Posthumanism and science fiction : the case of Alex Garland's Ex Machina and Annihilation

My honors thesis explores two films written and directed by Alex Garland, Ex Machina (2014) and Annihilation (2018), through the lens of posthumanist theory. Posthumanism is a broad umbrella term, which can be separated into various categories. Differentiating these schools of thought allows for a clear distinction of the various theoretical viewpoints, which can then be used to analyze major themes in Alex Garland's films. Although each of Garland's films evokes a separate set of subject matter, they share commentary on scientific research as well as a plausible vision of humanity's future. By portraying specific themes associated with the Sci-Fi genre, Garland provides a vision of where humanity stands in the midst of a fast-growing world. His earlier film, Ex Machina, includes technological themes such as cybernetics, artificial intelligence, advanced technology, and the role of social media in our technocentric era. Garland's most recent work, Annihilation, centers on human biology such as genetic mutation, cloning, and cellar division. By providing social and scientific commentary on humanity's future, Garland's films evoke a sense of hyperrealism and create an unsettled and disturbed emotion within audiences. Garland's hypothetical, yet conceivable, narrative themes enable audiences to learn how humans coexist alongside technology, and what may result from this existence. Furthermore, Garland's films not only acknowledge the future, but also the past history of science, ecology, and the human species, further exposing how we are bound to an inevitable end, which is accelerated by our own self-destruction. By applying a posthumanistic lens to these two films, my thesis provides a suitable analysis as to how science fiction offers audiences access into the theoretical, scientific, and philosophical mentality of posthumanism

DNA methylation-associated colonic mucosal immune and defense responses in treatment-naïve pediatric ulcerative colitis

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are emerging globally, indicating that environmental factors may be important in their pathogenesis. Colonic mucosal epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, can occur in response to the environment and have been implicated in IBD pathology. However, mucosal DNA methylation has not been examined in treatment-naïve patients. We studied DNA methylation in untreated, left sided colonic biopsy specimens using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip array. We analyzed 22 control (C) patients, 15 untreated Crohn’s disease (CD) patients, and 9 untreated ulcerative colitis (UC) patients from two cohorts. Samples obtained at the time of clinical remission from two of the treatment-naïve UC patients were also included into the analysis. UC-specific gene expression was interrogated in a subset of adjacent samples (5 C and 5 UC) using the Affymetrix GeneChip PrimeView Human Gene Expression Arrays. Only treatment-naïve UC separated from control. One-hundred-and-twenty genes with significant expression change in UC (> 2-fold, P < 0.05) were associated with differentially methylated regions (DMRs). Epigenetically associated gene expression changes (including gene expression changes in the IFITM1, ITGB2, S100A9, SLPI, SAA1, and STAT3 genes) were linked to colonic mucosal immune and defense responses. These findings underscore the relationship between epigenetic changes and inflammation in pediatric treatment-naïve UC and may have potential etiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic relevance for IBD

The CTLA4 variants may interact with the IL23R- and NOD2-conferred risk in development of Crohn's disease

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The <it>CTLA4 </it>(cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4) gene is associated with several immunopathologic diseases and because of its important immuno-regulatory role it may be considered also a plausible candidate for a genetic association with inflammatory bowel diseases. Previously published studies found no association of <it>CTLA4 </it>with Crohn's disease itself, but some indicated an association with its subphenotypes. The aim of this study was to assess the association in the Czech population, using a set of markers shown to associate with other diseases.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Six polymorphisms within the <it>CTLA4 </it>region were investigated in 333 patients with Crohn's disease and 482 unrelated healthy controls, all Caucasians of Czech origin. The genotypes of the SNPs were determined using the TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. Haplotypes were reconstructed using an expectation-maximization algorithm, and their association with the condition was assessed using log-linear modeling. Then, potential interactions were tested between the <it>CTLA4 </it>variants and other genetic factors known to confer the disease susceptibility.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>No crude associations with Crohn's disease were found for the tested <it>CTLA4 </it>variants under the log-additive or dominant models. However, when stratified for the genetic risk conferred by the variants in the <it>NOD2 </it>(the p.Leu1007fsX1008, rs5743293) or the <it>IL23R </it>(p.R381Q, rs11209026), a significant negative association emerged for the minor alleles of <it>CTLA4 </it>CT60 (rs3087243), JO31 (rs11571302), JO27-1 (rs11571297) polymorphisms. This negative association with <it>CTLA4 </it>was apparent only in the strata defined by presence minor alleles at the <it>NOD2 </it>rs5743293 (here the <it>CTLA4 </it>CT60 A coffered an OR = 0.43, 95%CI 0.19 - 0.95 for the presence of CT60 A), or <it>IL23R </it>rs11209026 (here the OR for presence of CT60 A was 0.23, 95%CI 0.07 - 0.71). We observed this effect also for the haplotype consisting of minor alleles of the three tightly linked <it>CTLA4 </it>markers. Furthermore, this haplotype was associated with the younger age at diagnosis (OR 1.52, 95%CI 1.09 - 2.11, p = 0.014).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>A protective effect of a <it>CTLA4 </it>haplotype was unmasked after stratification for the risk variants in the <it>NOD2 </it>and <it>IL23R </it>genes, and may point towards the biological relevance of the molecule in the pathogenesis of the disease.</p

Palm Oil and Beta-palmitate in Infant Formula: A Position Paper by the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) Committee on Nutrition

Background: Palm oil (PO) is used in infant formulas in order to achieve palmitic acid (PA) levels similar to those in human milk. PA in PO is esterified predominantly at the SN-1,3 position of triacylglycerol (TAG), and infant formulas are now available in which a greater proportion of PA is in the SN-2 position (typical configuration in human milk). As there are some concerns about the use of PO, we aimed to review literature on health effects of PO and SN-2-palmitate in infant formulas. / Methods: PubMed and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were systematically searched for relevant studies on possible beneficial effects or harms of either PO or SN-2-palmitate in infant formula on various health outcomes. / Results: We identified 12 relevant studies using PO and 21 studies using SN-2-palmitate. Published studies have variable methodology, subject characteristics, and some are underpowered for the key outcomes. PO is associated with harder stools and SN-2-palmitate use may lead to softer stool consistency. Bone effects seem to be short-lasting. For some outcomes (infant colic, faecal microbiota, lipid metabolism), the number of studies is very limited and summary evidence inconclusive. Growth of infants is not influenced. There are no studies published on the effect on markers of later diseases. / Conclusions: There is insufficient evidence to suggest that PO should be avoided as a source of fat in infant formulas for health reasons. Inclusion of high SN-2-palmitate fat blend in infant formulas may have short-term effects on stool consistency but cannot be considered essential

Striopallidodentate Calcification and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy-Like Phenotype in a Patient with Idiopathic Hypoparathyroidism

We present a 77-year-old woman with levodopa-nonresponsive parkinsonism, dementia, and supranuclear gaze palsy on vertical and horizontal gaze. Laboratory findings were consistent with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism, and brain computed tomography showed extensive bilateral calcifications of the basal ganglia, centrum semiovale, dentate nuclei, and cerebellar white matter. These results illustrate that striopallidodentate calcification due to hypoparathyroidism may present with symptoms mimicking progressive supranuclear palsy

Probiotics and Preterm Infants: A Position Paper by the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition and the ESPGHAN Working Group for Probiotics and Prebiotics

More than 10,000 preterm infants have participated in randomised controlled trials on probiotics worldwide, suggesting that probiotics in general could reduce rates of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), sepsis, and mortality. However, answers to relevant clinical questions as to which strain to use, at what dosage, and how long to supplement, are not available. On the other hand, an increasing number of commercial products containing probiotics are available from sometimes suboptimal quality. Also, a large number of units around the world are routinely offering probiotic supplementation as the standard of care despite lacking solid evidence. Our recent network meta-analysis identified probiotic strains with greatest efficacy regarding relevant clinical outcomes for preterm neonates. Efficacy in reducing mortality and morbidity was found for only a minority of the studied strains or combinations. In the present position paper, we aim to provide advice which specific strains might potentially be used and which strains should not be used. Besides, we aim to address safety issues of probiotic supplementation to preterm infants, who have reduced immunological capacities and occasional indwelling catheters. For example, quality reassurance of the probiotic product is essential, probiotic strains should be devoid of transferable antibiotic resistance genes, and local microbiologists should be able to routinely detect probiotic sepsis. Provided all safety issues are met, there is currently a conditional recommendation (with low certainty of evidence) to provide either L. rhamnosus GG ATCC53103 or the combination of B. infantis Bb-02, B. lactis Bb-12, and Str. thermophilus TH-4 in order to reduce NEC rates

Nutrition in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Position Paper on Behalf of the Porto Inflammatory Bowel Disease Group of the European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

Background and Aims:A growing body of evidence supports the need for detailed attention to nutrition and diet in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to define the steps in instituting dietary or nutritional management in light of the current evidence and to offer a useful and practical guide to physicians and dieticians involved in the care of pediatric IBD patients.Methods:A group of 20 experts in pediatric IBD participated in an iterative consensus process including 2 face-to-face meetings, following an open call to Nutrition Committee of the European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Porto, IBD Interest, and Nutrition Committee. A list of 41 predefined questions was addressed by working subgroups based on a systematic review of the literature.Results:A total of 53 formal recommendations and 47 practice points were endorsed with a consensus rate of at least 80% on the following topics: nutritional assessment;macronutrients needs;trace elements, minerals, and vitamins;nutrition as a primary therapy of pediatric IBD;probiotics and prebiotics;specific dietary restrictions;and dietary compounds and the risk of IBD.Conclusions:This position paper represents a useful guide to help the clinicians in the management of nutrition issues in children with IBD

The increased expression of fatty acid-binding protein 9 in prostate cancer and its prognostic significance

In contrast to numerous studies conducted to investigate the crucial role of fatty acid binding protein 5 (FABP5) in prostate cancer, investigations on the possible involvement of other FABPs are rare. Here we first measured the mRNA levels of 10 FABPs in benign and malignant prostate cell lines and identified the differentially expressed FABP6 and FABP9 mRNAs whose levels in all malignant cell lines were higher than those in the benign cells. Thereafter we assessed the expression status of FABP6 and FABP9 in both prostate cell lines and in human tissues. FABP6 protein was overexpressed only in 1 of the 5 malignant cell lines and its immunostaining intensities were not significantly different between benign and malignant prostate tissues. In contrast, FABP9 protein was highly expressed in highly malignant cell lines PC-3 and PC3-M, but its level in the benign PNT-2 and other malignant cell lines was not detectable. When analysed in an archival set of human prostate tissues, immunohistochemical staining intensity for FABP9 was significantly higher in carcinomas than in benign cases and the increase in FABP9 was significantly correlated with reduced patient survival times. Moreover, the increased level of staining for FABP9 was significantly associated with the increased joint Gleason scores (GS) and androgen receptor index (AR). Suppression of FABP9 expression in highly malignant PC3-M cells inhibited their invasive potential. Our results suggest that FABP9 is a valuable prognostic marker to predict the outcomes of prostate cancer patients, perhaps by playing an important role in prostate cancer cell invasion

Bone mineral density and vitamin D in paediatric intestinal failure patients receiving home parenteral nutrition

Background & aims Patients with intestinal failure (IF) are dependent on long-term home parenteral nutrition (HPN) to ensure growth and development. The primary aim of the present study was to assess bone mineral density (BMD) and vitamin D status in paediatric IF patients on HPN and a group of healthy children aged 2–18 years. Secondary aims were to assess growth, body composition, nutrient provision and physical activity. Methods An observational cross-sectional study was performed at Oslo University Hospital and at the Department of Nutrition, University of Oslo, from January to September 2017. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA; Lunar Prodigy in IF patients and Lunar iDXA in healthy subjects) was performed to assess BMD and body composition. BMD z-score (BMDz) was calculated for total body and lumbar spine L2-L4 based on the integrated reference population in the software. Weight and height were measured for growth assessment. Nutrient provision was assessed by a 4-day food record. Blood samples were analysed for 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D). Physical activity was reported by a questionnaire. Results Nineteen IF patients and 50 healthy children were included. The mean age of participants was 10.0 years. The aetiology of IF patients was paediatric intestinal pseudo-obstruction (58%), short bowel syndrome (26%), and intestinal enteropathy (16%). Lower median BMDz for total body (−0.4 vs 1.1, P < 0.001) and lumbar spine L2-L4 (−0.9 vs 0.2, P = 0.01) were found in the IF group compared with the healthy children. Vitamin D provision was significantly higher in IF patients (17 μg/d vs 5.3 μg/d, P < 0.001). Both groups were sufficient in 25(OH)D (IF patients 71 nmol/L vs healthy 81 nmol/L). Nevertheless, IF patients had significantly lower 1,25(OH)2D than healthy children (71 pmol/L vs 138 pmol/L, P < 0.001). The IF group was significantly shorter (height for age z-score −1,5 vs 0,1, P = 0.001) and lighter (weight for age z-score −1,0 vs 0,1, P = 0.009) compared with the healthy subjects. BMIz did not differ; however, body fat percentage was significantly higher in IF patients compared with healthy children (34% vs 25%, P = 0.02). A lower frequency of physical activity was found in the IF group compared with the healthy group (P = 0.001). Conclusions Paediatric IF patients on HPN had lower BMD, impaired growth, and higher body fat percentage in comparison with the healthy children. Despite a higher total supply of vitamin D in the IF group, the levels of 25(OH)D did not differ. Nevertheless, a significantly lower level of 1,25(OH)2D was found in IF patients. The results raise questions regarding differences between oral and parenteral vitamin D provision and whether intestinal function is important for the metabolism of vitamin D.publishedVersio