Proclaiming the gospel: first century performance of Mark

Title: Proclaiming the gospel: first century performance of Mark. Author: Shiner, Whitney Proclaiming the gospel xxiv, 214 p. Publisher: Harrisburg ; London ; New York : Trinity Pr Intl, 2003

Diet-Induced Obesity Is Associated with an Impaired NK Cell Function and an Increased Colon Cancer Incidence

Obesity is associated with an increased colon cancer incidence, but underlying mechanisms remained unclear. Previous studies showed altered Natural killer (NK) cell functions in obese individuals. Therefore, we studied the impact of an impaired NK cell functionality on the increased colon cancer risk in obesity. In vitro investigations demonstrated a decreased IFN-γ secretion and cytotoxicity of human NK cells against colon tumor cells after NK cell preincubation with the adipokine leptin. In addition, leptin incubation decreased the expression of activating NK cell receptors. In animal studies, colon cancer growth was induced by injection of azoxymethane (AOM) in normal weight and diet-induced obese rats. Body weight and visceral fat mass were increased in obese animals compared to normal weight rats. AOM-treated obese rats showed an increased quantity, size, and weight of colon tumors compared to the normal weight tumor group. Immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated a decreased number of NK cells in spleen and liver in obesity. Additionally, the expression levels of activating NK cell receptors were lower in spleen and liver of obese rats. The results show for the first time that the decreased number and impaired NK cell function may be one cause for the higher colon cancer risk in obesity

The machinery underlying malaria parasite virulence is conserved between rodent and human malaria parasites

Sequestration of red blood cells infected with the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum in organs such as the brain is considered important for pathogenicity. A similar phenomenon has been observed in mouse models of malaria, using the rodent parasite Plasmodium berghei, but it is unclear whether the P. falciparum proteins known to be involved in this process are conserved in the rodent parasite. Here we identify the P. berghei orthologues of two such key factors of P. falciparum, SBP1 and MAHRP1. Red blood cells infected with P. berghei parasites lacking SBP1 or MAHRP1a fail to bind the endothelial receptor CD36 and show reduced sequestration and virulence in mice. Complementation of the mutant P. berghei parasites with the respective P. falciparum SBP1 and MAHRP1 orthologues restores sequestration and virulence. These findings reveal evolutionary conservation of the machinery underlying sequestration of divergent malaria parasites and support the notion that the P. berghei rodent model is an adequate tool for research on malaria virulence

Dietary factors impact on the association between CTSS variants and obesity related traits.

Cathepsin S, a protein coded by the CTSS gene, is implicated in adipose tissue biology--this protein enhances adipose tissue development. Our hypothesis is that common variants in CTSS play a role in body weight regulation and in the development of obesity and that these effects are influenced by dietary factors--increased by high protein, glycemic index and energy diets

Ambivalence in the Works of Arthur Schnitzler Portrayed Through Dilettantism and Through the Jewish Situation (Austria)

Turn-of-the-century Vienna was a time of ambivalence. The problems which Arthur Schnitzler explored in his works by presenting the dilettante and the Jewish situation in Viennese society find their source in the theme of ambivalence.Jugend in Wien, Schnitzler's autobiography, and Der Weg ins Freie, his autobiographical fiction, provide the key to understanding the ambivalence he felt both in himself and in his society. Therefore, a frame for this study was formed by arranging the examination of Schnitzler's works so as to begin and end with these books, respectively.In the introduction, the focus is on Jugend in Wien, in which Schnitzler emphasizes his personal development, as seen through the dilettante and the Jewish situation. A brief historical sketch of society is also given here.Part One deals with the psychological aspect, as seen in the dilettante phenomenon, which is also explained by Sigmund Freud. Thus, there is an examination of the Schnitzler-Freud relationship. Another chapter explores dilettantism as a social phenomenon within the monarchy. It is then demonstrated how this operates within Schnitzler's fiction, as a catharsis for his own development. The Schnitzler works examined here are Reigen, Anatol, Das Maerchen, Das Vermaechtnis, and Zwischenspiel.Part Two focuses on the Jewish situation, which also reflects the ambivalence of the times in the light of the Austrian Constitution of 1867. There is a chapter tracing Jewish history in Vienna from its beginnings through Schnitzler's time, and the following chapter examines the relationship of Schnitzler and Theodor Herzl against growing anti-Semitism and the rebirth of Zionism. Finally, there is an examination of Schnitzler's Professor Bernhardi.Part Three, ending this study, provides a merging of the two issues, under the theme of ambivalence, as presented in Der Weg ins Freie. The synthesis is seen through Schnitzler's personal history, as it culminates in this work, as well as in an historical evaluation of this Milieuschilderung. Der Weg ins Freie, written at the same time as Jugend in Wien, further develops the same issues presented in the introduction, thus closing the frame to this study.Thesis (Ph.D.)--City University of New York, 1987.School code: 0046

The machinery underlying malaria parasite virulence is conserved between rodent and human malaria parasites

Altres ajuts: Swiss National Foundation (grant 10030_140691/1), Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SP 1209/1)Sequestration of red blood cells infected with the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum in organs such as the brain is considered important for pathogenicity. A similar phenomenon has been observed in mouse models of malaria, using the rodent parasite Plasmodium berghei, but it is unclear whether the P. falciparum proteins known to be involved in this process are conserved in the rodent parasite. Here we identify the P. berghei orthologues of two such key factors of P. falciparum, SBP1 and MAHRP1. Red blood cells infected with P. berghei parasites lacking SBP1 or MAHRP1a fail to bind the endothelial receptor CD36 and show reduced sequestration and virulence in mice. Complementation of the mutant P. berghei parasites with the respective P. falciparum SBP1 and MAHRP1 orthologues restores sequestration and virulence. These findings reveal evolutionary conservation of the machinery underlying sequestration of divergent malaria parasites and support the notion that the P. berghei rodent model is an adequate tool for research on malaria virulence

The machinery underlying malaria parasite virulence is conserved between rodent and human malaria parasites

Sequestration of red blood cells infected with the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum in organs such as the brain is considered important for pathogenicity. A similar phenomenon has been observed in mouse models of malaria, using the rodent parasite Plasmodium berghei, but it is unclear whether the P. falciparum proteins known to be involved in this process are conserved in the rodent parasite. Here we identify the P. berghei orthologues of two such key factors of P. falciparum, SBP1 and MAHRP1. Red blood cells infected with P. berghei parasites lacking SBP1 or MAHRP1a fail to bind the endothelial receptor CD36 and show reduced sequestration and virulence in mice. Complementation of the mutant P. berghei parasites with the respective P. falciparum SBP1 and MAHRP1 orthologues restores sequestration and virulence. These findings reveal evolutionary conservation of the machinery underlying sequestration of divergent malaria parasites and support the notion that the P. berghei rodent model is an adequate tool for research on malaria virulence