TGF-beta 1-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and therapeutic intervention in diabetic nephropathy

Background/Aims: Epithelial-to-mesenchymal cell transformation (EMT) is the trans-differentiation of tubular epithelial cells into myofibroblasts, an event underlying progressive chronic kidney disease in diabetes, resulting in fibrosis. Mainly reported in proximal regions of the kidney, EMT is now recognized as a key contributor to the loss of renal function throughout the nephron in diabetic nephropathy (DN). Concomitant upregulation of TGF-beta in diabetes makes this pro-fibrotic cytokine an obvious candidate in the development of these fibrotic complications. This article reviews recent findings clarifying our understanding of the role of TGF-beta and associated sub-cellular proteins in EMT. Methods: To understand the pathology of EMT and the role of TGF-beta, we reviewed the literature using PubMed for English language articles that contained key words related to EMT, TGF-beta and DN. Results: EMT and phenotypic plasticity of epithelial cells throughout the nephron involves cytoskeletal reorganization and de novo acquisition of classic mesenchymal markers. Concurrent downregulation of epithelial adhesion molecules results in a loss of function and decreased cell coupling, contributing to a loss of epithelial integrity. TGF-beta 1 is pivotal in mediating these phenotypic changes. Conclusion: TGF-beta-induced EMT is a key contributor to fibrotic scar formation as seen in DN, and novel routes for future therapeutic intervention are discussed

Bookspotting - Research Report: Mobilising Scottish Books

Research report for Digital R&D Fund for the Arts in Scotland - Publishing Scotland/Bookspottin

Publishing's Diversity Deficit

The second CAMEo Cuts examines questions around diversity within the UK’s publishing industry. With a specific focus on BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) participation as publishers, authors, readers, or featuring within books, Claire Squires comments on how UK publishing presents a ‘diversity deficit’. This diversity deficit, despite a raft of diversity initiatives, suggests systemic and institutionalised practices of implicit and explicit discrimination within the literary economy

On Philip Pullman’s fantastic politics and The Book of Dust

First paragraph: Millions have been thrilled to hear that His Dark Materials author Philip Pullman is back with the long-awaited follow-up to the infamous trilogy. The Book of Dust had been referred to as early as the publication of The Amber Spyglass in 2000, but at last the first in a new trilogy is confirmed for publication in October. Pre-orders have already propelled the first title to the top of the bestseller lists, and speculation is running riot

National Piping Centre E-Learning Portal and Livestreaming - Research Report: Increasing Access to and Revenue Streams From Traditional Music Events and Teaching

Report on the Digital R&D Fund for the Arts in Scotland: National Piping Centre E-Learning Portal & Livestreamin

Dan Mallory's unreliable narrative: how to get ahead in publishing

People across the global book trade have been engrossed by a ripe scandal engulfing one of their own – publisher-turned-author Dan Mallory, whose novel The Woman in the Window was one of the runaway bestsellers of 2018...https://theconversation.com/dan-mallorys-unreliable-narrative-how-to-get-ahead-in-publishing-11123

Frasan - Research Report: Tiree's Mobile Heritage App

Research report relating to Digital R&D Fund for the Arts in Scotland, focusing on 'Frasan', a mobile heritage app created by An Iodhlann (Tiree)

Should authors’ unfinished works be completed?

First paragraph: The scene: a field in southwest England. The sun is shining for a quintessentially British event, the Great Dorset Steam Fair. A six-and-a-half tonne steamroller takes centre stage. This, the Lord Jericho, goes head-to-head with a computer hard drive, and in a battle of old and new technologies, rolls over it several times. Then, just to be on the safe side, the hard drive is placed in a steam-powered stone crusher