scholarly journals From Notochord Formation to Hereditary Chordoma: The Many Roles ofBrachyury

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yutaka Nibu ◽  
Diana S. José-Edwards ◽  
Anna Di Gregorio
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Bone Cancer ◽  
Axial Skeleton ◽  
Promising Therapeutic Target ◽  
Fourth Decade ◽  
Notochord Cells ◽  
The Many ◽  
Main Regulator ◽  
Modern Technologies

Chordoma is a rare, but often malignant, bone cancer that preferentially affects the axial skeleton and the skull base. These tumors are both sporadic and hereditary and appear to occur more frequently after the fourth decade of life; however, modern technologies have increased the detection of pediatric chordomas. Chordomas originate from remnants of the notochord, the main embryonic axial structure that precedes the backbone, and share with notochord cells both histological features and the expression of characteristic genes. One such gene isBrachyury, which encodes for a sequence-specific transcription factor. Known for decades as a main regulator of notochord formation,Brachyuryhas recently gained interest as a biomarker and causative agent of chordoma, and therefore as a promising therapeutic target. Here, we review the main characteristics of chordoma, the molecular markers, and the clinical approaches currently available for the early detection and possible treatment of this cancer. In particular, we report on the current knowledge of the role ofBrachyuryand of its possible mechanisms of action in both notochord formation and chordoma etiogenesis.

The Oxford Handbook of Hope

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
The Many ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Made In

The Oxford Handbook of Hope provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge regarding the science and practice of hope. Hope has long been a topic of interest to philosophers and the general public, but it was only in recent decades that hope became a focus of psychological science. Rick Snyder defined hope as a cognitive trait that helps individuals to identify and pursue goals and consists of two components: pathways, the perceived capacity to identify strategies necessary to achieve goals, and agency, the willpower or motivation to pursue those pathways to achieve goals. Hope has become one of most robust and promising topics in the burgeoning field of positive psychology. This book reviews the progress that has been made in the past 25 years regarding the origins and influence of hope. Topics covered include current theoretical perspectives on how best to define hope and how it is distinct from related constructs, current best practices for measuring and quantifying hope, interventions and strategies for promoting hope across different settings and the lifespan, the impact that hope has on many dimensions and domains of physical and mental health, and the many ways and contexts in which hope promotes resilience and positive functioning. Experts in the field both review what is currently known about the role of hope in different domains and identify topics and questions that can help to guide the next decade of research. The handbook concludes with a collaborative vision on the future directions of the science of hope.

scholarly journals Long-Range Regulation of Key Sex Determination Genes

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Roberta Migale ◽  
Michelle Neumann ◽  
Robin Lovell-Badge
Keyword(s):  
Sex Determination ◽  
Long Range ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Disorders Of Sex Development ◽  
Sexually Dimorphic ◽  
Protein Coding ◽  
Sex Development ◽  
Human Disorders ◽  
The Many

The development of sexually dimorphic gonads is a unique process that starts with the specification of the bipotential genital ridges and culminates with the development of fully differentiated ovaries and testes in females and males, respectively. Research on sex determination has been mostly focused on the identification of sex determination genes, the majority of which encode for proteins and specifically transcription factors such as SOX9 in the testes and FOXL2 in the ovaries. Our understanding of which factors may be critical for sex determination have benefited from the study of human disorders of sex development (DSD) and animal models, such as the mouse and the goat, as these often replicate the same phenotypes observed in humans when mutations or chromosomic rearrangements arise in protein-coding genes. Despite the advances made so far in explaining the role of key factors such as SRY, SOX9, and FOXL2 and the genes they control, what may regulate these factors upstream is not entirely understood, often resulting in the inability to correctly diagnose DSD patients. The role of non-coding DNA, which represents 98% of the human genome, in sex determination has only recently begun to be fully appreciated. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the long-range regulation of 2 important sex determination genes, <i>SOX9</i> and <i>FOXL2</i>, and discuss the challenges that lie ahead and the many avenues of research yet to be explored in the sex determination field.

scholarly journals Recent Advances in Understanding the Role of IKKβ in Cardiometabolic Diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Hernandez ◽  
Changcheng Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Function ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Central Adiposity ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Cardiometabolic Diseases ◽  
Highly Active ◽  
Iκb Kinase ◽  
Obesity And Diabetes ◽  
Promising Therapeutic Target

Cardiometabolic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes, are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Cardiometabolic diseases are associated with many overlapping metabolic syndromes such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, and central adiposity. However, the underlying causes of cardiometabolic diseases and associated syndromes remain poorly understood. Within the past couple of decades, considerable progresses have been made to understand the role of inflammatory signaling in the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic diseases. The transcription factor, NF-κB, a master regulator of the innate and adaptive immune responses, is highly active in cardiometabolic diseases. IκB kinase β (IKKβ), the predominant catalytic subunit of the IKK complex, is required for canonical activation of NF-κB, and has been implicated as the critical molecular link between inflammation and cardiometabolic diseases. Recent studies have revealed that IKKβ has diverse and unexpected roles in mediating adiposity, insulin sensitivity, glucose homeostasis, vascular function, and atherogenesis through complex mechanisms. IKKβ has been demonstrated as a critical player in the development of cardiometabolic diseases and is implicated as a promising therapeutic target. This review summarizes current knowledge of the functions of IKKβ in mediating the development and progression of cardiometabolic diseases.

scholarly journals Medical imaging and analysis of dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma using CT, MRI and ultrasound

2021 ◽  
Vol 2071 (1) ◽  
pp. 012053
Author(s):  
M E H Rasheed ◽  
M Youseffi ◽  
M M A Jamil ◽  
T N T Ibrahim ◽  
L Parisi
Keyword(s):  
Medical Imaging ◽  
Bone Cancer ◽  
Axial Skeleton ◽  
Primary Treatment ◽  
The Body ◽  
Cancer Case ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Right ◽  
Surrounding Bone

Abstract Chondrosarcoma (CS) is a type of bone cancer that arises from the malignant transformation of chondrocytes and spreads metastatically to the surrounding bone tissue. CSs tend to grow and spread slowly, dedifferentiating into high-grade tumours; however, the cancer may grow rapidly too. What causes chondrosarcoma is not known, though it may arise from a benign tumour or bone conditions. Typically, CS tumours originate from the bones of the axial skeleton, but they may also occur in other parts of the body. CS patients usually experience aching pain around the tumour, especially at night or during physical activity, and it slowly deteriorates. Medical imaging tests play an important role in the diagnosis of CS; nevertheless, a tissue biopsy is required to confirm its diagnosis. The role of medical imaging is also vital in guiding and monitoring treatments. Surgical resection of the tumour is commonly the primary treatment for most types of CS due to its resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This work presents the case of a deceased middle-aged male subject with dedifferentiated CS of the right chest wall, including analysis of medical images involving both ionising (computed tomography) and non-ionising techniques (ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging), in addition to treatments the subject received, along with their outcomes. Five generations of the subject’s family were investigated in detail and the subject was found the only cancer case in his family. Furthermore, the subject did not benefit from any treatments he underwent, and he died within two years from the diagnosis.

On Future Directions in Pathology

1982 ◽  
Vol 40 ◽  
pp. 274-277
Author(s):  
Benjamin F. Trump ◽  
Irene K. Berezesky ◽  
Raymond T. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽  
Clinical Pathology ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Diagnostic Pathology ◽  
The Past ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Organ Systems ◽  
The Many

The role of electron microscopy and associated techniques is assured in diagnostic pathology. At the present time, most of the progress has been made on tissues examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and correlated with light microscopy (LM) and by cytochemistry using both plastic and paraffin-embedded materials. As mentioned elsewhere in this symposium, this has revolutionized many fields of pathology including diagnostic, anatomic and clinical pathology. It began with the kidney; however, it has now been extended to most other organ systems and to tumor diagnosis in general. The results of the past few years tend to indicate the future directions and needs of this expanding field. Now, in addition to routine EM, pathologists have access to the many newly developed methods and instruments mentioned below which should aid considerably not only in diagnostic pathology but in investigative pathology as well.

Mesophyll conductance: the leaf corridors for photosynthesis

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 429-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Gago ◽  
Danilo M. Daloso ◽  
Marc Carriquí ◽  
Miquel Nadal ◽  
Melanie Morales ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Main Role ◽  
Mesophyll Conductance ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Cell Structures ◽  
Leaf Tissues ◽  
Change Framework ◽  
Chloroplast Stroma

Besides stomata, the photosynthetic CO2 pathway also involves the transport of CO2 from the sub-stomatal air spaces inside to the carboxylation sites in the chloroplast stroma, where Rubisco is located. This pathway is far to be a simple and direct way, formed by series of consecutive barriers that the CO2 should cross to be finally assimilated in photosynthesis, known as the mesophyll conductance (gm). Therefore, the gm reflects the pathway through different air, water and biophysical barriers within the leaf tissues and cell structures. Currently, it is known that gm can impose the same level of limitation (or even higher depending of the conditions) to photosynthesis than the wider known stomata or biochemistry. In this mini-review, we are focused on each of the gm determinants to summarize the current knowledge on the mechanisms driving gm from anatomical to metabolic and biochemical perspectives. Special attention deserve the latest studies demonstrating the importance of the molecular mechanisms driving anatomical traits as cell wall and the chloroplast surface exposed to the mesophyll airspaces (Sc/S) that significantly constrain gm. However, even considering these recent discoveries, still is poorly understood the mechanisms about signaling pathways linking the environment a/biotic stressors with gm responses. Thus, considering the main role of gm as a major driver of the CO2 availability at the carboxylation sites, future studies into these aspects will help us to understand photosynthesis responses in a global change framework.

Prospective Memory Development Across the Lifespan

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 162-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sascha Zuber ◽  
Matthias Kliegel
Keyword(s):  
Prospective Memory ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Present Model ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cognitive Factors ◽  
Everyday Functioning ◽  
Integrative Framework

Abstract. Prospective Memory (PM; i.e., the ability to remember to perform planned tasks) represents a key proxy of healthy aging, as it relates to older adults’ everyday functioning, autonomy, and personal well-being. The current review illustrates how PM performance develops across the lifespan and how multiple cognitive and non-cognitive factors influence this trajectory. Further, a new, integrative framework is presented, detailing how those processes interplay in retrieving and executing delayed intentions. Specifically, while most previous models have focused on memory processes, the present model focuses on the role of executive functioning in PM and its development across the lifespan. Finally, a practical outlook is presented, suggesting how the current knowledge can be applied in geriatrics and geropsychology to promote healthy aging by maintaining prospective abilities in the elderly.

The future role of the psychiatrist in Europe – a UEMS perspective

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (01) ◽  
pp. 35-42
Author(s):  
M. Hermans
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
General Interest ◽  
Future Role ◽  
Personal Opinion ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Many

SummaryThe author presents his personal opinion inviting to discussion on the possible future role of psychiatrists. His view is based upon the many contacts with psychiatrists all over Europe, academicians and everyday professionals, as well as the familiarity with the literature. The list of papers referred to is based upon (1) the general interest concerning the subject when representing ideas also worded elsewhere, (2) the accessibility to psychiatrists and mental health professionals in Germany, (3) being costless downloadable for non-subscribers and (4) for some geographic aspects (e.g. Belgium, Spain, Sweden) and the latest scientific issues, addressing some authors directly.

John Cranko's Antigone (1959): A Ballet Lost and Found

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Henrietta Bannerman
Keyword(s):  
World War Ii ◽  
Jean Racine ◽  
World War ◽  
Martha Graham ◽  
Detailed Consideration ◽  
Lost And Found ◽  
The Many ◽  
Tragic Drama ◽  
The Relationship

John Cranko's dramatic and theatrically powerful Antigone (1959) disappeared from the ballet repertory in 1966 and this essay calls for a reappraisal and restaging of the work for 21st century audiences. Created in a post-World War II environment, and in the wake of appearances in London by the Martha Graham Company and Jerome Robbins’ Ballets USA, I point to American influences in Cranko's choreography. However, the discussion of the Greek-themed Antigone involves detailed consideration of the relationship between the ballet and the ancient dramas which inspired it, especially as the programme notes accompanying performances emphasised its Sophoclean source but failed to recognise that Cranko mainly based his ballet on an early play by Jean Racine. As Antigone derives from tragic drama, the essay investigates catharsis, one of the many principles that Aristotle delineated in the Poetics. This well-known effect is produced by Greek tragedies but the critics of the era complained about its lack in Cranko's ballet – views which I challenge. There is also an investigation of the role of Antigone, both in the play and in the ballet, and since Cranko created the role for Svetlana Beriosova, I reflect on memories of Beriosova's interpretation supported by more recent viewings of Edmée Wood's 1959 film.

The Many Voices of Lydia Davis

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Evans
Keyword(s):  
Short Stories ◽  
Marcel Proust ◽  
Gustave Flaubert ◽  
Maurice Blanchot ◽  
Literary Production ◽  
American Writer ◽  
Michel Leiris ◽  
The Many

The Many Voices of Lydia Davis shows how translation, rewriting and intertextuality are central to the work of Lydia Davis, a major American writer, translator and essayist. Winner of the Man Booker International Prize 2013, Davis writes innovative short stories that question the boundaries of the genre. She is also an important translator of French writers such as Maurice Blanchot, Michel Leiris, Marcel Proust and Gustave Flaubert. Translation and writing go hand-in-hand in Davis’s work. Through a series of readings of Davis’s major translations and her own writing, this book investigates how Davis’s translations and stories relate to each other, finding that they are inextricably interlinked. It explores how Davis uses translation - either as a compositional tool or a plot device - and other instances of rewriting in her stories, demonstrating that translation is central for understanding her prose. Understanding how Davis’s work complicates divisions between translating and other forms of writing highlights the role of translation in literary production, questioning the received perception that translation is less creative than other forms of writing.

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