London Academic Publishing Ltd.: Arts & Humanities Journals
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From Great Deeds to Time Sequence as the Source of the Meaning of History: Christianity, the Enlightenment, and Marx’s Alternative Modernity
No full textThis essay argues that linear time is not inherently colonialistic; rather, its politics emerge from its interactions with the power structures of its era. I explore the progressive roles of linear time in Christianity, the Enlightenment, and Marxism within key historical contexts, highlighting also the diversity of linear temporalities. This diversity enabled Marx to position his “Revolution” against both Christian and Enlightenment temporalities while drawing from them. Key points include:
All three linear temporalities challenged social hierarchies—for instance, by redefining human identity on their future potential rather than birth origin.
The Enlightenment's homogeneous time was countered by Christianity on "original sin" and Marx on capitalism. Christianity maintained grace as humanity's only salvation from cycles of “vanities”; Marx advocated for proletariat revolution to break capitalist alienation’s vicious cycles.
Building on the (dis-)continuities among these temporalities, I show how Marx initiated an alternative modernity, radically heterogenizing (the temporality of) modernity before post-structuralism. Christianity emphasized grace as humanity’s salvation from cyclical time, while Marx advocated for proletariat revolution to escape the cycles of alienation. I illustrate the (dis-)continuities among these temporalities to show how Marx initiated an alternative modernity, significantly contributing to the heterogenization of modernity before post-structuralism
Prognostic value of traumatic brainstem injury in early computed tomography in paediatric population
No full textIntroduction: In India, children aged <16 years constitute 35% of the total population and contribute to 20–30% of all head injuries. Prognostication of severe TBI in children based on early imaging and biomarkers has been universally challenging. The Marshall, Rotterdam, Stockholm, and Helsinki CT scores were developed to use acute head CT images to predict mortality at 6 months. Notably, none include criteria related to traumatic brainstem injury (BSI). The objective of this study was to compare the long-term outcome of pediatric patients with BSI identified on CT, along with an effort to classify BSI based on lesion volume, lesion location, presence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and how, the presence of these subset of injuries affect the outcome.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of pediatric patients presenting with TBI was undertaken from 2019 to 2023. CT scans were reviewed for brainstem lesions and, when present, characterised by location, size, and type (traumatic axonal injury (TAI), contusion, and duret haemorrhage). Clinical, demographic, and outcome data were then compared with the type of lesion, position of lesion, lesion volume, presence/absence of SAH and IVH.
Results: We found that lesion volume of more than 1 cm3 is associated with a poorer GOSE score (p< 0.001). Similarly, lesions spanning both anterior and posterior quadrant are associated with poor outcome (GOSE: 3.4 +_ STD 2.9). We also found significant correlation with presence of SAH and IVH related to a poorer outcome (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Early evidence from the current study suggests that certain TBI patients with BSI can have positive outcomes. BSI can further be classified into TAI, duret and brainstem contusions, each with variable outcome. Brainstem lesions with volume of >1 ml have been found to have a poorer outcome. Similarly, lesions spanning both quadrants tend to have a worse prognosis. Although there was no significant difference in outcome when compared with BSI – cases. These findings suggest of patients with brainstem injuries may exist with divergent recovery potential after TBI
The Serpent Archetype in Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra
No full textThe serpent serves as a prominent symbol in various mythologies and religious traditions, embodying a complex meanings that differ by culture. This article examines Friedrich Nietzsche’s frequent and varied use of the serpent in his famous and influential book Thus Spoke Zarathustra. In this text, the serpent emerges as a multifaceted symbol linked to themes of wisdom, materialism, instincts, mortality, transformation, renewal, and growth. Nietzsche’s portrayal invites a reflection on the dual nature of the symbol, as it appears both as a loyal companion to Zarathustra, offering support, but also as a dangerous creature that thrusts him into extreme confrontations. Thus, the serpent encapsulates Nietzsche’s thought and represents Nietzsche encouragement for his readers to recognize the bravery required to navigate the complexities of life, ultimately advocating for a philosophy that honors both our earthly connections and our capacity for spiritual evolution
Comments on Michael Jacovides’ Paper “Hume and the Rotting Turnip”
No full textIn Part 12 of David Hume’s, Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, Professor Jacovides attempts to explain how the Rotting Turnip explains the generation of life; and who the various characters mentioned in this Part–Philo, Cleanthes, Demea, the atheist, the theist, dogmatists, sceptics–actually represent. In my paper, I show that the Rotting Turnip cannot explain the generation of life, and that Jacovides’ attempt to identify which (actual) philosophers hold what positions in the Dialogues does not shed any light on the structure of this work, and the philosophic roles that the speakers–particularly Cleanthes and Philo–play in reaching the final dictum articulated by Philo in the penultimate paragraph in Part 12
Evaluation of visual and oculomotor outcome in patients with posterior fossa tumours
No full textObjective: To evaluate and compare visual and oculomotor outcomes in patients with posterior fossa tumours.Methods: Prospective Observational Study including 42 patients with posterior fossa tumours who underwent either CSF diversion or definitive surgery at RML Hospital, Delhi, between July 2021 and January 2023. Preoperatively and postoperatively, a neurological and visual assessment was done. The visual evaluation consisted of Visual acuity, Fundus, Diplopia charting, Perimetry, and forced duction test. Preoperative and Postoperative visual outcome was compared and statistically analysed. Visual outcomes are also compared according to the final histological diagnosis.Results: 30 cases underwent CSF diversion, and 12 cases received definitive surgery. The visual acuity was divided into three groups i.e. Good, Fair, and Poor. The visual acuity was good and fair in 2.5% and 92.8% of the cases pre-operatively, and postoperatively, it was good in 26.2% and fair in 69% cases, respectively. The difference was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.01). Papilledema decreased from grade 2 to grade 1 in 50% of cases postoperatively, while it was absent in 87.5% of the cases at three months of follow-up. Diplopia was absent in all of the cases at follow-up at 3 months.Conclusions: If treated timely, posterior fossa tumours are typically associated with a positive prognosis. The majority of patients with posterior fossa tumours had good visual outcomes with the use of CSF diversion, proper microsurgical procedures, and follow-up
Spontaneous rupture of hydrocephalus: A rare complication of neglected hydrocephalus
No full textSpontaneous rupture of hydrocephalus is an exceedingly rare and catastrophic complication, particularly in neonates from resource-limited settings. We report the case of a two-month-old male infant diagnosed prenatally with hydrocephalus but left untreated due to socioeconomic challenges. The child presented with progressive cranial enlargement and acute cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage from the anterior fontanelle. Examination revealed severe craniofacial disproportion, malnutrition, and neurological impairment. Despite immediate resuscitation and closure of the rupture site, the infant succumbed within 12 hours of admission. This case underscores the impact of delayed treatment, financial constraints, and lack of awareness on hydrocephalus outcomes. It highlights the urgent need for public education, accessible healthcare, and policy interventions to address the challenges of managing hydrocephalus in developing countries. Advocacy for prenatal care and early intervention could prevent such fatal outcomes and improve survival and quality of life in affected children
Unilateral fenestration versus laminectomy in treatment of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis: Comparative study
No full textBackground: The syndrome of degenerative Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) accounts for a large percentage of cases of low back pain in the elderly worldwide. Surgical management has demonstrated better clinical and radiological results than conservative treatment. It allows for adequate decompression of the thecal sac and the compressed nerve roots. However, aggressive laminectomy with facetectomy has been linked with many postoperative complications, including instability. Hence, new, less invasive modalities have been introduced, such as fenestration and endoscopic laminotomy.Objective: This study aimed to compare the safety and outcome of conventional laminectomy to unilateral fenestration in cases of degenerative LSS.Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the Neurosurgery Department, Mansoura University Hospitals, between February 2023 and January 2025. Consecutive patients with degenerative LSS were randomly assigned to either conventional laminectomy or unilateral fenestration and decompression. Demographic data, intraoperative findings and clinical outcomes were analysed.Results: Fifty patients were included; 25 patients underwent unilateral fenestration, and 25 patients underwent conventional laminectomy. Stratifying patients based on the affected vertebral level revealed that in the single-level cohort, the mean age was65.65 ± 5.30 in fenestration group vs. 70.15 ± 6.69 years in laminectomy group; p = 0.016. Fenestration achieved a markedly shorter incision (3.25 ± 0.33 vs. 5.25 ± 0.61 cm; p < 0.001) and tended toward less blood loss (33.60 ± 3.87 vs. 36.10 ± 4.17 mL; p = 0.053). There was no significant difference regarding complication rate, the length of hospital stays and operative time. In the double-level cohort, fenestration was associated with smaller incisions and less blood loss, as well as shorter hospital stay and lower instability risk. However, in all other variables, we observed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Both procedures significantly reduced pain and disability scores over six months, with comparable effectiveness.Conclusion: Unilateral Fenestration is safe and comparable to conventional laminectomy in efficacy and should be considered as a viable minimal-invasive option in the treatment of lumbar stenosis patients due to its ability to produce adequate clinical outcomes with minimal bleeding risk and shorter hospital stay
Does Naturalized Epistemology Have Something to Do with Cognitive Psychology and, Perhaps, Artificial Intelligence?
No full textThis study aims to demonstrate the link between Artificial Intelligence and Naturalised Epistemology. Artificial neural networks simulate natural neural networks, which is a bio-psychological process. The central thesis of this research is that Artificial Intelligence and Naturalised Epistemology share a nexus in Cognitive Psychology
Symptomatic relief of pain following percutaneous vertebroplasty compared to conservative management in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: A prospective cohort study from a low-middle-income country
No full textObjectives: To determine the efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty in pain management over conservative management in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.
Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted from 13th December 2018 to 12th December 2019 at PIMS/SZABMU, Islamabad, Pakistan. A total of 76 patients (Aged: 35-75 years) of both genders having osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures involving a maximum of two vertebrae were enrolled. Patients were divided equally into two groups. One group was managed surgically through vertebroplasty (Group A) and the other group was managed conservatively (Group B). All the patients were asked about the intensity of pain, assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score at the presentation and after 24 hours, 3rd and 6th week of given treatment and compared using independent sample t-test in both groups. Complications were also assessed and compared in both groups.
Results: In group A, dorsal vertebrae were involved in 23.7%, lumbar vertebrae in 68.4% and dorsal/lumbar vertebrae in 7.9% of cases. In group B, dorsal vertebrae were involved in 21.1%, lumbar vertebrae in 60.5% and dorsal/lumbar vertebrae in 18.4% of cases. At baseline, mean VAS was 8.01 ± 0.99 in group A and it was 8.35 ± 0.75 in group B. At 24 hours after the intervention, mean VAS was 4.37 ± 0.79 in group A and it was 7.29 ± 1.21 in group B. At 3 weeks after the intervention, mean VAS was 4.03 ± 0.85 in group A and it was 6.37 ± 0.91 in group B and at 6 weeks after the intervention, mean VAS was 3.87 ± 1.09 in group A and it was 5.37 ± 0.97 in group B. The overall complication rate was 10.5% at 24 hours in group A and it was 5.3% in group B. At 3 weeks, the complication rate was 5.3% in group A and it was 28.9% in group B. At 6 weeks, the complication rate was 21.1% in group A and it was 55.3% in group B patients.
Conclusion: Mean VAS score was found to be significantly lower in patients who underwent vertebroplasty as compared to those managed conservatively. Overall complication rate was similar in both groups at 24 hours, however, it was significantly lower at 3rd and 6th weeks in patients who underwent vertebroplasty as compared to those managed conservatively
Spontaneous extradural hematoma in sickle cell anaemia-a stroke mimic: A report of two cases
No full textIn the absence of trauma, extradural hematoma is rarely considered a cause of hemiplegia in a sickle cell disease patient, rather a cerebrovascular accident, as this occurs in about a quarter of sickle cell disease patients. We report two sickle cell anaemia patients who were initially diagnosed as cases of stroke having presented with hemiplegia/hemiparesis without a prior history of trauma to the head. Cranial computed tomographic scans however revealed extradural hematomas and both of them underwent surgical evacuation of the hematomas with subsequent neurologic recovery