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Framing Migration: Translating U.S. Geopolitics to the Screen
No full textIn this guest lecture, we will explore how U.S. geopolitical strategies and ideologies are refracted through the lens of visual storytelling, focusing particularly on the representation of migration in film and television. Migration has long served as both a foundational myth and a political fault line in the American imagination, and its portrayal on screen offers crucial insight into how the nation frames its own borders, identity, and global role.By combining media analysis with a critical geopolitical lens, the lecture traces how cinematic and televisual narratives—from mainstream blockbusters to more marginal or independent productions—translate complex policies, racial anxieties, and historical legacies into digestible storylines. We will look at recurring tropes, visual metaphors, and narrative structures that shape public understanding of migrants and migration, considering both U.S.-made media and how these representations circulate transnationally.Through selected clips and case studies, students will be encouraged to interrogate the subtle and overt ways in which media can reproduce, challenge, or obscure geopolitical agendas. The session invites reflection on how migration is "framed" for different audiences and how these frames influence our perception of the United States as a global actor.In this guest lecture, we will explore how U.S. geopolitical strategies and ideologies are refracted through the lens of visual storytelling, focusing particularly on the representation of migration in film and television. Migration has long served as both a foundational myth and a political fault line in the American imagination, and its portrayal on screen offers crucial insight into how the nation frames its own borders, identity, and global role.By combining media analysis with a critical geopolitical lens, the lecture traces how cinematic and televisual narratives—from mainstream blockbusters to more marginal or independent productions—translate complex policies, racial anxieties, and historical legacies into digestible storylines. We will look at recurring tropes, visual metaphors, and narrative structures that shape public understanding of migrants and migration, considering both U.S.-made media and how these representations circulate transnationally.Through selected clips and case studies, students will be encouraged to interrogate the subtle and overt ways in which media can reproduce, challenge, or obscure geopolitical agendas. The session invites reflection on how migration is "framed" for different audiences and how these frames influence our perception of the United States as a global actor.
Augmenting clinical trials in asthma through digital technology, decentralised designs, and person-centric endpoints : opportunities and challenges
No full textDigital technologies (eg, smart inhalers, wearables, and sensors) allow for remote, objective, granular, and non-invasive data collection, making them attractive for research evaluating interventions in airways diseases with variable trajectories, such as asthma. Such technologies offer the opportunity to move towards decentralised clinical trials that are done partly or fully outside the classic clinical trial setting and are characterised by remote data collection and monitoring. This approach to evaluating clinical, pharmacological, or behavioural interventions could facilitate recruitment of inclusive and generalisable study populations, enhance personalisation and sustainability, reduce research costs, and accelerate the timeline to novel asthma treatments' market access. This Personal View discusses the application of digital technologies and endpoints within trials; the concept of hybrid and decentralised designs; describes a fully decentralised trial in asthma; and explores the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats regarding their implementation from the clinician, patient expert, low-resource, and regulator viewpoints.Digital technologies (eg, smart inhalers, wearables, and sensors) allow for remote, objective, granular, and non-invasive data collection, making them attractive for research evaluating interventions in airways diseases with variable trajectories, such as asthma. Such technologies offer the opportunity to move towards decentralised clinical trials that are done partly or fully outside the classic clinical trial setting and are characterised by remote data collection and monitoring. This approach to evaluating clinical, pharmacological, or behavioural interventions could facilitate recruitment of inclusive and generalisable study populations, enhance personalisation and sustainability, reduce research costs, and accelerate the timeline to novel asthma treatments' market access. This Personal View discusses the application of digital technologies and endpoints within trials; the concept of hybrid and decentralised designs; describes a fully decentralised trial in asthma; and explores the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats regarding their implementation from the clinician, patient expert, low-resource, and regulator viewpoints.A
Academic freedom in publishing on gender-based violence and harassment
No full textThe edited collection Sexual Misconduct in Academia was published in 2023 by Routledge-Taylor & Francis Group but a few months later the book was withdrawn from publication. This commentary and criticism piece reports on a webinar that discussed issues arising from this situation, aiming to shed light on the use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) to silence authors publishing academic work about gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH). The authors of this commentary piece were panellists in the webinar. Two authors shared experiences of being targeted with complaints or threats about their academic work. A publisher's perspective shed light on how these situations come about. The webinar also included discussion of activism and current developments in the European legal context to address this issue. The webinar discussion revealed some of the ways in which higher education institutions (HEIs) and academic publishers are being caught up in silencing of academic authors. These include not only SLAPPS but also academic misconduct protocols within HEIs and publishers' complaints processes. Ongoing activism is needed to ensure that survivors and other academics are able to exercise academic freedom in publishing on this topic.The edited collection Sexual Misconduct in Academia was published in 2023 by Routledge-Taylor & Francis Group but a few months later the book was withdrawn from publication. This commentary and criticism piece reports on a webinar that discussed issues arising from this situation, aiming to shed light on the use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) to silence authors publishing academic work about gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH). The authors of this commentary piece were panellists in the webinar. Two authors shared experiences of being targeted with complaints or threats about their academic work. A publisher's perspective shed light on how these situations come about. The webinar also included discussion of activism and current developments in the European legal context to address this issue. The webinar discussion revealed some of the ways in which higher education institutions (HEIs) and academic publishers are being caught up in silencing of academic authors. These include not only SLAPPS but also academic misconduct protocols within HEIs and publishers' complaints processes. Ongoing activism is needed to ensure that survivors and other academics are able to exercise academic freedom in publishing on this topic.
Art Historians in the Cinema : mid-century Films on Art by Paul Haesaerts and Carlo Ludovico Ragghianti /
No full textDissertation submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor in Art History at Ghent University and the Università di Veron
Latinity and modernity : cultural identities and transnational exchange in a globalizing world
No full textA
Palliative care in hematology : a systematic review of the components, effectiveness, and implementation
No full textContextWhile the evidence supporting the benefits of integration of palliative care into cancer care for patients and informal caregivers is growing, it poses challenges for hematological cancer patients due to rapidly changing disease trajectories, uncertain prognosis, and diverse care needs.ObjectivesThis systematic review aims to provide an overview of the intervention components, the targeted outcomes, the effectiveness in improving patient and informal caregiver outcomes, and the implementation into clinical practice.MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, and CINAHL in March 2023. The studies included described interventions in palliative care, with multiple components, targeting patients with hematological cancer and/or their informal caregivers, and producing primary data on effectiveness or implementation. Quality was assessed using the QualSyst tool.ResultsWe identified 19 reports on 16 different palliative care interventions, including four quasi-randomized controlled trials. These interventions were provided by secondary and tertiary palliative care providers in a hospital setting. Tertiary interventions significantly improved the most common patient outcomes, including pain, quality of life, symptom burden, depression, and anxiety. Meanwhile, secondary interventions were feasible and well-accepted by healthcare professionals and patients. Despite limited inclusion of informal caregivers, the results indicated significant improvements in quality of life and depression.ConclusionWhile palliative care interventions are found to improve patient outcomes, future research is needed on the effectiveness of secondary palliative care interventions, integrating primary palliative care, and more reliable and frequent implementation measurements. More focus on informal caregivers and resource allocation based on patient needs is warranted.ContextWhile the evidence supporting the benefits of integration of palliative care into cancer care for patients and informal caregivers is growing, it poses challenges for hematological cancer patients due to rapidly changing disease trajectories, uncertain prognosis, and diverse care needs.ObjectivesThis systematic review aims to provide an overview of the intervention components, the targeted outcomes, the effectiveness in improving patient and informal caregiver outcomes, and the implementation into clinical practice.MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, and CINAHL in March 2023. The studies included described interventions in palliative care, with multiple components, targeting patients with hematological cancer and/or their informal caregivers, and producing primary data on effectiveness or implementation. Quality was assessed using the QualSyst tool.ResultsWe identified 19 reports on 16 different palliative care interventions, including four quasi-randomized controlled trials. These interventions were provided by secondary and tertiary palliative care providers in a hospital setting. Tertiary interventions significantly improved the most common patient outcomes, including pain, quality of life, symptom burden, depression, and anxiety. Meanwhile, secondary interventions were feasible and well-accepted by healthcare professionals and patients. Despite limited inclusion of informal caregivers, the results indicated significant improvements in quality of life and depression.ConclusionWhile palliative care interventions are found to improve patient outcomes, future research is needed on the effectiveness of secondary palliative care interventions, integrating primary palliative care, and more reliable and frequent implementation measurements. More focus on informal caregivers and resource allocation based on patient needs is warranted.A
A novel synthetic synovial fluid model for investigating biofilm formation and antibiotic susceptibility in prosthetic joint infections
No full textThere is growing evidence that bacteria encountered in prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) form surface-attached biofilms on prostheses, as well as biofilm aggregates embedded in synovial fluid and tissues. However, in vitro models allowing the investigation of these biofilms and the assessment of their antimicrobial susceptibility in physiologically relevant conditions are currently lacking. To address this, we developed a synthetic synovial fluid (SSF2) model and validated this model by investigating growth, aggregate formation, and antimicrobial susceptibility using multiple PJI isolates belonging to various microorganisms. In this study, 18 PJI isolates were included belonging to Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, Cutibacterium acnes, Streptococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Candida spp. Growth and aggregate formation in SSF2 were evaluated using light microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The biofilm preventing concentration (BPC) and minimal biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) of relevant antibiotics were determined using a resazurin-based viability staining. BPC and MBIC values were compared to conventional susceptibility parameters (minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration) determined with conventional approaches. The SSF2 medium allowed isolates to grow and form biofilm-like aggregates varying in size and shape between different species. For most isolates cultured in SSF2, a reduced susceptibility to the tested antibiotics was observed when compared to susceptibility data obtained in general media. These data indicate that the in vitro SSF2 model could be a valuable addition to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility of biofilm-like aggregates in the context of PJI.There is growing evidence that bacteria encountered in prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) form surface-attached biofilms on prostheses, as well as biofilm aggregates embedded in synovial fluid and tissues. However, in vitro models allowing the investigation of these biofilms and the assessment of their antimicrobial susceptibility in physiologically relevant conditions are currently lacking. To address this, we developed a synthetic synovial fluid (SSF2) model and validated this model by investigating growth, aggregate formation, and antimicrobial susceptibility using multiple PJI isolates belonging to various microorganisms. In this study, 18 PJI isolates were included belonging to Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, Cutibacterium acnes, Streptococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Candida spp. Growth and aggregate formation in SSF2 were evaluated using light microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The biofilm preventing concentration (BPC) and minimal biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) of relevant antibiotics were determined using a resazurin-based viability staining. BPC and MBIC values were compared to conventional susceptibility parameters (minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration) determined with conventional approaches. The SSF2 medium allowed isolates to grow and form biofilm-like aggregates varying in size and shape between different species. For most isolates cultured in SSF2, a reduced susceptibility to the tested antibiotics was observed when compared to susceptibility data obtained in general media. These data indicate that the in vitro SSF2 model could be a valuable addition to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility of biofilm-like aggregates in the context of PJI.A
Coping with a dead end by relying on your own compass : a qualitative study on illness and treatment models in the context of fibromyalgia.
No full textFibromyalgia lacks a coherent illness and treatment model, which includes a set of conceptualideas shaping individuals’ perceptions and understandings of pain, its causing and maintaining factors,and management strategies. Developing personalized illness models that can guide treatment plans andalleviate feelings of uncertainty, is of crucial importance. This study investigates how individuals withfibromyalgia develop a personal illness and treatment model while navigating the current healthcaresystem and explore their experiences during this process. Semi-structured interviews were conductedwith 15 cis women with fibromyalgia, which were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Theanalysis produced two themes, each including two subthemes. The first theme encompassed thedifficulty of developing a comprehensive illness model due to the biomedical perspective of thehealthcare system; the second theme described the importance of participants (re)gaining ownershipand agency over their pain management, by constructing their own illness and treatment model. Mostwomen in this study got stuck in the biomedical healthcare web not being provided with a clear illnessand treatment model. Consequently, most women gained ownership of this process by developing theirpersonal illness and treatment model (self-empowerment). Conversely, a few women felt powerless andparalyzed. This study underscores the importance of promoting patient empowerment in chronic painmanagement. Agency is undervalued in the treatment of fibromyalgia and warrants more thoroughexamination. Increasing knowledge about agency could enhance treatment effectiveness.Fibromyalgia lacks a coherent illness and treatment model, which includes a set of conceptualideas shaping individuals’ perceptions and understandings of pain, its causing and maintaining factors,and management strategies. Developing personalized illness models that can guide treatment plans andalleviate feelings of uncertainty, is of crucial importance. This study investigates how individuals withfibromyalgia develop a personal illness and treatment model while navigating the current healthcaresystem and explore their experiences during this process. Semi-structured interviews were conductedwith 15 cis women with fibromyalgia, which were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Theanalysis produced two themes, each including two subthemes. The first theme encompassed thedifficulty of developing a comprehensive illness model due to the biomedical perspective of thehealthcare system; the second theme described the importance of participants (re)gaining ownershipand agency over their pain management, by constructing their own illness and treatment model. Mostwomen in this study got stuck in the biomedical healthcare web not being provided with a clear illnessand treatment model. Consequently, most women gained ownership of this process by developing theirpersonal illness and treatment model (self-empowerment). Conversely, a few women felt powerless andparalyzed. This study underscores the importance of promoting patient empowerment in chronic painmanagement. Agency is undervalued in the treatment of fibromyalgia and warrants more thoroughexamination. Increasing knowledge about agency could enhance treatment effectiveness.A
Repeated OGTT versus continuous glucose monitoring for predicting development of stage 3 type 1 diabetes : a longitudinal analysis
No full textOBJECTIVE Evidence for using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) as an alternative to oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) in presymptomatic type 1 diabetes is primarily cross-sectional. We used longitudinal data to compare the diagnostic performance of repeated CGM, HbA(1c), and OGTT metrics to predict progression to stage 3 type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Thirty-four multiple autoantibody-positive first-degree relatives (FDRs) (BMI SD score [SDS] <2) were followed in a multicenter study with semiannual 5-day CGM recordings, HbA(1c), and OGTT for a median of 3.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 2.0-7.5) years. Longitudinal patterns were compared based on progression status. Prediction of rapid (<3 years) and overall progression to stage 3 was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) areas under the curve (AUCs), Kaplan-Meier method, baseline Cox proportional hazards models (concordance), and extended Cox proportional hazards models with time-varying covariates in multiple record data (n = 197 OGTTs and concomitant CGM recordings), adjusted for intraindividual correlations (corrected Akaike information criterion [AICc]). RESULTS After a median of 40 (IQR 20-91) months, 17 of 34 FDRs (baseline median age 16.6 years) developed stage 3 type 1 diabetes. CGM metrics increased close to onset, paralleling changes in OGTT, both with substantial intra- and interindividual variability. Cross-sectionally, the best OGTT and CGM metrics similarly predicted rapid (ROC AUC = 0.86-0.92) and overall progression (concordance = 0.73-0.78). In longitudinal models, OGTT-derived AUC glucose (AICc = 71) outperformed the best CGM metric (AICc = 75) and HbA(1c) (AICc = 80) (all P < 0.001). HbA(1c) complemented repeated CGM metrics (AICc = 68), though OGTT-based multivariable models remained superior (AICc = 59). CONCLUSIONS In longitudinal models, repeated CGM and HbA(1c) were nearly as effective as OGTT in predicting stage 3 type 1 diabetes and may be more convenient for long-term clinical monitoring.OBJECTIVE Evidence for using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) as an alternative to oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) in presymptomatic type 1 diabetes is primarily cross-sectional. We used longitudinal data to compare the diagnostic performance of repeated CGM, HbA(1c), and OGTT metrics to predict progression to stage 3 type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Thirty-four multiple autoantibody-positive first-degree relatives (FDRs) (BMI SD score [SDS] <2) were followed in a multicenter study with semiannual 5-day CGM recordings, HbA(1c), and OGTT for a median of 3.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 2.0-7.5) years. Longitudinal patterns were compared based on progression status. Prediction of rapid (<3 years) and overall progression to stage 3 was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) areas under the curve (AUCs), Kaplan-Meier method, baseline Cox proportional hazards models (concordance), and extended Cox proportional hazards models with time-varying covariates in multiple record data (n = 197 OGTTs and concomitant CGM recordings), adjusted for intraindividual correlations (corrected Akaike information criterion [AICc]). RESULTS After a median of 40 (IQR 20-91) months, 17 of 34 FDRs (baseline median age 16.6 years) developed stage 3 type 1 diabetes. CGM metrics increased close to onset, paralleling changes in OGTT, both with substantial intra- and interindividual variability. Cross-sectionally, the best OGTT and CGM metrics similarly predicted rapid (ROC AUC = 0.86-0.92) and overall progression (concordance = 0.73-0.78). In longitudinal models, OGTT-derived AUC glucose (AICc = 71) outperformed the best CGM metric (AICc = 75) and HbA(1c) (AICc = 80) (all P < 0.001). HbA(1c) complemented repeated CGM metrics (AICc = 68), though OGTT-based multivariable models remained superior (AICc = 59). CONCLUSIONS In longitudinal models, repeated CGM and HbA(1c) were nearly as effective as OGTT in predicting stage 3 type 1 diabetes and may be more convenient for long-term clinical monitoring.A