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Amplification loop of the inflammatory process is induced by P2X7R activation in intestinal epithelial cells in response to neutrophil transepithelial migration
Get PDFInflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are characterized during their active phase by polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) transepithelial migration. The efflux of PMNL into the mucosa is associated with the production of proinflammatory cytokines and the release of ATP from damaged and necrotic cells. The expression and function of purinergic P2X(7) receptor (P2X(7)R) in intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) and its potential role in the "cross talk" between IEC and PMNL have not been explored. The aims of the present study were 1) to examine P2X(7)R expression in IEC (T84 cells) and in human intestinal biopsies; 2) to detect any changes in P2X(7)R expression in T84 cells during PMNL transepithelial migration, and during the active and quiescent phases of IBD; and 3) to test whether P2X(7)R stimulation in T84 monolayers can induce caspase-1 activation and IL-1beta release by IEC. We found that a functional ATP-sensitive P2X(7)R is constitutively expressed at the apical surface of IEC T84 cells. PMNL transmigration regulates dynamically P2X(7)R expression and alters its distribution from the apical to basolateral surface of IEC during the early phase of PMNL transepithelial migration in vitro. P2X(7)R expression was weak in intestinal biopsies obtained during the active phase of IBD. We show that activation of epithelial P2X(7)R is mandatory for PMNL-induced caspase-1 activation and IL-1beta release by IEC. Overall, these changes in P2X(7)R function may serve to tailor the intensity of the inflammatory response and to prevent IL-1beta overproduction and inflammatory disease
The Muslim Spectrum: An Examination of Fundamentalism and the Liberalist/Extremist Dichotomy in the Contemporary Muslim World
Get PDFThe work investigates how the spotlight on Islam and its followers in a post 9/11 world has manifest within Muslim individuals, groups and nations and how these have changed to accommodate the shifting global frame of mind towards Islam and the Muslims
Leading Change in Organisations: A Focus on Quality Management
Get PDFIn contemporary knowledge driven economies, local organisations must aim to be competitive, in part, through ensuring the delivery of high quality in their goods and services. Changes in the social environment where customers are more mature and better informed have forced these organisations to consider alternatives to traditional methods of running their business. Consequently, Total Quality Management (TQM) has attracted the attention of many organisations as a potential system to improving their competitiveness and efficiency. Implementation of a TQM system necessitates transformation away from conventional ways of deliver- ing business objectives by changing the way in which people deal with internal or external work processes. TQM looks at change within the organisation as an inevitable process which should be managed flawlessly. Unfortunately, TQM initiatives often fail when implementation begins, with the proportion of successes in TQM implementation only within the range of 20 to 35 per cent, according to Brown (1992 cited in Redman & Grieves 1999). The reasons for failure were associated with the problem of sustainability of leadership and purpose, absence of strategic communications and teamwork for quality improvement and the lack of total commitment to the TQM philosophy and practice. These were attributed to poor under- standing of the TQM philosophy by senior management and a lack of employee opportunities to relate training activities with company vision. This paper thus evaluates the dynamics of organisation change with a view to understanding causes of success and failure. The research aims to review earlier studies and, through the results of those studies, analyse the role TQM plays in organisational change management
When foreign direct investment is good for development: Bulgaria’s accession, industrial restructuring and regional FDI
Get PDFThis article examines the dynamic between the process of Bulgaria’s European Union accession and the flow of Foreign Direct Investments to the country in its industrial base. A critical differentiation between speculative and non-speculative FDI is drawn while determining that the geographic origin of investments matters. Greek FDI, in particular, emerges as a major source of strategic regional investments in Bulgaria’s industry highlighting the significance of regional trade and cooperation for the long-term economic outlook not only for the host country but also for the region by enhancing the area of economic progress and development
'William Marshall: Organic Vision'
No full textIntroductory essay to the volume *William Marshall: Organic Vision* situating the Leach potter in context
'Tourist d'horizon: John Cage'
Get PDFOn John Cage's art and *Every Day is a Good Day: The Visual Art of John Cage*, an exhibition at Cambridge's Kettle's Yard, conceived by the artist Jeremy Millar
'Colour, Contour and Camouflage: Chris Ofili and Gary Hume'
Get PDFReviews of an exhibition of the works of Chris Ofili at Tate Britain in London, and of 'Gary Hume: New work', an exhibition at the New Art Centre in Salisbury
