Books and Book Chapters

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  Diabetes Complications – Molecular, Pathophysiological, and Clinical Perspectives

  Ernest A. Adeghate and Jaipaul Singh

  Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common ailment known to humans for thousands of years. In spite of this, the prevalence of DM continues to increase. The most current data show that the world-wide prevalence of DM in the adult population stands at 537 million. Despite the efforts made by researchers, governments, healthcare providers and others, it is estimated that the number of people with DM will increase to 783 million by 2045. DM is caused by the inability of insulin to transport glucose from the blood to target tissues such as skeletal muscle and liver, leading to hyperglycemia. Chronic hyperglycemia in turn leads to oxidative stress, glycation of proteins, and impaired metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates. All of these factors further induce cascades of signaling pathways, resulting in acute and chronic complications of DM. The signs and symptoms of DM include but are not limited to tiredness, polydipsia, and polyuria. Other signs of metabolic disorders such as hypertension, atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia may also be seen in patients with DM. The outcome of untreated DM is chronic complications in the form of retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy and severe damage to blood vessels and other organs of the body.

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  Ramadan Hardcore by Hicham Habchi e Mehdi Yassire

  Sarah Nesti Willard

  This article examines Ramadan Hardcore, a graphic novel by Hicham Habchi and Mehdi Yassire, through a visual and contextual analysis. It explores how the novel’s raw illustrative style reinforces its title and narrative, creating a powerful emotional impact while presenting an authentic, and at times deliberately exaggerated, representation of reality. Using visual semiotic analysis, the study demonstrates how the artwork reflects the authors’ lived experiences and contributes to the novel’s gritty, direct atmosphere. The article also discusses the controversy surrounding the graphic novel’s provocative title, noting that although it initially attracted considerable attention, interest quickly declined and copies have since become difficult to obtain. This decline is interpreted as evidence of the limited long-term support for creative and artistic expression in Morocco. The study further argues that innovative artists such as Habchi and Yassire have often faced resistance from audiences reluctant to embrace unconventional artistic narratives. It also suggests that the limited reach of Ramadan Hardcore can be attributed to the relatively small readership of adult comics in Morocco and the use of localized Arabic dialects, which may reduce accessibility for wider audiences. Finally, the article highlights the lack of institutional support for the arts as a barrier to the growth and international recognition of Morocco’s creative sector, concluding that Ramadan Hardcore has largely faded into obscurity, mirroring the broader cultural shifts and normalization that followed the Arab Spring.

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  Illustrations, comics and graphic novels from the UAE

  Sarah Nesti Willard

  This chapter overviews emergent communities of illustrations, comics, and graphic narratives from the United Arab Emirates. The data collected is from ethnographic online and on-site observations and direct interactions with Emirati artists and publishers. It briefly discusses how comics and graphic narratives have evolved in the last 20 years, and it elucidates how these art forms avail social media to gain prominence and recognition. It then introduces a group of 21 Emirati artists, all different in style and concept, who have been chosen to represent a new illustrative trend: Khaleeji comics and illustrations. Their first group exhibition is with the University of Turin, in collaboration with the Lab Anzaar, organised by the Department of Literature and Modern Languages. The works of art discussed in this chapter are those exhibited in Palazzo Aldo Moro, Turin, on the 15th of May 2024. Emirati artists are introduced, and their work is briefly described. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of defining a modern pop-cultural identity within the region.