BACKGROUND: Dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) is currently recommended as the preferred first-line ART in many resource-limited settings. However, little is known about the clinical experience of dolutegravir within a context of prevalent co-infections OBJECTIVES: To assess virological outcomes, and iron, ferritin and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels among people living with HIV (PLWH) and co-infections after initiating or re-initiating dolutegravir-based ART METHOD: This prospective study was conducted between August 2022 and August 2023. Study participants were recruited from an HIV opportunistic infection clinic. Screening for co-infections (syphilis, hepatitis B virus, cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus) was performed at baseline, prior to ART initiation. Plasma HIV viral load (VL), CRP, ferritin and iron levels were measured at baseline and at the 6-month follow-up period RESULTS: A total of 100 participants (51 women and 49 men) were enrolled in this study. The median age of the participants was 39 years. The prevalence of co-infections was 30%. Prior to ART initiation, participants with co-infections had higher VL, CRP and ferritin, and lower iron levels, compared to those without co-infections (P < 0.001). Following 6 months of ART, CRP and ferritin levels decreased while iron levels increased, regardless of co-infection status. However, CRP and ferritin remained significantly higher in those with co-infections despite similar and high rates of virologic suppression in both groups CONCLUSION: The presence of co-infections in PLWH is associated with higher VL and with chronic inflammation. Ferritin and CRP decreased on dolutegravir-based ART but remained higher in people with co-infections despite similar rates of virologic suppression

Legislative definitions must be as clear and precise as possible. Different sources for legislative drafting provide guidelines on how to ensure clarity and precision. Many of these guidelines provide language-related advice. However, language guidelines and linguistic principles are not the same thing. Garth Thornton's book is one of the few that suggests drafters study language to benefit their drafting techniques. He specifically mentions the link between language and society, and claims that drafters will gain by understanding how meaning (and language) change owing to societal changes. This article explores Thornton's observation by attending to the polysemy and possible semantic change of the word "strike", taken from the case of SaSrIA v Slabbert Burger Transport [2008] ZASCA 73. The article claims that social processes like lived experiences and changing perspectives function as drivers of semantic change. These changes lead to the development of new semantic variations that coexist with the old or base meaning of a word, resulting in polysemy. Polysemy has the potential to cause vagueness, ambiguity and uncertainty, which complicates drafters' task in producing clear and precise texts. Understanding the complexity and instability of words ahead of time could aid drafters to hone their definitions for better legal communication. To prevent unnecessary semantic pitfalls, the contribution further suggests that drafters apply their linguistic awareness (referred to as the "lexicological approach") to words chosen for definition, as well as to a selection of words deliberately left undefined.

Bien que son nom contienne le mot « mental », les professionnels qui travaillent dans les services de soins quotidiens pour les patients atteintes de troubles mentaux ne s’interrogent pas tellement sur les présupposés théoriques qui impliquent la caractérisation qui qualifie et délimite le domaine de la santé mentale. Qu’est-ce que le « mental » de la santé mentale ? Afin de contribuer à l’interdisciplinarité de ce champ d’expertise, nous analyserons la théorie de Terrence Deacon, biologiste évolutionniste contemporain qui étudie l’émergence de la vie et de l’esprit, en proposant cette discussion comme un aspect formatif essentiel et peu consolidé dans les pratiques de santé mentale. Nous verrons comment la vision de l’auteur implique, pour la santé mentale, une approche dans laquelle elle ne peut être pensée comme absente des aspects normatifs, subjectifs et environnementaux. sinterrogent s interrogent Questce Qu est linterdisciplinarité l interdisciplinarité dexpertise, dexpertise d expertise, expertise d’expertise Deacon lémergence émergence lesprit, lesprit esprit, esprit l’esprit lauteur auteur implique normatifs environnementaux

A pesar de llevar “mental” en su nombre respecto de los profesionales que realizan servicios de atención diaria a las personas con trastornos mentales, no se cuestiona tanto los supuestos teóricos que implican la caracterización que califica y delimita el campo de la salud mental. ¿Qué es lo “mental” de la salud mental? Para contribuir a la interdisciplinariedad de esta área de especialización, haremos un anàlisis de la teoría de Terrence Deacon, biólogo evolutivo contemporáneo que estudia el surgimiento de la vida y de la mente, proponiendo esta discusión como un aspecto formativo esencial y poco consolidado en las prácticas de salud mental. En la conclusión, veremos cómo el autor da a la salud mental un enfoque en el que no se puede pensarlo sin tener en cuenta los aspectos normativos, subjetivos y ambientales.. “mental mentales Qué especialización Deacon mente conclusión normativos ambientales ambientales.

Resumos Despite having “mental” in its name, as far as professionals engaged in daily services for persons with mental disorders are concerned, there is not much scrutiny about the theoretical assumptions involved in characterizing and delimiting the field of mental health. What is “mental” in mental health? In order to strengthen the interdisciplinary aspects of this field, we will carry out an analysis of the theory by Terrence Deacon, a contemporary evolutionary biologist who studies the emergence of life and mind, and will offer this discussion as an essential formative aspect as yet neglected in mental health practice. In conclusion, we will consider how Deacon’s view entails an approach to mental health in which cannot be conceived devoid of normative, subjective and environmental aspects.. “mental name concerned Deacon mind practice conclusion Deacons s normative aspects.

Apesar de carregar “mental” em seu nome, no que concerne aos profissionais inseridos em serviços de atenção diária a portadores de transtornos mentais, não há tanto questionamento sobre os pressupostos teóricos que implicam a caracterização que qualifica e delimita o campo da saúde mental. O que é o “mental” da saúde mental? Com vistas a contribuir para a interdisciplinaridade dessa área de atuação, faremos uma análise da teoria de Terrence Deacon, biólogo evolutivo contemporâneo que estuda a emergência da vida e da mente, propondo essa discussão como um aspecto formativo essencial e pouco consolidado nas práticas em saúde mental Como conclusão, veremos como a visão do autor implica, para a saúde mental, uma abordagem na qual esta não pode ser pensada como ausente de aspectos normativos, subjetivos e ambientais. “mental nome mentais atuação Deacon mente conclusão implica normativos ambientais

RESUMEN En este artículo, presentamos un estudio comparado de dos películas -Nostalgia de la luz (2010), del chileno Patricio Guzmán, y El árbol de la vida (2011), del estadounidense Terrence Malick- con el objetivo de desentrañar la vinculación entre el trabajo de duelo por la muerte de un ser querido y las dimensiones escalares que exceden la dimensión humana, asomándose así un sentido de trascendencia. Identificamos, en relación con la subjetividad autoral y de los personajes, tres momentos claves en la evolución del duelo que las películas investigan: el cuestionamiento hacia un sentido existencial, el proceso de reparación y la nostalgia. La hipótesis es que dimensiones escalares dispares, debidamente investigadas a la luz de la teoría de las escalas, insertan una percepción de trascendencia en dicho proceso, acompañando la reorganización de la interioridad y simbolización de la pérdida por parte del deudo.

ABSTRACT In this paper, we present a comparative analysis of two movies, Nostalgia de la luz (2010), by Patricio Guzmán, and The tree of life (2011), by Terrence Malick, aiming at exploring the connection between the grief work for the loss of a loved one and scalar dimensions that exceed human scale, bringing forth, as a consequence, a sense of transcendence. We tell apart, in relation to the authorial subjectivity and the main characters, three key moments in grief evolution, based on what the movies represent: the search for a meaning, reparation and longing. Drawing upon the theory of scales, our hypothesis is that diverse scalar dimensions insert a perception of transcendence in this experience, adjusting and contributing to the grieving subject’s interiority reorganization and symbolization of loss.

This article examines the Twitter diary of Lumumba William Gerald Mutumanje, popularly known as Ace Lumumba in Zimbabwe, which chronicles his experiences of being COVID-19 positive, his recuperation and survival from the contagion. I argue that the Twitter diary attempts to create a resilient and survivor identity for Lumumba and at the same time underscores the fact that everyone is vulnerable and susceptible to the virus. The diary further complicates our understanding of a text and how meaning is generated given that meaning is no longer localised to the immediate (con)text as inferences have to be drawn from and made to other (con)texts. Twitter largely relies on intertextuality and the reader (prod-user/prod-sumer) needs to demonstrate an awareness of intertextuality if (s)he is to have a holistic appreciation of Twitter texts. Lumumba's Twitter diary also extends debates on the role of social media and infodemics in health advocacy and community education, especially in times of COVID-19.

Hierdie artikel bestudeer die Twitter-dagboekinskrywings van Lumumba William Gerald Mutumanje, beter bekend as Ace Lumumba in Zimbabwe, waarin hy sy ervarings opteken rakende COVID-19-positief wees, sy herstel en sy oorlewing van die siekte. Ek voer aan dat die Twitter-dagboek poog om 'n lewenskragtige oorlewende-identiteit vir Lumumba te skep. Dit onderstreep ook die feit dat almal weerloos en vatbaar vir die virus is. Verder kompliseer die dagboek ons begrip van 'n teks, en hoe betekenis geskep word gegewe dat betekenis nie meer gelokaliseer is tot die onmiddellike (kon)teks nie, aangesien gevolgtrekkings gemaak moet word op grond van ander (kon)tekste. Twitter steun grootliks op intertekstualiteit en die leser (prod-gebruiker/prod-verbruiker) moet 'n bewustheid van intertekstualiteit demonstreer om 'n holistiese begrip van Twitter-tekste te kan hê. Lumumba se Twitter-dagboek dien ook as uitbreiding van debatte oor die rol van sosiale media en infodemia in aanbevelings oor gesondheid en gemeenskapsopvoeding-veral in die tyd van COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: In March 2019, students at Lempu Secondary School in Kweneng District, Botswana displayed symptoms including headache, abnormal leg movements and difficulty walking. Within days, 133 students were admitted to Scottish Livingstone Hospital where mass psychogenic illness (MPI) was diagnosed AIM: To identify predictors of this illness SETTING: Kweneng West District, Botswana METHODS: This was a case control study using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Cases were students who displayed MPI symptoms from the 2nd of March to the time of the interviews or who were admitted with MPI diagnosis. Analysis was restricted to female students. Logistic regression was used to generate odds ratios. A p value of < 0.05 was considered to demonstrate significant association between variables RESULTS: Interviews were conducted with 142 cases and 202 controls. The median age was 15 years. Most of the cases (95.8%) were boarding girls. Residence in school campus (AOR 13.2), history of evaluation by psychologist and/or social worker (AOR 2.6), history of traumatic events (AOR 1.8), contact with sick peers (AOR 2.3) and contact with spiritual healer (AOR 2.0) were independent predictors of MPI. Additionally, perception of adequate security in the dormitories (AOR 0.3) and perception of poor lighting (AOR 6.8) were significant predictors of MPI amongst boarding girls CONCLUSION: The outbreak in Lempu Community Junior Secondary School (CJSS) was typical of mass psychogenic illness affecting mainly boarding girls and was associated with psychological and environmental risk factors. Changing the boarding environment and continuous psychological support are key to preventing future outbreaks. Interventions should also target the identified risk factors

Abstract A good bioindicator of soil health is one that perceives minor changes due to changes in soil management and leads to changes in the processes of the soil ecosystem. The aim was to evaluate the use of soil bioindicators in the determination of the utility of two different Cedrela odorata forestry management systems. The litter and soil samples were collected from the rhizosphere of a monoculture (with no fertilization nor irrigation), and a co-culture (with fertilization and irrigation) stand with Citrus latifolia. The soil and litter bioindicators measured were the activity of acetylesterase (FDA), acid phosphatase (AcPh), alkaline phosphatase (AlkPh), laccase, and the estimation of the potential net rate of carbon mineralization (PNRCM). The results indicated that soil enzyme activities (FDA and phosphatases) in the litter were sensitive to the different management system treatments. Enzymatic activity, per unit dry weight, was higher in litter of co-culture (FDA = 1.05 nkat g-1 AcPh = 1.33 nkat g-1; AlkPh = 03.0 nkat g-1) than in litter of monoculture (FDA = 0.617nkat g-1; AcPh = 0.40 nkat g-1; AlkPh = 0. 983 nkat g-1). Differences in soil total nitrogen content, organic matter (OM) content, and micronutrients were found. In general, the co-culture stand (with fertilization and irrigation) with C. latifolia showed the best results.

Resumen Un buen bioindicador de la salud del suelo es aquel que percibe cambios menores, debidos a modificaciones en el manejo del suelo, y conduce a cambios en los procesos del ecosistema suelo. El objetivo fue evaluar el uso de bioindicadores de suelo en la determinación de la utilidad de dos sistemas diferentes de manejo forestal de Cedrela odorata . El mantillo y el suelo se recolectaron de la rizosfera de un monocultivo (sin fertilización ni irrigación) y un cocultivo (con fertilización e irrigación) con Citrus latifolia. Los bioindicadores de suelo y mantillo medidos fueron: las actividades acetilesterasa (FDA), fosfatasa ácida (AcPh), fosfatasa alcalina (AlkPh) y lacasa. También se estimó la tasa neta potencial de mineralización de carbono (PNRCM). Los resultados indican que las actividades enzimáticas del suelo (FDA y fosfatasas) en el mantillo fueron sensibles a los diferentes sistemas de manejo. La actividad enzimática, por unidad de peso seco, fue mayor en los cocultivos (FDA = 1.05 nkat g-1; AcPh = 1.33 nkat g-1; AlkPh = 3 nkat g-1) que en los monocultivos (FDA = 0.617 nkat g-1; AcPh = 0.40 nkat g-1; AlkPh = 0. 983 nkat g-1). Se encontraron diferencias en la cantidad de nitrógeno total, el contenido de materia orgánica (MO) y los micronutrientes. En general, los cultivos (con fertilización e irrigación) con C. latifolia mostraron los mejores resultados.

ABSTRACT Drought is one of the most limiting factors in agricultural production worldwide. The aim of this work was to evaluate the per se response to drought stress of three maize (Zea mays L.) semi-inbred lines (CHIH, COAH, and ARZM) during the anthesis and grain filling stages. These semi-inbred lines (BC1S1) are S1 offspring of crosses between drought-tolerant maize and a high-yield line bred by the Centro Internacional de Mejoramiento de Maíz y Trigo (CIMMYT). Materials were evaluated during a 15-d controlled drought and post-drought irrigation reestablishment period. The photosynthetic rate decreased by 50% in CHIH during drought and it recovered after stress was removed. Proline levels increased 2.3 times in COAH during stress and nonsignificant increases were observed in ARZM or CHIH. However, glycine betaine accumulated at 1061-1133 ng mg-1 fresh weight (FW) before stress, but decreased to 879-1000 ng mg-1 FW during drought stress. The trehalose concentration increased 1.8 times in ARZM (5.60 ng mg-1 FW) under drought stress and remained at similar levels in CHIH (6.48 ng mg-1 FW) and COAH (8.63 ng mg-1 FW) before and during drought stress. In contrast, trehalose-6-phosphate decreased 33% to 38% under drought stress in all three BC1S1 entries and recovered its initial levels after irrigation. Grain biomass loss under drought stress was 54% for ARZM, 48.2% for COAH, and only 26.5% for CHIH. These results showed that CHIH, COAH, and ARZM are drought-tolerant and suggest that osmoprotectant accumulation might play a key role in their physiological performance and grain biomass trait.

Abstract Ischemic heart failure is a growing disease with high morbidity and mortality. Several studies suggest the benefit of viability imaging to assist revascularization decision, but there is controversy. Multiple imaging modalities can be used to accurately define hibernating myocardium; however, the best approach remains uncertain. This review will highlight current evidence and future directions of viability imaging assessment.

RESUMO Esclerose múltipla (EM) é uma complexa doença autoimune e neurodegenerativa do sistema nervoso central. Uma vez que EM afeta principalmente mulheres em idade fértil, assuntos relacionados à gravidez frequentemente surgem na prática diária. O presente estudo avaliou o uso pós-parto de imunoglobulina (IVIG) na EM. Métodos Os autores individualmente pesquisaram as bases de dados PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane, SciELO, LILACS, e Google Scholar usando os termos “multiple sclerosis” OR “MS” AND “pregnancy” OR “gestation” OR “partum” OR “post-partum” OR “puerperium” AND “immunoglobulin”. Resultados A pesquisa inicial retornou 321 artigos. Havia 11 artigos elegíveis para a revisão. No total, havia relato de 380 pacientes que receberam IVIG após a gravidez visando reduzir o número de surtos. O número necessário para tratar não ajustado foi 6,3 para análise quantitativa e 5,8 para análise qualitativa. Conclusão O efeito terapêutico da IVIG para prevenção dos surtos pós-parto na EM não pôde ser claramente estabelecida nesta meta-análise.

ABSTRACT Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex autoimmune and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. Since MS affects mostly fertile women, pregnancy issues often arise in daily practice. The present study assessed the use of postpartum intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in MS. Methods The authors individually searched for records using PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane, SciELO, LILACS, and Google Scholar, using the terms “multiple sclerosis” OR “MS” AND “pregnancy” OR “gestation” OR “partum” OR “post-partum” OR “puerperium” AND “immunoglobulin”. Results The initial search returned 321 papers. There were 11 eligible articles selected for the review. In total, 380 patients had received post-natal IVIG to reduce the number of postpartum relapses. The unadjusted number needed to treat was 6.3 for the quantitative and 5.8 for the qualitative analyses. Conclusion The therapeutic effect of IVIG for prevention of postnatal relapses in MS could not clearly be established in this meta-analysis.

Are the departed silent in their graves or do their voices influence the way we participate in politics? While in other places their voices could be less loud, it is not so in Zimbabwe. Using Terrence Ranger and Eric Hobsbawm's theory regarding invention of traditions, this study explores the deployment of ancestral voices in Zimbabwean politics as a strategy to legitimise political power and social hierarchy. In Zimbabwe, each cycle of election is characterised by constant reminder concerning the voices of the departed, reminding the voters that their democratic exercise through elections must align with the wishes of the nation's ancestors such as Nehanda, Kaguvi, Chamunika and Mwari - the national god. The study consists of three parts: the first part looks into the belief in ancestors, focusing on the ancestral hierarchical order; the second part explores how the spiritual world of the ancestors in terms of its hierarchy is reflected through the spatial arrangement at the village and household levels; and the last section looks into how Mugabe utilises the ideology concerning the ancestors to maintain political power. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS: Through use of explanatory theories in religious studies and theology, this study unpacks the complexity of theorising politics and democracy within contexts in which the spiritual (in this case, ancestors or gods) takes precedence. After dialoguing and critiquing the current and dominant theories regarding religion across the continent, the article finds Terrence Ranger and Eric Hobsbawm's theory regarding invented traditions the most plausible perspective to explain the interaction of religious canopies and political configurations in Zimbabwe.

Wetlands are well known to be efficient at sequestering pollutants from contaminated water. We investigated metal accumulation in the peats of the Klip River, a natural wetland that has received contaminated water from gold mining operations in Johannesburg for over 130 years. Previous work conducted in the downstream portion identified the wetland as an important system for sequestering metals. We focused on the upstream section of the wetland, more proximal to the source of acid mine drainage, to provide a better understanding of the pollutant sources and the role of the wetland in pollutant attenuation. Geochemical and mineralogical analyses of peat cores revealed considerable metal enrichments in the peat ash, particularly in Co, Ni, Zn, Pb, Cu and U. Metal concentrations are typically between 4 to 8 times higher than those previously reported for the downstream, more distal portion of the wetland. The distribution of metal accumulation within the peat profiles suggests that contamination arises from a combination of sources and processes. Elevated concentrations in the shallow peat are attributed to the input of contaminated surface water via tributaries that drain the Central Rand Goldfield, whereas enrichments in the deeper peat suggest significant sub-surface inflow of contaminated water through the underlying dolomitic rocks. Metal immobilisation occurs through a combination of mechanisms, which include the precipitation of gypsum, metal sulfides, Fe-Mn oxyhydroxides and phosphates. Our study highlights the environmental and economic importance of natural wetland systems which have the ability to accumulate large quantities of metals and thus remediate polluted waters. SIGNIFICANCE: • Considerable levels of metal accumulation are observed within the Klip River wetland peats. • The wetland is effective in remediating highly polluted water emanating from the Witwatersrand Basin. • The Klip River system is important for the region's future water supply.

The oeuvre of the American film writer, director and producer, Terrence Malick has consistently traced themes related to creation and natural phenomena. Nowhere is it quite as spectacularly clear as in the critically acclaimed and 2011 Palme d'Or winner The Tree of Life. The film explores human pain and suffering in the microcosm as it is set against the grand notions of the meaning of life and the creation of the world. This article traces the reception of Biblical creation themes and the movement of the Job narrative within the film, as it sets the stage for a complex coming-of-age story and a dramatic negotiation of masculinity construction. Malick sets up a grand canvas in order to engage with the beauty of human fragility and natural wonder. The article aims to explore alternative imaginings of what it means to be a man when the 'way of nature' is delicately juxtaposed 'with the way of grace '.2