Archaeoastronomy: Difference between revisions

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'''Archaeoastronomy''' is the study of how people in the past have understood the phenomena in the sky, how they used these phenomena and what role the sky played in their cultures. It is often associated with historic cultures such as [[Stonehenge]] or the [[Maya civilization]], but also with more recent societies such as the [[19th century]] Western world.
{{Short description|Autoantibodies associated with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis}}


== History ==
'''Anti–Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies''' ('''ASCA''') are a type of [[autoantibody]] found in the blood of some individuals. These antibodies are directed against [[Saccharomyces cerevisiae]], a species of yeast commonly used in baking and brewing. ASCA are primarily associated with [[inflammatory bowel disease]] (IBD), particularly [[Crohn's disease]].


The history of archaeoastronomy began with the realization that understanding ancient cultures requires understanding their view of the sky. This understanding has been facilitated by the decipherment of ancient scripts and the discovery of ancient astronomical artifacts, such as the [[Nebra sky disk]] and the [[Antikythera mechanism]].
==Background==
[[Saccharomyces cerevisiae]] is a species of yeast that is widely used in the food industry. It is also a common component of the human diet. In some individuals, the immune system may produce antibodies against this yeast, leading to the presence of ASCA in the blood. The presence of ASCA is often used as a serological marker in the diagnosis of IBD.


== Methodology ==
==Clinical Significance==
ASCA are most commonly associated with [[Crohn's disease]], a type of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The presence of ASCA can help differentiate Crohn's disease from [[ulcerative colitis]], another form of IBD. While ASCA are more prevalent in Crohn's disease, they can also be found in a smaller percentage of patients with ulcerative colitis.


Archaeoastronomy uses a variety of methods to uncover evidence of past practices including archaeology, anthropology, astronomy, statistics and probability, and history. Because these methods are diverse and use data from such different sources, integrating them into a coherent argument has been a long-term difficulty for archaeoastronomers.
===Diagnosis===
The detection of ASCA is performed using [[enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay]] (ELISA) or [[immunofluorescence]]. These tests measure the levels of ASCA in the blood and can aid in the diagnosis of IBD. However, ASCA testing is not definitive on its own and is typically used in conjunction with other diagnostic methods, such as [[endoscopy]] and [[biopsy]].


== Examples ==
===Prognostic Value===
The presence of ASCA may have prognostic implications in Crohn's disease. Some studies suggest that patients with ASCA-positive Crohn's disease may have a more aggressive disease course, with increased risk of complications such as strictures and fistulas. However, the exact role of ASCA in predicting disease outcomes remains an area of ongoing research.


One of the most famous examples of archaeoastronomy is the study of the ancient monument [[Stonehenge]] in England. The alignment of the stones suggests a connection with the midsummer sunrise and midwinter sunset, indicating a possible religious or astronomical purpose.
==Pathophysiology==
The exact mechanism by which ASCA are produced is not fully understood. It is hypothesized that a breakdown in the intestinal barrier may allow [[Saccharomyces cerevisiae]] antigens to interact with the immune system, leading to the production of antibodies. Genetic factors may also play a role, as certain genetic markers are associated with the presence of ASCA in patients with Crohn's disease.


Another example is the [[Maya civilization]], which had a complex astronomical and cosmological system, and many of their large structures, such as the [[El Castillo, Chichen Itza|El Castillo pyramid]] at Chichen Itza, were built with astronomical alignments in mind.
==Related pages==
* [[Crohn's disease]]
* [[Ulcerative colitis]]
* [[Inflammatory bowel disease]]
* [[Autoantibody]]


== See also ==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:S cerevisiae under DIC microscopy.jpg|''Saccharomyces cerevisiae'' under DIC microscopy
File:C albicans en.jpg|''Candida albicans''
</gallery>


* [[History of astronomy]]
[[Category:Autoimmune diseases]]
* [[Cultural astronomy]]
[[Category:Gastroenterology]]
* [[Ethnoastronomy]]
[[Category:Immunology]]
* [[Astronomical chronology]]
 
== References ==
 
<references />
 
{{Archaeoastronomy}}
{{History of astronomy}}
{{Cultural astronomy}}
{{Ethnoastronomy}}
{{Astronomical chronology}}
{{medicine-stub}}
 
[[Category:Archaeoastronomy]]
[[Category:Astronomy]]
[[Category:History of astronomy]]
[[Category:Cultural astronomy]]
[[Category:Ethnoastronomy]]
[[Category:Astronomical chronology]]

Latest revision as of 18:30, 11 February 2025

Autoantibodies associated with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis


Anti–Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) are a type of autoantibody found in the blood of some individuals. These antibodies are directed against Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a species of yeast commonly used in baking and brewing. ASCA are primarily associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly Crohn's disease.

Background[edit]

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a species of yeast that is widely used in the food industry. It is also a common component of the human diet. In some individuals, the immune system may produce antibodies against this yeast, leading to the presence of ASCA in the blood. The presence of ASCA is often used as a serological marker in the diagnosis of IBD.

Clinical Significance[edit]

ASCA are most commonly associated with Crohn's disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The presence of ASCA can help differentiate Crohn's disease from ulcerative colitis, another form of IBD. While ASCA are more prevalent in Crohn's disease, they can also be found in a smaller percentage of patients with ulcerative colitis.

Diagnosis[edit]

The detection of ASCA is performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or immunofluorescence. These tests measure the levels of ASCA in the blood and can aid in the diagnosis of IBD. However, ASCA testing is not definitive on its own and is typically used in conjunction with other diagnostic methods, such as endoscopy and biopsy.

Prognostic Value[edit]

The presence of ASCA may have prognostic implications in Crohn's disease. Some studies suggest that patients with ASCA-positive Crohn's disease may have a more aggressive disease course, with increased risk of complications such as strictures and fistulas. However, the exact role of ASCA in predicting disease outcomes remains an area of ongoing research.

Pathophysiology[edit]

The exact mechanism by which ASCA are produced is not fully understood. It is hypothesized that a breakdown in the intestinal barrier may allow Saccharomyces cerevisiae antigens to interact with the immune system, leading to the production of antibodies. Genetic factors may also play a role, as certain genetic markers are associated with the presence of ASCA in patients with Crohn's disease.

Related pages[edit]

Gallery[edit]