bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The kinome, cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases of pituitary adenomas, a look into the gene expression profile among tumors from different lineages
Authors: Taniguchi-Ponciano Keiko , Portocarrero-Ortiz Lesly A. , Guinto Gerardo , Moreno-Jimenez Sergio , Gomez-Apo Erick , Chavez-Macias Laura , Peña-Martínez Eduardo , Silva-Román Gloria , Vela-Patiño Sandra , Ordoñez-García Jesús , Andonegui-Elguera Sergio , Ferreira-Hermosillo Aldo , Ramirez-Renteria Claudia , Espinosa-Cardenas Etual , Sosa Ernesto , Espinosa-de-los-Monteros Ana Laura , Salame-Khouri Latife , Perez Carolina , Lopez-Felix Blas , Vargas-Ortega Guadalupe , Gonzalez-Virla Baldomero , Lisbona-Buzali Marcos , Marrero-Rodríguez Daniel , Mercado Moisés
Published: March 2022

Background

Pituitary adenomas (PA) are the second most common intracranial tumors and are classified according to hormone they produce, and the transcription factors they express. The majority of PA occur sporadically, and their molecular pathogenesis is incompletely understood.

Methods

Here we performed transcriptome and proteome analysis of tumors derived from POU1F1 (GH-, TSH-, and PRL-tumors, N = 16), NR5A1 (gonadotropes and null cells adenomas, n = 17) and TBX19 (ACTH-tumors, n = 6) lineages as well as from silent ACTH-tumors (n = 3) to determine expression of kinases, cyclins, CDKs and CDK inhibitors.

Results

The expression profiles of genes encoding kinases were distinctive for each of the three PA lineage: NR5A1-derived tumors showed upregulation of ETNK2 and PIK3C2G and alterations in MAPK, ErbB and RAS signaling, POU1F1-derived adenomas showed upregulation of PIP5K1B and NEK10 and alterations in phosphatidylinositol, insulin and phospholipase D signaling pathways and TBX19-derived adenomas showed upregulation of MERTK and STK17B and alterations in VEGFA-VEGFR, EGF-EGFR and Insulin signaling pathways. In contrast, the expression of the different genes encoding cyclins, CDK and CDK inhibitors among NR5A1-, POU1F1- and TBX19-adenomas showed only subtle differences. CDK9 and CDK18 were upregulated in NR5A1-adenomas, whereas CDK4 and CDK7 were upregulated in POUF1-adenomas.

Conclusions

The kinome of PA clusters these lesions into three distinct groups according to the transcription factor that drives their terminal differentiation. And these complexes could be harnessed as molecular therapy targets.
Tradition and trade: culture and exploitation of avian fauna by a rural community surrounding protected areas in the south of Bahia’s State, Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Neto Antonio Iderval Sodré , Fraga Ricardo Evangelista , Schiavetti Alexandre
Published: March 2022

Background

Illegal capture and trade of wild birds are some of the most present types of wildlife trade in Brazil, and are often associated with cultural and socioenvironmental aspects. Those habits are particularly present in rural communities, where bird trade can be a source of income in dire economic situations and bird-keeping is a cultural trait passed down from generations.

Methods

We conducted a series of semi-structured interviews with bird-keepers and traders within the surrounding region of theParque Nacional de Boa Nova, inquiring about local customs and practices related to bird-keeping, bird trade and bird capture, as well as how these were affected by the establishment of protected areas nearby. We then outlined the main trends and perceptions in a quantitative and a qualitative approach.

Results

A total of 21 avian species were mentioned as being used as pets and in commercialization, contests and breeding, most of them occurring naturally in the region. Most respondents were men possessing low levels of education and income. We observed a series of specialized practices regarding bird-keeping, from basic maintenance of captive individuals in order to ensure the animal’s health, to interspecies breeding as to produce hybrid individuals. Mentioned methods used to capture wild birds often involved specialized traps and were conducted mainly within the national park’s area. Bird trade was said to occur mostly in urban settlements, and the value of captive birds was said to vary, based on species and beforehand training. The official establishment of the protected area impaired all practices related to bird-keeping and trade, mostly as a result of increased surveillance by environmental agencies.

Conclusion

The collected information presents a series of specialized habits and practices involved in bird-keeping, bird capture and bird trade, many of them being associated with the local avifauna surrounding the region. The establishment of protected areas affected local perceptions regarding bird-keeping and related practices mostly through fear of penalty, although individuals demonstrated some knowledge about how to evade surveillance. We recommend further studies about effective ways to integrate local communities in nearby protected areas’ conservation.
Comparison of posterior cruciate retention and substitution in total knee arthroplasty during gait: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Chunjiang , Dong Mingjie , Yang Dinglong , Zhang Zhiqiang , Shi Junjun , Zhao Ruipeng , Wei Xiaochun
Published: March 2022

Background

To compare the gait patterns between posterior cruciate retention and substitution in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

Electronic databases including the PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched to identify clinical trials investigating posterior cruciate retention versus substitution in TKA. The outcome measurements were the kinematic gait parameters (flexion at heel strike, maximum flexion during loading response, flexion range during loading, minimal flexion at terminal stance, maximal flexion at the swing, and total flexion during the gait cycle), Knee Society Score (KSS), knee flexion, knee extension, and walking speed. Statistical software Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 14.0 were used for data analysis.

Results

There were finally 9 studies included in this meta-analysis. The results did not reveal differences between posterior cruciate retention (CR) and posterior cruciate substitution (PS) groups in TKA, in terms of kinematic gait parameters, knee extension, walking speed, and KSS. However, the PS group had a significantly larger knee flexion angle than that in the CR group [weighted mean difference = − 3.20, 95% CI − 6.13 to − 0.28, P = 0.03].

Conclusion

Both the posterior cruciate retention and posterior cruciate substitution lead to obvious improvements in patient function and have their advantages in getting a good cup position. The PS design is significantly better on the knee flexion, while there are no statistical differences in kinematic gait parameters and outcome scores between them. This might indicate that surgeons do not necessarily need a PS design to substitute the posterior cruciate ligament during TKA.
p53-driven lipidome influences non-cell-autonomous lysophospholipids in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Butera Alessio , Roy Micaela , Zampieri Carlotta , Mammarella Eleonora , Panatta Emanuele , Melino Gerry , D’Alessandro Angelo , Amelio Ivano
Published: March 2022

Adaptation of the lipid metabolism participates  in cancer pathogenesis, facilitating energy storage and influencing cell fate and control of molecular signalling. The tumour suppressor protein p53 is a molecular hub of cell metabolism, supporting antioxidant capabilities and counteracting oncogene-induced metabolic switch. Despite extensive work has described the p53-dependent metabolic pathways, a global profiling of p53 lipidome is still missing. By high-throughput untargeted lipidomic analysis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells, we profile the p53-dependent lipidome, revealing intracellular and secreted lysophospholipids as one of the most affected class. Lysophospholipids are hydrolysed forms of phospholipids that results from phospholipase activity, which can function as signalling molecules, exerting non-cell-autonomous effects and instructing cancer microenvironment and immunity. Here, we reveal that p53 depletion reduces abundance of intracellular lysophosphatidyl-choline, -ethanolamine and -serine and their secretion in the extracellular environment. By integrating this with genomic and transcriptomic studies from in vitro models and human PDAC patients, we identified potential clinically relevant candidate p53-dependent phospholipases. In particular PLD3, PLCB4 and PLCD4 expression is regulated by p53 and chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by deep sequencing (ChIP-seq) indicates a direct transcriptional control on their chromatin accessible genomic loci. Consistently, PLD3, PLCB4 and PLCD4 expression correlates with p53 mutational status in PDAC patients, and these genes display prognostic significance. Overall, our data provide insights into lipidome rewiring driven by p53 loss and identify alterations of lysophospholipids as a potential molecular mechanism for p53-mediated non-cell-autonomous molecular signalling that instructs cancer microenvironment and immunity during PDAC pathogenesis.
Interactions between Blastocystis subtype ST4 and gut microbiota in vitro
Authors: Deng Lei , Tan Kevin S. W.
Published: March 2022

Background

Blastocystis ST4 is a common protistan parasite of the gastrointestinal tract of humans and a wide range of animals. While it has been suggested that colonization with ST4 is associated with healthy gut microbiota, how ST4 influences the gut microbiota remains poorly studied. This study aimed to examine the interactions between ST4 and several intestinal bacteria using in vitro co-culture systems, and to further investigate the mechanism of interaction and its effect on the epithelial barrier integrity of HT-29 cells.

Methods

Seven intestinal bacteria Bacteroides fragilis, Bifidobacterium longum, Bacillus subtilis, Bacteroides vulgatus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Lactobacillus brevis were co-cultured with Blastocystis ST4 in vitro. Flow cytometry and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to determine the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and bacteria oxidoreductase genes, respectively, in response to Blastocystis co-incubation. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and flux assays were performed to assess the effect of microbiota representatives on the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier.

Results

Co-incubation with Blastocystis ST4 showed a beneficial influence on most intestinal bacteria, while ST4 significantly inhibited the growth of B. vulgatus, a common pathogen in the genus Bacteroides. The decrease in B. vulgatus when co-incubated with Blastocystis ST4 was associated with high levels of ROS and the upregulation of oxidative stress-related genes. Furthermore, co-incubation with Blastocystis ST4 was able to protect the intestinal epithelial barrier from damage by B. vulgatus.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated, for the first time, that Blastocystis ST4 has beneficial effects on intestinal commensal bacteria in vitro, and can inhibit the growth of pathogenic B. vulgatus. Combined with previous microbiome research on ST4, our data suggest that ST4 may be a beneficial commensal.

Graphical Abstract
Understanding affordances and limitations in a language MOOC from an activity theory perspective
Authors: Jitpaisarnwattana Napat , Darasawang Pornapit , Reinders Hayo
Published: March 2022

In the last decade, Language MOOCs have attracted a lot of interest for their potential to enhance language learning. However, how learners engage with MOOC environments and realise their benefits, remains unclear. The current study adopts activity theory (Engeström in J Educ Work 14:133–156, 2001) as a lens to comprehend the affordances and limitations in an LMOOC dealing with English presentation skills called Presentation@work. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews with 22 participants. The data were then analysed using thematic content analysis and triangulated with the participants’ profiles using learning analytical procedures. The results showed that peer learning, personalisation, and social interaction opportunities were perceived as affordances by the participants, while lack of proficiency, lack of affinity, course content, and lack of teacher presence were seen as limitations. Relationships between the perceived affordances and limitations and different types of participants were also found. The findings demonstrate that the LMOOC activity system is dynamic and complex and that the learners play a central role in interacting with different aspects of the system. We conclude with a number of suggestions and implications for future LMOOC design, implementation and research.
Robotic assistance for percutaneous needle insertion in the kidney: preclinical proof on a swine animal model
Authors: de Baere Thierry , Roux Charles , Noel Guillaume , Delpla Alexandre , Deschamps Frederic , Varin Eloi , Tselikas Lambros
Published: March 2022

Background

We evaluated the accuracy, safety, and feasibility of a computed tomography (CT)-guided robotic assistance system for percutaneous needle placement in the kidney.

Methods

Fiducials surgically implanted into the kidneys of two pigs were used as targets for subsequent robotically-assisted needle insertion. Robotically-assisted needle insertions and CT acquisitions were coordinated using respiratory monitoring. An initial scan volume data set was used for needle insertion planning defining skin entry and target point. Then, needle insertion was performed according to robot positioning. The accuracy of needle placement was evaluated upon the distance between the needle tip and the predefined target on a post needle insertion scan. A delayed contrast-enhanced CT scan was acquired to assess safety.

Results

Eight needle trajectories were performed with a median procedural time measured from turning on the robotic system to post needle insertion CT scan of 21 min (interquartile range 15.5−26.5 min). Blind review of needle placement accuracy was 2.3 ± 1.2 mm (mean ± standard deviation) in lateral deviation, 0.7 ± 1.7 mm in depth deviation, and 2.8 ± 1.3 mm in three-dimensional Euclidian deviation. All needles were inserted on the first attempt, which determined 100% feasibility, without needle readjustment. The angulation and length of the trajectory did not impact on the needle placement accuracy. Two minor procedure-related complications were encountered: 2 subcapsular haematomas (13 × 6 mm and 35 × 6 mm) in the same animal.

Conclusions

Robotically-assisted needle insertion was shown feasible, safe and accurate in a swine kidney model. Further larger studies are needed.
Pathophysiological aspects of insulin resistance in Atrial Fibrillation: novel therapeutic approaches
Authors: Rafaqat Saira , Rafaqat Sana , Rafaqat Simon
Published: March 2022

Background

Insulin resistance is associated with metabolic disorders including diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and inflammation which are the risk factors for Atrial Fibrillation. Many studies have reported that type 2 diabetes and AF are related and also their prevalence is increasing globally. Moreover, insulin resistance begins the type 2 diabetes.

Main body

This review explains the pathophysiological aspects of insulin resistance in AF patients and discusses the drugs that are used to manage insulin resistance including Biguanides (metformin), thiazolidinediones (TZDs) [Pioglitazone, rosiglitazone], Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, Concentrated Insulin Products, Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) Inhibitors, Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor Agonists, Pramlintide, Sulfonylureas, Meglitinides, α-Glucosidase Inhibitors, Colesevelam, Bromocriptine. This review will highlight a few major drugs that played a significant role in AF patients. For this purpose, many databases were used for reviewing the literature and keywords are used such as Insulin Resistance, Pathophysiology, Atrial Fibrillation, and Drugs.

Conclusion

This review article concludes that insulin resistance is related to AF. It also provides an outlook on the recent pathophysiological aspects of insulin resistance in AF; however, more studies are needed to clarify the management of insulin resistance in AF patients to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.
The effect of age, gender, economic state, and urbanization on the temporal trend in sudden cardiac arrest: a nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Yang Pil-Sung , Kim Daehoon , Sung Jung-Hoon , Joung Boyoung
Published: March 2022

Background

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) has not been well studied in Asian countries. This study investigated the temporal trends in the incidence and outcomes of SCA and the impact of age, gender, economic state, and urbanization on SCA using a nationwide population-based sample cohort of South Korea.

Methods

In the Korean National Health Insurance Service—Sample Cohort consisting of one million persons from 2003 through 2013, we identified 5,675 (0.56%) patients with SCA using ICD-10 code I46 and I49.0. We evaluated the impact of the age, gender, household income, and urbanization level on the incidence and outcome of SCA.

Results

During the study period, the overall age- and gender-adjusted annual incidence of SCA increased by 46.9% from 30.9 in 2003 to 45.4 in 2013 (per 100,000 person-years, p < 0.001 for trend). The medical cost per 100,000 person-years also greatly increased about four times (p < 0.001 for trend). The overall adjusted survival to hospital discharge rate increased from 8.9% in 2003 to 13.2% in 2013 (adjusted rate ratio per year 1.05; p < 0.001 for trend). Old age and low household incomes of the population was related to increased SCA and poor survival to hospital discharge rate. The proportion of patients with intensive or advanced therapeutic modalities after SCA greatly increased from 1.6% in 2003 to 10.0% in 2013 (p < 0.001 for trend). This increase was consistent regardless of age, gender, economic state, and urbanization level.

Conclusions

Although the incidence of SCA was increased, the outcome was improved for the decade. However, in the elderly and low-income population, the incidence of SCA continued to rise and survival outcome was not improved.
Neuropathic-like Pain in Fibrous Dysplasia/McCune-Albright Syndrome
Authors: Spencer Tiahna L , Watts Laura , Soni Anushka , Pinedo-Villanueva Rafael , Heegaard Anne-Marie , Boyce Alison M , Javaid M Kassim
Published: March 2022

Context

Pain is a major symptom in adults with fibrous dysplasia/McCune-Albright syndrome (FD/MAS) and response to current treatments, including bisphosphonates and standard analgesics (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opiates) is unpredictable. No studies have explored whether the type of pain is variable in this patient group.

Objective

To determine the frequency of neuropathic-like pain in patients with FD/MAS.

Design

Retrospective, dual registry study.

Setting

Community.

Patients

FD/MAS online registries: the US-based Familial Dysautonomia Foundation (FDF) and the UK-based Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases (RUDY) study.

Intervention

Subjects completed questionnaires to evaluate the presence of features of neuropathic-like pain (painDETECT) and the impact on sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and mental health (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the prevalence and associated burden of neuropathic-like pain.

Main Outcome Measures

Incidence of neuropathic, nociceptive, and unclear pain.

Results

Of 249 participants, one third experienced neuropathic-like pain. This group had statistically significantly (P < 0.001) worse mental well-being and sleep in comparison to those with predominately nociceptive pain.

Conclusions

Neuropathic-like pain is common in patients with FD/MAS and associated with worse quality of life. Evaluation of pain in patients with FD/MAS should include assessment of neuropathic-like pain to guide personalized approaches to treatment and inform future research.
Approach to the Patient: Management of Pituitary Hormone Replacement Through Transition
Authors: Cerbone Manuela , Katugampola Harshini , Simpson Helen L , Dattani Mehul T
Published: March 2022

Hypopituitarism in childhood is a rare, complex disorder that can present with highly variable phenotypes, which may continue into adult life. Pituitary deficits can evolve over time, with unpredictable patterns resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Hypopituitarism and hypothalamic dysfunction may be associated with challenging comorbidities such as obesity, learning difficulties, behavioral issues, sleep disturbance, and visual impairment. Transition is the purposeful planned movement of adolescents and young adults with chronic conditions from child-centered to adult-oriented health care systems with a shift from parent- to patient-focused care. To achieve effective transition within a health care setting, the inherent challenges involved in the evolution from a dependent child to an independent adult must be recognized. Transition is a critical time medically for patients with hypopituitarism. Complex issues with respect to puberty, attainment of optimal stature, adherence to treatment, and acceptance of the need for life-sustaining medications need to be addressed. For health care professionals, transition is an opportunity for reassessment of the pituitary deficits and the need for lifelong replacement therapies, often against a background of complex psychological issues. We present 4 illustrative cases of hypopituitarism of differing etiologies with diverse clinical presentations. Diagnostic and management processes from clinical presentation to young adulthood are discussed, with a particular focus on needs and outcomes through transition.
When Art Becomes Liberty
Authors: Hassan Salah M.
Published: March 2022

The 2015 Egyptian Surrealists in Global Perspective conference, and the companion 2016 exhibition When Art Becomes Liberty: The Egyptian Surrealists (1938–1965), both held in Cairo, Egypt, explored the history and evolution of the work of Egyptian surrealists and their remarkable legacy within Egypt and in international surrealist circles. This article serves as a preview of contributions to this special issue of Nka, which serves as a followup to these two events, documenting the relationship of the Egyptian surrealists with Western counterparts, especially the French surrealists, and their contributions to internationalism, antifascist global protest, and decolonization, staged and performed outside the West. The artistic and intellectual output of the Egyptian surrealists was primarily centered around activities initiated by the Art and Liberty group (Jama’at al-Fann Wa al-Hurriyyah), the Contemporary Art Group (Jama’at al-Fann al-Mu’asir), and the artists who exhibited with one or both of these groups. In addition to more traditional artistic genres, photography played an important role in the surrealists’ artistic practices of the time, as is examined in this issue. This introduction, and the contributions to this issue of Nka that it surveys, affirm that the Egyptian surrealists, among other non-Western modernists, represent the multifaceted aspects of modernity and its global interconnectedness in the twentieth century. The strength of the Egyptian surrealists lay squarely in their theoretical underpinning that emphasized non-Western modernism, not as derivative or secondary to the Western modernism, but as a unique experiment in modernity that is worthy of its own investigation.
Beautiful Black Cloud of Modern Egyptian Art
Authors: Seggerman Alex Dika
Published: March 2022

This paper contextualizes the Art and Liberty group within the scope of Egyptian modern art. In doing so, it argues that this movement does not simply translate “central” Parisian surrealism to so-called “peripheral” Cairo. Rather, Art and Liberty represents a pivot in a continuum of Egyptian modern art and an important node in the transnational expansion of surrealism in the late 1930s. To situate the movement in a larger arc, this article spans the 1910s to the 1950s. An analysis of famous sculptor Mahmoud Mukhtar (1891–1934) first represents the nationalist and classicist origins of Egyptian modern art. Second, an examination of the Long Live Degenerate Art manifesto explicates the complexity of the group’s ideology in its early days. Third, Kamel Telmisany’s (1915–72) shift from expressionist painter and draftsman to realist filmmaker signals how aesthetics and mediums adapted to new iterations of the Art and Liberty ideology. Fourth, painter Abdel Hadi el-Gazzar (1925–66) and the Contemporary Art Group epitomize the impact of Art and Liberty after World War II. This chronological progression illustrates how the Egyptian Art and Liberty group reacted vociferously against nationalism in politics and art, both locally and regionally. In doing so, they shifted the audience of modern Egyptian art and created a new, transnational public. For these reasons, the author calls this movement the “Beautiful Black Cloud” of modern Egyptian Art. It was violent, stormy, and did not always look “pretty,” but it was beautiful in its legacy.
Virtues and Tragedies of Surrealism in Egypt
Authors: Gharib Samir
Published: March 2022

The author begins by providing a summarized timeline of the beginning and development of surrealism in Egypt, with a focus on the activities of the Art and Liberty group, inspired and established in 1939 by Georges Henein. Nearly 50 years later, in 1986, the author published Surrealism in Egypt and Plastic Arts (Cairo: Ministry of Culture, Foreign Cultural Relations, 1986), a historical account of surrealism in Egypt and the artistic and societal impact of the Art and Liberty group within this context. He offers the reader a glimpse into his interest and intention in writing Surrealism in Egypt and a selective account of and his rebuttal to certain critics of his book. The author concludes by reiterating the importance of this era and the activities of the Art and Liberty group and by recommending that another, deeply researched book be published to surpass Surrealism in Egypt that includes the international or non-Egyptian relationships and activities of this group of writers and artists.
Egyptian Heart, French Tongue
Authors: al-Kharrat Edwar
Published: March 2022

Only a few traces of Egyptian Francophone writers exist among the pages of old, outdated books and anthologies. Even though Albert Cossery, Ahmed Rassim, Georges Henein, Joyce Mansour, and Edmond Jabès were stranded in the land and language of diaspora, they stayed Egyptian at heart. The author, a novelist, poet, and critic himself, takes each of these writers and individually explores the aesthetics and impact of their work to ultimately consider the question: Is what they wrote considered Egyptian literature, or does it remain Francophone and, thus, French literature? In the process, the author articulates his appreciation that these writers exhibit a deep underlying Egyptian sensitivity.
Surrealism and Photography in Egypt
Authors: Golia Maria
Published: March 2022

Over the course of three years researching thousands of old photographs for her 2010 book Photography and Egypt (Reaktion Books), the author came across few examples of what might be termed “surrealist photography” in Egypt and little evidence for the exhibitions organized by Art and Liberty, a group of Egyptian artists and writers who resisted the Nazi and fascist risings before and after World War II. Anchored by Samir Gharib’s Surrealism in Egypt and Plastic Arts; correspondence between photographer Lee Miller, living in Cairo in the 1940s, and British artist and poet Roland Penrose; and Donald LaCoss’s work and correspondence with Roland Penrose’s son, Anthony, this article elaborates and adjusts some of the perceptions of the Art and Liberty group that appeared in Photography and Egypt. The group would eventually feel the wrath of the Anglo-Egyptian authorities for providing translations of Marxist-Leninist texts, condemnations of anti-fascist and anti-imperialist ideals and politics, and affirmations of social reform and freedom of expression. On the other hand, the author supposes that it may also be the case that only a few photographic works produced by artists associated with the Art and Liberty group can be called “surrealist” at all, as Egypt’s surrealist moment left more prominent traces in painting and literature. Nonetheless, Art and Liberty’s activities acknowledged photography as a creative medium at an early, experimental stage in its development, before it was derailed by the 1952 Officer’s Revolution and, later, pressed into the service of the state. Despite the lack of access to the photographic record of works produced for or around Art and Liberty exhibitions, the author contributes contextual details for both those shows and the practice of photography around the time the group was active, illustrated by seminal images of works by Kamel Telmisany, Hassan El-Télmissany, Idabel, Hassia, Fouad Kamel, Wadid Sirry, Lee Miller, and others.
In Legitimate Defense
Authors: Aching Gerard
Published: March 2022

In response to demands from French Communist Party officials for surrealists to define the nature of their relationship to communism, André Breton published Legitimate Defense (1926), a pamphlet in which he described surrealism’s ideological and political stance and identified some of the principal debates and challenges that the group faced in Europe. What lie at stake in the surrealists’ effort to encompass metaphysical and dialectical methods are both the legitimacy of their claims on the term revolutionary and their insistence on a revolution of the mind. In this context, the author examines Breton’s concept of the “marvelous” that affirms the feasibility of equilibrium between the work of the mind and political engagement. He compares Breton’s stance to that of a group of Martiniquan students in Paris, who in 1932 published a legitimate defense of their own. Unlike Breton’s pamphlet, the Martiniquan publication wholeheartedly embraced the communist Third International organization and the universal application of Marx’s dialectical materialism, and associated surrealism with a form of human expression rather than with a radical revolution of the mind. Nevertheless, the Martiniquans embrace Marx’s dialectical materialism without questioning why Marx’s scientific explanation of universal history failed to account for the absence of a Black proletariat in Martinique. The author’s comparison between Breton and the Martiniquan texts concludes that the most evident difference between them is the ease with which the Martiniquan students embrace surrealism without sensing any possible contradictions, thereby perceiving ambivalence as a countercultural strategy.
Stress response gene family expansions correlate with invasive potential in teleost fish
Authors: Stanley Taylor R. , Guisbert Karen S. Kim , Perez Sabrina M. , Oneka Morgan , Kernin Isabela , Higgins Nicole R. , Lobo Alexandra , Subasi Munevver M. , Carroll David J. , Turingan Ralph G. , Guisbert Eric
Published: March 2022

The bluegill sunfish Lepomis macrochirus and the closely related redear sunfish Lepomis microlophus have important ecological and recreational value and are widely used for research and aquaculture. While both species have been introduced outside of their native ranges, only the bluegill is considered invasive. Here, we report de novo transcriptome assemblies for these fish as a resource for sunfish biology. Comparative analyses of the transcriptomes revealed an unexpected, bluegill-specific expansion in the HSP70 and HSP90 molecular chaperone gene families. These expansions were not unique to the bluegill as expansions in HSP70s and HSP90s were identified in the genomes of other teleost fish using the NCBI RefSeq database. To determine whether gene family expansions are specific for thermal stress responses, GST and SOD gene families that are associated with oxidative stress responses were also analyzed. Species-specific expansions were also observed for these gene families in distinct fish species. Validating our approach, previously described expansions in the MHC gene family were also identified. Intriguingly, the number of HSP70 paralogs was positively correlated with thermotolerance range for each species, suggesting that these expansions can impact organismal physiology. Furthermore, fish that are considered invasive contained a higher average number of HSP70 paralogs than non-invasive fish. Invasive fish also had higher average numbers of HSP90, MHC and GST paralogs, but not SOD paralogs. Taken together, we propose that expansions in key cellular stress response gene families represent novel genetic signatures that correlate with invasive potential.
Complications with body-size correction in comparative biology: possible solutions and an appeal for new approaches
Authors: Glazier Douglas S.
Published: March 2022

The magnitude of many kinds of biological traits relates strongly to body size. Therefore, a first step in comparative studies frequently involves correcting for effects of body size on the variation of a phenotypic trait, so that the effects of other biological and ecological factors can be clearly distinguished. However, commonly used traditional methods for making these body-size adjustments ignore or do not completely separate the causal interactive effects of body size and other factors on trait variation. Various intrinsic and extrinsic factors may affect not only the variation of a trait, but also its covariation with body size, thus making it difficult to remove completely the effect of body size in comparative studies. These complications are illustrated by several examples of how body size interacts with diverse developmental, physiological, behavioral and ecological factors to affect variation in metabolic rate both within and across species. Such causal interactions are revealed by significant effects of these factors on the body-mass scaling slope of metabolic rate. I discuss five possible major kinds of methods for removing body-size effects that attempt to overcome these complications, at least in part, but I hope that my Review will encourage the development of other, hopefully better methods for doing so.
Noise-induced hearing loss correlates with inner ear hair cell decrease in larval zebrafish
Authors: Lara Rafael A. , Breitzler Lukas , Lau Ieng Hou , Gordillo-Martinez Flora , Chen Fangyi , Fonseca Paulo J. , Bass Andrew H. , Vasconcelos Raquel O.
Published: March 2022

Anthropogenic noise can be hazardous for the auditory system and wellbeing of animals, including humans. However, very limited information is known on how this global environmental pollutant affects auditory function and inner ear sensory receptors in early ontogeny. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a valuable model in hearing research, including investigations of developmental processes of the vertebrate inner ear. We tested the effects of chronic exposure to white noise in larval zebrafish on inner ear saccular sensitivity and morphology at 3 and 5 days post-fertilization (dpf), as well as on auditory-evoked swimming responses using the prepulse inhibition (PPI) paradigm at 5 dpf. Noise-exposed larvae showed a significant increase in microphonic potential thresholds at low frequencies, 100 and 200 Hz, while the PPI revealed a hypersensitization effect and a similar threshold shift at 200 Hz. Auditory sensitivity changes were accompanied by a decrease in saccular hair cell number and epithelium area. In aggregate, the results reveal noise-induced effects on inner ear structure–function in a larval fish paralleled by a decrease in auditory-evoked sensorimotor responses. More broadly, this study highlights the importance of investigating the impact of environmental noise on early development of sensory and behavioural responsiveness to acoustic stimuli.
Machine-learning approach to predict molecular subgroups of medulloblastoma using multiparametric MRI-based tumor radiomics
Authors: Saju Ann Christy , Chatterjee Abhishek , Sahu Arpita , Gupta Tejpal , Krishnatry Rahul , Mokal Smruti , Sahay Ayushi , Epari Sridhar , Prasad Maya , Chinnaswamy Girish , Agarwal Jai Prakash , Goda Jayant S
Published: March 2022

Objective:

Image-based prediction of molecular subgroups of Medulloblastoma (MB) has the potential to optimize and personalize therapy. The objective of the study is to distinguish between broad molecular subgroups of MB using MR–Texture analysis.

Methods:

Thirty-eight MB patients treated between 2007 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Texture analysis was performed on contrast enhanced T1(T1C) and T2 weighted (T2W) MR images. Manual segmentation was performed on all slices and radiomic features were extracted which included first order, second order (GLCM - Grey level co-occurrence matrix) and shape features. Feature enrichment was done using LASSO (Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator) regression and thereafter Support Vector Machine (SVM) and a 10-fold cross-validation strategy was used for model development. The area under Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the model.

Results:

A total of 174 and 170 images were obtained for analysis from the Axial T1C and T2W image datasets. One hundred and sixty-four MR based texture features were extracted. The best model was arrived at by using a combination of 30 GLCM and six shape features on T1C MR sequence. A 10-fold cross-validation demonstrated an AUC of 0.93, 0.9, 0.93, and 0.93 in predicting WNT, SHH, Group 3, and Group 4 MB subgroups, respectively.

Conclusion:

Radiomic analysis of MR images in MB can predict molecular subgroups with acceptable degree of accuracy. The strategy needs further validation in an external dataset for its potential use in ab initio management paradigms of MBs.

Advances in knowledge:

Medulloblastoma can be classified into four distinct molecular subgroups using radiomic feature classifier from non-invasive Multiparametric Magnetic resonance imaging. This can have future ramifications in the extent of surgical resection of Medulloblastoma which can ultimately result in reduction of morbidity.
Ischemia modified albumin as a useful marker for diagnoses and management of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Kumar Winay , Martins Russell Seth , Anjum Nargis , Fatima Syeda Sadia
Published: March 2022

Objectives: Ischemia modified albumin (IMA) may aid in the early detection and management of diabetic retinopathy (DR). In this study, we examined the relationship between IMA and DR, and the effect of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) on IMA levels in patients with DR.

Methods: This Quasi-experimental study was conducted from March-December 2018 at a Al-Ibrahim Eye Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Adult patients (age ≥ 18 year) with Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) presenting to the Diabetic Clinic were categorized as control (Group-A n=30: DM without DR) or case (Group-B n=59: DM with DR). Patients in Group-B received an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (anti-VEGF). Visual acuity, retinoscopy and serum IMA were recorded at baseline and at a 30-day follow-up for both groups.

Results: A significant drop in IMA levels was seen one month after bevacizumab (IMA baseline: 1590.82±121.22 and follow up: 940.8±91.26; p<0.01) in Group-B subjects. Visual acuity (VA) of patient in Group-B also improved one month after bevacizumab injection in both eyes (p<0.001). Whereas, the IMA levels in Group-A showed an upward rising trend after one month (baseline 448.80±22.4ng/ml and follow up 522.21±33.15 ng/ml; p>0.05) indicating disease progression.

Conclusion: Ischemia modified albumin may be used as an effective and novel screening biomarker for assessing oxidative stress associated with DR, and to quantify response to and prognosis after intravitreal bevacizumab injection for DR.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.4.4813

How to cite this:Kumar W, Martins RS, Anjum N, Fatima SS. Ischemia modified albumin as a useful marker for diagnoses and management of diabetic retinopathy. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(4):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.4.4813

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Η ιστορία της δημοτικής εκπαίδευσης στον Δήμο Περιστερίου
Authors: Πατσής Αλέξανδρος
Published: March 2022

Σκοπός της παρούσας μελέτης είναι η διερεύνηση της Ιστορίας της Δημοτικής Εκπαίδευσης στο Περιστέρι Αττικής από το 1925 έως και το 1936 και η πραγμάτευση της εκπαιδευτικής πραγματικότητας στις οικονομικοκοινωνικές και ιστορικές διαστάσεις της, όταν η πόλη αυτή συγκροτείται με πυρήνα τους πρόσφυγες της Μικράς Ασίας. Οι βασικές μεθοδολογικές διαδικασίες που εφαρμόστηκαν κατά τη διαδικασία της έρευνας περιλαμβάνουν την πρόσβαση, αποδελτίωση και επεξεργασία του αρχειακού υλικού του 2ου Δημοτικού Σχολείου (Μαθητολόγια, Γενικοί έλεγχοι, Βιβλία Πιστοποιητικών Σπουδής των ετών 1925 έως το 1936), σε συνδυασμό με τη μελέτη δευτερογενών πηγών. Από τα αποτελέσματα της παρούσας έρευνας διαπιστώθηκε ότι κατά την χρονική περίοδο 1925 έως 1936 στο Περιστέρι λειτούργησαν τρία δημοτικά σχολεία, ανάμεσα σε αυτά είναι και το 2ο Δημοτικό Σχολείο Περιστερίου, το οποίο έκανε έναρξη της λειτουργίας του με την επωνυμία «Προσφυγικό Δημοτικό Σχολείο θηλέων Περιστερίου» το 1925 μέχρι το 1929, όποτε και αλλάζει επωνυμία. Η λειτουργία του συνδέεται με την εγκατάσταση των προσφύγων της Μικρασιατικής Καταστροφής στο Περιστέρι. Μέσα σε οκτώ χρόνια πραγματοποιείται πληθυσμιακή έκρηξη στο Περιστέρι, γεγονός που αποτυπώνεται και στα ποσοστά φοίτησης των μαθητών του Σχολείου. Τα συμπεράσματα που προέκυψαν, για την περίοδο των σχολικών ετών που ερευνήθηκαν, αφορούν κυρίως στην γεωγραφική προέλευση των μαθητών, στην ηλικιακή τους κατάσταση και στην διασπορά των ηλικιών στις τάξεις, στην εκπροσώπηση των κοινωνικών στρωμάτων στο μαθητικό δυναμικό του Σχολείου, στην ύπαρξη ορφανών παιδιών, στα σχολεία προέλευσης των μαθητών που εγγράφονταν στο 2ο Δημοτικό Σχολείο Περιστερίου, στη διαγωγή των μαθητών, στην πραγματοποίηση απουσιών, στη βαθμολόγηση των μαθητών, στη σχολική διαρροή, καθώς επίσης και στην ύπαρξη του φαινομένου της παιδικής εργασίας.Συμπερασματικά, η έρευνα αυτή έρχεται να συμβάλει στην ανάδειξη της άγνωστης εκπαιδευτικής ιστορίας της πόλης του Περιστερίου. Αποδεικνύει ότι η εκπαίδευση στο Περιστέρι διαμορφώθηκε τόσο από τις κοινωνικές αλλαγές όσο και από άλλα δεδομένα που παρουσιάζονται στο αρχειακό υλικό του παρόντος πονήματος, δίνοντας τις βάσεις για συνεχή ανάπτυξη και σταθερότητα στην πόλη και για την άνοδο του βιοτικού και μορφωτικού επιπέδου των κατοίκων στη συνέχεια.
Η επίδραση της θρησκευτικότητας στην ψυχική υγεία των νέων ενηλίκων
Authors: Παπανικολόπουλος Παναγιώτης
Published: March 2022

Σκοπός της παρούσας διατριβής ήταν η διερεύνηση της επίδρασης της θρησκευτικότητας στην ψυχική υγεία των νέων. Το δείγμα περιλάμβανε 251 ελληνόφωνους φοιτητές (47% γυναίκες, μέση ηλικία: 19,9 έτη). Βρέθηκε στατιστικά σημαντική συσχέτιση της θρησκευτικότητας των νέων (οργανωμένη θρησκευτικότητα, μη οργανωμένη θρησκευτικότητα, εσωτερικευμένη θρησκευτικότητα, πίστη στο ορθόδοξο δόγμα) με την αντιληπτή θρησκευτικότητα των γονέων τους (οργανωμένη θρησκευτικότητα, σημαντικότητα πίστης), καθώς και με παράγοντες ψυχικής υγείας (άγχος, στρες, κατάθλιψη, συμπεριφορές υψηλού κινδύνου) και την ικανοποίηση από τη ζωή. Ελέγχθηκε η σχέση της θρησκευτικότητας των νέων με το δεσμό με τους γονείς, τη συγχωρητικότητα, τον αυτοέλεγχο και την προσωπικότητα. Επίσης, διερευνήθηκαν οι ψυχομετρικές ιδιότητες της σύντομης κλίμακας αυτοελέγχου (BSCS) και προέκυψε η σύντομη ελληνική έκδοση 7 ερωτημάτων με δύο παράγοντες, τον έλεγχο των παρορμήσεων και την αυτοπειθαρχία. Ο παράγοντας της αυτοπειθαρχίας σχετίζεται με καλύτερη ψυχική υγεία , καθώς και με τη θρησκευτικότητα (μόνο για το ανδρικό φύλο). Τα ευρήματα της έρευνας αναδεικνύουν τη σημαντική επίδραση του φύλου, καθώς παρατηρήθηκαν σημαντικές διαφοροποιήσεις σε όλες τις συσχετίσεις μεταξύ της θρησκευτικότητας και της ψυχικής υγείας. Η σημαντικότερη διαφορά μεταξύ των δύο φύλων είναι ότι στις γυναίκες η πίστη στην ύπαρξη του Θεού συνδέεται με μεγαλύτερη ικανοποίηση από τη ζωή και στους άνδρες η αμφιβολία σχετικά με την ύπαρξη του Θεού συνδέεται με μικρότερη ικανοποίηση από τη ζωή.
Διαχείριση και θεραπεία ασθενών με λοιμώξεις στο άνω άκρο
Authors: Συγγούνα Σοφία
Published: March 2022

Η διαχείριση και η θεραπεία ασθενών με λοιμώξεις άνω άκρο έχει μεγάλη σημασία. Οι συνήθεις εργαστηριακοί δείκτες έχουνμεγάλη ευαισθησία, αλλά χαμηλή ευαισθησία. Οι IL-1β, IL-17A and IL-17F είναι κυτοκίνες με σημαίνοντα ρόλο στην διαδικασία της φλεγμονής και των λοιμώξεων. Σκοπός αυτής της προοπτικής μελέτης κοορτής είναι η αξιολόγηση των επιπέδων ΙL-1β, IL-17A and IL-17F και της συσχέτισης τους με την κλινική βαρύτητα και άλλα εργαστηριακά ευρήματα ασθενών με λοιμώξεις άνω άκρου. Στην μελέτη συμπεριλαμβάνονται ασθενείς με σημεία και συμπτώματα λοιμώξεων στο άνω άκρο. Ηλικία, φύλο, ύψος, βάρος και δείκτης μάζας σώματος (ΒΜΧ) καταγράφονται για κλώθε ασθενή της μελέτης. Καταγράφονται ακόμα το κάπνισμα και οι συννοσηρότητες καθώς και η ακριβής θέση και ο τύπος της λοίμωξης. Για την αξιολόγηση του πόνου χρησιμοποιήθηκε η αναλογική κλίμακα του πόνου (VAS) και το Quick DASH Score για την αξιολόγηση της λειτουργικής βαρύτητας του άνω άκρου. Κατεγράφησαν ακόμα οι ΤΚΕ, CRP και ο αριθμός των λευκών αιμοσφαιρίων. Πενήντα ένας ασθενείς(38 άνδρες-13 γυναίκες) με μέσο όρο ηλικίας 51.7 έτη συμπεριλήφθησαν στην μελέτη. Τα επίπεδα της IL-1β στον ορό ήταν < 0.000 σε 49 ασθενείς. Αντίστοιχα, της IL-17F < 0.000 σε 50 ασθενέις. Αντιθέτως, το 27.4% ασθενών έιχαν αυξημένα επίπεδα IL-17A. Η IL-17A δεν είχε συσχέτιση με το φύλο, την ηλικία, το ΒΜΙ, τις συννοσηρότητες, τον πυρετό, το VAS score, τα WBC, CRP, ΤΚΕ και την IL-17F. Παρατηρήθηκε μια τάση συσχέτισης μεταξύ της IL-17A και του DASH score (rho = 0.264, p = 0.061) και ισχυρή συσχέτιση μεταξύ της IL-17A και της IL-1β (rho = 0.380, p = 0.006). Δεν παρατηρήθηκε συσχέτιση μεταξύ των επιπέδων της IL-17A και των τύπων των απομομωμένων βακτηρίων, την Gram ευαισησία, το μέρος και τον τύπο της λοίμωξης (p > 0.05). Μετά τον έλεγχοτου φύλου, της ηλικίας και του ΒΜΙ, μια τάση συσχέτισης παρατηρήθηκε μεταξύ της IL-17A και του VAS score (p = 0.077) και μια οριακά σημαντική συσχέτιση μεταξύ IL-17A και DASH score (p = 0.050).