104 research outputs found

    Impact of GIS on Performance of Cellular Companies in Pakistan

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    Abstract: The aim of this research study is to determine the impact of GIS on cellular companies in Pakistan. The research has a profound background containing the performance and IT levels in the companies. An efficient exploitation of IT has become decisive in improving inclusive operations. This research study is based upon the concept of a service-product bundle consisted of three elements: IT applications, dedicated IT departmental study and explicit study of companies globalization level. Thorough Quadrant Analysis data was analyzed to determine the impact of Global information system of companies with its impact ratio. Results based on the analysis illustrate the significance of GIS in the cellular companies with the IT applications

    Epidemiology of substance abuse among migrants compared to native born population in primary care.

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    BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Research in the United States tends to indicate that immigrants from most sociogeographic regions have considerably lower substance use disorder (SUD) rates than native born individuals. We aimed to analyze the differences between immigrants and native born population regarding substance abuse and dependence. This objective was approached using data from the ARACAT cross-sectional multicenter study in primary care settings of two different Spanish regions: Aragon and Catalonia. METHODS: Three thousand six patients (1,503 immigrants randomly selected and 1,503 native born paired by age and gender) were interviewed using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. RESULTS: Reported substance abuse and dependence were more prevalent in the native born population than in immigrants (alcohol abuse 5.1% vs. 2.6% p < .0001, alcohol dependence 3.3% vs. 2.6% n.s., other abuse 3.4% vs. .4% p < .0001, other dependence .5% vs. 4.0% p < .0001). Large differences were detected between different ethnic groups. Sociodemographic characteristics such as female gender, older age, higher level of education or stable housing (among others), were found to be protective against different SUDs. CONCLUSIONS AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: Immigrants have lower levels of alcohol and substance abuse, however, those that do consume show higher levels of both comorbid mental disorders and problematic alcohol/substance use. It would appear to be the case that issues specific to immigrant cultures, such as extreme stigmatization of substance and alcohol use, may serve to promote social marginalization and inhibit treatment access

    Lymphocyte deficiency limits Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 1 induced chronic inflammation and carcinogenic pathology in vivo

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    Background: The importance of the malignant cell environment to its growth and survival is becoming increasingly apparent, with dynamic cross talk between the neoplastic cell, the leukocyte infiltrate and the stroma. Most cancers are accompanied by leukocyte infiltration which, contrary to an anticipated immuno-protective role, could be contributing to tumour development and cancer progression. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) associated cancers, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma and Hodgkin's Disease, show a considerable leukocyte infiltration which surrounds the neoplastic cells, raising the questions as to what role these cells play in either restricting or supporting the tumour and what draws the cells into the tumour. In order to begin to address this we have studied a transgenic model of multistage carcinogenesis with epithelial expression of the EBV primary oncoprotein, latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1). LMP1 is expressed particularly in the skin, which develops a hyperplastic pathology soon after birth. Results: The pathology advances with time leading to erosive dermatitis which is inflamed with a mixed infiltrate involving activated CD8+ T-cells, CD4+ T-cells including CD4+/CD25+/FoxP3+ Treg cells, mast cells and neutrophils. Also significant dermal deposition of immunoglobulin-G (IgG) is observed as the pathology advances. Along with NF-kappaB activation, STAT3, a central factor in inflammation regulation, is activated in the transgenic tissue. Several inflammatory factors are subsequently upregulated, notably CD30 and its ligand CD153, also leukocyte trafficking factors including CXCL10, CXCL13, L-selectin and TGF beta 1, and inflammatory cytokines including IL-1 beta, IL-3 and the murine IL-8 analogues CXCL1, CXCL2 and CXCL5-6, amongst others. The crucial role of mature T- and/or B-lymphocytes in the advancing pathology is demonstrated by their elimination, which precludes mast cell infiltration and limits the pathology to an early, benign stage. Conclusions: LMP1 can lead to the activation of several key factors mediating proliferation, angiogenesis and inflammation in vivo. With the initiation of an inflammatory programme, leukocyte recruitment follows which then itself contributes to the progressing pathology in these transgenic mice, with a pivotal role for B-and/or T-cells in the process. The model suggests a basis for the leukocyte infiltrate observed in EBV-associated cancer and its supporting role, as well as potential points for therapeutic intervention
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