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This article critically analyzes the distinctive role and evolution of the Black church, with an emphasis on its preaching traditions and its impact on social and political activism within the Black community. The focus is on the shift from collectivism to individualism within the Black church, exploring its implications for community activism and the perpetuation of structural inequities. By delving into traditions of Black preaching and the historical context of the Black church's activism, the article strives to illustrate the benefits of a more collectivistic approach. Finally, it outlines potential strategies to encourage a return to collectivism, as well as means to counter the persistent structural inequities within the Black community. This examination adds to the discourse on the prevailing influence of religious institutions on societal change and equity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Neoplastic cells proliferate rapidly and obtain requisite building blocks by reprogramming metabolic pathways that favor growth. Previously, we observed that prostate cancer cells uptake and store lipids in the form of lipid droplets, providing building blocks for membrane synthesis, to facilitate proliferation and growth. Mechanisms of lipid uptake, lipid droplet dynamics and their contribution to cancer growth have yet to be defined. This work is focused on elucidating the prostate cancer-specific modifications in lipid storage pathways so that these modified gene products can be identified and therapeutically targeted. Methods To identify genes that promote lipid droplet formation and storage, the expression profiles of candidate genes were assessed and compared between peripheral blood mononuclear cells and prostate cancer cells. Subsequently, differentially expressed genes were inhibited and growth assays performed to elucidate their role in the growth of the cancer cells. Cell cycle, apoptosis and autophagy assays were performed to ascertain the mechanism of growth inhibition. Results Our results indicate that DGAT1, ABHD5, ACAT1 and ATGL are overexpressed in prostate cancer cells compared to PBMCs and of these overexpressed genes, DGAT1 and ABHD5 aid in the growth of the prostate cancer cells. Blocking the expression of both DGAT1 and ABHD5 results in inhibition of growth, cell cycle block and cell death. DGAT1 siRNA treatment inhibits lipid droplet formation and leads to autophagy where as ABHD5 siRNA treatment promotes accumulation of lipid droplets and leads to apoptosis. Both the siRNA treatments reduce AMPK phosphorylation, a key regulator of lipid metabolism. While DGAT1 siRNA reduces phosphorylation of ACC, the rate limiting enzyme in de novo fat synthesis and triggers phosphorylation of raptor and ULK-1 inducing autophagy and cell death, ABHD5 siRNA decreases P70S6 phosphorylation, leading to PARP cleavage, apoptosis and cell death. Interestingly, DGAT-1 is involved in the synthesis of triacylglycerol where as ABHD5 is a hydrolase and participates in the fatty acid oxidation process, yet inhibition of both enzymes similarly promotes prostate cancer cell death. Conclusion Inhibition of either DGAT1 or ABHD5 leads to prostate cancer cell death. Both DGAT1 and ABHD5 can be selectively targeted to block prostate cancer cell growth.

NZB/NZW F1 mice of both sexes were castrated at 2 wk of age and implanted subcutaneously with silastic tubes containing either 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone or estradiol-17-beta. Mice receiving androgen showed improved survival, reduced anti-nucleic acid antibodies, or less evidence of glomerulonephritis as determined by light, immunofluorescent, and electron microscopy. By contrast, opposite effects were observed in castrated mice receiving estrogen. Intact male NZB/NZW F1 mice received androgen implants at 8 mo, an age when they develop an accelerated autoimmune disease associated with a decline in serum testosterone concentration. Such treated mice had improved survival and reduced concentrations of antibodies to DNA and to polyadenylic acid (Poly A). Prepubertal castration of male NZB/NZW F1 mice results in an earlier appearance of IgG antibodies to Poly A. This effect of castration was prevented if neonatal thymectomy was also performed.

In presenting the daily stock market statistics, reporters on the nightly news typically give the price changes first and then the number of shares traded. But when newscasters cover the [...]

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related death in American men. Several therapies have been developed to treat advanced prostate cancer, but these therapies often have severe side effects. To improve the outcome with fewer side effects we focused on the furanocoumarin bergamottin, a natural product found in grapefruit juice and a potent CYP3A inhibitor. Our recent studies have shown that CYP3A5 inhibition can block androgen receptor (AR) signaling, critical for prostate cancer growth. We observed that bergamottin reduces prostate cancer (PC) cell growth by decreasing both total and nuclear AR (AR activation) reducing downstream AR signaling. Bergamottin's role in reducing AR activation was confirmed by confocal microscopy studies and reduction in prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels, which is a marker for prostate cancer. Further studies revealed that bergamottin promotes cell cycle block and accumulates G0/G1 cells. The cell cycle block was accompanied with reduction in cyclin D, cyclin B, CDK4, P-cdc2 (Y15) and P-wee1 (S642). We also observed that bergamottin triggers apoptosis in prostate cancer cell lines as evident by TUNEL staining and PARP cleavage. Our data suggests that bergamottin may suppress prostate cancer growth, especially in African American (AA) patients carrying wild type CYP3A5 often presenting aggressive disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neoplastic cells proliferate rapidly and obtain requisite building blocks by reprogramming metabolic pathways that favor growth. Previously, we observed that prostate cancer cells uptake and store lipids in the form of lipid droplets, providing building blocks for membrane synthesis, to facilitate proliferation and growth. Mechanisms of lipid uptake, lipid droplet dynamics and their contribution to cancer growth have yet to be defined. This work is focused on elucidating the prostate cancer-specific modifications in lipid storage pathways so that these modified gene products can be identified and therapeutically targeted.Methods: To identify genes that promote lipid droplet formation and storage, the expression profiles of candidate genes were assessed and compared between peripheral blood mononuclear cells and prostate cancer cells. Subsequently, differentially expressed genes were inhibited and growth assays performed to elucidate their role in the growth of the cancer cells. Cell cycle, apoptosis and autophagy assays were performed to ascertain the mechanism of growth inhibition.Results: Our results indicate that DGAT1, ABHD5, ACAT1 and ATGL are overexpressed in prostate cancer cells compared to PBMCs and of these overexpressed genes, DGAT1 and ABHD5 aid in the growth of the prostate cancer cells. Blocking the expression of both DGAT1 and ABHD5 results in inhibition of growth, cell cycle block and cell death. DGAT1 siRNA treatment inhibits lipid droplet formation and leads to autophagy where as ABHD5 siRNA treatment promotes accumulation of lipid droplets and leads to apoptosis. Both the siRNA treatments reduce AMPK phosphorylation, a key regulator of lipid metabolism. While DGAT1 siRNA reduces phosphorylation of ACC, the rate limiting enzyme in de novo fat synthesis and triggers phosphorylation of raptor and ULK-1 inducing autophagy and cell death, ABHD5 siRNA decreases P70S6 phosphorylation, leading to PARP cleavage, apoptosis and cell death. Interestingly, DGAT-1 is involved in the synthesis of triacylglycerol where as ABHD5 is a hydrolase and participates in the fatty acid oxidation process, yet inhibition of both enzymes similarly promotes prostate cancer cell death.Conclusion: Inhibition of either DGAT1 or ABHD5 leads to prostate cancer cell death. Both DGAT1 and ABHD5 can be selectively targeted to block prostate cancer cell growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the states of California, Oregon, and Washington, at least 27 species of exotic (non-native) aquatic or semi-aquatic turtles from 20 genera and 5 different families have been recovered or [...]

The lodging industry is known to be closely linked to the general economy. Lodging executives and managers have a unique position in current and future economic events. This study examines whether lodging executives' sentiment can be regarded as a leading indicator for the aggregate economy. It uses a new index (Lodging Executives' Sentiment Index [LESI]) that has captured on a monthly basis lodging executives' sentiment for over ten years. The LESI can be regarded as an additional tool in the toolbox of decision makers, researchers, and analysts to validate and potentially extend existing economic indicators' forecasts. This study finds that lodging executives' expectations can be regarded as leading indicators for retail sales, employment, interest rates, and stock prices. When used in conjunction with the LESI, the predictive power and the forecast horizon of well-established indicators, such as the Conference Board's Index of Leading Economic Indicators, can be significantly improved. Given its respectable forecasting performance, its longer forecast horizon (twelve months ahead), its timeliness, the limited resources needed to produce its monthly outlook, and the lack of a generally recognized high-performing leading economic indicator, the LESI may be used as an additional indicator that may provide further insight into the future direction of the economy and increase decision makers' confidence in their business-planning, decision-making, and risk-assessment processes. In addition, the LESI can give lodging managers an early glimpse of the direction of the overall lodging industry beyond their own properties and markets, thus helping them in operational and planning decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the 28 member nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a variety of training methodologies--including simulators, moulage scenarios, didactics and live animal laboratories-are used to prepare military medical personnel to treat injured civilians and soldiers. For ethical, educational, practical, and economic reasons, the necessity of animal use for this purpose has come into question. This article reports the results of a survey examining the prevalence of animal use in military medical training exercises among all NATO nations, finding that more than three-quarters of these countries do not use animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - Marketing managers routinely use purchase intentions data to make strategic decisions concerning both new and existing products and the marketing programs that support them. Yet, the indication from empirical investigations regarding the link between respondents' stated intentions and their actual behavior is not as clear. Predicting which consumer will purchase an environmentally friendly product, the research remains split, particularly when it comes to perceived "trade-offs" between the environmental benefits, quality, and cost. In this regard, previous research has fallen short in examining consumers' actual purchase behavior versus self-reported purchase intentions. This paper seeks to address these issues. Design/methodology/approach - This study measured consumer psychographics and expressed purchase intention to predict actual purchase behavior using an online survey and the Vickrey auction method. Findings - The results show that respondents expressing a high intention to purchase environmentally friendly wines also reported strong attitudes and values toward the environment. However, the gap between stated willingness to pay and the actual price paid was wide. Research limitations/implications - The study was restricted to the investigation of one type of product. The model should be tested with a number of products that are purchased on a regular basis. Practical implications - Given the wide disparity between stated willingness to pay and actual price paid for those expressing high purchase intentions, marketing should use caution when assessing this targeted group for new product launches and potential price changes. Originality/value - This study assessed the same cohort using a survey and auction experiment to relate consumer values and purchase intentions with actual behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Debate about sustainability centers on the responsibilities of consumers and businesses working towards a sustainable future with a new focus on business management. This focus should be considered as a key component within undergraduate hospitality management programs with varied courses, content and sequencing. Graduates would possess a range of perspectives and competences increasing awareness of good sustainable business practices. To develop a meaningful curriculum model, three stakeholders (students, educators, and industry professionals) were assessed on their perspectives of environmental sustainability, its importance in hospitality curricula, and suggestions for course content and pedagogic approaches. The results suggest significant differences between the groups in their attitudes, behaviors, interest in sustainability, importance of environmental issues and topics in the curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease with recurring episodes of itching and a chronic relapsing course. The prevalence of AD has increased exponentially over the years, along with information on how it may occur. Diagnosis of AD is typically based on physical examination and history and may be confirmed based on chronicity of symptoms, itching, and age-specific morphology. Nonpharmacological approaches include psychological interventions such as behavior modification, stress reduction techniques, and group psychotherapeutic treatments or may also include dietary restrictions, ultraviolet (UV) phototherapy, house dust mite reduction, and avoidance of enzyme-enriched detergents. Herbal therapy has also showed some promise particularly Zemaphyte®, Kamillosan®, and Shiunko®. Pharmacological agents that show great efficacy include emollients, topical corticosteroids, and topical calcineurin inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which examines the circulating tumor cells (CTC) in patients with prostate cancer baseline values and correlation with prognostic factors. Researchers correlates CTC from prostate cancer patients with clinicopathologic characteristics and biomarkers. Univariate analysis confirms an interrelationship between CTC values and biomarkers, while multivariate analysis discovers lactate dehydrogenase as progronostically significant.

TTOT might be the answer for long-term oxygen therapy patients who are noncom-pliant with nasal cannulae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neprilysin is a cell surface peptidase that catalytically inactivates neuropeptide substrates and functions as a tumor suppressor via its enzymatic function and multiple protein-protein interactions. We investigated whether neutral endopeptidase could inhibit angiogenesis in vivo utilizing a murine corneal pocket angiogenesis model and found that it reduced fibroblast growth factor-2-induced angiogenesis by 85% (p < 0.01) but had no effect on that of vascular endothelial growth factor. Treatment with recombinant neprilysin, but not enzymatically inactive neprilysin, resulted in a slight increase in basic fibroblast growth factor electrophoretic mobility from proteolytic cleavage between amino acids Leu-135 and Gly-136, which was inhibited by the neutral endopeptidase inhibitor CGS24592 and heparin. Cleavage kinetics were rapid, comparable with that of other known neprilysin substrates. Functional studies involving neprilysin-expressing vascular endothelial cells demonstrated that neutral endopeptidase inhibition significantly enhanced fibroblast growth factor-mediated endothelial cell growth, capillary array formation, and signaling, whereas exogenous recombinant neprilysin inhibited signaling. Recombinant constructs confirmed that cleavage products neither promoted capillary array formation nor induced signaling. Moreover, mutation of the cleavage site resulted in concomitant loss of cleavage and increased the potency of fibroblast growth factor-2 to induce capillary array formation. These data indicate that neprilysin proteolytically inactivates fibroblast growth factor-2, resulting in negative regulation of angiogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports that the extensive use of satellite-guided joint direct attack munitions by U.S. Navy and Air Force aircraft to destroy high-value ground targets in Afghanistan marked another progression in the application of U.S. airpower. Precision-guided munitions; Inertial navigation system; Product improvement program.

Focuses on the Joint Tactical Radio System of the U.S. Department of Defense. Replacement of tactical radios; Plan of U.S. Army to acquire vehicular and helicopter radios; Development of the Application Programming Interfaces.