bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Israel and the ‘Holy Land’: The Religio-Political Discourse of Rights among African Migrant Labourers and African Asylum Seekers, 1990-2008
Authors: Sabar Galia 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe religious arena created in Israel by sub-Saharan African migrants from 1990-2008 was an expanded and flexible one which touched on complex questions related not only to what some may term “purely” religious themes but, among other issues, to identity and rights. The present paper compares two waves of migration,<xref ref-type="fn" rid="FN1">1</xref> the first arriving in Israel by air as tourists or pilgrims throughout the 1990s, mainly from West Africa, part of a larger worldwide expansion of African international labour migration; and the second, which started in 2005, of predominantly Sudanese and Eritreans, who entered the country illegally in search of asylum or work opportunities across its lax border with Egypt. While the former cohort deployed a religious rhetoric of attachment to the Holy Land, the latter invoked international human rights to claim their rights as refugees in addition to religious rhetoric. The paper considers the context and grounds for this shift in political tactics and rhetoric of migrant discursive stance vis-à-vis the state.
The Moral Economy of the African Diaspora: Citizenship, Networking and Permeable Ethnicity
Authors: Fumanti Mattia , Werbner Pnina 
Published: July 2010

AbstractScholarship on the African diaspora has documented the legal hurdles African migrants face in acquiring residence and begun to record the religious efflorescence of African Independent churches. Missing, however, is attention to the complex moral assumptions informing African diasporic sociality and claims to citizenship, whether through churches or voluntary associations. The present volume fills this hiatus by theorising the moral economy of citizenship claims and transnational giving. Its contributors explore the underlying ethical assumptions, ideas and practices of African migrants implied by their calls for recognition and the right to work and live in the diaspora, whether or not they possess the required legal documents, and despite being different racially and culturally. We interrogate both the tendency of migrants to encapsulate themselves in religious or home town associations with compatriots or coreligionists, and their expansive horizons and moves towards ‘permeable’ ethnicity, ‘cosmopolitan’ networking and multiculturalism, as they create, imagine and construct the ‘African diaspora’.
Surfactant protein B and RAGE increases in the plasma during cardiopulmonary bypass: a pilot study
Authors: Agostoni P. , Banfi C. , Brioschi M. , Magrì D. , Sciomer S. , Berna G. , Brambillasca C. , Marenzi G. , Sisillo E. 
Published: July 2010

Surfactant derived protein B (SPB) and plasma receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) have been proposed as markers of lung injury. The former is produced specifically by pneumocytes while RAGE production is present in several body tissues. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) generates a transient lung injury. We measured SPB and RAGE in plasma before surgery and after CPB, as well as 24 h and 48 h later.We analysed plasma samples from 20 subjects scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass grafting. We performed a quantitative analysis of plasma levels of RAGE and SPB mature form (8 kDa) by ELISA and a semi-quantitative analysis of SPB immature form (∼40 kDa) by Western blotting.Surgery procedures were uneventful. After CPB RAGE median (75th–25th interquartile difference) increased from 633 (539) pg·mL−1to 1,362 (557) pg·mL−1(p<0.01), while mature SPB increased from 5,587 (3,089) ng·mL−1to 20,307 (19,873) ng·mL−1(p<0.01). RAGE and mature SPB returned to normal values within 48 h. This behaviour was confirmed when RAGE and SPB were normalised for protein content. Parallel changes were observed for immature SPB.Plasma RAGE and SPBs are sensitive and rapid markers of lung distress.
Association of inflammatory bowel disease risk loci with sarcoidosis, and its acute and chronic subphenotypes
Authors: Fischer A. , Nothnagel M. , Franke A. , Jacobs G. , Saadati H.R. , Gaede K.I. , Rosenstiel P. , Schürmann M. , Müller-Quernheim J. , Schreiber S. , Hofmann S. 
Published: July 2010

Sarcoidosis is a complex granulomatous inflammatory disorder that shares several clinical and pathogenic features with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Postulating a common genetic basis of inflammatory diseases, we tested 106 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are known or have been suggested to be associated with IBD for a potential association with sarcoidosis and its acute and chronic subphenotypes.We genotyped 1,996 German sarcoidosis patients, comprising 648 acutely and 1,161 chronically affected individuals, 2,622 control subjects, and 342 German trios with affected offspring using SNPlex™ technology.The nonsynonymous SNP rs11209026 (Arg381Gln) in the interleukin (IL)-23 receptor (IL23R) gene was associated with chronic sarcoidosis (OR 0.63; p = 5.58×10−5), which was supported by the result of a transmission disequilibrium test analysis in the independent family sample (OR 0.50; p = 0.031). Marker rs12035082 located at chromosome 1q24.3 was found to be associated with the acute subphenotype (OR 1.36; p = 6.80×10−7) and rs916977 (HERC2locus; OR 1.30; p = 4.49×10−5) was associated with sarcoidosis.Our results highlight the potential importance of the IL-23 signalling pathway for the development of chronic sarcoidosis. The finding links sarcoidosis pathogenesis to other inflammatory conditions and may contribute to new hypotheses on disease mechanisms.
Agenesis of paranasal sinuses and nasal nitric oxide in primary ciliary dyskinesia
Authors: Pifferi M. , Bush A. , Caramella D. , Di Cicco M. , Zangani M. , Chinellato I. , Macchia P. , Boner A.L. 
Published: July 2010

Agenesis of paranasal sinuses has only been described in case reports of patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). As agenesis of paranasal sinuses may contribute to low nasal nitric oxide levels, a common finding in PCD, we speculated that this condition might frequently occur in PCD patients.Patients referred for PCD evaluation were consecutively recruited for 30 months. In addition to standard diagnostic testing for PCD, a computed tomography (CT) scan of paranasal sinuses was performed in all subjects.86 patients (46 children aged 8–17 yrs) were studied. PCD was diagnosed in 41 subjects and secondary ciliary dyskinesia (SCD) was diagnosed in the remaining 45 subjects. Frontal and/or sphenoidal sinuses were either aplastic or hypoplastic on CT scans in 30 (73%) out of 41 PCD patients, but in only 17 (38%) out of 45 with SCD (p = 0.002). There was a significant inverse correlation between the score for aplasia/hypoplasia of each paranasal sinus and nasal NO values in the PCD patients (p = 0.008, r = −0.432) but not in SCD (p = 0.07, r = −0.271).The findings of aplasia/hypoplasia of the frontal and or sphenoidal sinuses may be part of the spectrum of PCD and this finding should prompt exclusion of this condition.
Degradation of HER2/neu by ANT2 shRNA suppresses migration and invasiveness of breast cancer cells
Authors: Jang Ji-Young , Jeon Yoon-Kyung , Kim Chul-Woo 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background
In breast cancer, the HER2/neu oncoprotein, which belongs to the epidermal growth factor receptor family, may trigger activation of the phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway, which controls cell proliferation, survival, migration, and invasion. In this study, we examined the question of whether or not adenine nucleotide translocase 2 (ANT2) short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated down-regulation of HER2/neu and inhibitory effects on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway suppressed migration and invasiveness of breast cancer cells.

Methods
We utilized an ANT2 vector-based RNA interference approach to inhibition of ANT2 expression, and the HER2/neu-overexpressing human breast cancer cell line, SK-BR3, was used throughout the study.

Results
In this study, ANT2 shRNA decreased HER2/neu protein levels by promoting degradation of HER2/neu protein through dissociation from heat shock protein 90 (HSP90). As a result, ANT2 shRNA induced inhibitory effects on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling by ANT2 shRNA caused down-regulation of membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, decreased matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and MMP9 activity, and suppressed migration and invasion of breast cancer cells.

Conclusions
These results indicate that knock-down of ANT2 by shRNA down-regulates HER2/neu through suppression of HSP90's function and inhibits the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, resulting ultimately in suppressed migration and invasion of breast cancer cells.
Morphological and molecular characterization of developing vertebral fusions using a teleost model
Authors: Ytteborg Elisabeth , Torgersen Jacob , Baeverfjord Grete , Takle Harald 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background
Spinal disorders are a major cause of disability for humans and an important health problem for intensively farmed animals. Experiments have shown that vertebral deformities present a complex but comparable etiology across species. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in bone deformities are still far from understood. To further explicate the mechanisms involved, we have examined the fundamental aspects of bone metabolism and pathogenesis of vertebral fusions in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).

Results
Experimentally, juvenile salmon were subjected to hyperthermic conditions where more than 28% developed fused vertebral bodies. To characterize the fusion process we analyzed an intermediate and a terminal stage of the pathology by using x-ray, histology, immunohistochemistry, real-time quantitative PCR and in situ hybridization. At early stage in the fusion process, disorganized and proliferating osteoblasts were prominent at the growth zones of the vertebral body endplates. PCNA positive cells further extended along the rims of fusing vertebral bodies. During the developing pathology, the marked border between the osteoblast growth zones and the chondrocytic areas connected to the arches became less distinct, as proliferating cells and chondrocytes blended through an intermediate zone. This cell proliferation appeared to be closely linked to fusion of opposing arch centra. During the fusion process a metaplastic shift appeared in the arch centra where cells in the intermediate zone between osteoblasts and chondrocytes co-expressed mixed signals of chondrogenic and osteogenic markers. A similar shift also occurred in the notochord where proliferating chordoblasts changed transcription profile from chondrogenic to also include osteogenic marker genes. In progressed fusions, arch centra and intervertebral space mineralized.

Conclusion
Loss of cell integrity through cell proliferation and metaplastic shifts seem to be key events in the fusion process. The fusion process involves molecular regulation and cellular changes similar to those found in mammalian deformities, indicating that salmon is suitable for studying general bone development and to be a comparative model for spinal deformities.
Self-rated quality of life and school performance in relation to helminth infections: case study from Yunnan, People's Republic of China
Authors: Ziegelbauer Kathrin , Steinmann Peter , Zhou Hui , Du Zun-Wei , Jiang Jin-Yong , Fürst Thomas , Jia Tie-Wu , Zhou Xiao-Nong , Utzinger Jürg 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background
Expert opinion-derived disability weights are widely employed for estimating the global burden of diseases and injuries. For chronic diseases such as soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis, it has been suggested that a patient-based quality of life (QoL) approach should be considered for a more accurate appraisal of disability weights.

Methods and Results
We carried out a cross-sectional survey and assessed the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminth infections as well as self-rated QoL indicators among 252 students attending grades 5-8 in two schools (Bulangshan and Pu'er) in Yunnan province, People's Republic of China. Each student provided a single stool sample, which was subjected to duplicate Kato-Katz thick smear readings and a single FLOTAC examination for parasitological diagnosis. Prevalence rates for hookworm, Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides were high in Bulangshan (75.9%, 70.0% and 68.2%), while the respective prevalence rates in Pu'er were 66.9%, 56.5% and 9.2%. Students were interviewed with two standardised questionnaires, the EuroQoL-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) and ShortForm-12 (SF-12) Health Survey. Impairment in any of the five dimensions of the EQ-5D was reported by 87% of the students. However, no clear differences could be observed between individuals with and those without helminth infections, and there were discrepancies between the two schools. A multivariate logistic regression model revealed no differences between students with varying infection status in the domains of the SF-12 (odds ratio close to 1.0). Somewhat more pronounced, yet not statistically significant differences were observed when end-of-school-term marks were compared with students' helminth infection status: infected individuals had lower marks in Chinese, English and mathematics, but not in sports, compared to their helminth-free counterparts.

Conclusions
Our results point to unresolved issues and challenges regarding the cultural appropriateness of the widely used standard QoL questionnaires. Hence, new research is needed to further develop these instruments and to validate them in connection with chronic parasitic diseases.
Dendritic cell function at low physiological temperature
Authors: Hammarfjord Oscar , Wallin Robert P A 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
DC are differentially regulated by low temperature and this can affect DC in inflammation, migration, and T cell activation.
Compared with the stable core temperature, the skin temperature is lower and varies depending on ambient temperature and convection conditions. The function of DCs, which are plentiful in the skin at lower physiological temperatures, has not been reported. We show that DC performed some functions normally at 28°C, including phagocytosis and macropinocytosis. TLR-4 signaling via MAPK pathways was delayed at 28°C but reached normal levels, which may explain the observed slower kinetics of stimulated macropinocytosis and TNF production. TLR-4-induced NO production was compromised severely at 28°C. Collagen degradation and migration through matrigel-coated transwell inserts were decreased, but no effect on podosome number or DC migration through noncoated transwell filters was seen. Lowering the temperature differentially regulated functions associated with the role of DCs in adaptive immunity. LPS-induced up-regulation of CD86 was normal; however, CD40 up-regulation was suppressed after TLR-4 stimulation at 28°C. Nonactivated DC processed and presented antigen on MHC class II equally well at 28°C and 37°C. However, DCs that were loaded with antigens and stimulated with TLR ligand at 28°C were poor at activating T cells at 37°C compared with DCs that were activated and loaded with antigen at 37°C.
Pathologic natural killer cell subset redistribution in HIV-1 infection: new insights in pathophysiology and clinical outcomes
Authors: Brunetta Enrico , Hudspeth Kelly L , Mavilio Domenico 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Review discusses the clinical significance of the pathologic NK cell subset redistribution during HIV-1 infection.
Several lines of evidence indicate that the interaction of HIV-1 with NK cells markedly affects host immune responses and leads to a defective control of the virus. Until recently, it was generally believed that the absolute number of total circulating NK cells was decreased during the course of chronic and active phases of HIV-1 infection and that this explained, at least in part, the defective NK cell antiviral activities. However, scientific advances made over recent years have changed this concept and have clarified that HIV-1 viremia is associated with a pathologic redistribution rather than an absolute decrease in the number of circulating NK cells. In particular, the expansion of dysfunctional Siglec-7neg and/or CD56neg NK cell subsets expressing an aberrant repertoire of activating and inhibitory receptors has been associated with functional impairments of NK cells and with clinical outcomes of HIV-1 disease. Indeed, these pathologic NK cell populations often comprise the majority of NK cells in the presence of high levels of chronic HIV-1 viremia. The reasons for these NK cell aberrancies remain unknown, as freshly purified CD4neg NK cells are not productively infected by HIV-1. Disclosing the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying such dysfunctions represents an important challenge of biomedical research, also considering that the presence of a rare KIR3DS1pos NK cell population represents a protective factor against HIV-1 disease progression. In this review, we will summarize the recent updates regarding NK cell pathophysiology during the course of HIV-1 infection.
Outcome following saphenopopliteal surgery: a prospective observational study
Authors: Ikponmwosa A , Bhasin N , Weston M J , Berridge D C , Scott D J A 
Published: July 2010

Objectives High recurrence rates following small saphenous varicose vein surgery have been reported. The aim of this study was to ascertain initial success rates following saphenopopliteal junction (SPJ) surgery using pre- and postoperative duplex scanning. Methods A prospective study was performed on patients with ultrasound-proven SPJ reflux. Patients underwent preoperative duplex skin marking and a postoperative quality assurance scan. Results Ninety procedures were performed in 88 patients. The SPJ was successfully ligated in 87 (96.7%) cases. Reflux was completely abolished in 51 (56.7%) cases, but persisted solely in the small saphenous vein (SSV) in 32.2%. Subsequently, 10 consecutive patients underwent 11 SPJ ligations with stripping of the SSV. Follow-up ultrasound scan demonstrated successful ligation of the SPJ and elimination of superficial venous reflux. Conclusion This study demonstrates that preoperative duplex SPJ marking results in a high percentage of successful ligation. Given that residual persistent reflux was avoided in patients who underwent stripping of the SSV, we propose that patients who require SPJ surgery undergo duplex marking along with specific consideration with regard to treatment of the residual SSV.
Stability and regularization of a backward parabolic PDE with variable coefficients
Authors: Feng Xiao-Li , Eldén Lars , Fu Chu-Li 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
We consider a backward parabolic partial differential equation (BPPDE) with variable coefficient a(x, t) in time. A new modification is used on the logarithmic convexity method to obtain a conditional stability estimate. Based on a formal solution, we reveal the essence of the ill-posedness and propose a simple regularization method. Moreover, we apply the regularization method to two representative cases. The results of both theoretical and numerical performance show the validity of our method.
The Collaborative Cardiovascular Risk Reduction in Primary Care (CCARP) Study
Authors: Evans Charity D. , Eurich Dean T. , Taylor Jeff G. , Blackburn David F. 
Published: July 2010

Study Objective. To evaluate whether a simple pharmacist protocol, consisting of patient screening and cardiovascular risk stratification, identification and reminders about uncontrolled risk factors, and drug adherence support, can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk.Design. Prospective, randomized, controlled pilot study.Setting. Large primary care medical clinic in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.Patients. One hundred seventy‐six adult patients (mean age 60 yrs) who exhibited a 10–year Framingham risk score of 15% or greater, or a coronary artery disease risk equivalent (coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, or diabetes mellitus).Intervention. Eligible patients initially met with the pharmacist to receive general counselling about cardiovascular disease and were then randomly assigned to receive ongoing follow‐up by the pharmacist (follow‐up group [88 patients]) or to return to usual care (single‐contact group [88 patients]) for a minimum of 6 months.Measurements and Main Results. The primary end point was mean reduction in the 10–year Framingham risk score. Secondary end points included individual modifiable risk factors (systolic and diastolic blood pressures; total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL], and triglyceride levels; total cholesterol: HDL ratio; and hemoglobin A1c value), as well as statin utilization, initiation, and adherence rates. Baseline characteristics were similar across both groups. Neither the mean reduction in 10–year risk (−2.68 for the follow‐up group and −1.25 for the single‐contact group, one‐tailed p=0.098) nor individual risk factors were significantly different between groups. The proportion of patients exhibiting statin adherence of 80% or greater did not significantly differ between groups at study end (73.1% [57/78] and 80.0% [52/65], respectively, p=0.333). However, 85.2% (75/88) in the follow‐up group continued with statin therapy at the end of the study compared with 67.0% (59/88) in the single‐contact group (p=0.005). Statin initiations were more frequent in the follow‐up group than in the single‐contact group (75.0% [30/40) vs 48.9% [22/45], p=0.013).Conclusion. This simple cardiovascular care protocol for nonspecialist pharmacists did not result in a clear improvement to cardiovascular risk reduction success among patients in a primary care medical clinic. The intervention did, however, appear to improve statin utilization.