of δ 13C) metrics allowed us to infer changes and differences in food web topology that were not apparent from classic carbon–nitrogen biplots.