What is the Lived Experience of Self-Realization: A Philosophic Hermeneutic Study

This dissertation utilizes Merleau-Ponty’s theory of the Flesh and Jung’s theory of self-realization as a way to integrate the gained understanding into the current approach of psychotherapy as an altered attitude for the treatment of the psyche. The theories of Flesh and self-realization are used to approach a fundamental drive that leads to pathologies and wider consciousness (Merleau-Ponty, 2012; Jung, 1928/1977). This allows for the treatment of the psyche in consideration of this natural drive that enables the client’s transformation toward wholeness through the individuation process (Jung, 1959/1969, 1928/1977, 1951/1978). The Flesh is described by Merleau-Ponty as an elemental general manner of “being” (Merleau-Ponty, 1968), while self-realization is described by Jung as wholeness. This philosophic hermeneutic research recognizes the importance of gaining greater understanding of the phenomenon of self-realization. Merleau-Ponty and Jung understood the significance that opposites and their relationship with one another play in this developmental process, that is, reversibility and tension of opposites (Merleau-Ponty, 2012; Jung, 1928/1977). Jung’s depth psychological and Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenological understanding of the symbol’s capacity synthesize the opposites, thereby widening consciousness ultimately to self-realization are presented

The Eclectic Nature of Glioma-Infiltrating Macrophages and Microglia

Glioblastomas (GBMs) are complex ecosystems composed of highly multifaceted tumor and myeloid cells capable of responding to different environmental pressures, including therapies. Recent studies have uncovered the diverse phenotypical identities of brain-populating myeloid cells. Differences in the immune proportions and phenotypes within tumors seem to be dictated by molecular features of glioma cells. Furthermore, increasing evidence underscores the significance of interactions between myeloid cells and glioma cells that allow them to evolve in a synergistic fashion to sustain tumor growth. In this review, we revisit the current understanding of glioma-infiltrating myeloid cells and their dialogue with tumor cells in consideration of their increasing recognition in response and resistance to immunotherapies as well as the immune impact of the current chemoradiotherapy used to treat gliomas

Impact of Desensitization on Antiviral Immunity in HLA-Sensitized Kidney Transplant Recipients

Viral infections represent significant morbidity and mortality factors in kidney transplant recipients, with CMV, EBV, and BKV infections being most common. Desensitization (DES) with IVIg and rituximab with/without plasma exchange followed by kidney transplantation with alemtuzumab induction increased successful transplant rates in HLA-sensitized patients but may represent an increased risk for viral infections due to severe lymphocyte depletion. Here, we report on the posttransplant viral infection status in 372 DES versus 538 non-DES patients. CMV and EBV viremia were significantly lower in DES patients, while BKV viremia was similar. This trend was observed primarily in CMV sero(−), EBV sero(+), and sero(−) patients. No patient developed PTLD. The incidence of BKAN, allograft, and patient survival was similar in both groups. These viral infections were not associated with subsequent allograft rejection which occurred within 6 months after the infection. Conclusions. The IVIg + rituximab desensitization combined with alemtuzumab induction with triple immunosuppression maintenance does not increase the risk for CMV, EBV, and BKV infections. Possible factors include, in addition to posttransplant antiviral prophylaxis and PCR monitoring, presence of memory T cells and antibodies specific to CMV and likely EBV, NK cell-mediated ADCC despite lymphocyte depletion, elimination of EBV and CMV reservoirs by rituximab and alemtuzumab, and use of IVIg with antiviral properties