Body Inclusions Research Articles

#DisabledBodyPositivity: A content analysis of body positive Instagram posts in the disabled community

Accumulating research has supported the potential for body positivity content on Instagram to challenge predominant appearance ideals and promote a healthier body image. However, research in diverse groups is lacking – in particular, individuals with a disability have largely been neglected. Using #Disabled #BodyPositivity, this analysis examined the content of 623 body positive posts on Instagram. Posts were coded for body and appearance-attributes and themes relating to positive body image, appearance ideals, disability, and health. Posts were also examined for contradictory messaging (i.e., body positivity themes alongside the pursuit of appearance ideals). Results demonstrated an inclusion of diverse body and appearance-attributes, however, posts predominantly depicted young, White women. While only 45.06 % of posts contained at least one positive body image theme, our results identified positive themes specific to the disabled community, such as disability pride and activism. Besides the significant relationship between the presence of body positive themes and body and food shame, contradictory messaging was not found. Future research examining the effects of exposure to body positivity messaging on social media among those with a disability is warranted.

The disposability and inclusion of Brown bodies.

While there has been increased awareness of the ethics of curation, research, and teaching with human skeletal remains, there has been little recognition of the millions of skeletal remains from South Asia that were harvested illegally and/or unethically for educational institutions globally for over a century. This article gives a contextualization of the unique history and nature of anatomical teaching collections, and why they are an important locus for a decolonized and antiracist biological anthropology. I present the historical background of how the exportation and commodification of Indian bodies came to dominate the global bone trade. I also discuss how historical necropolitics explicitly erased the identity and objectified South Asian people made into study skeletons, and the way our current practices continue to uphold colonial violence. Finally, I discuss what we might do with these historical collections and the ways that inclusion of Brown voices is critical to ethical practice.

α-Synuclein: Multiple pathogenic roles in trafficking and proteostasis pathways in Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain. A hallmark of both familial and sporadic PD is the presence of Lewy body inclusions composed mainly of aggregated α-synuclein (α-syn), a presynaptic protein encoded by the SNCA gene. The mechanisms driving the relationship between α-syn accumulation and neurodegeneration are not completely understood, although recent evidence indicates that multiple branches of the proteostasis pathway are simultaneously perturbed when α-syn aberrantly accumulates within neurons. Studies from patient-derived midbrain cultures that develop α-syn pathology through the endogenous expression of PD-causing mutations show that proteostasis disruption occurs at the level of synthesis/folding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), downstream ER-Golgi trafficking, and autophagic-lysosomal clearance. Here, we review the fundamentals of protein transport, highlighting the specific steps where α-syn accumulation may intervene and the downstream effects on proteostasis. Current therapeutic efforts are focused on targeting single pathways or proteins, but the multifaceted pathogenic role of α-syn throughout the proteostasis pathway suggests that manipulating several targets simultaneously will provide more effective disease-modifying therapies for PD and other synucleinopathies.

In vitro modulation of mTOR and mGlur5 influence α-synuclein accumulation

One of the main hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is abnormal alpha-synuclein (α-syn) aggregation which forms the main component of intracellular Lewy body inclusions. This short report used preformed α-syn fibrils, as well as an A53T mutant α-syn adenovirus to mimic conditions of pathological protein aggregation in dopaminergic human derived SH-SY5Y neural cells. Since there is evidence that the mTOR pathway and glutamatergic signaling each influence protein aggregation, we also assessed the impact of the mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin and the mGluR5 allosteric modulator, CTEP. We found that both rapamycin and CTEP induced a significant reduction of α-syn fibrils in SH-SY5Y cells and this effect was associated with a reduction in mTOR signaling and enhancement in autophagic pathway factors. These data support the possibility that CTEP (or rapamycin) might be a useful pharmacological approach to target abnormal α-syn accumulation by promoting intracellular degradation or enhanced clearance.

Deficits in basal and evoked striatal dopamine release following alpha-synuclein preformed fibril injection: An in vivo microdialysis study.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the accumulation of misfolded alpha-synuclein (α-syn) protein, forming intraneuronal Lewy body (LB) inclusions. The α-syn preformed fibril (PFF) model of PD recapitulates α-syn aggregation, progressive nigrostriatal degeneration and motor dysfunction; however, little is known about the time course of PFF-induced alterations in basal and evoked dopamine (DA). In vivo microdialysis is well suited for identifying small changes in neurotransmitter levels over extended periods. In the present study, adult male Fischer 344 rats received unilateral, intrastriatal injections of either α-syn PFFs or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). At 4 or 8 months post-injection (p.i.), animals underwent in vivo microdialysis to evaluate basal extracellular striatal DA and metabolite levels, local KCl-evoked striatal DA release and the effects of systemic levodopa (l-DOPA). Post-mortem analysis demonstrated equivalent PFF-induced reductions in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactive nigral neurons (~50%) and striatal TH (~20%) at both time points. Compared with reduction in striatal TH, reduction in striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) was more pronounced and progressed between the 4- and 8-month p.i. intervals (36%➔46%). Significant PFF-induced deficits in basal and evoked striatal DA, as well as deficits in motor performance, were not observed until 8 months p.i. Responses to l-DOPA did not differ regardless of PBS or PFF treatment. These results suggest that basal and evoked striatal DA are maintained for several months following PFF injection, with loss of both associated with motor dysfunction. Our studies provide insight into the time course and magnitude of PFF-induced extracellular dopaminergic deficits in the striatum.

Restrain-stress-induced Biochemical and Transmission Electron Microscopic Changes in Albino Rat’s Brain

Restrained-stress in adult male albino rats for 24 hours in continuity resulted in increased lipid peroxidation (maximum 37.03% in cerebellum) and 8-fold increase (statistically significant p<0.001in brainstem) of fluorescent pigment intensity. Greater affinity of darkly stained luxol-fast positive Purkinje neurons suggests decreased metabolic activity as a result of stress. TEM revealed an increase in the incidence of pleomorphic electrodense bodies in neurons of different brain parts. In cerebellum, dense bodies even exhibited fingerprint pattern due to engulfment of damaged cytomembranes subsequent to increased lipid peroxidation. The electronluscent vacuoles located either at or near the periphery or inside the electrondense bodies, were likely to represent the digested material consequent upon the action of action of hydrolytic enzymes. The increase in the number of coated and smooth vesicles and abundance of microtubules in the cytoplasm of neurons of stressed rats exhibited ultrastructural features in support of their being involved in the transfer of membranes and membrane-associated molecules in the intracellular compartments. Increase in GERL-like profiles could also be detected in cingulate cortex, hypothalamus, and cerebellum after 24 hours restrain of rats. Interestingly, GERL displayed continuity with different cellular organelles in cerebellum of stressed rats. These findings supported the concept advocated by Paavola that GERL’s lytic enzymes engulf membranes and trapped lysosomes thus producing aggregate type inclusions of electrodense bodies.

Unfinished business

In this essay, we seek to relate the prophetic critique of the Belhar Confession to several matters that could be classified as “unfinished business” for the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA). In particular, we argue that Belhar – which has been a confessional document of the church since 1986 – speaks to several ongoing issues which impact South Africa and URCSA in particular. For the sake of this essay, we focus specifically on the “unfinished business” of Belhar as it relates to patriarchy, within the context of femicide, the question of the inclusion of queer bodies within the body of URCSA, and the continuing societal problem of xenophobia and Afrophobia in South Africa at large.

Impact of childhood and adolescence cancer on family caregivers: a qualitative analysis of strains, resources and coping behaviours

BackgroundThe physical demands of caring for children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer, over a lengthy period, exert significant strain on the health and well-being of family caregivers. The capacity of family caregivers to surmount and cope with the various strains they experience due to the diagnosis and treatment trajectory is essential to the quality of life of the child and adolescent who has been diagnosed with cancer. However, the experiences of family caregivers have been under-explored. This study explored the strains, resources, and coping strategies of family caregivers of children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer in Ghana.MethodsGuided by a descriptive phenomenological design, 20 semi-structured interviews with family caregivers were conducted at a tertiary health facility that provides paediatric oncology services. The study was conducted between June and October 2022. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, translated and coded using NVivo software. An inductive thematic analysis approach using Vaismoradi et al.’s thematic analysis framework was followed in analysing the data.ResultsThe study revealed that family caregivers of children diagnosed with cancer experienced three main strains: somatic strains (poor sleep quality, loss of appetite, and unintended weight loss), economic strains (financial burden and loss of economic livelihood), and psychosocial strains (isolation from social activities and network, frustration and helplessness, and balancing multiple family needs). The following themes emerged as coping resources: family cohesiveness, community support, and support from health care providers. Coping strategies that emerged included trusting in God and being self-motivated.ConclusionThe study concludes that family caregivers experience somatic, economic, and psychosocial strains. However, they can leverage available resources (family cohesiveness, community support, and support from healthcare providers) to cope with these strains. There is a need to educate and sensitize family caregivers about the potential strains that they are likely to experience prior to the assumption of care roles. Also, the formal inclusion of non-governmental organizations and religious bodies will ensure that family caregivers receive sufficient community support to cope with the strains of caregiving.

Carbon footprint based on lifetime productivity for future cows selected for resilience to climate-related disturbances

Droughts, which can impact feed production, are projected to become more common under future climate conditions. In light of this, breeding cattle resilient to changes in feeding regimens is increasingly becoming an important topic. Body reserves can play a crucial role when the feed resources are limited. We simulated populations of dairy cows selected with 2 different breeding goals: one reflecting the current breeding goal and the other placing weight on minimum level of body reserves in early lactation and change in body reserves during lactation. We considered this latter as a breeding goal for resilience. We used the 2 dynamic simulation programs ADAM and AQAL to predict performance of the cows after selection. In AQAL, we modeled moderate and severe drought by decreasing feed quality and quantity offered to cows during one year. We compared cows selected with the 2 breeding goals under 3 environments: without disturbances related to climate and with moderate and severe drought. In the environments without disturbances and the moderate drought, the cows selected with the current breeding goal had higher life time lactation efficiency (energy invested in milk / energy acquired from feed) and lower carbon footprint per kg protein in milk and meat than cows selected for resilience. However, with severe drought, cows selected for resilience had higher life time lactation efficiency and lower carbon footprint per kg protein in milk and meat than those selected with the current breeding goal. This suggests that cows selected for high productive performance do not perform well under very limiting conditions, leading to increased climate impact. The importance of inclusion of body reserves as a resilience trait in dairy cattle breeding depends on the future environment in which the cows will be used.

Fatal Simplexvirus humanalpha1 infection in howler-monkeys (Alouatta sp.) under human care: Clinical, molecular, and pathological findings.

Simplexvirus humanalpha1 (HuAHV-1) are common anthropozoonosis reported in marmosets but rare in howler monkeys (Alouatta sp.). Necropsy of two brown-howler monkeys (A. caraya) and one red-howler monkey (A. guariba clamitans) from different zoo collections were performed. Fragments of all organs were examined through microscopy. Samples were submitted to IHC for Simplexvirus humanalpha 2 (HuAHV-2) [sin. Herpesvirus simplex type 2] and PCR. Grossly, only the A. guariba showed liver lesions characterized by multifocal, pinpoint white areas corresponding microscopically as random necrotizing herpetic hepatitis and ulcerative glossitis. Both A. caraya showed necrotizing meningoencephalitis with Cowdry A-type body inclusions within neurons and astrocytes. Immunolabeling for HuAHV-1/2 was observed in the tongue, liver, and brain. HuAHV-1 was confirmed in all samples by PCR, Sanger sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses. Necrotizing meningoencephalitis was appreciated in 2/3 of animals, and it is associated with neurologic signs. Along with ulcerative glossitis, a hallmark lesion in marmosets, it was present in one animal. Regarding herpetic hepatitis, it is not frequent in monkeys and occurs mainly in immunocompromised animals. HuAHV-1 infection was confirmed corroborating with a human source. This is the second report on captive black-howler monkeys and the first gross, histologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular description of herpetic hepatitis and ulcerative glossitis in red-howler monkeys (A. guariba).

Ribosomal protein SA is a common component of neuronal intranuclear inclusions in polyglutamine diseases and Marinesco bodies.

Neuronal intranuclear inclusions (NIIs) are common key structures in polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases such as Huntington disease (HD), spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1), and SCA3. Marinesco bodies (MBs) of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra are also intranuclear structures and arefrequently seen in normal elderly people. Ribosomal dysfunction is closely related to two differential processes; therefore, we aimed to identify the pathological characteristics of ribosomal protein SA (RPSA), a ribosomal protein, in both states. To this end, we evaluated the autopsy findings in four patients with HD, two SCA3, and five normal elderly cases (NCs). Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that both NIIs and MBs contain RPSA. In polyQ diseases, RPSA was co-localized with polyQ aggregations, and 3D-reconstructed images revealed their mosaic-like distribution. Assessments of the organization of RPSA and p62 in NIIs showed that RPSA was more localized toward the center than p62 and that this unique organization was more evident in the MBs. Immunoblotting of the temporal cortices revealed that the nuclear fraction of HD patients contained more RPSA than that of NCs. In conclusion, our study revealed that RPSA is a common component of both NIIs and MBs, indicating that a similar mechanism contributes to the formation of polyQ NIIs and MBs.

Resolution guarantees for the reconstruction of inclusions in linear elasticity based on monotonicity methods

We deal with the reconstruction of inclusions in elastic bodies based on monotonicity methods and construct conditions under which a resolution for a given partition can be achieved. These conditions take into account the background error as well as the measurement noise. We want to highlight that we consider Lamé parameters that are either both smaller or larger than the background Lamé parameters. Both those cases are investigated for standard and linearized monotonicity tests resulting in four different algorithms and the corresponding resolution guarantees.

How can urban green spaces be planned to mitigate urban heat island effect under different climatic backgrounds? A threshold-based perspective

Urban green space (UGS) was widely regarded as an effective nature-based solution to mitigate the urban heat island (UHI) effect, therefore, developing landscape strategies to enhance its cooling intensity (CI) is crucial. However, two main problems prevent the application of results to practical actions: one is the inconsistency of relationships between influencing factors of landscape and the thermal environment; another is the unfeasibility of some common conclusions such as simply increasing the amount of vegetation cover in highly-urbanized areas. This study compared the CIs of UGSs, investigated the influencing factors of CI and identified the absolute threshold of cooling (ToCabs) of the influencing factors in four Chinese cities with very different climatic backgrounds (Hohhot, Beijing, Shanghai and Haikou). Results demonstrate that local climate condition affects the cooling effect of UGS. The CI of UGS is weaker in cities with humid and hot summer than in cities with dry and hot summer. Patch characteristics (area and shape), the percentage of water bodies within the UGS (Pland_w) and neighboring greenspace (NGP), vegetation abundance (NDVI) and planting structure together can explain a significant proportion (R2 = 0.403–0.672, p < 0.001) of the CI variations of UGS. The inclusion of water bodies can ensure effective cooling of UGS, except in the tropical city. Besides, ToCabs of area (Hohhot, 2.6 ha; Beijing, 5.9 ha; Shanghai, 4.0 and Haikou, 5.3 ha), and NGP (Hohhot, 8.5 %; Beijing, 21.6 %; and Shanghai, 23.5 %), NDVI (Hohhot, 0.31; Beijing, 0.33; and Shanghai, 0.39) were identified and related landscape strategies of cooling were proposed. The identification of ToCabs values can provide easy-to-use landscape recommendations to UHI mitigation.

Man-like woman and the menstruating man

There are a number of oblique references in Sufi literature to pious women whose austerities resulted in the loss of their menstrual cycle, as well as pious men who ascribed to themselves a type of metaphorical menstruation as a method of self-disparagement. This article analyzes such references in relation to dominant medieval Sufi discourses of purity and piety, in order to investigate the gendered rhetoric and presuppositions that underlie explicit and implicit allusions to menstruation in Sufi texts. In isolating and analyzing allusions to menstruation, four categories of reference emerge: depersonalization of menstrual blood, metaphorical male menstruation, masculinization of pious women, and reification of amenorrheic women. These narrative strategies, although applied inconsistently, all contribute to an overall deliberate effort by male authors to justify the inclusion of female bodies in male-dominated discursive spaces, while ultimately perpetuating hegemonic theologies of sacred masculinity. Through examining these inconsistent applications of gender in male-authored Sufi writings, this analysis identifies new avenues for revisiting medieval Islamicate notions of gendered identity in society in ways that dismantle ahistorical binary models of gender that have often skewed readings of Sufi and medieval Muslim sources.

Gut-to-Brain α-Synuclein Transmission in Parkinson's Disease: Evidence for Prion-like Mechanisms.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multifactorial disorder involving both motor and non-motor symptoms caused by the progressive death of distinct neuronal populations, including dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The deposition of aggregated α-synuclein protein into Lewy body inclusions is a hallmark of the disorder, and α-synuclein pathology has been found in the enteric nervous system (ENS) of PD patients up to two decades prior to diagnosis. In combination with the high occurrence of gastrointestinal dysfunction in early stages of PD, current evidence strongly suggests that some forms of PD may originate in the gut. In this review, we discuss human studies that support ENS Lewy pathology as a characteristic feature of PD, and present evidence from humans and animal model systems that α-synuclein aggregation may follow a prion-like spreading cascade from enteric neurons, through the vagal nerve, and into the brain. Given the accessibility of the human gut to pharmacologic and dietary interventions, therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing pathological α-synuclein in the gastrointestinal tract hold significant promise for PD treatment.

Collective Trauma, Implicit Memories, the Body, and Active Imagination in Jungian Analysis.

This presentation attempts to show the healing potential underlying the inclusion of the patient's body in the analytic process, while honouring and revisiting the understanding of the psyche-body connection described by Jung in his early work. In addition, the author offers reflections on the impact of collective trauma whose aftermath, among others, has been the disappearance of thousands of people, consequently breaking the family genealogy, leaving hundreds of children stripped of their roots and true identity. Referencing clinical material, the author describes how the process of translation and integration-from the sensory-perceptual to the conceptual-symbolic-can be halted on account of collective trauma occurring at an early stage in development. Moreover, it is shown how the potential of the archetype or image schema, linked to the somatic-affective early experiences encoded as implicit memories, can be recovered, when Embodied Active Imagination is included in the analytic work. The patient's bodily gestures and somatic experience may bridge the gap between the preverbal-implicit knowledge and the emergence of emotions and images that allow for the creation of a new symbolic narrative.

Determining the Location of the α-Synuclein Dimer Interface Using Native Top-Down Fragmentation and Isotope Depletion-Mass Spectrometry

α-Synuclein (αSyn), a 140-residue intrinsically disordered protein, comprises the primary proteinaceous component of pathology-associated Lewy body inclusions in Parkinson's disease (PD). Due to its association with PD, αSyn is studied extensively; however, the endogenous structure and physiological roles of this protein are yet to be fully understood. Here, ion mobility-mass spectrometry and native top-down electron capture dissociation fragmentation have been used to elucidate the structural properties associated with a stable, naturally occurring dimeric species of αSyn. This stable dimer appears in both wild-type (WT) αSyn and the PD-associated variant A53E. Furthermore, we integrated a novel method for generating isotopically depleted protein into our native top-down workflow. Isotope depletion increases signal-to-noise ratio and reduces the spectral complexity of fragmentation data, enabling the monoisotopic peak of low abundant fragment ions to be observed. This enables the accurate and confident assignment of fragments unique to the αSyn dimer to be assigned and structural information about this species to be inferred. Using this approach, we were able to identify fragments unique to the dimer, which demonstrates a C-terminal to C-terminal interaction between the monomer subunits. The approach in this study holds promise for further investigation into the structural properties of endogenous multimeric species of αSyn.

Between transgression and tokenism: The simultaneous inclusion and exclusion of trans and gender non-conforming bodies in fashion

The fashion industry materially and symbolically contributes to our understandings of the gender binary. Its configuration of what constitutes crossing gender boundaries has also shifted through the years, including proposals of androgyny, unisex and gender-neutral collections. More recently, some of these concepts have been repackaged under the language of gender identity, as brands realize that younger customers are more likely than ever to fall under the gender non-conforming umbrella. Conflating an aesthetic preference for ‘gender fluidity’ with the language of gender identity can seem like a form of commodification when examining the barriers encountered by trans and non-binary individuals who work in the fashion industry. While the discourse of diversity is on the rise, some of the LGBTIQ inclusion in the industry stops at a tokenistic image level that does not destabilize the problematic structures beneath. Nevertheless, some designers do centre LGBTIQ inclusion and gender fluidity in their practice; but without a careful examination of privilege and access to resources, they can still reproduce exclusive and exploitative practices ingrained in the industry. This article will explore the above issues through a discursive analytical approach of online articles of the magazines Dazed and i-D, published between 2015 and 2020.

Assessing the role of evapotranspiration in reducing surface temperatures in Harare using the SEBAL algorithm

Within urban areas, buildings, roads, and paved surfaces, absorb and re-emit the sun's heat more than natural landscapes. Urban areas, where these structures are highly concentrated and vegetation is limited, become ‘heat islands’ contributing to a range of environmental, economic, and human health problems. Despite this, limited research, has, to date, been carried out to assess the influence of evapotranspiration (ET) on urban surface temperatures for Harare, Zimbabwe. In this study, the uSEBAL algorithm was used to estimate evapotranspiration (ET) and land surface temperature (LST) using Landsat images in Hazare, Zimbabwe. The influence of ET on LST was also examined during the hot and post rain seasons. Results showed significant negative relationships (p < 0.05) between ET and LST. High ET rates were recorded over water bodies and green spaces as compared to built-up areas. High ET rates resulted in correspondingly low LST. This is the first time such results are reported for Harare. The conclusion drawn from these results is that as ET increases, temperature decreases, thus there was a negative relationship between ET and LST during the hot season. Additionally, low ET coincided with high LST in low vegetation and densely built-up areas. From these findings we can deduce ways of mitigating effects of thermal discomfort in urban areas i.e., inclusion of green spaces and water bodies within the cities. It is recommended that more green spaces be created within residential zones and encourage construction of green buildings and cooling technologies.

Местное самоуправление в единой системе органов публичной власти: предпосылки и перспективы

The article is devoted to the theoretical understanding of the issues of improvement and development of local self-government in the context of transformation of the local self-government status in modern Russia, which occurred during the adoption of amendments and additions to the Constitution of the Russian Federation in 2020. The adopted amendments were the result of the work of the working group formed by the initiative of the President of Russia V. V. Putin. A working group has been formed for the preparation of proposals for amendments to the Constitution. An important aspect regarding the organization of local authorities is the fact of inclusion of local self-government bodies along with state authorities in the unified system of public authority. This process definitely increases the prestige of the municipal level of government and makes the issue of financial support and economic independence of local governments more relevant, given the potential expansion of their powers and the range of tasks entrusted to them. At the same time, an important question is how responsibilities will be distributed between state authorities and local governments in a unified system of public authorities in the course of implementation of their functions, in particular, provision of resources for normal functioning of municipalities and in terms of autonomous decision-making of local governments in the interests of the population living on the relevant territory. The process of actualization of the status of local government allows to optimize the institutional structure and improve the relations between the elements of the system of public authority. Theoretical understanding of these issues can be of great help in the practical implementation of the normative provisions enshrined in the updated Constitution of the Russian Federation.