Serum-hepatocyte Growth Factor (S-HGF) in Diagnosis of SPNs

Serum-hepatocyte Growth Factor (S-HGF) in Diagnosis of SPNs Value of hepatocyte growth factor in the differential diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules[F1] Haixin Yu, Yan Wang*, Wenduan Ma, Haixiang Yu, Shengtao Shang Abstract Purpose: To evaluate serum-hepatocyte growth factor (S-HGF) in the differentiation of solitary pulmonary nodules(SPNs)[F2].[F3] Methods: The study comprised 42 serum samples from SPN patients and 10 healthy samples as control. The HGF was measured by the commercially available immunoassay[F4].[F5] Serum levels of HGF of 42 patients with SPN was measured by ELISA kit, and compared with the control group of 10 normal subjects. The nodules were diagnosed by operation and pathology. Results: The median level of S-HGF was 180( range from 100 to 300) pg/ ml in the healthy control group, 165( range from 100 to 400) pg/ ml in benign SPNs group and while 395( range from 100 to 1550) pg/ ml in malignant SPNs group, The S-HGF mean level of malignant group was significantly higher than the with significant difference observed between the malignant group and control group(P. Moreover, the malignant group was also significantly higher than the , and between the malignant group and the benign group(Pwhile no significant difference between the benign , but not between the benign group and the control group(Pà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã… ¾0.05). Furthermore, the S-HGF was also shown no statistically significant difference was observed(Pà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã… ¾0.05) in different pathologic types of the limited number of lung cancer patients.In addition, when S-HGF in different pathologic types of the limited number of lung cancer patients were compared, no statistically significant difference was observed (Pà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã… ¾0.05). Conclusion: S-HGF is valuable in the differential diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules. It was suggest that the patients with SPNs should consider an operation when the S-HGF level ≠¥250pg/ml, and malignant SPNs are highly suspected while S-HGF level ≠¥400pg/ml, surgical intervention should be taken immediately.S-HGF is valuable in the differential diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules. An elevated S-HGF level≠¥250pg/ml in patients with SPNs may strongly speak for malignant nodules and operation is suggested. If S-HGF level ≠¥400pg/ml, malignant SPNs are highly suspected, active surgical intervention should be taken. Key words: diagnosis, hepatocyte growth factor, solitary pulmonary nodule, NSCLClung cancer 1. Introduction The solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) is a single mass in the lung less than or equal to 3 cm in diameter, without concomitant pneumonia and atelectasis of involved lung segments and lobes [1]. In the general population, it’s reported that approximately 5% of SPN patients show lung cancer by radiology [2], which is considered one of the most common forms of cancer with a high death incidence ratio in the world [3]. Diagnoses of benign and malignant SPN has been concerned and become a challenge in these decades [4, 5]. Therefore, it is utmost important to improve the method in the characterization of SPNs[6].   With the development of modern medical science and technology, several detecting and monitoring method were used in screening the SPNs and lung cancer [2, 7, 8], Momen[9] et al. have compared three detection methods for identifying malignant SPNs for the sensitivity and specificity. The positron emission tomography (PET) imaging was consistently higher (80 to 100%) for its sensitivity, while was with lower specificity and larger variation (40 to 100%). Also, they found the similar results in dynamic CT with enhancement (sensitivity, 98 to 100%; specificity, 54 to 93%). In studies of CT-guided needle biopsy, sensitivity and specificity performed excellent, but nondiagnostic results were seen approximately 20%. Dalli[8] et al. also showed the similar result in 2013. While Carsten[10] et al. suggested that routine flexible bronchoscopy should be included in the pre-operative work-up of patients with SPNs in his study. Even so, it seems to find a better detection method of long cancer an d characterization of SPNs is still necessary. Serum-hepatocyte growth factor (S-HGF, Serum-HGF) is an important fibroblast-secreted protein that mediates development and progression of cancers[11]. Nagio et al. [12] gave the evidence that the S-HGF levels of patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) were significantly higher than those of patients with benign SPNs and healthy subjects. Ujiie et al[13] had proved that the levels of HGF in serum could be used as prognostic indicators of the patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing surgery and chemotherapy. Kasahara et al. [14] found that higher HGF levels were significantly associated with a shorter progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma. The expression level of S-HGF could be a sensitive indicator and an independent biomarker for evaluating the therapeutic effects and the prognosis in patients with lung cancer. Therefore, we give the hypothesis that S-HGF may be a potential targ et in diagnoses of benign and malignant SPNs associated with lung cancer. In our study, we used Enzyme linked immunospot assay (ELISA) method to detect the S-HGF levels between different serum samples from SPNs patients and healthy subjects. The solitary pulmonary nodule(SPN) is defined as a round opacity ≠¤3 cm in diameter surrounded by lung parenchyma[1].There should be no associated with hilar lymphadenopathy, atelectasis, pneumonia or chest wall pathologies. With more importance attached to physical examination and the development of medical imaging examination technology, the detection rate of SPN is on the increase. In the general population, approximately 5% of all SPNs shown by radiology are reported to be carcinomas[2]. In eight large trials of lung cancer screening, Momen et al[3] have compared the sensitivity and specificity in three detection methods for identifying malignant SPNs. The sensitivity of PET imaging was consistently high (80 to 100%), whereas specificity was lower and more variable (40 to 100%). They found similar results in dynamic CT with enhancement(sensitivity, 98 to 100%; specificity, 54 to 93%).In studies of CT-guided needle biopsy, sensitivity and specificity were excellent, but nondiagnostic results were seen approximately 20% of the time. Carsten et al[4], in a study of 225 patients with SPN of unknown origin, observed that the bronchoscopic biopsy results were positive in 84(46.5%) patients with lung cancer. The differential diagnosis between malignant and benign solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) is always a difficult point in clinical practice. In this study, we inv estigate the clinical significance of the serum level of hepatocyte growth factor(HGF) in patients with SPNs. 2. Methods 2.1. Patients According to the definition, inclusion criteria was setà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã… ¡Ãƒ ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã‹â€ 1à ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã¢â‚¬ °On computed tomography (CT), SPN is a round opacity ≠¤3 cm in diameter surrounded by lung parenchyma.à ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã‹â€ 2à ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã¢â‚¬ °There should be no associated with hilar lymphadenopathy, atelectasis, pneumonia or chest wall pathologies.à ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã‹â€ 3à ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã¢â‚¬ °Regardless of age and gender. In consideration of some influences, exclusion criteria was setà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã… ¡(1)Inflammation or infection within a month. (2)Surgery or trauma within 6 months. (3)Various liver diseases. (4)Chronic renal failure. (5)Arteriosclerosis. (6)Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. (7)Diabetes mellitus. The case group included 42 patients with SPNs, mean age 60.7 years (range, 42 to 72). Besides, 10 healthy adult subjects were chosen as control. 2.2. Specimen collection The morning fasting venous blood of all subjects was collected in sterile polypropylene tubes, containing ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), and immediately centrifuged at 400rpm for 10min. Then, the plasma was stored at -70 °C until the assays were performed. 2.3. Assay for S-HGF We used Sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) to measure S-HGF. The HGF monoclonal antibody and standard substance for the assays were purchased from American RD systems. Goat-anti-human HGF polyclonal antibody as the primary antibody and donkey-anti-goat IgG polyclonal antibody labeled with horseradish peroxidase as the secondary antibody were both purchased from British biotech company Abcam. 2.4. Pathological diagnoses All the 42 patients with SPNs were pathological diagnosed postoperatively. 12 cases were benign nodules(4/12 were tuberculoma, 6/12 were inflammatory pseudotumor, 2/12 were hamartoma) and 30 cases were malignant nodules(17/30 were adenocarcinoma, 13/30 were squamous carcinoma). 2.5. Statistical methods All data were analyzed by SPSS 19.0. Because the measured data manifested as skewed distribution, geometrical mean Gà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã‹â€ logG ±sà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã¢â‚¬ °was calculated in each group after logarithmic transformation had been carried out on each datum. Then, Students t test was performed on both sides. Differences were considered statistically significant at Pà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã…“0.05. 3. Result The S-HGF data measured of healthy control group, benign SPNs group and malignant SPNs group is shown in Table 1Table 1 are the measured S-HGF data of healthy control group, benign SPNs group and malignant SPNs group. All the data manifest as skewed distribution(All Pà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã…“0.05). Geometrical mean Gà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã‹â€ logG ±sà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã¢â‚¬ °was calculated in each group after logarithmic transformation had been carried out on each datum(Table 2). TABLE 1 The S-HGF levelà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã‹â€ pg/mlà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã¢â‚¬ ° of healthy control group, benign SPNs group and malignant SPNs group. TABLE 2 The comparison of S-HGF level of each group after logarithmic transformation had been carried out on each datum. aBenign SPNs group vs healthy control group, Pà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã… ¾0.05 bMalignant SPNs group vs healthy control group, Pà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã…“0.05 cMalignant SPNs group vs benign SPNs group, Pà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã…“0.05 The S-HGF level of benign SPNs group compared with the healthy control group, there were no significant differences (Pà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã… ¾0.05). The S-HGF levels of malignant SPNs group were significantly higher than those of healthy control group(Psignificant differences (Pà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã… ¾0.05, Table 3). TABLE 3 The comparison of S-HGF level of adenocarcinoma and squamous carcinoma aSquamous carcinoma vs adenocarcinoma, Pà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã… ¾0.05 4. Discussion Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) from the serum of hepatectomized rats was first partially purified and described by Nakamura in 1984[15]. HGF receptor encoded by the c-met proto-oncogene is a member of the tyrosine kinase class of cell surface receptors. As a kind of cytokine, the hepatocyte growth factor(HGF) has widely biological activities, including regeneration, antifibrosis, cytoprotection, and differentiation[16]. Moreover, HGF is a predominant fibroblast-derived factor that stimulates mitogenesis, motogenesis, and the invasion and metastasis of human carcinoma cells [17]. The growth and metastasis of tumors depend on angiogenesis which is the result of the imbalance of promoters and inhibitors. The S-HGF levels in patients with acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis were found to be slightly higher than those in normal subjects[18]. So the patients with various liver and gall diseases were first excluded. So far, some studies showed the S-HGF levels were significantly increased in patients with Inflammation, infection, underwent surgery or trauma. Therefore, the patients with inflammation or infection within a month and the patients underwent surgery or trauma within 6 months were both excluded. Johanna et al. [19] had concluded that patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) have a systemic HGF profile reflecting a chronic inflammatory condition with high concentration, but low biological activity, of HGF. Therefore, the patient samples with CRF were also excluded. The S-HGF levels in patients with arteriosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and diabetes mellitus were reported to be significantly higher than that in healthy population. So, the patients with these diseases were excluded as well. Tsao et al.[20] showed the HGF messenger RNA(mRNA) and protein were predominantly expressed by the tumor cells in a high percentage of primary NSCLC. Our study showed serum of the healthy control group contained trace amounts of S-HGF, the S-HGF levels of the patients with benign SPNs were nearly close to the healthy control group(PHGF levels of the patients with malignant SPNs were significantly higher than the healthy control group(Pà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã… ¾0.05) and the benign SPNs group(Pà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã… ¾0.05). It illustrated that the high level of S-HGF was associated with lung cancer. And it was further confirmed that S-HGF could be expressed by the carcinoma cells in NSCLC. The S-HGF levels of part of patients with squamous carcinoma in the malignant SPNs group were observed to be higher(à ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã… ¾700pg/ml) and the S-HGF statistical analysis by the statistical difference between the squamous carcinoma group and adenocarcinoma group, for the S-HGF, the median level of the squamous carcinoma group was 370(100-1500)pg/ml while the adenocarcinoma group was 420(100-1550)pg/ml, no statistically significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05). No further conclusions could be made, in case of the number limitation of the samples. The result confirmation should be amortized awaits further research. Further analysis of the 20 patients with high levels of S-HGF(≠¥250pg/ml), there are 3 patients(15%) with benign SPNs and 17 patients(85%) with malignant SPNs. Furthermore, for the 20 patients, the result shows that 1 patients (6.25%) with benign SPNs and 15 patients (93.75%) with malignant SPNs in the 16 patients with high levels of S-HGF(≠¥400pg/ml), It reveals that an elevated S-HGF level ≠¥250pg/ml in patients with SPNs are more likely to be malignant and when the S-HGF level ≠¥400pg/ml, malignant SPNs are highly suspected. Conclusion In conclusion, our study shows significant in the differential diagnosis between malignant and benign solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) for the S-FGF assay. The S-HGF levels of malignant SPNs group are significantly higher than the healthy control group(P SPNs group(Pà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã…“0.05). The differences between benign SPNs group and healthy control group have no statistically significant(Pà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã… ¾0.05). An elevated S-HGF level ≠¥250pg/ml in patients with SPNs are more likely to be malignant, surgical therapy should be considered. If S-HGF level ≠¥400pg/ml, malignant SPNs are highly suspected, surgical intervention is recommended without delay. Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) from the serum of hepatectomized rats was partially purified and described by Nakamura for the first time in 1984. HGF receptor encoded by the c-met proto-oncogene is a member of the tyrosine kinase class of cell surface receptors. As a kind of cytokine, the hepatocyte growth factor( HGF) has widely biological activities, including regeneration, antifibrosis, cytoprotection, and differentiation[5]. Moreover, HGF is a predominant fibroblast-derived factor that stimulates mitogenesis, motogenesis, and the invasion and metastasis of human carcinoma cells[6]. The growth and metastasis of tumors depend on angiogenesis which is the result of the imbalance of promoters and inhibitors. Sengupta et al[7] had demonstrated that HGF/SF could induce angiogenesis independently of VEGF, possibly through the direct activation of the Akt and ERKs. The S-HGF levels in patients with acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis were found to be slightly higher than those in normal subjects[8]. So the patients with various liver and gall diseases were first excluded. So far, some studies have found the S-HGF levels were significantly increased in patients with Inflammation or infection, or underwent surgery or trauma. Therefore, the patients with inflammation or infection within a month and the patients underwent surgery or trauma within 6 months were both excluded. Johanna et al[9] had concluded that patients with CRF have a systemic HGF profile reflecting a chronic inflammatory condition with high concentration, but low biological activity, of HGF. Therefore, the patients with CRF were also excluded. The S-HGF levels in patients with arteriosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and diabetes mellitus were reported to be significantly higher than that in healthy population. So, the patients with these diseases were all excluded. Tsao et al[10] had showed that HGF messenger RNA(mRNA) and protein were predominantly expressed by the tumor cells in a high percentage of primary NSCLC. It indicated in our research that the serum of the healthy control group only contained trace amounts of S-HGF, the levels of S-HGF of the patients with benign SPNs were close to those of the healthy control group(Pà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã… ¾0.05) and the benign SPNs group(Pà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã… ¾0.05). It illustrated the fact that high level of S-HGF was associated with lung cancer. And, it was further confirmed that S-HGF could be expressed by the carcinoma cells in NSCLC. In addition, Nagio et al[11] had proved that the levels of S-HGF of patients with SCLC were significantly higher than those of patients with benign SPNs and healthy subjects. The levels of S-HGF of a portion of patients with squamous carcinoma in the malignant SPNs group were observed to be higher(à ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã… ¾700pg/ml) and statistical analysis was conducted to fond the statistical difference of S-HGF between the squamous carcinoma group and the adenocarcinoma group. The S-HGF median of the squamous carcinoma group was 370(100-1500)pg/ml and the adenocarcinoma group was 420(100-1550)pg/ml, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups(P>0.05). No firm conclusions could be made, possibly due to the limited number of cases. It is of concern and remains to be further studied. Further analysis was taken in 20 patients with high levels of S-HGF(≠¥250pg/ml), 3 patients(15%) had benign SPNs and 17 patients(85%) had malignant SPNs. Further observation was made, among the 20 patients, there were 16 patients with high levels of S-HGF(≠¥400pg/ml), 1 patients(6.25%) had benign SPNs and 15 patients(93.75%) had malignant SPNs. It reveals that an elevated S-HGF level ≠¥250pg/ml in patients with SPNs are more likely to be malignant and if S-HGF level ≠¥400pg/ml, malignant SPNs are highly suspected. Ujiie et al[11] had proved that the levels of HGF in serum could be useful prognostic indicators of the survival of patients with stage III NSCLC undergoing surgery and chemotherapy. Kasahara et al[12] had shown that higher HGF levels were significantly associated with a shorter progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma. The expression level of S-HGF could be a sensitive indicator and an independent judgement standard for evaluating the therapeutic effects and the prognosis in patients with lung cancer. Furthermore, understanding the role of HGF in the tumor progression may help in designing new therapeutic strategies for lung cancer. In conclusion, the assay for S-HGF may be of some significance in the differential diagnosis between malignant and benign solitary pulmonary nodules(SPNs). The S-HGF levels of malignant SPNs group were significantly higher than those of healthy control group(Pà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã…“0.05). The differences between benign SPNs group and healthy control group had no statistically significant(Pà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã… ¾0.05). An elevated S-HGF level ≠¥250pg/ml in patients with SPNs are more likely to be malignant, surgical therapy should be suggested. If S-HGF level ≠¥400pg/ml, malignant SPNs are highly suspected, active surgical intervention should be taken. References 1.  Hansell, D.M., et al., Fleischner Society: glossary of terms for thoracic imaging. Radiology, 2008. 246(3): p. 697-722[à ¥Ã‚ ¼Ã‚  Ãƒ ¨Ã¢â‚¬ ¹Ã‚ ±Ãƒ ¥Ã‚ ½Ã‚ ª13]. 2.  Klein, J.S. and M.A. Zarka, Transthoracic needle biopsy: an overview. J Thorac Imaging, 1997. 12(4): p. 232-49. 3.  Siegel, R., D. Naishadham, and A. Jemal, Cancer statistics. CA Cancer J Clin, 2012. 62(1): p. 10-29. 4.  Cao, C., et al., A meta-analysis of unmatched and matched patients comparing video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy and conventional open lobectomy. Ann Cardiothorac Surg,2012. 1(1): p. 16-23. 5.  Zhan, P., Q. Qian, and L.K. Yu, Prognostic value of COX-2 expression in patients with non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Thorac Dis, 2013. 5(1): p. 40-7. 6.  Tong, X., et al., [Clinical experience of the treatment of solitary pulmonary nodules with da vinci surgical system]. Zhongguo Fei Ai Za Zhi, 2014. 17(7): p. 541-4. 7.  Aberle, D.R., et al., Results of the two incidence screenings in the National Lung Screening Trial. N Engl J Med, 2013. 369(10): p. 920-31. 8.  Dalli, A., et al., Diagnostic value of PET/CT in differentiating benign from malignant solitary pulmonary nodules. J BUON, 2013. 18(4): p. 935-41. 9.  Wahidi, M.M., et al., Evidence for the treatment of patients with pulmonary nodules: when is it lung cancer?: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (2nd edition). Chest, 2007. 132(3 Suppl): p. 94S-107S. 10.  Schwarz, C., et al., Value of flexible bronchoscopy in the pre-operative work-up of solitary pulmonary nodules. Eur Respir J, 2012. 41(1): p. 177-82. 11.  Ma, D.C., et al., [Hepatocyte growth factor did not enhance the effects of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells transplantation on cardiac repair in a porcine acute myocardial infarction model]. Zhonghua Xin Xue Guan Bing Za Zhi, 2006. 34(2): p. 119-22. 12.  Takigawa, N., et al., Serum hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor levels in small cell lung cancer patients. Lung Cancer, 1997. 17(2-3): p. 211-8. 13.  Ujiie, H., et al., Serum hepatocyte growth f

Social Mobility Essay -- essays research papers

Mobility is the characteristic of every social system. Social mobility is the movement of individuals, families and groups from one social position to another. It may be studied in terms of redistribution of resources and power among the different social strata and its effect on the people involved. In the status societies the social status of the person is determined from his work. Social mobility occurs whenever people move across social class boundaries, from one ⌠occupational level to another. The study of Social Mobility is important for a number of reasons: - 1. It matters to people to get on in life, 2. We can study people's life histories, 3. We can see changes in the class system, 4. The more mobile a society is may show it to be more open and fairer, 5. Mobility affects the way classes are formed, their size and shape. A common sense notion regarding class in the U.S can be represented as a few rich people on the top, few poor people at the bottom, and the middle class majority in the center. Mostly everybody has a comfortable standard of living. If we divide the U.S. population in 5 equal proportions and their corresponding share of the nation ¡Ã‚ ¯s income we get the following:  ¨i  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Top 20% of the population receives 49.1% of the total income  ¨i  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Second top 20% of the population receives 24.3% of the total income  ¨i  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Middle 20% of the population receives 15% of the total income  ¨i  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Second bottom 20% of the population receives 8.9% of the total income  ¨i  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Bottom 20% of the population receives 3.6% of the total income The top 20% of the population have a disproportionate share of the income compared to their share in the population. Looking at the standards of living by consumption the ration between the top 20% and the bottom 20% is 9:1. This comparison illustrates great inequality in US society. It is often said that high levels of inequality is necessary because it stimulates competition, it creates incentives for excellence, and provides rewards for performance. The conflict perspective, on the other hand, argues that people at the bottom won't take it and they will work towards changing the status quo. For instance, poor people may use their vote to elect officials who will represent their interests... ...enturies. It's roots are found in religious literature of around 1200-1000 BC, and, although it has technically been abolished in India, in practice it is still very much alive and thriving. Being either one of these castes, does affect one ¡Ã‚ ¯s position in society and by all means, the social mobility. Although there is not much distinction between the Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vaishyas, if one is a  ¡Ã‚ °Harijan ¡Ã‚ ± there are obvious hindrances. The term coined by Mahatma Gandhi, literally means  ¡Ã‚ °People of the god ¡Ã‚ ±, and it was meant in every way because these people also called the untouchables, were literally the social outcastes and had nobody ¡Ã‚ ¯s support. Even till today, in Rural India the orthodox people will not even drink water from their hands. However, the government to is making efforts to abolish these distinctions. Social Mobility in India and in the US has a very different concept. In the US, mobility is based on money, i.e. he who has money dominates. However, in India, money doesn ¡Ã‚ ¯t play an all-important role. There are other factors that govern social mobility and these factors do need to be looked into because some of these are not fit to exist in the 21st century.

Edward Scissor Hands Essay

Edward Scissor Hands (1990) by Tim Burton, is a romantic fantasy film centred upon a character, Edward (Johnny Depp), an uncommonly gentleman who is in fact an unfinished creation equipped with scissors for hands. Edward is taken in a by a suburban family (the Boggs) and quickly falls in love with the daughter Kim (Winona Ryder). To begin with Edward’s love for Kim is unrequited however as the film progresses we see Kim slowly fall for Edward and their love becomes mutual. Regrettably with Edward being a slightly different and more unusual character, it makes it hard for the two to love each other in solace. A sequence in the film that accurately communicates the difficult relationship between the two is when Edward and Kim share an intimate moment alone while the Boggs family is out searching for Edward. This scenario we witness is different from the typical romance depicted in today’s society and we, as the audience are able to see the awkward love shared between the two characters. I will analyse this sequence through its mise-en-scene, cinematography, narrative, sound, and music and discuss how these concepts help reveal the key ideas of appearance vs. reality as well as Edwards wish to conform to society, focusing particularly on Edward and Kim’s problematic love for one another. This sequence begins just after Kim’s boyfriend Jim (Anthony Michael Hall) verbally attacks Edward calling him a freak and telling him to leave. Edward leaves the Boggs house angrily wandering the neighbourhood until he finds himself sitting alone on the side of the street. A combination of mise-en-scene concepts, lighting and costume are used to portray the director’s intentions. It is late at night and the lighting of this scene is dark and brooding, creating an atmosphere that works well with the feelings of despair and loneliness that Edward is experiencing. Edwards’s costume, which comprises of a full black attire fits well with the setting also as it exactly reflects his mood, this is because we can associate the colour black with sadness and solitude. It seems natural for Edward to be alone as at the beginning of the film we are shown his home, a decrepit gothic castle, situated on the top of the hill far from the rest of the town. Edwards home is cold, dark and uninviting and he lives by himself alluding to the fact that he fits comfortably into this environment where he sits on the pavement also alone. A wide-angle camera shot is used to emphasise Edwards’s loneliness, as we are able to see his surroundings, which reveals only him against the background of an American suburban house, it’s not long before a dog comes and sits next to Edward. Seeing that his fur has over grown his eyes, Edward snips it away so the dog is able to see. Having hands as scissors makes it hard for Edward to do everyday activities such as dressing and using eating utensils. He is constantly impaired and he himself considers his hands as a defect or abnormality. (Sampson). In this scene where he is reflected in a lonely and gloomy space, he easily fits with the setting, making his scissor hands appear less of a physical disability. His actions towards the dog come across as a normal habit for him and we can understand this because he is by himself and not being compared to the other people of the suburban town who are depicted as normal. This brings about the idea of conformity to society, which is a powerful idea uncovered in the film. The townsfolk who although adored Edward at the beginning of the film now somewhat resent him, and this shot that shows Edward alone, simply emphasises his obvious unfitting place in the suburban society. Edward smiles at his work; happy he is able to be in some way useful. However his happiness is cut short when two bright white lights are seen coming round the corner. A swift and quick succession of music begins to play, a repetition, which mimics close to that of a heart beat as the police car approaches round the corner. The sound accurately communicates a certain amount of fear, which we know Edward is experiencing since the police are searching for him and the viewer is able to empathise with Edward. Seeing the vehicle and recognising its significance Edward quickly rises and briskly leaves the pavement and the dog. This shot quickly transitions to Edward arriving outside the Boggs’s house, and we see him looking into the window. The inside of the house is displayed as warm and inviting, with soft lighting. It reflects the life of the Boggs, which is happy, warm and full of love. It contrasts greatly with the outside environment, which is dark, low-spirited and similar to that of Edwards’s life. With him being on the outside of the house we can understand that this mirrors his exact position in society. He constantly feels out of place in this new suburban civilisation that the Boggs family has brought him into. He looks into the house through the window, he puts a hand against the wall. We as the viewers can read this as almost a longing grasp at the life he wishes he could permanently belong to. This again hints at the idea of conforming to society as it portrays Edwards’s desperation to be accepted. Edward unlocks the door with his scissors and walks into what he thinks is an empty house before Kim comes from behind him and puts a hand on his shoulder. Repetitive over the shoulder shots are used to illustrate the two talking to one another and shows where they are in relation to each other. Kim is exposed in a long white dress and illuminated against the background of small brightly lit lanterns and Christmas lights. Her attire suggests innocence and purity, depicting that of an angel. This is how Edward sees Kim in comparison to himself. This image of Kim as an angel is further emphasised when we think back to the ice sculpture that Edward created on the night of the Christmas party, which too was also an angel. The warm lighting behind Kim further explains her as someone with a happy life full of love. Edward in contrast is presented against a dark background, alluding to his difficult and lonely life, which brings many struggles. Still in his black attire, when contrasted with Kim’s white dress, simply emphasises how different their two worlds are and the difficulty of combining the two. This is further made obvious when Kim asks Edward to hold her. Her voice is full of longing and we straightaway can see the obvious love that she holds for Edward. The fact that she at first asks Edward rather than taking her own initiation suggests she is aware of the danger Edwards hands pose but she is not afraid of him. To begin with he tries, bringing his scissor hands up around her head, the desperation for him to hold her is obvious as his scissors twitch around Kim trying to find a way to embrace her. At the same time we see that as Kim gets closer, Edward has a paralysing fear in his eyes. This same fear is reciprocated in his eyes when Peg (Dianne Wiest), Kim’s mother, first applies makeup to his face after she brings Edward back to their family home. It is here that we are able to identify with the idea of appearance vs. reality. Edward is revealed as a monster simply by the costume he wears and having scissors as hands. His appearance shows a lack of humanity however the reality of Edward is in fact that he posses many characteristics associated with any normal human being. Although Edward wants to accept Pegg’s warmth and affection, he is afraid because it is not something he has grown up with. He has lived alone basically his whole life and the thought of being appreciated by someone is something he fears although at the same time craves. His scissors actively impair him from being close to a person romantically, which is why it is hard not to assume Edward is a monster. We can understand that Edward is afraid of adult emotions such as love, due to his solitary upbringing, and so finds it hard to demonstrate these feelings. This is perhaps lessened when we think back to the ice sculptures Edward creates as mentioned earlier, and can understand that these are perhaps an attempt to show his unfathomable fondness for Kim. Although he cannot connect with Kim on an emotional level, he can still make his affection known to her through an outward display of it. In turn because Edward cannot touch Kim directly without hurting her but he can â€Å"touch† her through the snow that falls upon her. (Sampson) This just shows how Edward does not and never will fit into normal society, no mater how hard he try’s they will not accept him. The audience can sympathise with the fact that his appearance communicates the opposite of his true compassionate nature. Although he is not fully human he does posses most characteristics. In saying this, Edwards exclusion from society means that Edward and Kim’s worlds are just to opposite to unify. Seeing the evident danger and impossibility of him safely embracing Kim in his arms Edward eventually replies, â€Å"I cant.† Edward walks away from Kim, obviously dis heartened at the impossibility of the two ever being able to love one another like a normal couple. He stands at the window and looks out into the darkness. It is obvious that Edward is milling over the fact that there love will never work and by his looking out the window into the familiar darkness, he knows that their worlds are too separate and out there is where he belongs. A melodic and gradual ascending piece of music plays in the background; it has a sad tone to it allowing the viewer to empathise with the impeded love the two share. The ascent of the piece comes to a climax when Kim makes her way over to Edward, unfolds his arms and lays herself upon his chest. It is this moment here that the viewer builds hope for the possibility of the two working out. By Kim finding a way for Edward to hold her we can appreciate that they have found a way to love. This scene just emphasises the reality of Edwards’s character and his ability to love. The music piece climaxes with a tone that produces a sense of liberation and joy. A zoom is used to move into a close up of Edwards face as his head rests on top of Kim’s and we can see that finally he feels some sort of peace. The two hold one another and the viewer is able to feel a sense of optimism that they will be able to be together. Not only this but the close up allows us to see the many scars on Edwards face. We can understand that this scarring could represent the emotional scarring of Edwards several failed attempts to meet the expectations of the social society. (Sampson) Because he is such an outcast it is a lot more difficult to manipulate social situations, meaning he struggles to conform and this is the crux of why Kim and him are unable to work as we hoped. Through the collaboration of mise-en-scene and all the film conventions I have described that were used in this sequence, the viewer is easily able to understand the difficult yet reciprocated love between Edward and Kim. From the start of the sequence where we see Edward sitting alone on the pavement we can sympathise with his guiltless nature explored as he only wishes to be a normal human. We see him help the dog out by trimming his hair and this further shows that Edward means no harm by anyone. Edwards return to Kim’s house demonstrates the infatuation he holds for Kim and his desperate attempt to see her. We witness Kim ask Edward to hold her and see his difficult yet extremely desired attempt to express his love to her through embracing. He fails to do this and the sequence ends with Kim taking it upon herself to fold herself into Edwards’s arms. From this very short yet significantly important sequence the viewer is able to see the difficult love shared between the two characters. The sequence exposes the obvious social barriers that prevent the two from loving in peace and the viewers find themselves empathising for Edwards’s desperate attempts to fit into society and be with his true love Kim Boggs. We witness Edwards’s compassionate and caring side that lies behind his gothic appearance, allowing the viewer to read into the idea of a ppearance vs. reality. Bibliography: Sampson, Cory. Tim Burton Collective. 12 September 2013 . Filmography: Edward Scissorhands. Dir. Tim Burton. 20th Century Fox, 1990.

Essay on Egyptian Art and Culture - 2468 Words

Egyptian Art and Culture Current scholarship generally acknowledges that art does not exist in a vacuum. Rather, art is an expression of the culture which creates it, revealing common beliefs, aspirations, and feelings. Within the vein of cultural art history the true nature of ancient Egypt has become the focus of much questioning. Much has been said regarding this ancient civilization within the context of the continent of Africa. The focus has not been merely geographic—although some scholars contend that the physical location of Egypt has been all but overlooked. At the core of this controversy is the issue of ethnicity and culture. What was the identity of the people who built and populated ancient Egypt?1 Many scholars decry the†¦show more content†¦Shu and Tefnut, representing Space in its dual aspects, male and female, were of the first generation. They in turn engendered Geb and Nut—earth and sky, who gave birth to Osiris, Horus, Seth, Isis, and Nepthys and they gave birth to the multitudes of this world.4 In another version, the creation was understood in its first state as metaphysical, attributed to Atum. On the spectrum, creation progressed each step closer toward matter. Myth often relates the story of Ptah, the divine blacksmith, who brought materialization to the entities created by Atum. And, to Khnum, the divine potter, who modeled men and things from clay on his potter’s wheel.5 It is within this framework that the Egyptians conceived of what it meant to be human. A distinction was made between the aspects of a human being of that which was eternal and that which was subject to cycles of death and rebirth. According to funerary texts, humans are composed of a mortal body, called the kha, and three immortal elements known as the akh, ba, and ka. These have been translated as the spirit, soul, and double. More current interpretation assigns a less specified role for each entity. Regardless of the translation, an understanding of the concept of creation by the divine, imparting multiple aspects to each being was necessary to the Egyptian use of art to represent themselves and deities. The personification of theShow MoreRelated Egyptian Art Essay893 Words   |  4 Pages Egyptian Art was once considered to be unchanged, when viewing this art as a whole. Egyptian Art seems to be repetitive pattern of images and ideas. Yet all of these images are uniquely different. Ranging from 3000b.c to 50b.c. Taking the same principles through out the entire period. Which consists of Old, Middle and New Kingdoms. Each dynasty had a different addition to the basic concepts that were established in the beginning, ideas of the artist grew faster and better. 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