East Populations Research Articles

Role of routine upper endoscopy before bariatric surgery in the Middle East population: a review of 1278 patients.

Introduction The routine use of preoperative endoscopy for patients undergoing bariatric surgery is controversial. Although many surgeons find it unnecessary, others still consider it a mandatory tool in preoperative assessment. Patients and methods We reviewed the medical records of all patients who had undergone preoperative endoscopy before bariatric surgery in Rashid Hospital between January 2013 and June 2016. The patients were divided into three groups: Group 0 included patients with normal endoscopy; Group 1 included patients with abnormalities that did not affect the timing or type of procedure; Group 2 included patients with abnormalities that had a direct impact on the procedure. Results The files of 1473 patients were reviewed. Endoscopy results were not present in 195 files, so those patients were excluded, and the remaining 1278 files were included. The mean age of patients was 41.3 ± 12.7 years, 61 % were female and 39 % were male. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 43.7 ± 8 kg/m 2 . Endoscopy was normal in 10.6 % of patients and abnormal in 89.4 %. The most common abnormalities were gastritis, positive Campylobacter-like organism test (CLO test), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with esophagitis and hiatal hernia. Group 0 included 10.6 % of patients (n = 135), Group 1 included 25.6 % of patients (n = 327), while Group 2 included 63.8 % of patients (n = 816). Conclusion Routine endoscopy seems to play an important part in the preoperative preparation of patients planned for bariatric surgery in the Middle East population. Further studies or meta-analysis could help in building up clear solid evidence and guidelines that could be approved by international bariatric associations with regard to indications for preoperative upper endoscopy in bariatric patients.

Eye color prediction using single nucleotide polymorphisms in Saudi population.

BackgroundDNA prediction of eye color represent one application of the externally visible characteristics (EVC), which attained growing interest in the field of DNA forensic phenotyping. This is mainly due to its ability to narrow the pool of suspects without the need to compare any retrieved DNA material from the crime scene to a reference DNA. Several methods and multiplex genetic panel were proposed with variable prediction accuracy between different populations. However, such panel was not previously tested in the Saudi population, nor any populations of the Middle East and North Africa origin.MethodA panel of eleven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was tested for their association with three eye colors (brown, hazel, and intermediate) in 80 volunteer Saudi individuals. SNPs and haplotype association test with eye colors were performed to identify the top significant SNPs with the three eye colors. Also, multinomial logistic regression was used to construct the prediction model using a training set of 60 subjects, and a validation set of 20 subjects. The goodness of fit parameter of the model to correctly predicts each eye color as compared to the other was performed.ResultsEye color was significantly associated with rs12913832, rs7170852, and rs916977 that are located within HERC2. SNP rs12913832 was the top significant SNP (p-value = 1.78E−15) that accounted for the association in this region, as the other SNPs were not significant after adjusting for rs12913832. A prediction model containing five SNPs showed high prediction accuracy with Area Under the receiver operating characteristic Curves (AUC) equals to 0.95 and 0.83 for brown and intermediate eye colors, respectively. However, the model’s performance was very low for predicting the hazel eye color with AUC equals 0.75.DiscussionDespite the small sample size of our study, we reported very significant SNP associations with eye color. Our model to predict eye colors based on DNA material showed high accuracy for brown and intermediate eye colors. The eye color prediction-model underperformed for the hazel eye colors, suggesting that larger sample size, as well as more comprehensive set of SNPs, could improve the model-prediction accuracy.

The Influence of Selection on MHC DQA and DQB Haplotypes in the Endemic New Zealand Hector's and Māui Dolphins.

Strong balancing selection on the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) can lead to different patterns in gene frequencies and neutral genomic variation within species. We investigated diversity and geographic structure of MHC genes DQA and DQB, as well as their inferred functional haplotypes, from 2 regional populations (East and West Coast) of the endangered Hector's dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori hectori) and the critically endangered Māui dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori maui) (West Coast, North Island), and contrasted these results with patterns from neutral microsatellites. The Māui had the lowest number of alleles for DQA (2) and DQB (3), consistent with strong genetic drift acting on this remnant population. However, the 2 retained DQA alleles are among the most divergent combinations of all 4 alleles found across the Hector's metapopulation, potentially reflecting the retention of divergent alleles due to balancing selection. The high frequency of the divergent DQB*04 allele also gave this population the highest nucleotide diversity for DQB. Strong differentiation was evident for DQA, DQB, and DQA-DQB haplotypes between the regional populations of Hector's dolphins (FST > 0.213) and both subspecies (FST > 0.311). Differentiation was generally greater than observed at neutral microsatellite loci, suggesting the influence of selection between geographically proximate East and West Coast populations. This might be the result of spatial differences in directional selection on those opposite coastlines. In addition, measures of the ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous substitutions (dN/dS) were consistent with balancing selection over evolutionary time. Together, these results suggest a complex interplay of balancing selection, directional selection, local fidelity, and genetic drift.

Long-term outcome of first 300 implanted Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffolds in an all-comers Middle East population

ObjectivesTo evaluate long-term clinical outcomes of the Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) system (Abbott Vascular) in an all-comers Middle East population.MethodsThis prospective registry study included an initial set of patients with coronary lesions treated using Absorb BVS. Patients were followed for target vessel failure (TVF) including cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction (MI), and target lesion revascularization.ResultsA total of 217 patients (age, 55 ± 11 years; male, 169) with 300 treated lesions were included (median follow-up, 36 months [range, 26–41 months]; complete follow-up, 201 patients). Diabetes mellitus and acute coronary syndrome were present in 50% and 57% of patients, respectively. TVF rate was 32/201 (15.9%), including cardiac death in 10 (5%), target vessel MI in 13 (6.5%), and target lesion revascularization in 22 patients (10.9%). Definite or probable device thrombosis occurred in 11/201 patients (5.5%). TVF was associated with heart failure, worse ejection fraction, multi-vessel BVS, multi BVS in lesion, and total BVS length >50 mm.ConclusionsLong-term outcome following Absorb BVS implantation in a population with high prevalence of high-risk and complex patients is acceptable, but heart failure, worse ejection fraction, and multi-vessel or long BVS implantation were associated with worse outcomes.

Inferring biogeographic ancestry with compound markers of slow and fast evolving polymorphisms.

Bio-geographic ancestry is an area of considerable interest in the medical genetics, anthropology and forensics. Although genome-wide panels are ideal as they provide dense genotyping data, small sets of ancestry informative marker provide a cost-effective way to investigate genetic ancestry and population structure. Here, we investigate the performance of a reduced marker set that combine different types of autosomal markers through haplotype analysis. In particular, recently described DIP-STR markers should offer the advantage of comprising both, low mutation rate Indels (DIPs), to study human history over longer time scale; and high mutation rate STRs, to trace relatively recent demographic events. In this study, we assessed the ability of an initial set of 23 DIP-STRs to distinguish major population groups using the HGDP-CEPH reference samples. The results obtained applying the STRUCTURE algorithm show that the discrimination capacity of the DIP-STRs is comparable to currently used small-scale ancestry informative markers by approaching seven major demographic groups. Yet, the DIP-STRs show an improved success rate in assigning individuals to populations of Europe and Middle East. These data show a remarkable ability of a preliminary set of 23 DIP-STR markers to infer major biogeographic origins. A novel set of DIP-STRs preselected to contain ancestry information should lead to further improvements.

Risk Factors for Microvascular Complications of Diabetes in a High-Risk Middle East Population.

Aims Much of the diabetes burden is caused by its complications. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for diabetic microvascular complications (retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy) in a high-risk population. Methods We collected information via a structured questionnaire and directly from the patient's record on 1034 adult type 2 diabetic patients who were attending outpatient clinics in Qatar. Results The mean age of the patients was 55 ± 10 years, and the mean duration of diabetes was 12.4 ± 8.9 years. Forty-five percent had one or more microvascular complications. Shared risk factors for multiplicity and for individual complications included family history, severity and duration of diabetes, and hypertension, but some risk factors were specific for individual microvascular complications. Early age at onset of diabetes was strongly associated with multiplicity of complications (P = 0.0003). Conclusions About half the diabetics in this high-risk population had one or more microvascular complications. Several well-established risk factors were associated with multiplicity and individual microvascular complications, but each separate microvascular complication was linked to a somewhat different constellation of risk factors.

30. DNA prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in the suspected population of Indian regions

Background and Aims: Diagnosis of infection is the major aspects in HBV related symptoms, to provide accurate and timely treatment for infected patients. Objectives: To identify prevalence the present study was carried out to diagnose the HBV infection in DNA level with viral load in the suspected population in north, east, west and south Indian regions. Methods: A total of 515 suspected subjects from different regions; north (n = 277), east (n = 210), west (n = 16) and south (n = 12) of ages between 06 and 75 years (mean 35.90 years, standard deviation ± 14.14 years) included in this study. Results: HBV DNA was identified in a total of 360/515 (69.90%) suspected subjects; 269 (74.72%) male and 91 (25.27%) female. The level for viral load of HBV DNA ranged from 10.5 to >2 × 107 IU/ml in the samples used (median 461 IU/ml). The demographic data evaluation on the comparison of viral infection state between the regions and genders exhibited no significant correlation (P > 0.05). However, HBV DNA viral load difference among female indicated decreased proportion in the east regions (P = 0.01). There was no significant difference of viral load occurred between the genders in study population (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study show that HBV DNA prevalence among different regions and population is important to identify patient's diagnosis condition and prevention strategies in respective regions. To control the spread of infection among Indians are encouraged with diagnosis procedure in DNA level. Moreover, knowledge towards HBV infection risk and their roots are able to prevent virus transmission among Indian population. The authors have none to declare.

Genetic Polymorphisms of 19 STR Loci in Populations of Three Culture Region in Shandong

To analyse the genetic polymorphisms of 19 autosomal STR loci in Han population of east, middle-northwest and southwest-south Shandong and to explore its genetic relationships among the population of these three regions. STR loci of 1 044 unrelated Han individuals in three Shandong regions were typed with a Goldeneye® DNA ID System 20A kit. The allele frequency and population genetics parameters of 19 autosomal STR loci were statistically analysed by Modified-Powerstates software. The genetic distances among the population in three regions were calculated by Arlequin v3.5 software. The phylogenetic tree was conducted using MEGA v4.0 software. Fifteen of 19 autosomal STR loci were detected with the H values greater than 0.7, PIC values greater than 0.7, and DP values greater than 0.9 in the populations of all three Shandong regions. Among the populations in these three regions, the genetic distance between the populations in middle-northwest and southwest-south Shandong was closest （Fst=0.000 16）, followed by east and southwest-south Shandong （Fst=0.0003 6）. The genetic distance between the populations in east and middle-northwest Shandong was the farthest （Fst=0.000 66, P<0.05）. The 19 autosomal STR loci show good genetic polymorphisms in Han population of three Shandong regions, and 15 of them are high. There are genetic differences between the populations in east and middle-northwest Shandong.

Variation in the Origin of Left Hepatic Artery in North East Population

Variation in the Origin of Left Hepatic Artery in North East Population

Whole mitochondrial genome diversity in two Hungarian populations.

Complete mitochondrial genomics is an effective tool for studying the demographic history of human populations, but there is still a deficit of mitogenomic data in European populations. In this paper, we present results of study of variability of 80 complete mitochondrial genomes in two Hungarian populations from eastern part of Hungary (Szeged and Debrecen areas). The genetic diversity of Hungarian mitogenomes is remarkably high, reaching 99.9% in a combined sample. According to the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), European populations showed a low, but statistically significant level of between-population differentiation (Fst = 0.61%, p = 0), and two Hungarian populations demonstrate lack of between-population differences. Phylogeographic analysis allowed us to identify 71 different mtDNA sub-clades in Hungarians, sixteen of which are novel. Analysis of ancestry-informative mtDNA sub-clades revealed a complex genetic structure associated with the genetic impact of populations from different parts of Eurasia, though the contribution from European populations is the most pronounced. At least 8% of ancestry-informative haplotypes found in Hungarians demonstrate similarity with East and West Slavic populations (sub-clades H1c23a, H2a1c1, J2b1a6, T2b25a1, U4a2e, K1c1j, and I1a1c), while the influence of Siberian populations is not so noticeable (sub-clades A12a, C4a1a, and probably U4b1a4).

Eksodus dari Bumi Hangus: Peristiwa Keluarnya Penduduk Dari Timor Timur Pasca Jajak Pendapat 1999

This paper is about to explain the incident of the East Timorese who moved to Pangkep District, due to the riots after the announcement of the results of the Popular Consultation in the area. The situation became tense and caused insecurity among the people of East Timor. Including the migrants, from various regions of Indonesia such as Pangkep District. Pangkep people who have stay for a long time in East Timor, in general already have some valuable assets. Such as land, house, shop, and vehicle. But unfortunately, their assets were left behind, before being sold. The problem of the assets of the newcomers is then required to be resolved immediately. The study of the East Timor Exodus in Pangkep District is interesting because the arrival of migrants in East Timor and their return after the referendum has not been specifically studied. Especially coming from South Sulawesi, especially Pangkep regency. This research is a qualitative research with Historical Research approach, which consist of several stages: (1) Heuristic, by interviewing some East Timor Exodus people like Hasan, Salma, Muhris, etc. Collecting records at the Pangkep District Social Service, data held by the National Committee for East Timor Police Victims of Pangkep District, and in the November 5, 2016, issue of the Daily Fajar newspaper. It also used books related to East Timor, population and societal studies (Sociology / Anthropology). (2) Criticism or verification process of authenticity of historical sources. (3) Interpretation or interpretation of historical sources, and (4) Historiography, is the stage of historical writing.

What They Really Want Is a Caliphate! British Salafi Reactions to the Arab Spring

This contribution discusses the lack of references to the success of Salafi parties in the Middle East after the Arab Spring, in Egypt especially, by groups who self-identify as Salafi outside the Middle East. In their interpretation of the uprisings known as the Arab Spring, British Salafis have emphasised that Arab Muslim populations in the Middle East want an Islamic Caliphate despite cries for liberal rights and democracy. The aim of this contribution is to provide a theoretical frame for analysing a type of European Salafism on the rise preoccupied with establishing “Sharia Zones” and controlling fellow Muslims’ observance of Islamic principles in British cities but with little interest in political developments in Muslim majority countries. Rather than working for political influence, the British so-called Salafis in al-Muhajiroun are preoccupied with defining a place of their own in their European context. Thus, the argument is that in order to understand current Salafi-inspired movements in the Middle East and Europe, it is necessary to analyse practice, rhetorical expressions and political context rather than how various groups self-identify.

MORPHOLOGICAL VARIATION OF TEMPLE PIT-VIPER Tropidolaemus Wagleri Wagler, 1830 (SERPENTES: VIPERIDAE) IN WEST SUMATRA, INDONESIA

Tropidolaemus wagleri commonly known as complex species who widely distributed at tropical areas in Southeast Asia. We predicted that widespread distribution may affect the morphological variation among different population geographycally. This study were conducted based on direct survey and sampling in the fieldwork. The study sites was divided into two categories based on Bukit Barisan range which streching from North to South Sumatra island consist of Padang, Padang Panjang in western part of Bukit Barisan, and Payakumbuh, Dharmasraya in eastern part of Bukit Barisan. In total 21 individual T.wagleri were analysed based on 20 mensural characters (morphometric) and 19 multistate characters (meristic). Male and female was analysed separately based on non parametric statistics Kruskall Wallis and Mann Whitney U Test. The relationship between population were analysed based on UPGMA tree and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) plot. The result showed the significant variation between female T. wagleri between western and eastern part of Buki Barisan range. In contrast, the variation has not detected among the population of T. wagleri male. The morphological character which showed the significant value are Head Length (HL) and Neck Scales Row (NSR). The west population of T. wagleri has more shorter Head Length (HL) and Snouth Length (SnL) than east population. Howefer, the west T. wagleri population has more number in Neck Scales Row (NSR) character than east population. The population of female T. wagleri in Padang Panjang has more close relationship to Padang than to female population T. wagleri in Dharmasraya based n UPGMA tree.

Asthma control in adults in the Middle East and North Africa: Results from the ESMAA study.

Low levels of asthma control are reported in many countries worldwide. Improved knowledge of asthma control in the Middle East and Africa and predictive factors is needed to address this major public healthcare burden. To assess the level of asthma control in patients attending a routine consultation for asthma in the Middle East and North Africa, and the relationship between level of control and patient and disease characteristics, adherence, and quality of life (QoL). A large-scale cross-sectional epidemiological study (ESMAA: Assessment of Asthma Control in Adult Asthma Population in the Middle East and North Africa) was performed in adults suffering from asthma for at least 1 year and without an acute asthma episode within 4 weeks. Asthma control was assessed per the 2012 GINA guidelines and the ACT questionnaire. QoL and adherence were assessed with the SF-8 and Morisky questionnaires respectively. Predictive factors of asthma control were analysed with univariate and multivariate logistic regressions analyses. Overall 7236 eligible patients were included in 577 sites between June 2014 and December 2015 (median 10 patients/site). Mean age was 45 years (±14), 57% were female, mean BMI was 28.5 kg/m2 (±6.0), and 11% were active smokers. Reliever medication was prescribed in 96% of patients with 65% having fixed-dose combined inhaled corticosteroid plus long-acting beta agonists. Good medication adherence was reported in 24% of patients. Among 7179 patients evaluable for GINA, asthma was controlled in 29.4% (95% CI, 28.4%-30.5%), partly controlled in 29.1% (95% CI, 28.1%-30.2%), and uncontrolled in 41.5% (95% CI, 40.3% to 42.6). The mean global ACT score was 17.8 (±5.0), with 16% of patients considering their asthma as controlled. Poor medication adherence, active smoking, absence of medical insurance, lower level of education, or diagnosis at least 5 years earlier were significantly associated with uncontrolled asthma in multivariate analyses (p < 0.001). Asthma control in the Middle East and North Africa is unsatisfactory with less than one-third of asthma patients having controlled disease, highlighting the need to improve treatment access and medication adherence, along with better follow-up and education among healthcare providers and patients.

Performance evaluation of four type-specific commercial assays for detection of herpes simplex virus type 1 antibodies in a Middle East and North Africa population

BackgroundThe number of diagnostic assays for the detection of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) antibodies has increased over the years. However, their performance characteristics could vary among global populations. ObjectiveTo investigate performance of two commercial ELISA kits, HerpeSelect® 1 ELISA and Euroimmun Anti-HSV-1 (gC1) ELISA (IgG); and two commercial immunoblot (IB)/Western blot (WB) assays, HerpeSelect® 1 and 2 Immunoblot IgG, and Euroimmun Anti-HSV-1/HSV-2 gG2 Euroline-WB (IgG/IgM); in detecting HSV-1 antibodies in a Middle East and North Africa (MENA) population. Study designBlood specimens were collected from blood donors in Doha, Qatar, June 2013–2016. Twenty specimens were randomly selected from 10 MENA nationalities (Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen; total = 200), and tested for HSV-1 antibodies. ResultsAcross all six comparisons between assays, positive percent agreement ranged between 95.7% (95% CI: 91.4–98.3%) and 100.0% (95% CI: 97.8–100.0%). Negative percent agreement ranged between 86.2% (95% CI: 68.3-96.1%) and 96.2% (95% CI: 80.4–99.9%). Overall percent agreement ranged between 95.7% (95% CI: 91.7–97.8%) and 99.4% (95% CI: 96.7–99.9%). Cohen’s kappa statistic ranged between 0.84 (95% CI: 0.73–0.95) and 0.98 (95% CI: 0.93–1.00). Compared against IB/WB, HerpeSelect® and Euroimmun had sensitivities and specificities >96% and >86%, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were >97% and >83%, respectively. ConclusionThe assays showed excellent concordance with one another, and with a high kappa statistic. The ELISA kits demonstrated robust diagnostic performance compared to the IB/WB assays. These findings support the assays’ utility in clinical diagnosis and research in MENA populations.

Genomic and Bioinformatics Approaches for Analysis of Genes Associated With Cancer Risks Following Exposure to Tobacco Smoking.

Cancer is a significant health problem in the Middle East and global population. It is well established that there is a direct link between tobacco smoking and cancer, which will continue to pose a significant threat to human health. The impact of long-term exposure to tobacco smoke on the risk of cancer encouraged the study of biomarkers for vulnerable individuals to tobacco smoking, especially children, who are more susceptible than adults to the action of environmental carcinogens. The carcinogens in tobacco smoke condensate induce DNA damage and play a significant role in determining the health and well-being of smokers, non-smoker, and primarily children. Cancer is a result of genomic and epigenomic malfunctions that lead to an initial premalignant condition. Although premalignancy genetic cascade is a much-delayed process, it will end with adverse health consequences. In addition to the DNA damage and mutations, tobacco smoke can cause changes in the DNA methylation and gene expression associated with cancer. The genetic events hint on the possible use of genomic–epigenomic changes in genes related to cancer, in predicting cancer risks associated with exposure to tobacco smoking. Bioinformatics provides indispensable tools to identify the cascade of expressed genes in active smokers and non-smokers and could assist the development of a framework to manage this cascade of events linked with the evolvement of disease including cancer. The aim of this mini review is to cognize the essential genomic processes and health risks associated with tobacco smoking and the implications of bioinformatics in cancer prediction, prevention, and intervention.

Patterns of pathologically confirmed metastasis to bone in Near East population

BackgroundMetastatic tumors to bone constitute the majority of bone malignancies. The site of metastasis to bone and the prognosis depend chiefly on the primary tumor. Despite all the advances in diagnostic techniques, identifying the primary tumor has not improved significantly. MethodsA total of 576 cases (Lebanon; n = 306, Pakistan; n = 270) presenting with microscopic evidence of metastasis to bone were reviewed between 1996 and 2016. Clinical and radiologic data were recorded. ResultsOut of 20 types of primary tumors, unknown primary (38.2%), followed by breast (23.8%), lung (10.4%) and thyroid (4.9%) tumors were the most commonly presenting with bone metastasis. The primary source of the tumor showed significant correlation with the site of metastasis, time lag to metastasis and radiologic presentation (p < 0.001). Interestingly, a significant variation was noted between the 2 observed populations. ConclusionThe patterns of pathologically confirmed metastasis to skeletal sites in Near East population showed a special distribution, and variation was even observed between the 2 studied centers. Understanding the biologic variations of the primary tumors in our population may further explain the variation in patterns of metastasis.

Optimizing the genetic management of reintroduction projects: genetic population structure of the captive Northern Bald Ibis population

Many threatened species are bred in captivity for conservation purposes and some of these programmes aim at future reintroduction. The Northern Bald Ibis, Geronticus eremita, is a Critically Endangered bird species, with recently only one population remaining in the wild (Morocco, Souss Massa region). During the last two decades, two breeding programs for reintroduction have been started (in Austria and Spain). As the genetic constitution of the founding population can have strong effects on reintroduction success, we studied the genetic diversity of the two source populations for reintroduction (‘Waldrappteam’ and ‘Proyecto eremita’) as well as the European zoo population (all individuals held ex situ) by genotyping 642 individuals at 15 microsatellite loci. To test the hypothesis that the wild population in Morocco and the extinct wild population in the Middle East belong to different evolutionary significant units, we sequenced two mitochondrial DNA fragments. Our results show that the European zoo population is genetically highly structured, reflecting separate breeding lines. Genetic diversity was highest in the historic samples from the wild eastern population. DNA sequencing revealed only a single substitution distinguishing the wild eastern and wild western population. Contrary to that, the microsatellite analysis showed a clear differentiation between them. This suggests that genetic differentiation between the two populations is recent and does not confirm the existence of two evolutionary significant units. The European zoo population appears to be vital and suitable for reintroduction, but the management of the European zoo population and the two source populations for reintroductions can be optimized to reach a higher level of admixture.

Photographic Nuisance. Stern Photographers Thomas Höpker and Harald Schmitt in the GDR

Photographic Nuisance. Stern photographers Thomas Höpker and Harald Schmitt in the GDRIn 1975, the West German Stern magazine appointed photographer Thomas Höpker and his wife, author Eva Windmöller, as correspondents in East Berlin. When Höpker left in the fall of 1976, Harald Schmitt became his successor. While Höpker was critical as well as unnerved by daily life under socialism, Schmitt felt comfortable in the GDR and developed a view that was both ironical and sympathetic to East German culture and population. Starting from a close reading of Höpker's and Schmitt's work, the article focuses on how power was made visible in their work in the second half of the 1970s and in the early 1980s. In some cases, power is visualized symbolically through flags and emblems; in other cases, it becomes visible in a gesture, poise or facial expression. Not surprisingly, East German authorities felt mocked by their publications. Höpker left voluntarily after less than two years. And, paradoxically, the more sympathetic Schmitt was eventually expelled from the GDR. East German officials realized that their visual authority was undermined, and in the absence of an institution that would effectively restrict photojournalism, they eventually rid themselves of what had long become a photographic nuisance.

Medicinal Plants from Near East for Cancer Therapy.

Background: Cancer is one of the major problems affecting public health worldwide. As other cultures, the populations of the Near East rely on medicinal herbs and their preparations to fight cancer.Methods: We compiled data derived from historical ethnopharmacological information as well as in vitro and in vivo results and clinical findings extracted from different literature databases including (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) during the past two decades.Results: In this survey, we analyzed the huge amount of data available on anticancer ethnopharmacological sources used in the Near East. Medicinal herbs are the most dominant ethnopharmacological formula used among cancer’s patients in the Near East. The data obtained highlight for the first time the most commonly used medicinal plants in the Near East area for cancer treatment illustrating their importance as natural anticancer agents. The literature survey reveals that various Arum species, various Artemisia species, Calotropis procera, Citrullus colocynthis, Nigella sativa, Pulicaria crispa, various Urtica species, Withania somnifera, and others belong to the most frequently used plants among cancer patients in the Near East countries. Molecular modes of action that have been investigated for plant extracts and isolated compounds from Near East include cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction with participation of major player in these processes such as p53 and p21, Bcl-2, Bax, cytochrome c release, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage, activation of caspases, etc.Conclusion: The ethnopharmacology of the Near East was influenced by Arabic and Islamic medicine and might be promising for developing new natural and safe anticancer agents. Further research is required to elucidate their cellular and molecular mechanisms and to estimate their clinical activity.