36 research outputs found
The literary genre of Eze 17 – word of a prophet or a sage?
No full textZnaczącą rolę przy odkrywaniu orędzia tekstów biblijnych odgrywają gatunki
literackie, w których zostały spisane. W 17 rozdziale Księgi Ezechiela spotykamy
się z terminem māšāl, który wskazuje na przysłowie, przypowieść czy alegorię i odsyła
czytelnika do tekstów wywodzących się z tradycji mądrościowej obecnych w Piśmie
Świętym. Praca została poświęcona przywołaniu podstawowych gatunków literackich
określanych mianem māšāl, aby na tym tle podjąć próbę zdefiniowania gatunku literackiego
Ez 17 oraz odpowiedzieć na pytanie, czy omawiany tekst z Księgi Ezechiela
zawiera wypowiedź prorocką czy mądrościową. W celu przybliżenia przesłania Ez 17
przedstawiono wewnętrzną dynamikę całego rozdziału oraz zasygnalizowano kontekst
historyczny jego powstania.In the 17th chapter of the Book of Ezekiel we meet the word “māšāl”, which
indicates a proverb, a parable or an allegory, and refers the reader to the texts derived
from the wisdom tradition present in the Scriptures. This paper recalls the basic literary
genres known as māšāl, it is also an attempt to define the genre of Eze 17. The
author answers the question whether the present text of the Book of Ezekiel contains
a prophetic word or a word of wisdom. To show the message of Ezekiel 17 the author
reveals the internal dynamics of the whole chapter and evokes the historical context of
writing Eze 17
The role of air pollution in the aetiology of type 2 diabetes
No full textBackground. The public health burden of type 2 diabetes cannot be overestimated. Prevalence of type 2 diabetes is continuously increasing and has caused a great number of deaths and economic losses. Optimal prevention measures for type 2 diabetes entail that more risk factors need to be identified. Air pollution is one of the modifiable environmental risk factors causing health problems, most notably respiratory diseases. Recently there have been indications for a spill-over of its effects into the cardio-metabolic systems. Short-term exposure to air pollution may exert acute or sub-acute inflammatory cardio-metabolic responses which on long-term, sustained exposure could lead to overt cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. However, it is unclear if long-term exposure to pollutants in the air contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes. This work generates evidence to fill knowledge gaps on the impact of air pollutants on the development of type 2 diabetes and on how different susceptibilities in the general population could contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms involved in this relationship.
Methods. First, this work summarized the existing evidence on the possible relationship between long-term exposure to air pollutants and type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, in the framework of the first follow-up of SAPALDIA- the Swiss Cohort Study on Air Pollution and Lung and Heart Diseases in Adults, this work used indices for long-term exposure air pollution – 10-year mean particulate matter <10μm in diameter [PM10] and nitrogen dioxide [NO2] - assigned to participants’ residences using a combination of Gaussian dispersion and Land-use regression models, participants residential histories and pollutant trends at monitoring stations. It identified diabetes and metabolic syndrome cases in a comprehensive way considering self-reports, blood tests and other physical measures. It additionally identified genetic variants through genotyping on two different arrays – the Human Illumina610quad Bead Chip and the Taqman PCR assay - for 63 type 2 diabetes genetic polymorphisms [towards a diabetes gene score] and a functional polymorphism on the IL6 gene respectively. Based on the above and detailed health socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics including smoking habits, occupational exposures, alcohol, nutrition, physical activity, body measurements and additional data collected in SAPALDIA, it was ideal to investigate the cross-sectional relationships between air pollutants and diabetes and to explore interactions [based on various susceptibilities] to understand mechanisms involved in the relationship between long-term exposure to air pollutants and type 2 diabetes.
Results. In this work, we found a positive relationship between PM2.5 and NO2 and the risk of T2D in the pooled evidence synthesized from electronic databases. In the frame of SAPALDIA biobank, we found a moderate positive association between long-term exposure to PM10 [and NO2] and prevalent diabetes, and demonstrated a sustained effect of PM10 independent of NO2, while NO2 lost its association on accounting for PM10 in multi-pollutant models. Among the measures of cardio-metabolic function, PM10 impacted most on impairment of glucose homeostasis and least on blood lipoproteins and triglycerides. The relationship between PM10 and impaired fasting glycaemia was more apparent among the physically active. Age also appeared to influence the relationship between PM10 and impaired fasting glycaemia. People at higher polygenic risk for type 2 diabetes were more susceptible to PM10. Genetic risk for insulin resistance and obesity appeared to be more relevant than those for beta-cell function in modifying the effects of PM10, especially among those with some background inflammatory conditions. Carriers of the pro-inflammatory major ‘G’ allele of IL6-572GC, with allele frequency of 93%, were also more susceptible to PM10 in relation to diabetes.
Conclusions. This work has greatly contributed to evidence suggesting the possible role of air pollutants in diabetes aetiology. The reported associations were observed at mean concentrations below current air quality guidelines. PM10 may be a good marker for aspects of air pollution [rather than NO2] relevant for the development of diabetes. In particular, PM10 might act through sub-clinical inflammation and resultant impaired insulin sensitivity. Impairment of insulin secretion may be a less relevant pathway for PM10 action. Physical activity, though beneficial, presented another likely pathway for PM10 effects. These findings, if confirmed, call for the strengthening of air quality policies and adaptation of physical activity promotion to environmental contrasts. Future studies should explore the totality of environmental exposures – exposomics –in a life-course fashion. The mediating role of DNA methylation influencing genetic expression should be further explored. For global generalizability, there is a strong need for evidence replication in developing countries where outdoor and indoor air pollution is quite high and mostly unregulated, and the burden of non-communicable diseases is rapidly growing
The pitfalls of qualified moral veganism. A critique of Jan Deckers' holistic health approach to animal ethics
No full textI critically examine Jan Deckers' position in Animal (De)liberation, where he defends two main views. The first is "qualified moral veganism": Most humans have a duty to abstain from consuming animal products, even if there are circumstances in which doing so is justified. The author argues, on the one hand, from a pan-sentientist view that attributes sentience to all elementary entities and their compounds. Thus, all living things (such as animals and plants) have a capacity for positive and negative experiences. On the other hand, he develops a consequentialist view that assigns moral agents the unconditional duty to promote their own "holistic health." This is partly constituted by the agent's "moral health," that is, her acting in a morally justified way. On Deckers' view, moral agents must care for the health of all living entities, give greater weight to the interests of organisms to which they are more closely biologically related, and respect the integrity of nature. Diets containing animal products have a very high negative health impact, because of how they affect the environment, human food security, and the well-being of nonhuman animals. In addition, even though plants are sentient, they are likely less so than animals, and their interests must be given less weight. Therefore, most humans should shift to a vegan diet. Deckers' second proposal is that a qualified ban on the consumption of animal products should be enacted. After discarding other alternative strategies, Deckers defends its feasibility relying on data obtained via a series of surveys. Though the argument partly succeeds in developing a coherent account accommodating the author's intuitions, I conclude that his ontological and normative frameworks remain too underdeveloped, his appeal to biological relatedness has implausible implications, and the methodology he uses in defence of his political position is problematic.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Long-term exposure to ambient air pollution and metabolic syndrome in adults
No full textAir pollutants (AP) play a role in subclinical inflammation, and are associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is inflammatory and precedes cardiovascular morbidity and type 2 diabetes. Thus, a positive association between AP and MetS may be hypothesized. We explored this association, (taking into account, pathway-specific MetS definitions), and its potential modifiers in Swiss adults. We studied 3769 participants of the Swiss Cohort Study on Air Pollution and Lung and Heart Diseases in Adults, reporting at least four-hour fasting time before venepuncture. AP exposures were 10-year mean residential PM10 (particulate matter >10μm in diameter) and NO2 (nitrogen dioxide). Outcomes included MetS defined by World Health Organization (MetS-W), International Diabetes Federation (MetS-I) and Adult Treatment Panel-III (MetS-A) using four- and eight-hour fasting time limits. We also explored associations with individual components of MetS. We applied mixed logistic regression models to explore these associations. The prevalence of MetS-W, MetS-I and MetS-A were 10%, 22% and 18% respectively. Odds of MetS-W, MetS-I and MetS-A increased by 72% (51-102%), 31% (11-54%) and 18% (4-34%) per 10μg/m3 increase in 10-year mean PM10. We observed weaker associations with NO2. Associations were stronger among physically-active, ever-smokers and non-diabetic participants especially with PM10 (p>0.05). Associations remained robust across various sensitivity analyses including ten imputations of missing observations and exclusion of diabetes cases. The observed associations between AP exposure and MetS were sensitive to MetS definitions. Regarding the MetS components, we observed strongest associations with impaired fasting glycemia, and positive but weaker associations with hypertension and waist-circumference-based obesity. Cardio-metabolic effects of AP may be majorly driven by impairment of glucose homeostasis, and to a less-strong extent, visceral adiposity. Well-designed prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings
Irvingia gabonensis leaf extract scavenges nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide in vitro and modulates arsenic-induced hepatic oxidative stress in wistar rats
No full textAbstract Background Arsenic is a carcinogenic heavy metal that contaminates the environment, predisposing the exposed populace to its detrimental health effects. This study investigated the liver protective effect of ethanol leaf extract of Irvingia gabonensis (ELEIG) in sodium arsenite (SA)-exposed Wistar rats and its nitric oxide (NO.) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-scavenging properties in vitro. Methods Eleven experimental groups made up of five (5) rats each (weight range 100 - 161 g) were used in this study. Group 1 (normal control) had normal rat chow and water. Group 2 received 4.1 mg/kg body weight (kgbw) of SA. Groups 3–8 received SA and graded doses of ELEIG and groups 9-11 had varied doses of ELEIG. Treatment, which spanned 14 days, was by oral gavage. Concentrations of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as activities of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP, and GGT) and concentrations of total bilirubin (TBIL) and direct bilirubin (DBIL) were determined using standard procedures. Standard methods were also used to determine the in vitro NO. and H2O2-scavenging properties of the extract. Results Exposure to SA orchestrated significant (p ˂ 0.05) increases in CAT, MDA, AST, ALT, ALP and GGT and significant (p ˂ 0.05) decreases in SOD and GPx, relative to control. There were insignificant (p ˃ 0.05) differences in TBIL and DBIL concentrations, compared with control. Simultaneous and post-treatment with ELEIG at graded doses, alleviated the noxious effects of SA. In addition, ELEIG scavenged NO. and H2O2 in concentration-dependent manner. Conclusion The results suggest that ELEIG possesses potent antioxidant property and combats SA-induced hepatic oxidative stress/toxicity in Wistar rats
Sport, genetics and the `natural athlete': The resurgence of racial science
No full textThis article explores the ethical implications of recent discussions that naturalize the relationship between race, the body and sport within the frame of genetic science. Many suggestions of a racially distributed genetic basis for athletic ability and performance are strategically posited as a resounding critique of the `politically correct' meta-narratives of established sociological and anthropological forms of explanation that emphasize the social and cultural construction of race. I argue that this use of genetic science in order to describe and explain common-sense impressions of racial physiology and sporting ability is founded on erroneous premises of objectivity and disinterest, and inflates the analytical efficacy of scientific truth claims. I suggest that assertions of a value-free science of racial athletic ability reify race as inherited permanent biological characteristics that produce social hierarchies and are more characteristic of a longer history of `racial science'
In Vitro Antifungal Activity of Bauhinia monandra (Kurz) Leaf Extracts Against Fungal Pathogens Isolated from Spoilt Musa paradisiaca L.
No full textStakeholder-driven transformative adaptation is needed for climate-smart nutrition security in sub-Saharan Africa - author correction
No full textImproving nutrition security in sub-Saharan Africa under increasing climate risks and population growth requires a strong and contextualized evidence base. Yet, to date, few studies have assessed climate-smart agriculture and
nutrition security simultaneously. Here we use an integrated assessment framework (iFEED) to explore stakeholder-driven scenarios of food system transformation towards climate-smart nutrition security in Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia. iFEED translates climate–food–emissions
modelling into policy-relevant information using model output implication statements. Results show that diversifying agricultural production towards more micronutrient-rich foods is necessary to achieve an adequate population-level nutrient supply by mid-century. Agricultural areas must expand unless unprecedented rapid yield improvements are achieved. While these transformations are challenging to accomplish and often
associated with increased greenhouse gas emissions, the alternative for a nutrition-secure future is to rely increasingly on imports, which would outsource emissions and be economically and politically challenging given the large import increases required
The life and works of Osbert of Clare
No full textOsbert of Clare was an English monastic writer, whose works extended from
the mid-1120s to the mid-1150s. His Latin hagiography reflects a deep admiration for
Anglo-Saxon saints and spirituality, while his letters provide a personal perspective
on his turbulent career. As prior of Westminster Abbey, Osbert of Clare worked to
strengthen the rights and prestige of his monastery. His production of forged or
altered charters makes him one of England's most prolific medieval forgers. At times
his passion for reform put him at odds with his abbots, and he was sent into exile
under both Abbot Herbert (1121-c.1136) and Abbot Gervase (1138-c.1157). Also
Osbert, as one of the first proponents of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, wrote
about the feast, worked to legitimize its celebration, and provided us with the only
significant narration of its introduction to England.
This thesis is divided into two sections. The first section is principally
historical and the second is principally literary. In the first section, I provide an
overview of Osbert of Clare's career and examine in greater detail two of his most
significant undertaking: his promotion of Westminster Abbey and his attempted
canonization of Edward the Confessor. In the second section, I give a philological
study of Osbert Latin style and examine themes that nm throughout his writings, such
as virginity, exile and kingship. Osbert's promotion of the feast of the Immaculate
Conception is included in the second section of the thesis because of its ties to the
themes of virginity and femininity within his writings. There are also two appendices:
the first is a survey of the extant manuscripts of Osbert's writings, and the second is
an edition of Osbert's unpublished Life of St Ethelbert from Gotha,
Forschungsbibliothek MS Memb. i. 8l
Transfer of bacteria via vapor in solar desalination units
No full textMicrobial contamination of drinking water is a major public health threat worldwide. Some studies have reported unusual findings of microbiological contamination in distilled water produced from solar stills. Not knowing the exact reason for this presence, they attributed it to possible cross contamination. In the complete absence of literature on the transfer of bacteria in solar stills, this research was conducted to investigate whether bacteria in water subjected to low temperature solar desalination finds its way into the effluent as a result of cross contamination or transfer through water vapor. This study looked at how the type of bacteria and the water temperature affected transfer in the absence of solar UV radiation. Simulated distillation experiments performed in darkness were conducted by spiking a pure culture of Escherichia coli or Enterococcus faecalis in tap water and heating it to low temperature ranges similar to those reached in solar stills under real sunlight. Results show that the two types of bacteria tested in the study were transferred with the vapor in a solar still when not exposed to solar UV radiation and that transfer at the 40-45°C range is significantly higher than transfer at other temperature ranges. Moreover, transfer is independent of bacterial type; however E. faecalis transfer rates are higher than E. coli at the 40-45 and 50-55°C ranges. While solar desalination can effectively inactivate bacteria in water, there exists a mode of transfer of bacteria in the humid medium of the solar still to the distillate that takes place under suboptimal weather conditions. © 2014 © 2014 Balaban Desalination Publications. All rights reserved.Ayoub GM, 2012, CRIT REV ENV SCI TEC, V42, P2078, DOI 10.1080-10643389.2011.574104; Balladin DA, 1999, RENEW ENERG, V17, P191, DOI 10.1016-S0960-1481(98)00026-3; Berney M, 2006, MICROBIOL-SGM, V152, P1719, DOI 10.1099-mic.0.28617-0; Berney M., 2006, J APPL MICROBIOL, V101, P824; Bouchekima B, 2003, DESALINATION, V153, P65, DOI 10.1016-S0011-9164(02)01094-9; Boyle M, 2008, APPL ENVIRON MICROB, V74, P2997, DOI 10.1128-AEM.02415-07; Cappelletti GM, 2002, DESALINATION, V142, P221, DOI 10.1016-S0011-9164(02)00203-5; Chaibi MT, 2009, GREEN ENERGY TECHNOL, P131, DOI 10.1007-978-3-642-01150-4_6; Clasen T, 2007, BMJ-BRIT MED J, V334, P782, DOI 10.1136-bmj.39118.489931.BE; DAVIESCOLLEY RJ, 1994, APPL ENVIRON MICROB, V60, P2049; Eckburg PB, 2005, SCIENCE, V308, P1635, DOI 10.1126-science.1110591; Eze J.I., 2011, GLOBAL J SCI FRONTIE, V11, P53; Flendrig LM, 2009, PHYS CHEM EARTH, V34, P50, DOI 10.1016-j.pce.2008.03.007; Gude VG, 2010, DESALIN WATER TREAT, V20, P281, DOI 10.5004-dwt.2010.1613; Hanson A, 2004, SOL ENERGY, V76, P635, DOI 10.1016-j.solener.2003.11.010; Hettmansperger T., 1998, NONPARAMETRIC STAT M; Hollander M., 2013, NONPARAMETRIC STAT M; Ishii S, 2008, MICROBES ENVIRON, V23, P101, DOI 10.1264-jsme2.23.101; Joyce TM, 1996, APPL ENVIRON MICROB, V62, P399; Malaeb L., 2011, THESIS AM U BEIRUT B; Medugu D.W., 2006, NIGER J PHYS, V18, P203; Miles AA, 1938, J HYG-CAMBRIDGE, V38, P732; Mushtaq A., 2002, INT J AGRIC BIOL, V4, P1560; Padia R., 2012, J NAT ENV SCI, V3, P9; Pope ML, 2003, APPL ENVIRON MICROB, V69, P6201, DOI [10.1128-AEM.69.10.6201-6207.2003, 10.1128-AEM.69.106201-6207.2003]; Reed R., 1996, LETT APPL MICROBIOL, V24, P276; Rojko C., 2003, THESIS WORCESTER POL; Schwarzer K, 2001, DESALINATION, V137, P23, DOI 10.1016-S0011-9164(01)00200-4; Signoretto C, 2000, APPL ENVIRON MICROB, V66, P1953, DOI 10.1128-AEM.66.5.1953-1959.20000
