Emotions, Identity and Body in Radovan Ivšić’s Language of Dreams

U radu se promatra izdvojeno pjesničko stvaralaštvo marginaliziranoga hrvatsko-francuskog autora Radovana Ivšića (1921. – 2009.) i u središte se stavlja motiv sna koji pjesniku osigurava propitkivanje (i)realnosti, napuštanje mimeze i stvaranje neobičnih asocijativnih odnosa karakterističnih za proces(e) sanjanja. Istraživački korpus u radu čine poeme Trideset i šest njenih čuda (1940.) i Narcis (1942.), zbirke pjesama Bunar u kuli (1967.), Tanke (1954.) i Crno (1974.), koje su objavljene u nekoliko izbora djela, točnije u Pet stoljeća hrvatske književnosti (1985.), U nepovrat (1990.), Crno i crno (2003.) i San na javi (2016.), iz kojih se iščitavaju, potom izdvajaju i interpretiraju označitelji emocija, identiteta i tijela. Stilskim kontekstualiziranjem autora unutar nadrealizma kategorizirat će se pjesnikov diskurs kao tzv. Ivšićev snovlji jezik. Karakterizira ga specifična sintaksa i morfologija te začudne pjesničke slike, a autoru omogućava: (1) autentično izražavanje emocija, (2) definiranje njegova fluidnog identiteta i (3) prikazivanje tjelesne metamorfoze i odnosa prema tijelu uopće. U tom kontekstu umjesto pojma oniričko, koji se pojavljuje u svim razdobljima i žanrovima književnosti, koristit će se pojam Ivšićev snovlji jezik kako bi se preciznije identificirala njegova poetika i njegov lingvistički kapital. Također, kao bilingvistu nadrealistička poetika omogućava mu izlazak izvan prethodno postavljenih stilskih okvira te njome ostvaruje ideološke stavove slobode koji su ga legitimirali u geografskom, kulturološkom i političkom okruženju. Iako će kasnija faza Ivšićeva stvaralaštva biti u opreci s njegovim ranijim književnim ostvarenjima (i u formalnome i u motivskome smislu), matrica će (is)korištenoga specifičnog snovljeg jezika ostati i dalje njegova temeljna pjesnička paradigma.This paper explores selected work of the marginalized Croatian-French author Radovan Ivšić (1921–2009) centred around the dream motif which allows the poet to question (sur)reality, abandon mimesis, and create unusual associative relations typical for dream process(es). His poems Trideset i šest njenih čuda (1940) and Narcis (1942), as well as the collections of poems Bunar u kuli (1967) and Tanke (1954), republished in Pet stoljeća hrvatske književnosti (1985), U nepovrat (1990), Crno i crno (2003) and San na javi (2016) are read, extrapolated, and interpreted through signifiers of emotions, identity, and body. Due to the author’s stylistic contextualisation within Surrealism, the poet’s discourse will be categorised as so called Ivšić’s dream language, characterised by a specific syntax and morphology as well as remarkable combinations of poetic imagery which allow the author to: (1) express emotions authentically, (2) self-identify, and (3) demonstrate physical metamorphosis and relations to the body in general. In this context, the term Ivšić’s dream language is used instead of the general term oneiric, which is present in all literary periods and genres, to precisely identify his poetics and linguistic capital. Furthermore, as a bilingual author, the surrealist poetics allows him to go beyond the established stylistic framework and to realise his ideological attitudes about freedom which have legitimised him in the geographical, cultural, and political environment. Although his early and later work will be in contrast in both form and motifs, the dream matrix of the specific dream language will remain his fundamental poetic paradigm

The genetic architecture of the human cerebral cortex

The cerebral cortex underlies our complex cognitive capabilities, yet little is known about the specific genetic loci that influence human cortical structure. To identify genetic variants that affect cortical structure, we conducted a genome-wide association meta-analysis of brain magnetic resonance imaging data from 51,665 individuals. We analyzed the surface area and average thickness of the whole cortex and 34 regions with known functional specializations. We identified 199 significant loci and found significant enrichment for loci influencing total surface area within regulatory elements that are active during prenatal cortical development, supporting the radial unit hypothesis. Loci that affect regional surface area cluster near genes in Wnt signaling pathways, which influence progenitor expansion and areal identity. Variation in cortical structure is genetically correlated with cognitive function, Parkinson's disease, insomnia, depression, neuroticism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Retrospective evaluation of whole exome and genome mutation calls in 746 cancer samples

Funder: NCI U24CA211006Abstract: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) curated consensus somatic mutation calls using whole exome sequencing (WES) and whole genome sequencing (WGS), respectively. Here, as part of the ICGC/TCGA Pan-Cancer Analysis of Whole Genomes (PCAWG) Consortium, which aggregated whole genome sequencing data from 2,658 cancers across 38 tumour types, we compare WES and WGS side-by-side from 746 TCGA samples, finding that ~80% of mutations overlap in covered exonic regions. We estimate that low variant allele fraction (VAF < 15%) and clonal heterogeneity contribute up to 68% of private WGS mutations and 71% of private WES mutations. We observe that ~30% of private WGS mutations trace to mutations identified by a single variant caller in WES consensus efforts. WGS captures both ~50% more variation in exonic regions and un-observed mutations in loci with variable GC-content. Together, our analysis highlights technological divergences between two reproducible somatic variant detection efforts

Innovations in Spinal Deformities and Postural Disorders

Innovations in Spinal Deformities and Postural Disorders presents a compendium of innovative work in the management of spinal deformities and postural disorders. The chapters were carefully selected with clinicians, researchers, patients and parents in mind. All of these stakeholders are important links in the management of spinal deformities and disorders. It is our hope that all will remain open to new ideas in the field and will be able to evaluate the material carefully and in ways that are objective and evidence based. We hope that the different chapters in the book will stimulate readers to be original and innovative in their own centers in order to help our patients in the best way possible. This book contains new information on the 3D measurement of, as well as new approaches to, the 3D conservative, including exercises and braces, and surgical treatments for patients with spinal deformities and postural disorders

Schroth Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercise (PSSE) Trials—Systematic Review of Methods and Recommendations for Future Research

The Schroth method is a non-operative treatment for scoliosis and kyphosis, used standalone or as an adjunct to bracing. While supporting evidence for its effectiveness is emerging, methodologic standardization and rigor are equivocal. Thus, we aimed to systematically review methods of published Schroth physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercise (PSSE) trials and provide guidance for future research. We searched six databases for randomized controlled trials (RCT) and non-randomized studies of interventions (NRSIs) investigating the effect of Schroth in children and adults with scoliosis or kyphosis. General characteristics, methodological approaches, treatment protocols, and outcomes reporting were analyzed. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using an adapted Cochrane RoB2 tool for RCTs and ROBINS-I for NRSI. Eligible studies (n = 7) were conducted in six countries and included patients with Scheuermann’s kyphosis (n = 1) and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (n = 6). Though all seven studies used the term Schroth to describe their interventions, the Schroth method was used in four of seven studies, of which only one used Schroth classification, three used Schroth therapists, and none prospectively registered the study protocol. Overall, methodological rigor was suboptimal, potentially invalidating evidence synthesis. Authors should follow minimum standards for reporting, including prospectively registering detailed protocols; using appropriate exercise labeling, Schroth classification and certified therapists; naming and describing exercises per classification; and providing therapy dosages, prescription methods, and adherence

Schroth physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: how many patients require treatment to prevent one deterioration? – results from a randomized controlled trial - “SOSORT 2017 Award Winner”

Abstract Background Recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) support using physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSE) for adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). All RCTs reported statistically significant results favouring PSSE but none reported on clinical significance. The number needed to treat (NNT) helps determine if RCT results are clinically meaningful. The NNT is the number of patients that need to be treated to prevent one bad outcome in a given period. A low NNT suggests that a therapy has positive outcomes in most patients offered the therapy. The objective was to determine how many patients require Schroth PSSE added to standard care (observation or brace treatment) to prevent one progression (NNT) of the Largest Curve (LC) or Sum of Curves (SOC) beyond 5° and 10°, respectively over a 6-month interval. Methods This was a secondary analysis of a RCT. Fifty consecutive participants from a scoliosis clinic were randomized to the Schroth PSSE + standard of care group (n = 25) or the standard of care group (n = 25). We included males and females with AIS, age 10–18 years, all curve types, with curves 10°- 45°, with or without brace, and all maturity levels. We excluded patients awaiting surgery, having had surgery, having completed brace treatment and with other scoliosis diagnoses. The local ethics review board approved the study (Pro00011552). The Schroth intervention consisted of weekly 1-h supervised Schroth PSSE sessions and a daily home program delivered over six months in addition to the standard of care. A prescription algorithm was used to determine which exercises patients were to perform. Controls received only standard of care. Cobb angles were measured using a semi-automatic system from posterior-anterior standing radiographs at baseline and 6 months. We calculated absolute risk reduction (ARR) and relative risk reduction (RRR). The NTT was calculated as: NNT = 1/ARR. Patients with missing values (PSSE group; n = 2 and controls; n = 4) were assumed to have had curve progression (worst case scenario). The RRR is calculated as RRR = ARR/CER Results For LC, NNT = 3.6 (95% CI 2.0–28.2), and for SOC, NNT = 3.1 (95% CI 1.9–14.2). The corresponding ARR was 28% for LC and 32% for the SOC. The RRR was 70% for LC and 73% for the SOC. Patients with complete follow-up attended 85% of prescribed visits and completed 82.5% of the home program. Assuming zero compliance after dropout, 76% of visits were attended and 73% of the prescribed home exercises were completed. Conclusions The short term of Schroth PSSE intervention added to standard care provided a large benefit as compared to standard care alone. Four (LC and SOC) patients require treatment for the additional benefit of a 6-month long Schroth intervention to be observed beyond the standard of care in at least one patient. Trial registration NCT01610908 April 2, 201

Patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis perceive positive improvements regardless of change in the Cobb angle – Results from a randomized controlled trial comparing a 6-month Schroth intervention added to standard care and standard care alone. SOSORT 2018 Award winner

Abstract Background The Cobb angle is proposed as the “disease process” outcome for scoliosis research because therapies aim to correct or stop curve progression. While the Scoliosis Research Society recommends the Cobb angle as the primary outcome, the Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment prioritises, as a general goal, patient related outcomes over Cobb angle progression. Objective To determine the threshold of change in the Cobb angle in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) who perceive improvement in a 6-months randomized controlled trial comparing a Schroth exercise intervention added to the standard of care to the standard of care alone. Methods This is a secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial of 50 patients with AIS, with curves ranging from 10° to 45°, with or without a brace. Participants with diagnoses other than AIS, surgical candidates or patients who had scoliosis surgery were excluded. The 6-month interventions consisted of Schroth exercises added to standard-of-care (observation or bracing) with daily home exercises and weekly therapy sessions (Schroth) or standard-of-care alone (Control). The anchor method for estimating the minimal important difference (MID) in the largest Cobb angles (LC) was used. Patient-reported change in back status over the 6-month treatment period was measured using the Global Rating of Change (GRC) scale as anchor varying from − 7 (“great deal worse”) to + 7 (“great deal better”). Participants were divided into two groups based on GRC scores: Improved (GRC ≥2) or Stable/Not Improved (GRC ≤1). MID was defined as the change in the LC that most accurately predicted the GRC classification as per the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Results The average age was 13.4 ± 1.6 years and the average LC was 28.5 ± 8.8 °s. The average GRC in the control group was − 0.1 ± 1.6, compared to + 4.4 ± 2.2 in the Schroth group. The correlation between LC and GRC was adequate (r = − 0.34, p < 0.05). The MID for the LC was 1.0 °. The area under the ROC was 0.69 (0.52–0.86), suggesting a 70% chance to properly classify a patient as perceiving No Improvement/Stable or Improvement based on the change in the LC. Conclusion Patients undergoing Schroth treatment perceived improved status of their backs even if the Cobb angle did not improve beyond the conventionally accepted threshold of 5°. Standard of care aims to slow/stop progression while Schroth exercises aim to improve postural balance, signs and symptoms of scoliosis. Given the very small MID, perceived improvement in back status is likely due to something other than the Cobb angle. This study warrants investigating alternatives to the Cobb angle that might be more relevant to patients. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT01610908 . Retrospectively registered on April 2, 2012 (first posted on June 4, 2012 - https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/keydates/NCT01610908

Cholesteryl ester accumulation and accelerated cholesterol absorption in intestine-specific hormone sensitive lipase-null mice

Hormone sensitive lipase (HSL) regulates the hydrolysis of acylglycerols and cholesteryl esters (CE) in various cells and organs, including enterocytes of the small intestine. The physiological role of this enzyme in enterocytes, however, stayed elusive. In the present study we generated mice lacking HSL exclusively in the small intestine (HSLiKO) to investigate the impact of HSL deficiency on intestinal lipid metabolism and the consequences on whole body lipid homeostasis. Chow diet-fed HSLiKO mice showed unchanged plasma lipid concentrations. In addition, feeding with high fat/high cholesterol (HF/HC) diet led to unaltered triglyceride but increased plasma cholesterol concentrations and CE accumulation in the small intestine. The same effect was observed after an acute cholesterol load. Gavaging of radioactively labeled cholesterol resulted in increased abundance of radioactivity in plasma, liver and small intestine of HSLiKO mice 4h post-gavaging. However, cholesterol absorption determined by the fecal dual-isotope ratio method revealed no significant difference, suggesting that HSLiKO mice take up the same amount of cholesterol but in an accelerated manner. mRNA expression levels of genes involved in intestinal cholesterol transport and esterification were unchanged but we observed downregulation of HMG-CoA reductase and synthase and consequently less intestinal cholesterol biosynthesis. Taken together our study demonstrates that the lack of intestinal HSL leads to CE accumulation in the small intestine, accelerated cholesterol absorption and decreased cholesterol biosynthesis, indicating that HSL plays an important role in intestinal cholesterol homeostasis