Search

In this paper, I analyze and compare Maria Kronfeldner’s and Tim Ingold’s views on the conceptual relationship between nature and culture. I show that despite the differences, their views remain close, particularly in terms of their integrative potential. The ultimate purpose of this examination is to lay the groundwork for further research on the problem of conceptual integration between sociocultural anthropology and evolutionary psychology. The paper comprises four main sections. First, I briefly explore the history of Darwinism to show how nature and culture were conceptualized within this framework. Second, I deal with Kronfeldner’s separationist stance and Ingold’s holistic perspective on the nature/ culture conceptual relationship. Third, I discuss the implications of their views on the choice of research heuristics in the sciences that study human nature and cultures. While I interpret Ingold as supporting methodological integration, Kronfelder argues for a version of integrative pluralism. Lastly, I provide an outlook for further discussions on conceptual integration and integrative pluralism.

Introduction: Acute viral infections of the lower respiratory tract are of great importance for mortality in children worldwide. The most common causative agents include human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV), human metapneumovirus, parainfluenza virus, influenza virus and adenoviruses. The application of molecular methods has significantly contributed to the identification and determination of the frequency of respiratory viruses in these infections. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of different viruses that cause lower respiratory tract infections in the pediatric population using panel PCR test from bronchoalveolar lavage samples. Material and methods: Eighteen samples of bronchoalveolar lavage of children younger than 5 years with a diagnosis of pneumonia and antigenic confirmation of the presence of HRSV were analyzed. Virus detection was performed by real-time chain polymerization using the commercial FTlyoTM Respiratory Pathogens 21 kit (Fast Track Diagnostics, Luxembourg) to simultaneously detect the genomes of 18 different viruses and 1 bacterium. Results: Respiratory viruses were detected in all 18 samples, with HRSV identified in all samples, human bocavirus (HBoV) in 7 and human rhinovirus (HRV) in one sample. Coinfections were detected in 38.9% of samples. The HRSV and HBoV co-infection was proven in 33.33% of samples, while the presence of all three viruses in only one sample. Conclusion: The results of this study show the presence of HRSV, HBoV and HRV in bronchoalveolar lavage using multiplex RT-PCR method. Both HRSV and HBoV were the most common viral coinfections. Additional research is needed to more accurately estimate the frequency and distribution of respiratory viruses in children.

Introduction: Human papilloma viruses (HPV) have been identified as a major etiological factor in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer. High-risk type HPV16 has the greatest medical significance. Based on differences in the nucleotide sequence of the type 16 genome, the existence of 16 variants of this type with different geographical distribution has been shown. Aim: Examination of the nucleotide sequence variability of the L1 gene presented in HPV16 variants in our territory. Material and methods: The paper includes 37 sequences of HPV16 L1 genes taken from the database of the Institute of Microbiology and Immunology of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade. The sequences were compared with the reference sequences of the HPV16 variants and the construction of the phylogenetic tree was done using the MEGA (Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis, version X) software package. Results: Out of the 37 HPV16 L1 analyzed gene sequences, 23 were grouped with European variants. Other isolates were grouped with non-European HPV16 variants. The nucleotide distance was less than 1%, that is, at the level of subvariants. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the European variants of the HPV16 virus are the most common in our population, but they also indicate the presence of non-European variants. Further analysis is necessary in order to monitor the circulation of HPV16 variants in our population.

Introduction: Human papilloma virus is the most important etiological factor that leads to the malignant alteration of cervical epithelium. More than 200 types of human papillomavirus are identified. Based on its oncogenic potential, human papillomavirus can be classified as low-oncogenic and high-oncogenic types. Aim: To determine the frequency of infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses in the cervical swabs of reproductively active women in our population. Material and methods: The research is designed as descriptive study. Data on the presence of HPV infections, as well as the virus genotype in 707 cervical swabs from the period from January 2019 to August 2020, together with the correlation with the woman's age and cytological status on the cervix, were analyzed. Results: Human papilloma virus infection was present in 223 out of 707 tested samples (31.54%). The highest frequency of HPV infection, as well as the highest number of HPV genotypes was in the group of women aged 25 - 34 years (36.32%). The frequency of HPV infection correlates with altered cytological status. The presence of 26 HPV genotypes was determined, 16 highly oncogenic and 10 low oncogenic types, of which the most common was highly oncogenic type 16 (25.11%). Conclusion: These findings showed a high frequency of highly oncogenic HPV genotypes, primarily type 16 in most groups of women of reproductive age. In addition, the frequency of infection correlates with cytological status, which indicates the great importance of prevention of genital HPV infection in our female population.

The new coronavirus has crossed the species barrier leading to the pandemic of COVID-19. The lengthy circulation of the virus within the human population has enabled the development of many new viral variants, some of which are conducive to further pathogen spread. Notable variants are those that contain mutations within the S gene, particularly within the region that codes for the receptor-binding domain (RBD) that links to the hACE-2 receptor. These mutations are responsible for increased viral transmission and influence disease severity, reliability of clinical tests, as well as vaccine efficacy. At present, the variant first identified in the United Kingdom poses the greatest threat in Europe.

Introduction: Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) is a very important cause of perinatal infections. The greatest risk for perinatal infection is a primary infection during pregnancy with possible transplacental transmission of the virus and the onset of congenital varicella syndrome or neonatal varicella. Aim: The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of transplacental VZV transmission in pregnant women in our population. Material and Methods: The study included 50 samples of amniotic fluid of pregnant women with suspected fetal varicella or VZV vertical transmission. The presence of the virus was determined by the PCR method with primers for DNA VZV gene 71. The procedure involved the extraction of DNA, PCR and gel electrophoresis for visualization of specific PCR products. Results: The presence of VZV was demonstrated in 14% (7/50) of the amniotic fluid samples. Transmission of the virus was detected in all three trimesters of pregnancy. Statistical significance was not shown between the referral diagnosis, age of pregnant women and gestational age of the pregnancy and VZV positivity. Conclusion: The results of this study showed a low prevalence of VZV vertical transmission during the eight-year period, the lowest in the second trimester, and no statistical significance in accordance with diagnosis, gestational age, and VZV positivity. Screening is significant for VZV during the generative period of women. Those who are seronegative for VZV during pregnancy are at high risk for vertical transmission and are indicative for immunoglobulin therapy. If intrauterine infection is confirmed, adequate antiviral therapy is required.

The presence of bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 (BPIV3) was examined in 119 nasal swabs collected from cattle with severe respiratory infection. All samples were conducted for virus isolation on the MDBK cell line. The cytopathic effect was observed after 48h to 72h in cells inoculated with eight samples (8/119; 6.7%). The confirmation of isolated strains of BPIV3 was done by the virus-neutralization test. In addition, all samples of bovine nasal swabs were also examined for the presence of BPIV3 virus using RT-PCR with primers specific for the part of HN gene. The presence of BPIV3 was detected in eight samples (8/119; 6.7%) that were also positive upon virus isolation. The molecular characterization based on nucleotide sequencing of the part of the HN gene showed that all BPIV3 isolates belonged to genotype C of BPIV3. They branched in one distinct cluster with three different branches, but these branches were very similar to each other (98.1% to 99.8%). Serbian BPIV3c isolates were most similar to the Chinese BPIV3c isolates SD0805, SD0809 and SD0835 (from 97.92% to 99.7%), and to South Korean (12Q061), Japanese (HS9) and American (TVMDL16 and TVMDL20) BPIV3c strains (from 97.1% to 98.8%), and distinct from American (TVMDL15and TVMDL17) and Australian (Q5592) BPI3V genotype B strains (only 79.9% to 82.3% similarity), as well as from the genotype A BPIV3 strains from different countries published in GenBank.

The presence of pseudorabies virus (PrV), porcine parvovirus (PPV) and porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) was examined in sixty samples (spleen and lymph nodes) and thirty samples of sacral ganglia collected from non-vaccinated swine by virus isolation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Using PCR method PrV was detected in three samples, PPV in seven samples and six samples were found positive for PCV2. The phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequences of three PrV isolates identified in this study showed high similarity and significant clustering within the PrV genotype I strains such as Kaplan and Bartha isolated from pigs in Hungary, strain Becker isolated in USA and strain Kolchis isolated in Greece. The nucleotide sequences of two PPV isolates showed high level of similarity with the strain Challenge isolated from pigs in UK, strain Kresse isolated in USA and strains 77 and LZ isolated in China. The phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequences of two PCV2 isolates showed high level of similarity and significant clustering within genotype PCV2b strains such as NIVS-3, NIVS-5 and NIVS-6 isolated in Serbia, strain 3959 isolated in Austria, strain PM165 isolated from pigs in Brasil, and strain XT2008 isolated in China. The results of our study present the molecular characterization of PrV, PPV and PCV2 identified in swine in Republic of Montenegro. Besides that, these results confirmed that PCR is a very useful method for rapid detection of these viruses in subclinically infected swine.

The presence of porcine circovirus 2 and porcine parvovirus was examined in forty clinical samples of spleen, lymph nodes and lungs originating from non-vaccinated swine by polymerase chain reaction. All animals were reared in extensive livestock farming systems in different geographical districts of Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Porcine circovirus 2 DNA was detected in four lymph node and two spleen samples (15%), while porcine parvovirus DNA was identified in five lymph node samples (12.5%). The presence of both viruses was detected in three lymph node samples (7.5%). Partial nucleotide sequence of ORF1 gene of 2 porcine circovirus 2 and VP2 gene of 2 porcine parvovirus isolates was determined. The nucleotide sequences of two PCV2 isolates from RS-BIH included in phylogenetic typing are similar and cluster together with the strain Mantova isolated from domestic pigs in Italy, strains DE006-14 and DE222-13 isolated from pigs in Germany as well as with the strain Jvnan isolated from pigs in China. Also, analyzed PCV2 isolates were partially similar to the strain NIV-C SRB isolated from pigs in Serbia. The nucleotide sequences of two PPV isolates that were included in phylogenetic typing showed a high level of similarity with the strain Challenge isolated from pigs in UK, strain Kresse isolated from pigs in USA and strains 77 and LZ isolated from pigs in China.

With 20-80% mortality, neonatal infection caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) or neonatal herpes is among the most severe of all perinatal infections. The majority of neonatal HSV infections are acquired during delivery, although in utero and postnatal infections do occur. Primary maternal infection is associated with a high rate of transmission (~50%), compared to

Bovine parainfluenza 3 virus (PI3) causes respiratory infections in cattle and sheep with great economic losses in livestock. The aim of this investigation was to determine the significance of molecular methods in the identification of isolated strains of PI3 virus. Twenty cattle nasal swabs were analyzed for the presence of PI3 using the standard virology method of virus isolation in MBDK cell line and virus neutralization test. The identification of isolated strains was confirmed by RT-PCR and method of direct sequencing with primers for PI3 fusion (F) protein gene. PI3 virus was isolated and identified in four nasal swabs using the standard virology method and RT-PCR. The analysis of nucleotide sequences of isolated PI3 strains showed high similarity with sequences isolated from cattle in Asia. Our results showed that molecular methods are very useful in the diagnosis of PI3 infections as well as for the identification and characterization of PI3 strains in Serbia. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 31008 i br. 175073]

Cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates in Serbia are among the highest in Europe and data on Human papilloma virus (HPV) type distribution are scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HPV types in archival specimens of cervical cancer tissues of women in the Serbian population. A total of 45 paraffin-embedded tissue samples of cervical carcinoma were used in this study. The procedure included deparaffinization of tissue samples, DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis and HPV genotyping by direct sequencing. HPV was detected in 32 samples (71%). Genotyping revealed the presence of 6 high-risk HPV types 16, 18, 33, 45, 53 and 58, where HPV type 16 was the most prevalent type (73.7%). The results of this study and further studies will provide more detailed information about HPV genotype distribution and may contribute to the formulation of national guidelines for the prevention of cervical cancer. [175073]

Sexual behavioral and other risk factors and the prevalence of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are very important for the monitoring of HPV infection and cervical cancer prevention strategies. The purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors, prevalence of cervical HPV infection and genotype distribution among asymptomatic young women with normal cytology in Serbia. A total of 204 consenting young women were enrolled in this study and interviewed about risk factors. The presence of HPV DNA was assessed using the PCR method. HPV genotypes were identified by direct sequencing. Cervical HPV infection was detected in 19.1% of women. Out of nine identified HPV genotypes, types 16 and 52 were the most frequent. A significant association was found only between the number of sexual partners and HPV positivity (p

Examinations were performed on 65 samples of nasal smeas taken from calves and young cows with clinical symptoms of respiratory infection to determine the presence of the bovine herpes virus 1 using parallel implementation of molecular and standard methods of virological diagnostics. The appearance of a cytopathogenic effect (CPE) was not established in inoculated cell lines 24h, 48h and 72h following inoculation, or after two successive passages of the examined material sample through these cell lines. The application of polymerize chain reaction (PCR) using a primer for glucoprotein B and thymidine - kinasis, established the presence of bovine herpes virus 1 nucleic acid in one sample of a bovine nasal smear, while the presence of this virus was established in three samples in an examination of the nasal smear samples using the Real-Time PCR method.

This article explores the concept of human nature from a post-essentialist, pluralist, and interactive perspective. It discusses Maria Kronfeldner's work on the topic and the application and implications of her ideas. The article includes papers by various authors who extend Kronfeldner's work and examine topics such as archeology, the origin of human language faculties, and the relationship between nature and culture. The article also addresses concerns about human exceptionalism and the social ramifications of scientific narratives. The exchange of views and criticism continues throughout the article, with Kronfeldner's paper serving as a response to the concerns raised. Overall, the article emphasizes the complexity of understanding human nature and the potential for integrating knowledge in specific contexts. [Extracted from the article]

The potential problems of DNA extraction from formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissue samples and amplification efficiency of Human papilloma virus (HPV) may occur in the molecular studies of head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSCC). The aim of this study was to compare HPV detection rate in FFPE tissues of oral, oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and laryngeal cancers using two silica‐based extraction kits and three amplification methods. A total of 50 FFPE specimens from HNSCC tissues were analyzed. The quality and quantity of the extracted DNA were tested by spectrophotometry. HPV DNA was detected using a single polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a nested PCR, and a Real‐time PCR kit. Statistically significantly higher DNA quality and quantity was observed using the QIAamp DNA FFPE Tissue Kit than when using the QIAamp DNA Mini Kit. There was not HPV amplification in any of the 50 FFPE samples using the single PCR and Real‐time PCR kits, whereas HPV DNA was detected in 22% of samples using nested PCR. Comparing results of the three different methods showed that HPV DNA was detected only with nested PCR. The results presented imply that nested PCR is the most appropriate method for the detection of HPV DNA in FFPE samples, along with adequate DNA extraction methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical significance of the cytomegalovirus (CMV) genotypes in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) has been evaluated mostly in adults. The studies of diverse CMV glycoprotein B (gB) and N (gN) genotype variants in transplanted children and adolescents are lacking. We analyzed the investment of gB and gN genotype variants in the HSCTed children and their relation to clinical complications and disease outcome. The cohort included forty two pediatric recipients of the HSCT. Patients positive for CMV DNAemia (24/42, 57.1%) were genotyped. The gB4 and gN1 genotype variants predominated and were evidenced in 7/18 (38.9%) and 9/19 (47.4%) patients, respectively. The graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) predominated in children with viremia (p < 0.05). Frequencies of the gB and gN genotypes contrasted those reported in recent studies. The GvHD scaled strongly with CMV reactivation whereas viral loads were uncorrelated to medical complications and treatment outcomes. • The first study of CMV gN genotypes in a cohort of pediatric HSCT recipients. • The gB4 and gN1 genotype variants were the most prevalent. • The gB1 and gN1 were also prevalent in patients with a lethal outcome. • The GVHD was more common in patients with CMV reactivation. • Viral load was raised neither in mixed CMV infections nor in clinical setbacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim. The oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers are among the most common cancers worldwide with the multifactorial etiology. The aim of this study was to determine the major risk factors among patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal tumors in Serbia. Methods. A total of 63 patients with biopsy proven malignant (33 patients) or benign (30 patients) oral cavity or oropharyngeal lesions were included in this study. The data about gender, age, smoking habits and alcohol consumption were obtained from the routine medical files. The detection and genotyping of human papillomavirus (HPV) was done in paraffin embedded tissue samples using in situ hybridization. Results. Malignant lesions were more frequent in men, smokers and patients who consume alcohol with a statistically significant difference compared to the patients with benign lesions. The prevalence of HPV infection was higher in patients with malignant lesions compared to patients with benign lesions, but without statistically significant difference. High risk genotypes were detected only in patients with malignant lesions of tonsils and base tongue cancer, while low risk types were demonstrated in patients with benign lesions with a highly statistically significant difference. Conclusion. The results point to the significant association of tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption and high risk HPV genotypes as risk factors for oral cavity and oropharyngeal carcinomas in Serbian patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]