Historical Perspective Research Articles

The dietary exposome: a brief history of diet, longevity, and age-related health in rodents.

It has been recognized for over a century that feeding animals less food than they would normally eat increases lifespan and leads to broad-spectrum improvements in age-related health. A significant number of studies have subsequently shown that restricting total protein, branched chain amino acids or individual amino acids in the diet, as well as ketogenic diets, can elicit similar effects. In addition, it is becoming clear that fasting protocols, such as time-restricted-feeding or every-other-day feeding, without changes in overall energy intake can also profoundly affect rodent longevity and late-life health. In this review, I will provide a historical perspective on various dietary interventions that modulate ageing in rodents and discuss how this understanding of the dietary exposome may help identify future strategies to maintain late-life health and wellbeing in humans.

Aspects of Tuberculosis in Greece over the Last Century: Historical Perspectives and Today’s Challenges

Tuberculosis has had a long-standing prevalence in Greece over the last century, going hand in hand with the country’s overall socioeconomic situation. The current study explores aspects of tuberculosis in Greece since the interwar period and up to the present. Apparently, ignorance of the nature of the disease coupled with false medical perceptions sealed the fate of patients while unwittingly influencing public opinion and making societies hostile toward patients. Such paradigms are of great and timeless value for the cohesion and functioning of societies, not excluding modern ones. Although the present-day situation in Greece is utterly different from that in the previous century, considering the limited number of cases and minimal impact of the disease, new challenges have emerged, such as the under-reporting of cases, the emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, latent tuberculosis or the management of large refugee flows in the Eastern Mediterranean involving citizens from countries with a high prevalence of the disease. On the other hand, the study of tuberculosis is nowadays more urgent than ever, given the global concerns regarding the future of the disease in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has put enormous pressure on national health systems.

Range extension of the Mexican-endemic killifish Profundulus chimalapensis (Cyprinodontiformes: Profundulidae), with comments on its phylogenetic placement and possible intergeneric hybridization with Tlaloc Álvarez & Carranza 1951

Recent ichthyological surveys in southern Mexico resulted in the unexpected discovery of populations of P. chimalapensis outside its distribution range, broadening its extent of occurrence to a total of three river basins (Coatzacoalcos [original], Grijalva, Ostuta) and two versants (Atlantic [original] and Pacific). The taxonomic nature of these populations was further investigated using comparative genetic data in a phylogenetic framework. Our results include the first assessment of the phylogenetic position of P. chimalapensis with respect to other Profundulus species and imply a sister-group relationship with P. oaxacae. Remarkably, our results also imply a close phylogenetic affinity of some P. chimalapensis samples with the genus Tlaloc, which we interpret as possible evidence of intergeneric hybridization, a phenomenon previously unreported in the family. If our interpretation in this regard is correct, it raises several broader evolutionary and taxonomic questions, such as the role that introgressive hybridization might be playing as a driver of speciation in profundulid fishes. From a historical biogeographic perspective, the proposed expanded geographic range could be explained by inter-basin dispersal enabled by recent or historical events (e.g., paleodrainage connections, headwaters stream capture, floodings) in the same fashion as these have been invoked to explain distribution patterns in other Middle American freshwater fishes.

Integrating Scientific Inquiry with Artistic Exploration

The relationship between art and science is rooted in a shared pursuit of understanding the world, though their methods differ. This paper investigates the integration of scientific inquiry with artistic exploration, emphasizing how these fields complement each other in their processes of discovery and creation. Historical perspectives reveal that this intersection has long fostered innovation. Creativity, a key component in both disciplines, drives breakthroughs in science and art alike. Through case studies and theoretical analysis, this study highlights successful collaborations that have merged artistic intuition with scientific rigor. Ethical considerations surrounding transparency, cultural appropriation, and representation in science-based art are also examined. Ultimately, integrating science and art encourages a holistic approach to problem-solving, enriching both fields. Keywords: Art-science integration, Creativity in science, Interdisciplinary collaboration, Scientific inquiry, Artistic exploration.

Colonial enquiry, pathology and the making of the ‘Afghan crisis’ (c. 1857–1878)

ABSTRACT Two powerful and intersecting themes continue to bear on the framing of Afghanistan in international politics: Afghanistan’s rendering as a place of pathology and continuing crisis, uncertainty, and transition – and ‘our’ ability to intervene, articulate strategy (politically, militarily, economically or otherwise), or retaliate at will. Conventionally, the idea of inquiry is understood as a state-led process of investigation, often undertaken after intervention or the departure of occupying militaries. The article attempts to widen the notion of inquiry by approaching it from a historical perspective and in a historicizing manner, focusing on colonial enquiry as the making of interventionist rationales that underpinned the unleashing of colonial military violence in the service of empire in history. The paper affords colonial enquiry a place in thinking about modern, state-led, public inquiry. The article’s chronology is roughly bookended by the two Anglo-Afghan Wars of the nineteenth century (ca. 1839–1843 and 1878–1881, respectively). In the ideational build-up of imperial intervention prior to 1878, discourses of medicine in the broadest sense provided an important enrichment of the vocabulary and intellectual thought frameworks of colonial intervention. As a result, the entanglement of medicine and politics resulted in a quasi-humanitarian argument for military violence. The pathologization of Afghanistan undergirds a broader objectification of Afghanistan that is colonial enquiry. Concluding the article are sections on the manifold legacies of the Second Anglo-Afghan war and on ‘our’ approaches to inquiry.

Revolutionizing Infertility Management through Novel Peptide-based Targets.

Around 48 million couples and 186 million people worldwide have infertility; of these, approximately 85% have an identifiable cause, the most common being ovulatory dysfunctions, male infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, and tubule disease. The remaining 15% have infertility for unknown reasons, including lifestyle and environmental factors. The regulation of the hypothalamic- pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) is crucial for the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which are essential for female reproductive functions. GnRH is the primary reproductive axis regulator. The pattern of GnRH, FSH, and LH release is determined by its pulsatile secretion, which in turn controls endocrine function and gamete maturation in the gonads. Peptides called Kisspeptin (KP), Neurokinin-B (NKB), and Orexin influence both positive and negative feedback modulation of GnRH, FSH, and LH secretion in reproduction. This review article mainly focuses on the historical perspective, isoform, and signaling pathways of KP, NKB, and Orexin novel peptide-based targets including clinical and preclinical studies and having a promising effect in the management of infertility.

Neuro-motor controlled wearable augmentations: current research and emerging trends

Wearable augmentations (WAs) designed for movement and manipulation, such as exoskeletons and supernumerary robotic limbs, are used to enhance the physical abilities of healthy individuals and substitute or restore lost functionality for impaired individuals. Non-invasive neuro-motor (NM) technologies, including electroencephalography (EEG) and sufrace electromyography (sEMG), promise direct and intuitive communication between the brain and the WA. After presenting a historical perspective, this review proposes a conceptual model for NM-controlled WAs, analyzes key design aspects, such as hardware design, mounting methods, control paradigms, and sensory feedback, that have direct implications on the user experience, and in the long term, on the embodiment of WAs. The literature is surveyed and categorized into three main areas: hand WAs, upper body WAs, and lower body WAs. The review concludes by highlighting the primary findings, challenges, and trends in NM-controlled WAs. This review motivates researchers and practitioners to further explore and evaluate the development of WAs, ensuring a better quality of life.

Stone Babies: A Pictorial Essay With Insights From 25 Museal Lithopaedions.

Lithopaedion, or "stone baby," represents an exceptionally rare clinical phenomenon with fewer than 350 documented cases existing in the medical literature. This condition arises when an advanced extrauterine pregnancy ceases its developmental trajectory and undergoes a lithification process, potentially resulting in a calcified mass with fetal-like morphology. Typically, lithopaedions remain asymptomatic for decades, but may occasionally elicit acute symptoms necessitating medical intervention. However, predominantly, these entities are incidental findings discovered during radiological examinations or autopsies. In this article, we present a comprehensive overview of 25 lithopaedion cases, including unreported cases from several European medical museums. When feasible, additional radiological imaging was conducted to enhance diagnostic clarity. Furthermore, this article situates lithopaedions within a broader historical perspective and a detailed etiopathogenetic framework, elucidating the physiological and pathological mechanisms contributing to their formation. The phenomenon of lithopaedion is a testimony to the complex and often enigmatic nature of the human body. By compiling and scrutinizing a substantial number of cases, this review offers valuable insights into the clinical implications of lithopaedions. Furthermore, it highlights the necessity for ongoing research and meticulous documentation of rare medical conditions like this, in order to contribute to a deeper understanding of extraordinary phenomena.

Historical, Philosophical And Psychological Dimensions Of Bilingualism: Cognitive And Neurological Perspectives

Research on bilingualism has traditionally focused on its effects on language proficiency, yet a significant gap exists in understanding its broader cognitive impacts, particularly regarding executive functions and brain structure. This study aims to bridge that gap by examining the multifaceted influences of bilingualism on cognitive function, incorporating historical and philosophical perspectives to provide a comprehensive analysis. Using a systematic literature review approach, supported by neuroimaging studies, this research explores how bilingualism enhances brain plasticity and executive functions, such as attentional control and task-switching. Historical analysis reveals the shift from early 20th-century deficit views of bilingualism to the recognition of its cognitive advantages. Philosophical discussions further contextualize these findings, addressing the ethical considerations of cognitive enhancement and the mind-brain relationship in bilingual contexts. The results suggest that bilingualism confers distinct cognitive benefits, reshaping both brain structure and function. Based on these findings, this study offers key recommendations for improving future research methodologies, emphasizing the need for more diverse and standardized studies, and suggests practical counseling approaches that account for the psychological and philosophical complexities of bilingual identity. These insights challenge traditional views on cognitive development and have significant implications for educational policies, counseling strategies, and future neuroscience research.

Children, Border(land)s and mixed economies of welfare

This special issue is a comprehensive exploration of the pivotal role of state borders in shaping child welfare in various European borderlands from the First World War to the present. The richly detailed articles present a diverse range of historical and social-scientific perspectives, offering a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics at play. Each case study sheds light on a unique aspect of the mixed economies of welfare in borderland areas, collectively proposing a framework for analysing the intricate influence of welfare providers on children’s well-being in the intermediary spaces.

The Sentosa Nurses: Historical Context for Policies to Protect Internationally-Educated Nurses from Human Trafficking.

This article presents a historical analysis of the Sentosa nurses, a group of nurses recruited from the Philippines in 2005 and 2006 to work in a health-care facility on Long Island, New York. The international nurse recruitment company that hired them underpaid them, assigned them to work in unsafe conditions with low nurse-to-patient ratios, and breached other parts of their contracts with the nurses. When the nurses decided to resign and break from their contracts early, the recruitment company retaliated, initiating civil, administrative, and criminal charges against the nurses. The Sentosa nurses' story reflects that by the end of the first decade of the 2000s, the international nurse recruitment industry grew not only in size, but also in power, leaving internationally-educated nurses vulnerable to exploitation. More recent reports from 2019 of the labor trafficking of internationally-educated nurses are not new. Instead, a historical perspective reveals an ongoing pattern of deceptive practices and informs recommendations for stricter policies that ban recruiters from using liquidated damages provisions or breach-of-contract fees to trap nurses in exploitative work environments.

Evolution in the Understanding of the Etiology of Staghorn Renal Lithiasis

Staghorn lithiasis, characterized by renal calculi that extensively occupy the renal collecting system, poses significant medical challenges due to high morbidity and mortality rates. Traditionally attributed primarily to recurrent urinary tract infections caused by urease-producing bacteria, recent studies indicate a shift toward an increased prevalence of metabolic stones. This change may be linked to rising obesity and metabolic syndrome rates. Historical perspectives emphasized struvite stones, associated with infections, but emerging data reveal a notable proportion of calcium phosphate and mixed stones, suggesting a complex interplay between metabolic factors and infection. Analysis of stone composition in patients has shown that metabolic abnormalities are common, emphasizing the need for comprehensive evaluations beyond infectious risk. Understanding this evolving etiology is crucial for guiding treatment and improving patient outcomes.

Almost 40 years of studying homeobox genes in C. elegans.

Homeobox genes are among the most deeply conserved families of transcription factor-encoding genes. Following their discovery in Drosophila, homeobox genes arrived on the Caenorhabditis elegans stage with a vengeance. Between 1988 and 1990, just a few years after their initial discovery in flies and vertebrates, positional cloning and sequence-based searches showed that C. elegans contains HOX cluster genes, an apparent surprise given the simplicity and non-segmented body plan of the nematode, as well as many other non-clustered homeobox genes of all major subfamilies (e.g. LIM, POU, etc.). Not quite 40 years later, we have an exceptionally deep understanding of homeodomain protein expression and function in C. elegans, revealing their prevalent role in nervous system development. In this Spotlight, we provide a historical perspective and a non-comprehensive journey through the C. elegans homeobox field and discuss open questions and future directions.

Challenges and Strategies for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage in Modern China

Intangible cultural heritage encompasses a nation’s traditional culture and wisdom, offering a profound reflection of the lives and thoughts of its predecessors. This heritage manifests in diverse forms, including artistic performances, music, handicrafts, and festivals. Despite its cultural significance, the protection and inheritance of intangible cultural heritage face numerous challenges in modern society. These challenges are exacerbated by rapid urbanization, globalization, and the decline of traditional practices. Previous studies have predominantly explored these issues from cultural and historical perspectives, often overlooking the critical economic factors that influence heritage preservation. This article seeks to fill this gap by examining the difficulties and problems faced by intangible cultural heritage through a comprehensive lens that includes cultural, economic, and social aspects. By analyzing these multifaceted challenges, we aim to uncover the underlying economic dynamics that hinder effective heritage preservation. Moreover, this research will propose innovative solutions to address economic challenges and enhance the protection and inheritance of intangible cultural heritage. Ultimately, this article aims to provide new perspectives and positive impacts on safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, highlighting the importance of an economic approach to its preservation and transmission to future generations.

Modern Silk Road— Historical Factors Influencing Present Opinions on BRI

This essay provides a comprehensive analysis of the historical reason behind the cautious attitude of the former Silk Road regions toward the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It starts with a detailed summary of the existing modern literature on the current respective views of the BRI from developing regions along the ancient Silk Road— Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and India. It then proceeds to search ancient texts for historical factors influencing the present. Connections between investigations of historical factors and studies of the literature on current opinions are drawn during the analyses. This research eventually shows that historical factors played a role in shaping countries’ cautious attitude toward the BRI. The results offer valuable insights from a historical perspective into many countries within vastly different regions and their people encompassed by the Belt and Road (B&R), thus shedding light on future policy- making related to the BRI and fostering mutually beneficial bilateral and multilateral cooperations between developing countries.

Ferroptosis and Intrinsic Drug-induced Liver Injury by Acetaminophen and Other Drugs: A Critical Evaluation and Historical Perspective

Ferroptosis and Intrinsic Drug-induced Liver Injury by Acetaminophen and Other Drugs: A Critical Evaluation and Historical Perspective

Una historia conceptual de los desastres. El conocimiento metafórico como posibilidad en la gestión del riesgo de inundaciones en El Valle La Estrella, Limón, Costa Rica

This article has got two objectives. The first analyzes, from history perspective, the experiences of population's El Valle La Estrella and their relationship with floods, territory and the Comité Comunal de Emergencias de El Valle La Estrella [CCEVE]. The second analyzes the member experiences of disaster risk management. The investigation was built based on interdisciplinary strategy; said strategy connected methods and techniques of anthropology, sociology, linguistics, and history. Specifically, the investigation used to oral history, ethnography, pragmatics, speech analysis and content analysis. Also, it was used to interviews to collect testimonials. The main conclusion is that metaphorical knowledge shows an unfinished hydro-social cycle where citizen and territorial management acts as a trigger for social disputes

Clocks at a snail pace: biological rhythms in terrestrial gastropods.

Biological rhythms are ubiquitous across the tree of life. Organisms must allocate their activities into moments of the day and of the season that will increase their probability of surviving and reproducing, which is done in the form of daily and annual rhythms. So far, the vast majority of studies on biological rhythms have focused on classical laboratory model species. Still, the use of non-model species is gaining traction, as part of an effort to achieve a more holistic understanding of clock/calendar mechanisms in the "real world" but this requires species that can be studied in both the lab and in nature. Terrestrial gastropods, i.e., land snails and slugs, have the potential to be exciting models for the study of biological rhythms in nature. Therefore, we provide a review of the research on biological rhythms in terrestrial gastropods, with a focus on ecology and evolution. We present the state of the art in the field while giving a historical perspective of the studies, exploring each of the main lineages of terrestrial gastropods. We also point out some interesting directions that future studies could take to fill some of the more urgent gaps in current knowledge. We hope that our contribution will renew interest in this area and spark novel projects.

One faith for different realities: accounting and management practices of Benedictine monasteries

Purpose This paper aims to explore how the accounting and management practices of monastic institutions were shaped by their surrounding social, political, geographical and economic environments, as well as religious ideologies, during critical historical periods. Design/methodology/approach By applying institutional theory and the comparative international accounting history perspective, this study conducts a comparative analysis of archival records from two monasteries, examining how their accounting and managerial practices were influenced by differing institutional logics. The research relies on systematic archival data collection, complemented by secondary sources, to analyze how religious beliefs shaped the accounting and management practices of these institutions and the degree of convergence between the two. Findings This study found that both monasteries adapted their accounting and management practices to their external environments. San Placido demonstrated resilience amidst disruptions such as wars and earthquakes, while Silos showed financial sophistication through diverse income streams. The resilience of these institutions was driven by their ability to align internal operations with external political, economic and social factors. This adaptability, coupled with strategic management, enhanced their capacity to maintain financial stability, illustrating the direct link between external changes, organizational resilience and improved financial health. Research limitations/implications This study highlights the historical interplay between religious principles and accounting management practices in Benedictine monasteries by comparing two monasteries. It reveals how external environments shape internal operations, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of these institutions in maintaining financial sustainability through the alignment of external pressures with internal resilience mechanisms, which in turn bolster their financial health. Originality/value This research contributes valuable insights to historical managerial and accounting literature, shedding light on the financial resilience and strategies used by Benedictine monasteries. It underscores the enduring respectful legacy of their accounting practices and the unique interplay between spiritual devotion and organizational structure within these institutions.

Taming uncertainty with MDE: an historical perspective

Taming uncertainty with MDE: an historical perspective