Suspicions of Occult Medicine Murders in the Context of Democratic Elections in Contemporary Côte d’Ivoire

The article contributes to contemporary discourses on so-called occult medicine practices and the associated human murders within the context of democratic elections in Côte d’Ivoire. The study is grounded in anthropological fieldwork conducted in Abidjan from 2018 to 2020. Additionally, information on occult medicine murders from local and international media has been gathered to enrich the reflections further. The study reveals that in the prevalent public discourse, politicians are accused of employing occult medicine to enhance their power and ensure their success by collaborating with ritual specialists. The paper argues that, in everyday discourse, occult medicine murders can be perceived as being ontologically motivated

Suspicions of Occult Medicine Murders in Context of Democratic Elections in Contemporary Côte d’Ivoire

The article aims to contribute to contemporary discourses on so-called occult medicine practices and the associated human murders within the context of democratic elections in Côte d’Ivoire. The study is grounded in anthropological fieldwork conducted in Abidjan from 2018 to 2020. Additionally, information on occult medicine murders from local and international media has been gathered to further enrich the reflections. The study reveals that in the prevalent public discourse, politicians are accused of employing occult medicine to enhance their power and ensure their success by collaborating with ritual specialists. The paper argues that, in everyday discourse, occult medicine murders can be perceived as being ontologically motivated

Functional stability of HIV-1 envelope trimer affects accessibility to broadly neutralizing antibodies at its apex

ABSTRACT The trimeric envelope glycoprotein spike (Env) of HIV-1 is the target of vaccine development to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs). Env trimer instability and heterogeneity in principle make subunit interfaces inconsistent targets for the immune response. Here, we investigate how functional stability of Env relates to neutralization sensitivity to V2 bnAbs and V3 crown antibodies that engage subunit interfaces upon binding to unliganded Env. Env heterogeneity was inferred when antibodies neutralized a mutant Env with a plateau of less than 100% neutralization. A statistically significant correlation was found between the stability of mutant Envs and the MPN of V2 bnAb, PG9, as well as an inverse correlation between stability of Env and neutralization by V3 crown antibody, 447-52D. A number of Env-stabilizing mutations and V2 bnAb-enhancing mutations were identified in Env, but they did not always overlap, indicating distinct requirements of functional stabilization versus antibody recognition. Blocking complex glycosylation of Env affected V2 bnAb recognition, as previously described, but also notably increased functional stability of Env. This study shows how instability and heterogeneity affect antibody sensitivity of HIV-1 Env, which is relevant to vaccine design involving its dynamic apex. IMPORTANCE The Env trimer is the only viral protein on the surface of HIV-1 and is the target of neutralizing antibodies that reduce viral infectivity. Quaternary epitopes at the apex of the spike are recognized by some of the most potent and broadly neutralizing antibodies to date. Being that their glycan-protein hybrid epitopes are at subunit interfaces, the resulting heterogeneity can lead to partial neutralization. Here, we screened for mutations in Env that allowed for complete neutralization by the bnAbs. We found that when mutations outside V2 increased V2 bnAb recognition, they often also increased Env stability-of-function and decreased binding by narrowly neutralizing antibodies to the V3 crown. Three mutations together increased neutralization by V2 bnAb and eliminated binding by V3 crown antibodies. These results may aid the design of immunogens that elicit antibodies to the trimer apex. </jats:p

Finding Azadi: South Asian Canadian Women’s Experiences of Sexual Well-Being

Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with cisgender women, age 20-40, and their shared experiences were compiled into two narrative composites. This study is informed by an intersectional-life course framework, exploring sexuality as a site of shifting power relations at the micro-, meso-, and macro-levels of participants\u27 lives. This study identifies five predominant sexual constructions that South Asian Canadian women understand and experience over time. It also identifies five predominant strategies used by women to maintain a personally meaningful sexual life (sexual well-being). Participants’ fluctuating sexual well-being involving active negotiation of the relationship to one’s body, identities (including ethnoracial and religious identities), and interpersonal relationships. It finds that women’s sexuality is a site of power used to define and maintain boundaries of the imagined nation, in both South Asian and western spaces. Women’s sexuality is often tied to ideas of risk, and women are expected to perform ideal types in order to protect the status quo within their families and communities. The study finds that women learn to resist and transform external ideals about sexuality, often by leaning into their cultures and religions to negotiate tensions while remaining connected to their South Asian realities

Histological Effects of Smokeless Tobacco on the Endometrial Glands of the Orally Treated Female Swiss Albino Rats

Tobacco use is the leading cause of mortality all over the world. Smokeless tobacco contains higher quantities of nicotine than most cigarettes. Over the past few decades the use of tobacco among women of reproductive ages has increased. Exposure to the toxins present in the tobacco interferes with the endometrial receptivity, endometrial angiogenesis and uterine blood flow.Material and Methods: 30 adult female Swiss albino rats were randomly selected. They were divided into three groups (n=10 each). Group A was kept as control. Experimental groups B and C consisted of rats which were given 5 %&nbsp; and 10% of smokeless tobacco in their feed respectively. Feed and water were given ad libitum. On 31stday the animals were sacrificed. Uterus of all the animals were removed and weighed. The tissues were processed for histological examination under light microscopy using H and E and Trichrome stains.Results: A significant decrease in the weight of the uterus was observed (P value &lt;= 0.001). The histological changes in the uterus of experimental groups revealed severe cystically dilated sub mucosal glands. Endometrial glands also showed marked atrophy (P value &lt;= 0.001).Conclusion: From this study it can be concluded that the smokeless form of tobacco causes adverse effects on the endometrium of the female Swiss albino rats. Long term use of this form of tobacco may lead to adverse reproductive outcomes or other pathological conditions of uterus

HIV and tuberculosis trends and survival of coinfection in a referral center in Tehran: A 12-year study

AbstractObjective/backgroundThe risk of mortality and morbidity among tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfected patients is significantly higher than that of patients infected with TB alone. The aim of this study was to evaluate the survival of TB-HIV patients in a TB-referral center during a 10-year follow-up.MethodsAll TB-HIV patients in our referral center were enrolled in the study from 2003 to 2014, and patients were divided into two groups: HIV-TB patients without a history of TB treatment (new cases of TB) and HIV-TB patients with a history of TB treatment. Both groups were treated based on World Health Organization TB-treatment guidelines, and multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate risk factors of all-cause mortality.ResultsDuring the study, 22 HIV-TB patients with a history of TB treatment and 263 HIV-TB patients with newly diagnosed TB were included. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were similar, except that miliary TB (98% vs. 2%) and mortality (97% vs. 3%; p=0.06) were more likely in HIV patients with newly diagnosed TB. During TB treatment and subsequent follow-up, two patients did not respond to treatment and 92 (32.3%) patients died, whereas the cure rate was 60%. Pneumothorax [hazard ratio (HR): 3.17], coinfection (herpes zoster, toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus infection, Pneumocystis jiroveci, candidiasis, and other opportunistic infection; HR: 1.75), CD4<100cells/mL (HR: 1.96), thrombocytopenia (HR: 2.29), and lack of treatment with antiretroviral agents (ART; HR: 2.82) were significantly associated with all-cause mortality according to multivariate analysis.ConclusionOur retrospective review of coinfected TB-HIV patients hospitalized in Tehran showed that the management and monitoring of coinfection, pneumothorax and other adverse effects, as well as early initiation of ART, improved patient survival

The effects of socio-political context on tourism

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of tourists’ perceptions of political and economic instability and risks of terrorism on their intentions to travel to countries associated with various risks. Design/methodology/approach: A total of 648 Greek, Israeli and Portuguese students completed a questionnaire focusing on their perceptions concerning factors that shape their travel decisions. Findings: The findings showed that among tourists from Greece and Portugal, the experience of economic crisis and the salience of economic and political hardships mitigated their intentions to travel to destinations with similar problems. These factors had no effect on Israelis, who have not experienced such problems in their country. Frequent terrorist incidents diminished the intentions of Greek tourists to travel to destinations marked by terrorism, such as Israel. Thus, different factors affect tourists’ travel-related decisions in each of the three countries. Originality/value: The study sheds light on how potential tourists construe the risks of traveling to specific destination countries based on hazards in their home countries, a topic that to date has received little research attention.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Histomorphometric Effcets of Oral use of Tobacco in Testes of Offsprings of Swiss Albino Mice

Objective: To study the gross micro structural changes in the testis of the offspring of Swiss albino mice exposed to oral use of tobacco during pregnancy. Study Design: Experimental Duration and Setting of Study: This study was conducted from July 2017 to December 2017 at Isra University Hyderabad&nbsp; Methodology: ­­20 female albino mice were mated. After confirmation of pregnancy by vaginal plug they were divided into two groups; experimental A and control B of 10 each. Experimental mice of group A were given 5% tobacco in their chow diet and0water ad libitum; however, control group B were given only normal chow0diet and0water0ad libitum. After 15 days of birth the 10 male offsprings each of control and experimental mice were randomly selected. Their initial and final body weight was recorded.&nbsp; They were sacrificed0by cervical dislocations and0their testes were taken away for further gross &amp; histological0analysis.&nbsp; Results: Noticeable changes were&nbsp;observed&nbsp;in the body weight and weight&nbsp;of&nbsp;testes. The mean initial weight of experimental male offspring was found to be 1.76 ± 0.33 g, while in control group it was 2.60± 0.45 g. The final weight in experimental offspring was 9.38± 0.59 g and in control group it was 12.75±0.96 g.&nbsp; Statistically the difference of body weight in offspring was found to be significant (p value &lt;0.05). The testes weight was markedly decreased in experimental group as compared to control group.&nbsp; The mean testes weight in experiment group was recorded as 0.03 ± 0.004 g however in control group it was recorded as&nbsp;&nbsp; 0.07 ± 0.004 g. Simultaneously, 5 micro structural variations were&nbsp;also&nbsp;observed in the&nbsp;testes&nbsp;of off-springs of mice. In0the0experimental group0of off-springs, very few0layers&nbsp;and decreased number of spermatocytes were noticed in seminiferous tubules of 9 testes. &nbsp;Sperm degenerative changes, cellular inflammation and mild to massive hyalinization were noticed in 9, 6, and 9 testes of experimental group respectively. Loss of architecture of seminiferous tubules in 8 testes as well as destruction of the basement membrane in 7 testes were also observed in experiment group testes. However, the decreased number of spermatocytes in only 1 testes and mild hyalinization in 2 testes of control group were observed. Conclusion: The consumption of smokeless tobacco has vital effects on the body weight, micro structure &nbsp;and weight of testes of offsprings of mice given with cellular injury of seminiferous tubules especially decreased sperm count, cellular inflammation, destruction of basement membrane as well as massive hyalinization.&nbsp;&nbsp

Analyzing the effect of socio-political context on tourism: perceptions of young tourists in Greece, Portugal and Israel

International crises that affect tourism, such as terror attacks, political unrest, and economic crises have become more frequent, and their influence has become broader. The influence of such extreme events depends on their salience in the tourists' awareness. Hence, it is important to understand the mechanisms underlying tourists' selection of travel destinations, especially their perceptions of crisis-related events and the impact of the sociopolitical and economic context in their countries of origin. The current study examined how the socio-political and economic context in the home countries of potential young tourists affected their selection of travel destinations. The objective was to elucidate how the salience of various crises (economic and political) in the tourists' perceptions, due to their experiences at home, color their construal of destinations affected by similar hazards and influence their travel intentions. The study focused on student tourists from Israel, Greece, and Portugal. Today about a fifth of international tourism is based on young people, especially students. These countries were chosen since Greece and Portugal are in the midst of economic crises. In addition, Greece and Portugal have experienced political instability, while Israel has security-related problems (including terrorist incidents). In 2013, a total of 648 students, responded to a questionnaire that included questions concerning attitudes and risk perceptions regarding travel to destinations with various risk hazards as well as socio-demographic details. The results indicate that over half of the Israelis intend to visit Greece or Portugal. The majority of the Portuguese intend to visit Greece, while less than a third of them intend to visit Israel. About half of the Greeks intend to visit Portugal, and most of them do not intend to visit Israel. The results indicate that greater perceived importance of economic crises mitigates the intention to travel to destinations with economic crises for tourists from origin countries that are also marked by economic crises, such as Greece and Portugal. However, for tourists from Israel, a country with a relatively stable economy, issues related to the economy barely affect their intention to travel to the other two countries. The findings also suggest that Greeks and Portuguese who are highly concerned about political unrest are unlikely to select Israel as a tourist destination. In addition, strong apprehension regarding terrorism impedes the intention to travel to destinations marked by terrorist incidents, such as Israel. The current research contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the impact of travelers' personal previous experience with crisis on their risk perceptions and in turn on their intentions to travel to countries with similar risks. Therefore, in a world where such incidents are on the rise, understanding tourists' risk perceptions and behavior and the factors influencing their destination-related decisions are crucial for countries that wish to increase the numbers of incoming tourists.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Factors shaping young tourists' intentions to travel to Greece, Israel and Portugal: Universal or idisyncratic perceptions of young Greeks, Israelis and Portugese?

Tourism constitutes an important branch of economy, especially in countries experiencing economic crisis and harsh socio-political events. The current study compares the intention of young people from three different countries – Greece, Israel and Portugal - to travel to two selected destinations. For each country of origin the other two countries were the destination of interest. This research examined the factors affecting young tourists' intention to travel to different destinations assuming that those determinants depend on the country of origin as well as on the destination country. The sample comprised of 648 students: Israelis (277), Portuguese (200), Greeks (171). The research questionnaire was distributed in Israeli, Greek and Portuguese academic institutions in 2014. The results indicate that over half of the Israelis intend to visit Greece or Portugal. The majority of the Portuguese anticipate visiting Greece, while only 32.5% expect to visit Israel. Among the Greeks nearly 50% intend to visit Portugal and do not intend to visit Israel. The study showed that the main factors affecting the decisions of young Portuguese to travel to Israel were: the image of Israel, the perceived risk of traveling to a country with political unrest and the number of trips abroad. The main factors affecting the decisions of young Greeks were the perceived risk of traveling to a country with political unrest and Israel's image. Israelis' decision to travel to Greece was affected by their image of Greece; the Portuguese also took into account the perceived risk regarding economic situation. For Israelis, considering Portugal as a traveling destination was related to the destination's image. The Greeks were affected by the number of Facebook friends and the Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Digital Ecosystems perceived economic risk. This research suggests that the socio-economic, political context of the country of origin and of the tourist destination plays an important role in young tourists' travelling-related decision-making.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio