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Past efforts to address endemic rates of sexually transmissible infections amongst young Aboriginal people living in remote/very remote Australian communities have had limited success. Peer educati...

Who hasn’t heard about women must sit at the table? In this sense, the table is a place of influence and power. Critical IR, particularly those focussing on women’s participation in peace negotiati...

Copper is released into the aquatic environment as a consequence of anthropogenic activities such as mining and runoffs of copper-containing pesticides and fertilisers. This may pose a threat to th...

The aim of this report is to review two patients who developed proteinuria in pregnancy after kidney transplant in order to highlight the importance of maintaining a broad differential and the diagnostic utility of kidney biopsy in this clinical scenario.Two cases of women with kidney transplants who presented with proteinuria in pregnancy are described and the literature is reviewed.In both cases, a kidney biopsy allowed for prompt diagnosis and treatment.Kidney biopsy should be considered an important diagnostic tool in this clinical scenario.ACE: angiotensin-converting enzyme; ESKD: end-stage kidney disease; FSGS: focal segmental glomerulosclerosis; RAAS: renin aldosterone angiotensin system.

Objective Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) is a multifaceted concept that acknowledges that a person's wellbeing is determined by a range of inter-related domains: body, mind and emotions, family and kinship, community, culture, Country, and spirituality. This paper explores the meaning of these seven domains of SEWB. Method A thematic analysis of qualitative data obtained from the National Empowerment Project (NEP) was conducted, along with a literature review of each domain. Results Findings from the NEP, together with relevant literature, indicate that implementing strategies that focus on strengthening SEWB is important for individual, family, and community wellbeing. Addressing the social determinants of Indigenous disadvantage is also shown to have an important role in strengthening the SEWB of individuals, families, and communities. Conclusion It is important for all practitioners and policymakers involved with improving Indigenous health to recognise the seven inter-related domains of SEWB and to acknowledge and support people in addressing the social determinants of wellbeing.

The optimal number of fixation pins for minimally invasive cutting guides in computer-navigated arthroplasty has not been determined. The authors hypothesized that more fixation pins will lead to greater mechanical stability and more accurate resections.12 bovine knee joints were divided into three groups with differing numbers of fixation pins. The ASM [Stryker] knee navigation system was utilized to perform resections, and accuracy of alignment and posterior slope was measured. Comparison was performed between the groups to calculate average differences between predicted and actual resection with differing number of pins.The difference between actual and predicted values showed a trend toward diminishing with a greater number of fixation pins. The mean difference in coronal alignment of predicted versus actual resection was 0.75° for two fixation pins, 0.5° for three pins and 1° for four fixation pins. Similarly, the difference between posterior slope was 2.75°, 2°, and 1°, respectively.This study reveals a trend toward greater accuracy of resections with more fixation pins. Further investigation may be beneficial.

Military memoirs often seek to reproduce an authoritative understanding of warfare that delineate important strategies of the frontline. The soldier-narrator invokes a shared sympathy between the different, though connected, worlds of the soldiers and the civilians. This essay proposes that the complex processes of racial and gender identification experienced by the colonized resulted in the production of their own discourses about identity, and examines how colonial categorizations of difference inflected the racial and gendered construction of heroes and enemies in wars. Sifting through the military memoirs of four Pakistani Generals, this essay analyses how Pakistani genocidal masculinity was constructed and manifested during the independence struggle of Bangladesh. It inquires what myths and stereotypes contributed to the militarized performances of masculinity? Through an analysis of how the bodies of both Hindu minorities and women were symbolically used in the war to construct national identity, th...

The global capitalist system is at a particular historical juncture with a dilution of the capitalist core away from Western (and Japanese) centers of accumulation to China and India, among other countries. What is the nature of capitalism in these countries? Are China and India going along the same development trajectories that advanced capitalist countries followed earlier? Is their accumulation model the same as that of the OECD economies or is accumulation different under late capitalism? The author argues that capitalism in India and China is “compressed,” meaning that the phases of capitalism do not follow one another in sequential order. Instead, some phases, such as primitive accumulation, may be delayed or be experienced at the same time as advanced accumulation under the corporate sector, thereby producing a mode of development that does not generate widespread employment. The author contends that capitalism in India and China is compressed and he demonstrates empirically that primitive ...

Miroslav Volf's Allah: A Christian Response is an important book that advances Christian–Muslim dialogue. This article outlines Volf's thesis, critically evaluates some key claims made in the book, and examines some of the methodological presuppositions in Volf's project. It also seeks to situate Volf's claim about the “same God” within a Christian typology of “revelation” so that the significance of his claims might be better understood.

John Hick is a pioneer in raising the most important questions regarding interreligious relations. He is also a key person who has helped me think about these questions, and although my answers vary from his, I am deeply indebted to John.

Women, War, and the Making of Bangladesh: Remembering 1971 Yasmin Saikia Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2011 336 pp., $89.95 (hbk), $18.95 (pbk) The year of 1971 became a signifying marker tran...

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen associated with severe diseases in humans and animals. The genotypic analysis of 17 L. monocytogenes isolates recovered from humans in India during 2006-2009 using multiplex serotyping PCR allowing serovar predictions, conventional serology and by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) is presented. The isolates were recovered from patients exhibiting various clinical conditions. A multiplex-PCR based serotyping assay revealed 88·24% (15/17) of the strains belonging to the serovar group 4b, 4d, 4e and 11·76% (2/17) to the serovar group 1/2b, 3b. Conventional serology indicated that 13 (76·47%) L. monocytogenes isolates to be of serotype 4b, 2 (11·76%) serotype 4d, and 2 (11·76%) serotype 1/2b. Ten ApaI and nine AscI pulsotypes were recognized among the 17 human isolates. PFGE analysis allowed discrimination among isolates of the same serotype and among isolates from the same sampling areas or those isolated from different areas. Thus, PFGE together with multiplex-PCR serotyping allows rapid discrimination of L. monocytogenes strains. In addition, the predominance of L. monocytogenes serotype 4b is of concern, as this serotype has been most frequently associated with human listeriosis outbreaks.

A discontinuous Late Pleistocene pollen record from an eroding coastal cliff section at Henderson Bay on the east coast of Northland, New Zealand, reveals changes in vegetation composition and associated palaeosol development under both stadial and interstadial climatic conditions ascribed to the last interglacial–glacial cycle, probably MIS (Marine Isotope Stage) 5a/b to early MIS 3. An increase in charcoal towards the top of the sequence is believed to be due to natural rather than anthropogenic ignition sources which resulted in the development of scrub rather than forest vegetation. The sequence is capped by gravel previously inferred to have been emplaced by tsunami event(s) some time after early MIS 3. A lack of Agathis pollen in our sequence despite unequivocal evidence for the parent trees (gum) strengthens a call for caution when inferring climatic conditions from the abundance of Agathis pollen in New Zealand pollen records.

With increasing economic interdependence, the scholarly treatment as well as the practice of economic nationalism is either seen as theoretically redundant or practically impossible. Contrary to this conclusion, I argue that economic nationalism is not inconsistent with globalization. States are not only active participants in globalization but they continue to strategically express nationalism in new global settings by supporting national firms and citizens overseas. By redefining economic nationalism from protectionism to the leveraging of national resources to secure economic benefits from the world economy, this paper provides an alternative view of economic nationalism. This paper analyzes economic nationalism as a dynamic concept. Empirically, it takes up three Indian industries (steel, auto, software) since 1950 to understand how nationalism was practiced and how it has changed under globalization. The paper establishes India's pursuit of economic nationalism under globalization through it...

This article examines how the hermeneutical traditions within Roman Catholicism can be employed to address a question regarding Catholic views on the religious freedoms that should be accorded to Islam in any society. The key Catholic documents examined originate from the Second Vatican Council. This particular question was not the focus of the key documents inspected, but those documents can be applied to this question. The first part of the article examines the complex hermeneutics involved in reading Council documents. The second part of the article examines the way in which the ‘Declaration on Religious Liberty’ can be applied to the question of Islamic religious freedoms. The article also attempts to show that the Council's teachings were a real development in Catholic teaching and were also continuous with an earlier stratum of tradition. Attention is given to the serious debate within the Catholic Church regarding the claims made in this document.

This article examines why Japan is not perceived to be attractive by foreign technical talent even though there is growing demand for such professionals. It examines three sets of barriers: Japanese business practices, immigration policies and social-cultural factors. Given Japan's sluggish growth and demographic crisis, the study also suggests that countries and cities, when playing the globalisation game of attracting talent for national competitiveness, must balance domestic and expatriate needs. Based on both published data from Japanese and other sources as well as primary data collected through field surveys of Indian technical professionals in Japan and India, this study places Japan in the wider context of globalisation and mobility of international talent. Based on the patterns of Asian flows of talent, especially Chinese and Indian talent, the paper concludes that Japan must create a conducive professional and social environment to attract talent.

Expression of Secreted frizzled related protein 1 (SFRP1), a recently identified tumor suppressor gene encoding a WNT signaling antagonist, has been found to be frequently down-regulated in breast cancer and is associated with disease progression and poor prognosis. Here, we investigated the role of epigenetic silencing of SFRP1 in breast cancer cell lines and primary breast tumors. Through analyses by methylation-specific PCR and bisulfite sequencing, promoter methylation of SFRP1 was detected in 88% (7/8) of breast cancer cell lines, 17% (1/6) of grade 1 of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), 69% (9/13) of grade 2 and 3 of DCIS, 68% (19/28) of invasive ductal carcinomas (IDC) and 33% (6/18) of lobular carcinomas but not in any (0/14) of normal mammoplasty specimens and mammary epithelial organoids examined. Real-time RT-PCR studies indicated that loss or downregulation of SFRP1 expression in tumors is frequently associated with promoter hypermethylation. In addition, breast cancer cell lines with SFRP1 promoter hypermethylation reexpressed SFRP1 mRNA after treatment with 5-azaC, implying that DNA methylation is the predominant epigenetic mechanism for SFRP1 gene silencing. These findings suggest that frequent downregulation of SFRP1 expression in breast cancer can be attributed, in large part, to aberrant promoter hypermethylation in conjunction with or without histone deacetylation. Based on the frequency of tumor-specific hypermethylation in this gene, SFRP1 could provide a valuable marker for breast cancer.

A 2.34 m sediment profile from the base of the crater of Mt St John volcano (a small basaltic cone on Auckland Isthmus) provides a partial environmental record of the Late Quaternary. The record highlights potential age control problems with sediment cores taken directly from archaeological sites. Two distal tephras were recorded: 9.5 ka Rotoma and 7 ka Tuhua. A date of 16 309 ± 90 14C yr BP from the basal scoria of the profile provides a minimum date for the eruption of Mt St John. Pollen was present only in the upper 0.33 m of the profile, in a layer of peat and soil which caps highly weathered silts and clays eroded from the crater walls. In early Polynesian times (most likely after c. 800 14C yr BP), vegetation of the crater swamp was dominated by Cyperaceae sedges and Paesia ground fern. Dacrycarpus trees were also present. Podocarp‐hardwood forest, dominated by Metrosideros, grew on the rim and inner slopes of the crater. Elaeocarpus, Griselinia, and Cyathea were also present. A decline in ...

Analysis of plant macrofossils and pollen in putative coprolites (2538 ± 95 14C years ago) of Megalapteryx didinus, a southern subalpine species of the extinct moa, indicates that this bird browsed branchlets of forest trees (mainly Nothofagus), and grazed on tussockland and lake edge herbs (Poaceae, Cyperaceae, Isoetes). The data provide the first direct evidence of diet of an upland moa.

The use of membrane test kits for detecting prostate specific antigen (PSA) during the forensic identification of semen has become a routine procedure in forensic labs across North America. During the validation of the “Seratec® PSA Semiquant” membrane test kit (Gesellschaft fur Biotechnologie, Germany) at The Centre of Forensic Sciences, the sensitivity of the kits was found to be approximately 100 times greater than crossed-over electrophoresis. It also approached the reported sensitivity for detecting PSA through the enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assay. As with any validation study of a new test procedure, it is a requirement that the specificity of that procedure be determined. It was during this aspect of our validation study that we obtained a positive PSA result from semen-free vaginal samples and also with a commercially available contraceptive foam. The validation results and interpretation guidelines for when the kits are used at the Centre of Forensic Sciences are outlined.

Despite impressive cure rates for certain leukemias and lymphomas, lymphoid tumors are responsible for thousands of deaths per year. Refractory disease remains difficult to control, encouraging the development of new treatment options. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has been successfully used to control (or cure) a variety of tumors, but has been only rarely applied to tumors of the lymphoid lineage. Here we demonstrate that the effects of 5-FU on lymphoid tumors can be enhanced by the concomitant binding of cellular membrane molecules with mitogen or antibody. When used in combination with 5-FU, mitogen treatments: (i) enhance the association of drug with cells, (ii) reduce cell proliferation in vitro and (iii) inhibit cell growth in a mouse B-cell tumor model.

Cure rates for a variety of leukemias and lymphomas have improved dramatically over the past several decades, but relapsed disease continues to account for thousands of deaths per year. Viable treatment options for relapsed disease are few, encouraging the development of novel therapies. In the present paper, we describe phytohemagglutinin (PHA), a standard T cell mitogen, as an inhibitor of both T- and B-cell tumors. In vitro studies show that PHA can inhibit incorporation of 3H-thymidine and mediate apoptosis of B- and T-cell tumor lines. The inhibitory effects are enhanced when PHA is used in conjunction with the cell cycle directed drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Phytohemagglutinin treatments can also impede tumor growth in mice while showing no toxic side effects in this animal model.

This paper, based on in-depth interviews of 54 women selected from both rural and urban areas, analyses the sexual behaviour of married women in Bangladesh. The study reveals that at the time of marriage girls have very limited knowledge about sex and married life. In a few cases, this has a significant bearing on later sexual behaviour and the expression of sexuality. The study also indicates that, despite normative restrictions, many women find ways of communicating about sex and sexuality with their husbands, and most enjoy their sexual life. Communication on contraception is almost desexualized and generally occurs early in their married life. In most cases, discussion of sex or contraception is initiated by husbands. These findings encourage new efforts to prevent the transmission of STIs/HIV and make married life sexually more enjoyable. The study reveals considerable variation in the sexual behaviour of women with respect to sexual negotiation, sex during menstruation and forced sex. Findings sugge...

AegPNA and aepPNA monomeric units bearing the N7-guanine nucleobase as a substitute for C+ have been demonstrated to bind to a GC base-pair of a duplex in a pH-independent manner when placed in the third strand. The aepPNA backbone exerts a preference for binding in the antiparallel Hoogsteen mode over the parallel Hoogsteen mode.

This paper presents the creative adjustment undertaken by some segments of the Indian corporate sector to economic reforms. While economic dynamism has been far short of expectations, the commercial maturity of Indian firms in certain segments has been noteworthy. The steel, auto, and software industries in India are examined to outline some of the broader strategies of Indian firms. The diversity of strategies reflects the evolving institutional arrangements which continue to filter, regulate, and accommodate increased market pressures in contingent ways. Moving away from the historically correct but static perception that family-owned conglomerates are non-innovative, I show that today Indian capitalists, even if family-controlled, have matured considerably. The introduction of professional management and deployment of modern technologies are indicators of greater corporate dynamism. The steel, auto, and software sectors, none of which revealed any competitive strength in the pre-reform period, are good...