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Scarred Landscapes: Place, Trauma and Memory in Caribbean Latinx Art
No full textScarred Landscapes is a groundbreaking exploration of the rich and complex works of Caribbean Latinx artists. Scholar Stephanie Lewthwaite documents the work of ten influential artists of Cuban, Dominican, and Puerto Rican descent, based in New York City from the 1970s to the present. Through their diverse practices, including painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, installation, video, and performance art, these artists confront the legacies of colonial trauma and their own experiences of diasporic unbelonging and artworld marginality.The book combines formal analysis with artist testimony, exhibition histories, and theoretical frameworks from trauma, memory, and archipelagic studies, to offer a multifaceted examination of Caribbean Latinx art. Lewthwaite explores how these artists practice “archipelagic memory,” a generative, decolonial, and coalitional form of memory work that envisions alternative modes of belonging in difference and solidarity with others. By connecting different people, pasts, and places, Caribbean Latinx artists expose the reverberations of trauma while imagining other worlds beyond it. This work puts Caribbean Latinx artists at the center of debates about the exclusions of dominant memory narratives and contemporary art worlds, highlighting their contributions to a wider decolonial project of remembrance. By revealing the interconnectedness of traumatic histories and the potential for art to foster empathy and justice, Lewthwaite’s work underscores the importance of relational and decolonial thought for imagining a better society
Revisiting the Haken Lighthouse model
Get PDFSimple spiking neural network models, such as those built from interacting integrate-and-fire (IF) units, exhibit rich emergent behaviours but remain notoriously difficult to analyse, particularly in terms of their pattern-forming properties. In contrast, rate-based models and coupled phase oscillators offer greater mathematical tractability but fail to capture the full dynamical complexity of spiking networks. To bridge these modelling paradigms, Hermann Haken—the pioneer of Synergetics—introduced the Lighthouse model, a framework that provides insights into synchronisation, travelling waves, and pattern formation in neural systems. In this work, we revisit the Lighthouse model and develop new mathematical results that deepen our understanding of self-organisation in spiking neural networks. Specifically, we derive the linear stability conditions for phase-locked spiking states in Lighthouse networks structured on graphs with realistic synaptic interactions (α-function synapses) and axonal conduction delays. Extending the analysis on graphs to a spatially continuous (non-local) setting, we develop a variant of Turing instability analysis to explore emergent spiking patterns. Finally, we show how localised spiking bump solutions—which are difficult to mathematically analyse in IF networks—are far more tractable in the Lighthouse model and analyse their linear stability to wandering states. These results reaffirm the Lighthouse model as a valuable tool for studying structured neural interactions and self-organisation, further advancing the synergetic perspective on spiking neural dynamics
A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Testing the Feasibility and Acceptability of Helping Ease Anxiety and Depression after Stroke (HEADS: UP): An Online Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Stroke Survivors
Get PDFObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to assess feasibility and acceptability of a stroke-specific mindfulness-based intervention called Helping Ease Anxiety and Depression after Stroke (HEADS: UP).MethodThis study was a mixed-methods pilot randomized controlled trial comparing HEADS: UP to treatment as usual (TAU). HEADS: UP is a 9-week mindfulness intervention for stroke survivors. UK (United Kingdon)-based stroke survivors were recruited and attended HEADS: UP Online. Psychological functioning outcomes measures and other data were collected online at pre-intervention (Week 0), post-intervention (Week 9), and follow-up (months 3 and 6). Participants were randomized 1:1 to either HEADS: UP or TAU.ResultsSixty-two participants completed baseline questionnaires and were randomized to HEADS: UP (n = 30) or TAU (n = 32). Retention rates were as follows: HEADS: UP (n = 25, 83.30%) versus TAU (n = 25, 78.10%) at post-intervention, HEADS: UP (n = 24, 80%) versus TAU (n = 26, 81.30%) at 3-month follow-up, and HEADS: UP (n = 20, 66.70%) versus TAU (n = 25, 78.10%) at 6-month follow-up. The mean age for HEADS: UP was 56.0 years versus 56.80 for TAU. The HEADS: UP group was 30% male, while the TAU group was 56% male. Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS)-21 total mean score for HEADS: UP improved in the direction of expected effect (baseline 46.20, SD (standard deviation) = 24.00; post-intervention 24.00, SD = 16.10) indicating recovery versus no reliable change for TAU (baseline 36.10, SD = 18.70; post-intervention 31.60, SD = 20.40). HEADS: UP and TAU scores continued to improve over time. Between-group effect sizes (Cohen’s d) at post-intervention were large for BAI (Beck Anxiety Inventory) (d = 0.91), DASS-21 total (d = 0.89), and BDI (Beck Depression Inventory)-II (d = 0.86), highlighting the potential of HEADS: UP for improving depression and anxiety symptoms. At the six-month follow-up, the attrition rate was higher in the HEADS: UP group (33.30%) compared with TAU (21.90%).ConclusionsHEADS: UP is feasible and acceptable and has potential to improve depression and anxiety symptoms for stroke survivors
Collaborative Synthesis for Neglected Diseases through the Open Synthesis Network: Structure–Activity Relationships of Arylaminopyrazoles as Chagas Disease Treatments
Get PDFNeglected tropical diseases (NTDs) make up a diverse group of debilitating illnesses disproportionately affecting impoverished communities in tropical and subtropical regions. Despite their significant global health burden, they are often overshadowed by more prominent diseases, resulting in a critical lack of investment in the research and development of new treatments. A renewed focus on NTDs is, therefore, urgently needed, particularly in terms of novel therapeutic strategies. The Open Synthesis Network, launched by DNDi and partner institutions in 2016, is an innovation powerhouse that taps into the potential of students to help drive the discovery of new drugs for patients living with NTDs. We present the results of student-led work into the development of a series of aminopyrazoles for Chagas disease, a multisystemic disease caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite. Seventy-four compounds were synthesized by undergraduate and postgraduate students from six universities from Brazil, Ghana, Germany, USA, and UK, illustrating that open innovation and collaboration for education can drive drug discovery forward. Early evaluation of the structure−activity relationships identified a range of potent hit compounds with selectivity for T. cruzi and no observable cytotoxicity. continued..
Tau-Targeted Therapeutic Strategies: Mechanistic Targets, Clinical Pipelines, and Analysis of Failures
Get PDFTau protein, a neuron-enriched microtubule-associated protein encoded by the MAPT gene, plays pivotal roles in microtubule stabilisation, axonal transport, and synaptic plasticity. Aberrant post-translational modifications (PTMs), hyperphosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation disrupt tau’s normal functions, drive its mislocalization, and promote aggregation into neurofibrillary tangles, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related tauopathies. Over the past two decades, tau-targeted therapies have advanced into clinical development, yet most have failed to demonstrate efficacy in human trials. This review synthesises mechanistic insights into tau biology and pathology, highlighting phosphorylation and acetylation pathways, aggregation-prone motifs, and immune-mediated propagation. We analyse the current therapeutic landscape, including kinase and phosphatase modulators, O-GlcNAcase inhibitors, aggregation blockers, immunotherapies, and microtubule-stabilising agents, while examining representative clinical programs and the reasons underlying their limited success. By combining mechanistic understanding with clinical experience, this review outlines emerging opportunities for rational treatment development, aiming to inform future tau-targeted strategies for AD and other tauopathies
“Welfare is everybody’s responsibility”—or no one’s? On the (im)possibilities of Mental Health First Aid in the neoliberal university
No full textThe neoliberal university, by commodifying and individualising learning, teaching and research, has been linked to growing mental health issues and presents many challenges for delivering adequate mental health services. We use concepts of critical geographies, including mutual aid, as a framework to explore the potential of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) as a ‘care-full’ intervention within the neoliberal university environment. Through a case study of MHFA-trained staff at a research-intensive university in the United Kingdom, we analyse the tension MHFA holds of being instrumentalized by the neoliberal university while also holding potential as a care-full tool for mutual aid. Our analysis demonstrates that many university staff were keen to contribute to MHFA, highlighting the potential for such collective schemes to achieve support and uptake. At the same time, it became evident that uncertainty with role boundaries and the delegation of responsibility for welfare in the campus environment created confusion about the role of MHFA and revealed a tension between commitments to cultivating an ethic of care whilst resisting a neoliberal individualisation of responsibility. We conclude that, despite this potential, MHFA, in our empirical case study, is limited by its role boundaries and risks becoming a neoliberal problem itself. Yet, MHFA could open up advantageous responses to neoliberal challenges if framed and implemented effectively, with a clear focus on building care-full communities and valuing mutual aid
Continuous Glucose Monitoring in People at High Risk of Diabetes and Dysglycaemia: Transforming Early Risk Detection and Personalised Care
Get PDFContinuous glucose monitoring (CGM)-based interventions have been predominantly conducted in people with established diabetes. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in using CGM for clinical and research purposes in people without diabetes. In this review, we describe the current evidence regarding the use of CGM in people at high risk of diabetes. To date, there is no strong evidence to support the global implementation of CGM in individuals who are at risk of developing diabetes. However, there are promising results highlighting the benefits of CGM in specific populations such as people living with obesity, prediabetes, gestational diabetes mellitus, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, other endocrinopathies, and genetic syndromes. Also, CGM has shown promising potential in people with positive islet autoantibodies and pre-symptomatic type 1 diabetes, those treated with medications that induce hyperglycaemia or diabetes, and individuals receiving solid organ transplantation who are at risk of post-transplant diabetes mellitus. However, larger studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results. CGM-derived data are not currently validated for the diagnosis of diabetes. There is no CGM-derived definition of normoglycaemia in people without diabetes. Looking to the future, CGM metrics, in tandem with physical activity, dietary intake, and clinical parameters, and eventually bioinformatics, may inform personalised risk scores for precision prevention of individuals at risk. We conclude that further research is needed to clarify the indications, drawbacks, and feasibility of CGM use in people at high risk of diabetes to identify those groups who could benefit most from this technology
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia Have Distinct Prediagnostic Blood Biochemical Profiles
Get PDFObjectiveIdentifying modifiable factors influencing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) risk is important for prevention. Blood biomarkers, particularly cholesterol, have been associated with neurodegenerative risk, but findings in ALS are inconsistent, and data on FTD are limited.MethodsWe conducted a population-based cohort study using UK primary care records from QResearch linked with Hospital Episode Statistics. Adults with biomarker data recorded between 1998 and 2023 were included. We examined associations of low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C and HDL-C), total cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, creatine kinase, and HbA1c with ALS and FTD risk. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate associations. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was applied to explore genetically predicted associations of selected biomarkers.ResultsThere were up to 2,695 ALS and 781 FTD diagnoses, with a median follow-up duration of 9.4 and 10.5 years, respectively. Higher LDL-C (hazard ratio [HR]per 1-SD = 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02–1.11) and total cholesterol levels (HRper 1-SD = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02–1.10) were linearly associated with higher ALS risk. Age-stratified analysis showed a stronger association for total cholesterol in those ≥ 60 years (HRper 1-SD = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.04–1.13, Pinteraction = 0.003). Higher creatinine was inversely associated with FTD risk (HRper 1-SD = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.83–0.97), supported by MR (odds ratio [OR] inverse variance weighted (IVW), per 1-SD = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.56–0.96). HbA1c showed a U-shaped association with FTD (Pnon-linearity = 0.006).InterpretationLDL and total cholesterol may provide insights into early disease changes or the etiology of ALS, whereas creatinine and HbA1c may be relevant for FTD. Research in monogenic ALS and FTD is needed to determine whether these biomarkers inform targeted prevention or intervention strategies. ANN NEUROL 202
Creative experiences and brain clocks
Get PDFCreative experiences may enhance brain health, yet metrics and mechanisms remain elusive. We characterized brain health using brain clocks, which capture deviations from chronological age (i.e., accelerated or delayed brain aging). We combined M/EEG functional connectivity (N = 1,240) with machine learning support vector machines, whole-brain modeling, and Neurosynth metanalyses. From this framework, we reanalyzed previously published datasetsof expert and matched non-expert participants in dance, music, visual arts, and video games, along with a pre/post-learning study (N = 232). We found delayed brain age across all domains and scalable effects (expertise>learning). The higher the level of expertise and performance, the greater the delay in brain age. Age-vulnerable brain hubs showed increased connectivity linked to creativity, particularly in areas related to expertise and creative experiences. Neurosynth analysis and computational modeling revealed plasticity-driven increases in brain efficiency and biophysical coupling, in creativity-specific delayed brain aging. Findings indicate a domain‑independent link between creativity and brain health
Compassion in Healthcare: A Narrative Review of Cross-Cultural Perspectives
Get PDFBackground: Compassion is a critical component of effective, ethical healthcare, influencing patient care, provider well-being, and organizational culture. Its expression and support vary across cultures, yet little is known about how systemic and cultural factors shape compassionate care. This narrative review examines compassion’s impact on healthcare practices across cultural contexts.Methods: A narrative review of literature published since 2020, searching PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science was performed. Fifteen studies met our inclusion criteria: peer-reviewed, English-language articles that explicitly examined compassion (or closely related constructs such as self-compassion or compassion fatigue) in healthcare settings and reported empirical, theoretical, or review evidence with attention to cultural or contextual factors. Excluded were articles published before 2020, non-English reports, conference abstracts, and opinion pieces lacking empirical or theoretical contribution.Results: Compassion-focused interventions reduced fatigue and improved self-compassion and satisfaction. Cultural and systemic factors influenced how compassion was understood and applied, from Buddhist-informed to Western models. Institutional culture, leadership, workload, and spiritual care affected practice, while mental health and community care showed benefits but faced systemic barriers.Conclusion: Compassion in healthcare is shaped by individual, cultural, organizational, and systemic factors. Embedding compassion across all these levels is essential for delivering effective, person-centered care. This review contributes by synthesizing recent cross-cultural evidence, highlighting how cultural, structural, and spiritual dimensions influence compassionate care, and identifying gaps in global research. Cross-cultural awareness and structural reform are critical for sustaining compassionate healthcare. Future research should explore underrepresented cultural contexts and evaluate systemic interventions that promote compassion in diverse health systems
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