The role of molecular biology in the diff erential diagnosis of pancreatic cystic neoplasias

2021 ◽  
Vol 75 (5) ◽  
pp. 417-423
Author(s):  
Ivo Horný ◽  
Tomáš Hucl

Summary: Pancreatic cysts have been detected ever more frequently in recent years due to the advanced and wider use of imaging methods. We find them on CT or MR also in asymptomatic patients who do not have a history of any pancreatic disease. Pancreatic cystic lesions represent a wide range of pathological changes from simple cysts through precancerous lesions to malignant cysts. Accurate dia­gnosis remains difficult despite the combination of clinical status evaluation, imaging findings, and bio­chemical and cytological examination. Molecular bio­logical examination of cyst aspirate obtained by endosonographic examination increases the detection rate of mucinous cysts (KRAS/GNAS/VHL) and cysts with a high risk of malignancy (KRAS/GNAS/p53/PIK3CA/PTEN/CDKN2A/SMAD4) and optimizes therapeutic approach. Larger prospective validation studies are necessary to make this costly and limited method a routine part of clinical practice. Key words: molecular bio­logy – neoplasia – pancreatic cysts

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin Sullivan ◽  
Marie Louise Herzfeld-Schild

This introduction surveys the rise of the history of emotions as a field and the role of the arts in such developments. Reflecting on the foundational role of the arts in the early emotion-oriented histories of Johan Huizinga and Jacob Burkhardt, as well as the concerns about methodological impressionism that have sometimes arisen in response to such studies, the introduction considers how intensive engagements with the arts can open up new insights into past emotions while still being historically and theoretically rigorous. Drawing on a wide range of emotionally charged art works from different times and places—including the novels of Carson McCullers and Harriet Beecher-Stowe, the private poetry of neo-Confucian Chinese civil servants, the photojournalism of twentieth-century war correspondents, and music from Igor Stravinsky to the Beatles—the introduction proposes five ways in which art in all its forms contributes to emotional life and consequently to emotional histories: first, by incubating deep emotional experiences that contribute to formations of identity; second, by acting as a place for the expression of private or deviant emotions; third, by functioning as a barometer of wider cultural and attitudinal change; fourth, by serving as an engine of momentous historical change; and fifth, by working as a tool for emotional connection across communities, both within specific time periods but also across them. The introduction finishes by outlining how the special issue's five articles and review section address each of these categories, while also illustrating new methodological possibilities for the field.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Fakhari ◽  
Mostafa Farahbakhsh ◽  
Elham Davtalab Esmaeili ◽  
Hosein Azizi

Abstract Background A detailed community-level understanding of socioeconomic status (SES) and sociocultural status (SCS) of suicides and suicide attempters (SAs) in a prospective design could have significant implications for policymakers at the local prevention and treatment levels. The effect of SCS and SES on SAs is poorly understood and investigated in Iran. The present study aimed to investigate the incidence, trend, and role of SES and SCS on suicide and SAs. Methods A longitudinal study was conducted based on the registry for SAs in Malekan County, Iran, from 2015 to 2018. Demographic characteristics, SES, SCS, incidence rates, and predictors of suicidal behaviors were measured via structured instruments. Simple and multiple logistic regressions were used to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results A total of 853 SAs (32 suicides and 821 attempts) were identified during the study. Trend analysis revealed that the suicide rate significantly decreased from 2014 (10.28) to 2018 (1.75) per 100,000. In the final multiple variable models, age (26–40), male sex, unemployment, antisocial activities, history of SA, hanging method, and season (spring) increased the suicide risk while religious commitment had protective effects on suicide. Conclusions Our findings indicated that demographic characteristics, low SES, and SCS are associated with suicide. In this county, trend of suicide and SA were decreased from 2014 to 2018. This study findings highlight the need to consider a wide range of contextual variables, socio-demographic, SES, and SCS in suicide prevention strategies. Improving inter-sectoral collaborations and policymakers’ attitudes are imperative for SA reduction.


1995 ◽  
Vol 349 (1329) ◽  
pp. 297-297

Many cellular mechanisms use a process of variation and selection to generate specific patterns. Among these, dynamic instability of microtubules has been shown to employ a specific mechanism to intentionally generate variation. In many systems the growth of neurons or neuronal processes is excessive, the final connections being established by stabilization of functional interactions. When changes in neuronal networks take place, such as in metamorphosis, use is made of the plasticity of neuronal connectivity. In the immune system, specific responses are generated by variation and selection. Processes that explore a wide range of conditions and a wide range of structures can be called exploratory processes. These are very robust and capable of responding to damage, variability in the environment and ontogenic changes in the organisms. Such robustness would be useful for adapting to changes that occur during phylogenetic changes as well. Given the extensive history of extinction and radiation in evolution, it may be supposed that these mechanisms have themselves been selected for their capacity to survive rapid changes in the organism and for their ability to generate cellular variation.


2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Musińska ◽  
Marta Minkiewicz ◽  
Justyna Wasielica-Berger ◽  
Krystian Kidrycki ◽  
Krzysztof Kurek

Colorectal cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in Poland as well as in the world. In addition, this cancer is the second cause of death among oncological diseases. Genetic and environmental factors with a documented impact on the development and progression of colorectal cancer have been thoroughly investigated. Every case of colorectal cancer begins with the stage of a nonmalignant polyp, whose progression to invasive malignant tumor lasts about 10 years. This period is long enough to implement appropriate preventive action that allow early detection and treatment of pre-cancerous lesions. Colorectal cancer screening is the process of detecting polypoid lesions in asymptomatic patients with no history of cancers. Colonoscopy has the benefit of diagnostic and therapeutic tools, which allows to detect and remove of premalignant polyps in a single step approach. The aim of this work is to present the role of a screening program in the prevention of colorectal cancer.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henk-Jan Dekker

In an effort to fight climate change, many cities try to boost their cycling levels. They often look towards the Dutch for guidance. However, historians have only begun to uncover how and why the Netherlands became the premier cycling country of the world. Why were Dutch cyclists so successful in their fight for a place on the road? Cycling Pathways: The Politics and Governance of Dutch Cycling Infrastructure, 1920-2020 explores the long political struggle that culminated in today’s high cycling levels. Delving into the archives, it uncovers the important role of social movements and shows in detail how these interacted with national, provincial, and urban engineers and policymakers to govern the distribution of road space and construction of cycling infrastructure. It discusses a wide range of topics, ranging from activists to engineering committees, from urban commuters to recreational cyclists and from the early 1900s to today in order to uncover the long and all-but-forgotten history of Dutch cycling governance.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 150-155
Author(s):  
N.V. Zarochentseva ◽  
◽  
V.I. Krasnopolskiy ◽  
О.А. Misyukevich ◽  
I.V. Barinova ◽  
...  

The article presents clinical observations of the development of precancerous conditions of the vaginal vault, and also squamous cell cancer in women after panhysterectomy. The examination included: comprehensive vaginoscopy, cytological examination of vaginal wall smears, human papillomavirus test, histological examination of bioplates. Conclusion. Panhysterectomy does not guarantee the absence of precancerous lesions of the vagina or vaginal cancer. Therefore, routine screening (cytology, testing for high-risk human papillomavirus, vaginoscopy) should be continued in women after panhysterectomy with a history of cervical intraepithelial neoplasias for at least 20 years, even in women older than 65 years. Key words: vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia, human papillomavirus, panhysterectomy, papillomavirus infection, cervical cancer, photodynamic therapy


Author(s):  
Kanika Kishore Saxena

Mathura is famous for its association with Vāsudeva‒Kṛṣṇa, an important deity of the Hindu pantheon. However, apart from the sanctity attached to this place by Hindus, it has also provided conditions for the nurturing of Buddhist, Jaina, nāga and yakṣa traditions. This book engages in a wide range of epigraphic, archaeological and art historical data from the various sites in the Mathura area and weaves this to present a coherent picture of the variegated religious history of the area from c.600 CE to c.1000 CE, which witnessed various religions/cults/sects competing for attention and patronage. The chapters in this book have been divided according to religious traditions, namely, Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism, along with the Kṛṣṇa, yakṣa, nāga, and mātṛkā cults. It raises many important issues related to Jainism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism as well as older cults of the yakṣas and nāgas. The objects of donation ranged from images, stūpas, temples to tanks and gardens. Donations by monks and nuns; together with laity from different locations within and beyond Mathura, amply reflect on the social mosaic of the time. The role of monastics and laity, the nature of patronage, and the social and political underpinnings of the religious history are also examined, all within a long, diachronic frame. This book reveals the complexity of the religious history of Mathura to provide the reader a taste of its diversity and plurality.


2018 ◽  
Vol 90 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Oleśna ◽  
Michał Wlaźlak ◽  
Janusz Strzelczyk ◽  
Marian Danilewicz

Introduction Frequency of detection of pancreatic cystic lesions increased recent years. The majorities are pseudocysts, the remaining cysts are mainly neoplasms. Proven risk of malignancy affects intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) and mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN). Material and methods 145 patients operated on at the Department of General and Transplant Surgery in Barlicki Hospital in Lodz, Poland, in 2007-2016 due to pancreatic cystic lesion. The type of surgery, histopathological diagnosis and basic demographic data were analyzed. Results Nonneoplastic cyst (mainly pseudocysts) was found in 66.9% of patients, neoplasms were detected in 33.1%. The mean age was significantly higher in patients with neoplasms than without neoplasm (57.06 years vs. 50.88 years, p = 0.009). Neoplastic cyst occurred more frequently in women (68.75% of women, 31.25% of men, p = 0.001), Nonneoplastic cyst was found significantly more often in men (64.95% of men, 35.05% of women, p = 0.001). Malignant tumor was found in 14.58% of neoplasms cases. Pancreatic resections in neoplastic cysts were performed in 77,08%. In patients with nonneoplastic cysts drainage operations were performed most frequently (80.41%). Conclusions Neoplastic cysts are more common in women. The average age in the group of patients with neoplasms is higher than in the group with nonneoplastic cysts. In women with pancreatic cystic lesion without history for pancreatitis, the probability of neoplasms diagnosis is high. Discussion Pancreatic cystic tumors are treated radically due to the lack of sufficiently sensitive and specific pre-operative examinations. The natural history of mucinous neoplasms (IPMN and MCN) ranges from dysplasia to cancer. There are no guidelines that could be in satisfactory way used in follow up patients with pancreatic cysts.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edik Minasyan

The work presents a complete scientific research on the history of Yerevan in the period of the Third Republic of Armenia (1991-2018). The analysis of the materials of the RA National Archive, various press and other relevant literature shows the process of the establishment of the RA independent statehood, the socio-political, socio-economic-cultural life of Yerevan, the role of capital in the administrative-political system of the republic, its comprehensive assistance to Artsakh, foreign relations, including sister cities, international organizations and structures. The book is addressed to historians, political scientists, those interested in Yerevan’s history, and wide range of readers in general. (in Armenian).


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Comola ◽  
Johan Gaume ◽  
Jasper Kok ◽  
Michael Lehning

<p>The wind-driven saltation of sediments, such as snow and sand, is responsible for a wide range of geophysical processes. Blowing-snow, in particular, affects snow surface properties and drives snow redistribution in alpine terrain. As such, it is of fundamental importance for avalanche mechanics. One of the most important controls on initiation and development of snow saltation is the surface cohesion induced by ice particle sintering. Although inter-particle cohesion is known to limit the number of grains lifted from the surface through aerodynamic entrainment and granular splash, the role of cohesion in the development of saltation from onset to steady state is still poorly understood. Using a numerical model based on the discrete element method, we show that saltation over cohesive beds sustains itself at wind speeds one order of magnitude smaller than those necessary to initiate it, giving rise to hysteresis in which the occurrence of transport depends on the history of the wind. Our results further suggest that saltation over cohesive beds requires much longer distances to saturate, thereby increasing the size of the smallest stable bed forms.</p>


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