Search Results (122)

This paper examines the cinematic portrayals of ascetic women within contemporary film. Historically, the early desert fathers and mothers are venerated figures who embody a life of ascesis—spiritual discipline amidst the deserts of Egypt, Palestine, and Syria. Renowned as spiritual mentors and referred to as Abba (father) for men and Amma (mother) for women, they exemplify a way of Christian life rooted in ascetic practice. Their teachings, preserved in texts such as The Sayings of the Desert Fathers, offer profound insights into Christian spiritual praxis. This spiritual praxis has been vividly depicted through iconography and asceticism continues to hold reverence, particularly within Eastern Orthodox Christianity, where it serves as the basis of spiritual–liturgical life. While the core goal and meanings of asceticism have been conveyed through ascetic iconography and aesthetics, cinematic portrayals of ascetic life and ethos remain a relatively under-researched area. The focus of this study is on the film A Cross in the Desert, adapted from a literary source, which dramatises the hagiography of St. Paraksevi the New, also known as Sveta Petka and St. Paraskevi of the Balkans (Epivates 944–1012). Through the analysis of film language, this paper aims to shed new light on the ways in which iconographic language has been translated into cinematic language, assessing the ways in which women ascetics have been depicted from a contemporary perspective. The film’s representation of a woman ascetic offers valuable insights into the conceptualisations of the notion of gender as a virtue—embodying sanctity—and potential site of desecration—representing iniquity—as these are experienced as both embodied and spiritual realities. The study offers an analysis of how cinematic language operates, focusing on the visual techniques used to depict the intersection of gender, holiness, and spiritual discipline, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of how film functions as a medium for engaging with complex religious and gendered identities. The analysis of film will provide novel understandings of how cinema depicts and challenges gender within the context of asceticism, exploring how these representations influence contemporary perceptions of women’s spirituality. Full article

Demand for clothing is estimated to increase globally by 4.5% per year, and secondhand clothing is often used to fill that demand. A clear understanding of the environmental impact of secondhand items would support transparency around sustainability, which is a rising consumer concern. This study focuses on the characteristics of the fiber fragment material released during the laundering of secondhand, 100% cotton denim clothing, and the implications of secondhand clothing’s contribution of fiber fragments to the environment. The test method used was AATCC TM212-2021, with detergent, conditioned specimens, and filters. The specimens included thirteen pairs of secondhand men’s 100% cotton jeans (SHS) and two pairs of new jeans (CN controls). This study concluded that the amount of fiber fragmentation material shed by SHS was 23.2% of that shed by CN. While this is less than is shed by new clothing, there is still shed material to consider, including dyes and processing chemicals that can contribute to anthropogenic contamination of the environment. The fiber fragment size and frequency were found to have statistically significant differences between SHS (length 370.5 µm, diameter 16.9 µm, 3093 fiber fragments per filter) and CN (320.7 µm, 13.8 µm, and 5962 fiber fragments per filter). Full article

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is more prevalent in men, and premenopausal women have a better prognosis than both men and postmenopausal women, suggesting a protective effect of estrogen. Humans are exposed to estrogen-like contaminants such as bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used in the production of plastics that has been linked to hormone-related malignancies (e.g., breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers). The natural flavonolignan compound silibinin (SIL), acting as an estrogen agonist, may play a protective role in CRC in one or both sexes. Objectives: To explore the possible association between BPA and CRC, focusing on its potential pro-tumor role and possible gender differences. Analyzing the possible protective effects of SIL on the development of CRC is the secondary objective of the project. Methods: To shed light on the interaction between sex and estrogens, both endogenous and exogenous, in the onset of CRC. To this end, we combined ex vivo, in vitro, and in vivo approaches to deepen our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved. Conclusions: The data provided by this study will contribute to understanding the role of estrogens and their receptors in the onset and progression of CRC and the potential protective role of SIL in both sexes. Full article

The concept of engaging the community in the results of research or returning individual results to the respective participants seems more of an afterthought than an integral part of research processes. The study aims to assess the impact of research results feedback among study participants from a rural black community of low socio-economic status. The study was qualitative. The interview data was analyzed using a deductive content analysis method to develop themes. The present study included about 31 individuals, of which 79% were women and 29% were men. The study used deductive content analysis to identify themes. These themes included health and lifestyle awareness, perceived benefits of research participation, community perception of health research, economic and social motivations, and challenges and concerns. The present study shed light on the importance of returning individual results for participants in health research. Providing feedback was found to improve participants’ health awareness, lifestyle behavior and contribute to early disease detection, especially for conditions that are not routinely tested in clinics. The themes that were generated showed that participants altered their lives and health-seeking behavior because of the information they received from participating in research, a situation that would not have happened if they did not have the results back. The findings of the present study indicate that it is important to return feedback results post conducting a research study. Returning results not only improves the livelihood of participants at the community level but also has the potential to foster strong researcher–community partnerships to enhance research participation and health outcomes, especially in disadvantaged populations. Full article

The rapid increase in the aging population presents significant challenges to sustainable development. This is particularly true in relation to the areas of social inclusion, healthcare, and lifelong learning. As societies try to adapt to demographic change, it is important to develop innovative approaches that improve the quality of life of older adults while promoting their active participation in community life. Firstly, this paper examines current methods of activating seniors through social and technical engagement, with a particular focus on the concept of men’s sheds—a concept originating in Australia, in which a space where older adults men can socialize and engage in woodworking and other technical activities is offered. Despite the benefits of such initiatives, digital exclusion remains a key barrier that limits the full participation of seniors in a rapidly digitizing world. This paper explores the potential of integrating augmented reality (AR) into men’s sheds as a tool to limit digital gaps and support inclusive, active aging. The authors present a proposal and a practical implementation scenario for the use of AR in men’s sheds as a new concept to activate seniors. This paper examines the example of metal processing performed in men’s sheds using AR. The concept was then evaluated by experts. This paper presents the results of these experts’ opinions. The authors conducted interviews with seven experts. There were ten questions: seven closed-ended (rated on a scale from 1 to 5) and three open-ended questions. This study aligns with the concept of smart cities and the wider goals of sustainable development by promoting lifelong learning, intergenerational exchange, and improved well-being among seniors. Full article

Background: Recently, a new biomarker index that reflects inflammation and protein energy malnutrition has emerged as a predictor of mortality in cardiovascular diseases. The metabolic vulnerability index (MVX) derives from blood-based inflammation (IVX) and malnutrition (MMX) markers measured by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. We aimed to explore the association of subclinical hypothyroidism and thyroid-related parameters with IVX, MMX, and MVX scores. Methods: This cross-sectional study used the baseline data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). Individuals with normal thyroid function and subclinical hypothyroidism were included. Thyroid-related parameters—thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), the FT3–FT4 ratio, and antithyroperoxidase antibodies (TPOAb)—were the explanatory variables. The primary outcomes, MVX, MMX, and IVX scores, were analyzed as continuous variables. Linear regression analyses were performed for both univariate and multivariable models, with sensitivity and subgroup analyses applied to assess robustness. Findings: There were 3979 participants (51.4% female) with a mean age of 51.26 (SD: 9.02) years. After full adjustment for potential confounder variables, FT3 levels [B: −1.37 (−2.43;−0.31) p = 0.011] and the FT3–FT4 ratio [B: −0.90 (−1.79;−0.01) p = 0.047] were inversely associated with MVX scores. FT3 levels were also inversely associated with IVX [B: −1.32 (−2.39;−0.24) p = 0.017]. These results were consistent in euthyroid individuals and those with cardiometabolic diseases. In the sex-stratified analysis, FT3 levels were inversely associated with MVX, MMX, and IVX scores for men. Conclusion: Lower FT3 levels and the FT3–FT4 ratio were associated with a higher metabolic vulnerability in our cohort. Our study sheds light on the importance of metabolic surveillance in these patients, especially for men with cardiometabolic diseases. Full article

An increasing number of studies have sought to explore the gender gap in the distribution of family responsibilities. While men and women have become more similar in their egalitarian views and involvement toward paid work and family responsibilities, mothers continue to bear the brunt of housework and caregiving responsibilities. The present study explored the allocation of family work among Portuguese couples and the social–psychological characteristics associated with it. A sample of 153 parents with young children completed questionnaires. The results revealed that parents’ gender ideologies and biological essentialism were related and predicted their involvement in childcare and housework. Overall, the findings shed light on the mechanisms that shape the division of childcare and housework and suggest pathways for achieving greater gender equality within the home. Full article

Emotion regulation (ER) strategies, such as reappraisal and suppression, have been linked to psychological well-being. The available evidence points to the differential impact of ER strategies on resilience and post-traumatic growth (PTG), as factors related to well-being, as well as to sex differences in the link between ER preference and well-being. However, previous studies are mixed regarding these links. To address this issue, college students (N = 1254) recruited between 2020 and 2023 reported their habitual use of ER strategies, resilience and PTG during the COVID-19 pandemic, which, as a global health crisis, has raised not only severe physical health concerns but also mental distress. First, reappraisal was positively associated with both resilience and PTG, whereas suppression was negatively correlated with these measures. Second, female participants had lower suppression scores and higher PTG scores than male participants. Third, a moderation analysis showed that the positive relationship between reappraisal and PTG was stronger in female participants, whereas the negative relationship between suppression and PTG was stronger in male participants. Overall, these findings shed light on the links among ER strategies, resilience, and PTG and have relevance for customized training in the use of reappraisal to increase well-being in women and men. Full article

Alopecia is a concerning dermatological issue and is also known as alopecia. This disease can affect men and women, influencing their confidence and appearance. It targets the scalp or any area of the entire body. Alopecia has become widespread worldwide over the years and has many types and different causes: hereditary, hormonal, immunological, therapeutic, or psychological. This review will present a comprehensive study of the physiological structure of hair and the different growth and shedding phases. It discusses using nano-drug delivery systems that contain natural substances of plant origin, which are effective, less harmful compared to current treatments, and help avoid adverse effects. This review also covers the latest trends in treating alopecia, including drug delivery systems, the materials and methods used to prepare these systems, three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting strategies, and plant extracts that may be utilized for treatment in the coming years. Full article

The area along the Missouri River west of St. Louis, Missouri was a major locus of immigration from Germany between 1850 and 1860, in part due to a publication by Gottfried Duden that received wide attention in Germany. While a fair amount has been written about the lives of immigrants in Missouri, most has focused on the experiences of men. The lives of women are largely restricted to recordings of marriage, births and death. Lacking is context on what occurred between these life events. Using a variety of public and private sources, we describe the lives of five sisters from the first generation of women born in Franklin County, Missouri, bordered on its northern edge by the Missouri River. The process sheds light on the lives of immigrant women from Germany in Franklin County. Our sources allow us to shed light on the sisters’ day-to-day life experiences over time, thus better capturing the challenges that they faced and the grace and strength that they displayed in facing them. Although their childhoods were homogeneous, their adult paths diverged from one another markedly. We conclude with a discussion of the factors that might have been responsible for their divergence of experience. Full article

Human mobility plays a fundamental role in urban life, shaping the development of infrastructure, transportation systems, and public spaces. Understanding the dynamics of mobility patterns is essential for creating sustainable and inclusive urban environments. This study investigates the influence of gender and temporal variations on human mobility within a city in central Sweden, shedding light on how movement patterns fluctuate throughout the day and differ across gender groups. The findings reveal significant temporal shifts in mobility hotspots, with individuals travelling to different areas at varying intensities depending on the time of day. These variations highlight the dynamic nature of urban movement and emphasise the necessity of time-sensitive urban planning strategies. While overall journey patterns between genders exhibit relatively small differences, a closer analysis uncovers distinct gender-based disparities in mobility hotspots, indicating that men and women tend to frequent different locations with varying travel behaviours. These insights provide valuable input for urban planners, policymakers, and transportation authorities seeking to enhance accessibility, safety, and efficiency in urban mobility networks. Recognising the interplay between gender and temporal mobility patterns can lead to more equitable infrastructure design, ensuring that urban spaces accommodate diverse mobility needs. By emphasising the importance of these factors, this study contributes to a broader understanding of human mobility behaviour and underscores the need for data-driven planning approaches that address spatial and temporal variations in movement patterns. Full article

This study investigates the medicinal potential of cultivated plants and weeds in Aymara communities around Lake Titicaca. It highlights the intricate connection between horticultural diversity and traditional healing practices. Through ethnobotanical research involving 228 informants across multiple locations in Bolivia, we documented 239 medicinal plant species, focusing on the diversity within cultivated landscapes. Among these, 56 species are cultivated crops, 17 are agricultural weeds, and 19 species have dual status, serving as both wild and cultivated plants depending on environmental conditions. Women are repositories of knowledge for 81% (193) of total medicinal plant species, while men know 47% (113) of species. Women display dominant knowledge of cultivated species (89%, or 50 species) and purchase medicinal plants from local markets; women know 92% (24 species) vs. men’s 15% (4 species). Our results suggest men may use a smaller set of species more frequently, while women know and use a broader range of species. The analysis of plant life forms revealed the significant medicinal roles of perennials, annuals, subshrubs, and shrubs, which together account for over 67% of the documented species and 73% of the use reports. Arboreal species are present but have a comparatively smaller role in traditional medicine. In total, we recorded 1477 use reports addressing 260 pathologies across 28 major health categories. Notably, cultivated plants and weeds represent 38.8% of the medicinal species, highlighting their essential role in local healthcare practices. By assessing the contributions of native and introduced species, this study sheds light on the complex botanical resources integrated into Aymara agricultural systems. These findings deepen our understanding of medicinal plant diversity and underscore the importance of agrobiodiversity as a cornerstone of community health and cultural resilience in the Andean region. This research also emphasizes the often-overlooked medicinal value of cultivated landscapes and agricultural margins. Full article

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a pathophysiological condition in which the patients cannot achieve an erection during sexual activity, and it is often overlooked yet prevalent among diabetic men, globally affecting approximately 35–75% of diabetic individuals. The precise mechanisms through which diabetes contributes to ED remain elusive, but the existing literature suggests the potential involvement of nerve and vascular damage that affects the penile supply. In the present review, we reanalyze the existing human single-cell transcriptomic data from patients having diabetes mellitus-associated ED with normal erections. The analysis validates the expression of genes associated with antioxidative pathways, growth factors, adipokines, angiogenesis, vascular functions, penile erection, sexual function, and inflammation in diverse cell types from healthy individuals and those with ED. Our transcriptomic analysis reveals alterations in the expression of adiponectin receptors in the pathogenesis of ED compared to their counterparts in healthy subjects. This comprehensive review sheds light on the molecular underpinnings of ED in the context of diabetes, providing an in-depth understanding of the biological and cellular alterations involved and paving the way for possible targeted therapeutic discoveries in the field of diabetes-associated male infertility. Full article

Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu) is a worldwide hidden health threat that is associated with progressive loss of kidney functions without showing any initial symptoms until reaching end-stage renal failure, eventually leading to death. It is a growing health problem in Asia, Central America, Africa, and the Middle East, with identified hotspots. CKDu disease mainly affects young men in rural farming communities, while its etiology is not related to hypertension, kidney stones, diabetes, or other known causes. The main suspected causal factors are heat-stress, dehydration, exposure to agrochemicals, heavy metals and use of hard water, infections, mycotoxins, nephrotoxic agents, altitude, and genetic factors. This review gives an overview of CKDu and sheds light on its medical history, geographic distribution, and worldwide prevalence. It also summarizes the suspected causal factors, their proposed mechanisms of action, as well as the main methods used in the CKDu prior detection and surveillance. In addition, mitigation measures to reduce the burden of CKDu are also discussed. Further investigation utilizing more robust study designs would provide a better understanding of the risk factors linked to CKDu and their comparison between affected regions. Full article

Contemplative technologies in the form of Buddhist practices that challenge the sense of self and thereby enhance the experience of interrelationality are viable strategies for addressing existential concerns such as the environmental crisis. Much of the existing research on Buddhism and ecology neglects to measure environmentally sustainable behavior or engage with empirical research. Likewise, experiments measuring the effects of contemplative practice on oxytocin, a neuropeptide hormone often implicated in interrelational contexts, are scarce. This study explores the existential relevance of Chan and Huayan practices for oxytocin and environmentally sustainable behavior. Using empirical methods, it reports on an experimental fieldwork study among international participants in a one-month retreat at a Buddhist monastery in Taiwan. Salivary oxytocin, recycling, and food waste were measured, while phenomenological reports of experiences during contemplative practice were also obtained. Results of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay indicate a marginal increase in oxytocin following Chan practice of the huatou “Who recites the Buddha’s name?” which targets the sense of self, consistent with phenomenological reports reflecting an interrelational, ecological sense of self through huatou. Results also indicate increased recycling and decreased food waste by mass as a function of time on retreat. While the precise mechanisms explaining why participants exhibited more environmentally sustainable behaviors are currently unclear, the discussion proposes an empirically testable framework for bridging ecologies that links emotion, sense of self, and behavior. Contemplative practices may contribute to changes in oxytocin and environmentally sustainable behavior through activation of existential, aesthetic emotions such as doubt and awe, thereby inducing changes in the practitioner’s sense of self, which they may then experience as interrelated with broader ecologies, a possibility awaiting further research. The huatou fieldwork and proposed follow-up study on the Huayan sanmei men thus shed light on the relevance of contemplative technologies from Chinese Buddhism for bridging ecologies in the existentially relational sense. Full article