MUC2 polymorphisms are associated with endometriosis development and infertility: a case-control study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Mucins are highly glycosylated proteins protecting and lubricating epithelial surface of respiratory, gastrointestinal and reproductive tracts. Members of the mucin protein family have been suggested to play an important role in development of endometriosis and infertility. This study investigates genetic association of mucin2 (<it>MUC2</it>) with the risk of endometriosis and endometriosis-related infertility.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This case-control study was conducted at China Medical University Hospital, with 195 endometriosis patients and 196 healthy controls enrolled. Genotyping of six SNPs (rs2856111, rs11245936, rs10794288, rs10902088, rs7103978 and rs11245954) within <it>MUC2 </it>gene were performed by using <it>Taqman </it>genotyping assay; individual SNP and haplotype associations with endometriosis and endometriosis-related infertility were assessed by <it>χ</it>²test.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Endometriosis patients exhibit significantly lower frequency of the rs10794288 C allele, the rs10902088 T allele and the rs7103978 G allele (<it>P </it>= 0.030, 0.013 and 0.040, respectively). In addition, the rs10794288 C allele and the rs10902088 T allele were also less abundant in patients with infertility versus fertile ones (<it>P </it>= 0.015 and 0.024, respectively). Haplotype analysis of the endometriosis associated SNPs in <it>MUC2 </it>also showed significantly association between the most common haplotypes and endometriosis or endometriosis-related infertility.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p><it>MUC2 </it>polymorphisms, especially rs10794288 and rs10902088, are associated with endometriosis as well as endometriosis-related infertility. Our data present MUC2 as a new candidate involved in development of endometriosis and related infertility in Taiwanese Han women.</p

Shipyard Spectacles: A Theatre for Marmara

Integrating shipyards with the surrounding context and unveiling the strong relation between this historic industry and Istanbul. As mentioned in the problematization section, the industry shapes leftover spaces which are not currently used. The project will aim to utilize these spaces in the shipyards by creating a series of interventions without interfering with the industry’s processes while trying to invite people outside of this context. The result will be a number of different structures, varying in uses and functions, referred to as magnets. The organization of the structures and their program will be carefully structured. Each point will have a carefully selected purpose, acting both as an individual mechanism but also as an integral part of the holistic experience of the route that is created from linking all the different points. The route will transition from land to water to carefully frame and portray all the different perspectives the shipyard can be viewed from.The purpose of those structures is going to address the technical aspect of the yards (architecture as a machine) where the ships become a source of materials that can be treated with different strategies to result to a variety of potential outcomes. Repurposing part of them while hosting new program or even fully disassembling them to create a material library for the construction of the new built fabric. The project will act as a demonstration of the endless possibilities of reusing and recycling parts and materials from retired ships. The programmatic use of the interventions will aim to frame the shipyard, so that the visitor can understand the complex operations of the industry. Multiple viewing points are integrated to allow this to happen but also resting areas and temporary housing accommodations allow the visitor to slowly approach the complex spatial conditions that are present on site. 1. Reception and Changing rooms2. Temporary Houses3. Resting Space / Cafe4. ObservatoryArchitecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences | Borders and Territorie

Do only the physical qualities of a public space influence the way it’s being used or the activities it hosts and do large-scale socioeconomic events of the past decade affect their function?: Human Activity in Public Spaces Before and During the Pandemic

The scope of this thesis is set to examine the immediate relation of a city’s public spaces to the daily life of its citizens and portray how this relationship evolves. The location under examination is the city center of Athens, Greece. Specifically, focus will be given on two major public squares, namely Syntagma square and Omonia square. Syntagma square functions as a front stage for the Athenian citizen. Its location being right in front of the Hellenic Parliament strongly influences the uses and activities that take place. In contrast, Omonia square stands as a backstage of public life in the city center. Importantly, these two squares are closely located and are linked together via the axis of Panepistimiou and Stadiou streets. Both comprise some of the busiest streets in the center of the capital and play an integral role in the function of the city. Therefore, the squares, being linked through such important arteries in the circulation network of the city, gain significant importance in the context of the public life.The analysis will focus on the observations and recordings of human activities (movement/flow, behavior, and occupation) that are taking place in these public squares. Open observation will help to understand how the structured outdoor public sphere is being used and whether it controls its user. The question of ownership, a fundamental issue in regard to public spaces, directly affects and influences how the public space is used. Hence, I aim to understand who owns these public squares and how this influences their design and structure. Are private interests and goals favored over the interests of the public? If that’s the case and local actors are not consulted prior to and during development, this may result in the construction of public spaces that only serve upper- and middle-class individuals and add to socioeconomic and ethnic exclusion and segregation. To this purpose, I will analyze case-studies chronologicaly in relation to the changing context (pre- and mid- pandemic conditions) and will aim to identify all relevant changes occurring on these squares. I will focus on public activities in the years 2011 and 2022. For the observation of 2011, as a comparative period, I will rely on Dr. Fani Kostourou’s research that analyzes human activities in the center of Athens at that time under non pandemic conditions. This work will serve as a basis for my analysis which focuses on the pandemic conditions of the year 2022. Between 2011 and 2020 numerous events took place which resulted in profound changes in the public space. Furthermore, the pandemic drastically affected the public sphere and the overall human activity in it. The essay is going to identify how user’s’ behavior changed in relation to the squares’ new layout and analyze the impact that an unprecedented pandemic environment has had on the public sphere of the city.AR2A011Architecture, Urbanism and Building Science

Apoptosis in atherosclerosis: A mini-review

Apoptosis in atherosclerotic lesions is triggered by inflammatory processes, both via cell-cell contact and by cytokines and oxidized lipids. The role of apoptosis in atherogenesis is dual, depending on the stage of the plaque: In early stages, apoptotic death of smooth muscle - and inflammatory cells, such as lymphocytes and macrophages, may delay atherosclerotic process. However, once the plaque is formed, apoptosis may lead to plaque rupture and thrombosis. © 2008 Bentham Science Publishers Ltd

Doppler assessment of the intrauterine growth-restricted fetus

The evaluation of fetal well-being by Doppler velocimetry in cases of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is of great importance as it is very useful in detecting those IUGR fetuses that are at high risk because of hypoxemia. Several Doppler studies initially on fetal arteries and recently on the fetal venous system provide valuable information for the clinicians concerning the optimal time to deliver. Doppler sonography in combination with the other biophysical methods such as cardiotocogram and biophysical profile score should be used in everyday practice for the monitoring and appropriate management of the growth-restricted fetuses. The purpose of this review is to describe the current approaches in Doppler assessment of IUGR fetal circulation. © 2006 New York Academy of Sciences

Cardiovascular disease: Screening and management of the a-symptomatic high-risk post-menopausal woman

Menopause-related oestrogen deficiency increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The presence of abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, fasting hyperglycaemia or impaired glucose tolerance further aggravates the CVD risk imposed by menopause. A detailed personal history should be recorded, covering PCOS, gestational diabetes mellitus, alcohol intake and smoking, as well as a family history of cardiovascular disease. Screening of the a-symptomatic post-menopausal woman should include fasting lipid profile, plasma glucose and liver, renal and thyroid function tests. Serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) &gt; 130 mg/dL is associated with an increased risk of CVD. Levels of triglycerides (TG) ≥ 150 mg/dL and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) ≤ 50 mg/dL coupled with an increase in small dense LDL and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles constitute the atherogenic dyslipidemia, which characterizes the metabolic syndrome. In women with previous VTE episodes, screening for thrombophilia is advisable, as well as an estimation of baseline homocysteine and C-reactive protein (CRP). Non-pharmacological intervention should be targeted towards smoking cessation, a low-salt, low-fat, high-fibre diet and increased physical activity. © 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved

Roman Aqueducts in Crete, Greece: Learning from the Past

The Romans were well aware of the strategic importance of Crete and tried, by any means possible, its final conquest. The island was under Roman rule over four centuries (ca 67 BC–330 AD). Under Roman rule, Crete witnessed a growth of its population and prosperity and an increase in its connectivity with other parts of the Empire. In addition, Gortys, Chersonisos, Elyros, Lyttos, Kissamos and other cities flourished under their rule. At that prosperous time, several luxurious infrastructures, such as hydraulic works, were developed. In this paper, we wish to examine the principles and the technical characteristics of major aqueducts built at that time. They constructed impressive hydro-works, such as aqueducts, by using the knowledge gained from earlier Greek civilizations in Minoan and Classical and Hellenistic times. However, they mainly increased the scale of applied technologies to support the increased population water demand. Water is a common need of humankind and several ancient civilizations developed simple but practical techniques, such as the aqueduct, especially during Roman times. We can gain from their experience and knowledge to develop a sustainable water supply, presently and in the future, both in developed and developing countries