bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Mortality and Myocardial Effects of Antidepressants Are Moderated by Preexisting Cardiovascular Disease: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Maslej Marta M. , Bolker Benjamin M. , Russell Marley J. , Eaton Keifer , Durisko Zachary , Hollon Steven D. , Swanson G. Marie , Thomson Jr. J. Anderson , Mulsant Benoit H. , Andrews Paul W.
Published: September 2017

Background: Antidepressants (ADs) are commonly prescribed medications, but their long-term health effects are debated. ADs disrupt multiple adaptive processes regulated by evolutionarily ancient biochemicals, potentially increasing mortality. However, many ADs also have anticlotting properties that can be efficacious in treating cardiovascular disease. We conducted a meta-analysis assessing the effects of ADs on all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in general-population and cardiovascular-patient samples. Methods: Two reviewers independently assessed articles from PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar for AD-related mortality controlling for depression and other comorbidities. From these articles, we extracted information about cardiovascular events, cardiovascular risk status, and AD class. We conducted mixed-effect meta-analyses testing sample type and AD class as moderators of all-cause mortality and new cardiovascular events. Results: Seventeen studies met our search criteria. Sample type consistently moderated health risks. In general-population samples, AD use increased the risks of mortality (HR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.14-1.55) and new cardiovascular events (HR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.08-1.21). In cardiovascular patients, AD use did not significantly affect risks. AD class also moderated mortality, but the serotonin reuptake inhibitors were not significantly different from tricyclic ADs (TCAs) (HR = 1.10, 95% CI: 0.93-1.31, p = 0.27). Only “other ADs” were differentiable from TCAs (HR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.08-1.69). Mortality risk estimates increased when we analyzed the subset of studies controlling for premedication depression, suggesting the absence of confounding by indication. Conclusions: The results support the hypothesis that ADs are harmful in the general population but less harmful in cardiovascular patients.
The Potential of Epigenetics Research to Transform Conceptions of Phenotype Development
Authors: Moore David S.
Published: September 2017

Epigenetics remains an exciting subdiscipline of biology, generating discoveries and insights about development. Because epigenetic phenomena can draw attention to the dynamic, interactional, and probabilistic nature of phenotype development, epigenetics research could hasten the demise of both nature-nurture debates and reductionist, genetically determinist perspectives on phenotype development. However, new data alone will not inevitably transform conceptualizations of phenotype origins, because it remains possible to assimilate epigenetic phenomena into traditional conceptual frameworks; epigenetic discoveries could even strengthen biologically determinist conclusions if traditional conceptualizations are retained. Although epigenetics will not force conceptual transformation, epigenetics research encourages the dismissal of the nature-nurture dichotomy by emphasizing mechanisms underlying phenotype development, thereby fostering clearer conceptions of how phenotypes emerge from interactions between biological and nonbiological components of developing systems. The developmental systems perspective, which acknowledges the vital roles of contexts in development, offers benefits not provided by reductionist perspectives, making it an appropriate conceptual framework for developmental science.
Epigenetics and Evolution
Authors: Saunders Peter T.
Published: September 2017

The word “epigenetics” originally meant the study of everything that happens between genotype and phenotype. It is now generally used in a much narrower sense, referring only to processes such as gene regulation that occur entirely within the genome. This very much limits its potential to influence biology in general and evolution theory in particular, especially since those who use the new definition often write as if they actually wanted to erase the original meaning from the record. One clear example is that they interpret Waddington's epigenetic landscape in a way that takes away most of its power. As long as research into epigenetics is confined to the genome, it is unlikely to bring about a paradigm shift in evolution or have much influence on debates within psychology.
Flavor Perception and Preference Development in Human Infants
Authors: Forestell Catherine A.
Published: September 2017

As most parents and caregivers are aware, feeding children a nutritionally balanced diet can be challenging. Children are born with a biological predisposition to prefer sweet and to avoid bitter foods such as green leafy vegetables. It has been hypothesized that this predisposition evolved to attract children to energy-dense foods while discouraging the consumption of toxins. Although this may have enhanced survival in environments historically characterized by food scarcity, it is clearly maladaptive in many of today's food environments where children are surrounded by an abundance of sweet-tasting, unhealthful foods and beverages that place them at risk for excessive weight gain. Because overweight or obese children tend to become overweight or obese adults who are at risk for a range of cardiovascular diseases, it is of primary importance to develop effective evidence-based strategies to promote the development of healthy eating styles. Fortunately, accumulating evidence suggests that, starting before birth and continuing throughout development, there are repeated and varied opportunities for children to learn to enjoy the flavors of healthful foods. Because flavors are transmitted from the maternal diet to amniotic fluid and breast milk, mothers who consume a variety of healthful foods throughout pregnancy and lactation provide their infants with an opportunity to learn to like these flavors. This in turn eases the transition to healthful foods at weaning. In contrast, infants fed formula learn to prefer its invariant flavor profile, which differs from breast milk, and may initially be less accepting of flavors not found in formula. This process can continue throughout weaning and into childhood if infants are repeatedly exposed to a variety of healthful foods, even if they initially dislike them. These early-life sensory experiences establish food preferences and dietary patterns that set the stage for lifelong dietary habits.
Impact of Ixekizumab Treatment on Depressive Symptoms and Systemic Inflammation in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis: An Integrated Analysis of Three Phase 3 Clinical Studies
Authors: Griffiths Christopher E.M. , Fava Maurizio , Miller Andrew H. , Russell James , Ball Susan G. , Xu Wen , Acharya Nayan , Rapaport Mark Hyman
Published: September 2017

Background: Depression is a common comorbidity in psoriasis, and both conditions are associated with systemic inflammation. The efficacy of ixekizumab, a high-affinity monoclonal antibody that selectively targets interleukin (IL)-17A, was evaluated in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (psoriasis) and depressive symptoms that were at least moderately severe. Methods: Data were integrated from 3 randomized, double-blind, controlled phase 3 trials. At baseline and week 12, depressive symptoms and inflammation were assessed by the 16-item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomology - Self-Report (QIDS-SR16) and by a high-sensitivity assay of serum C-reactive protein (hsCRP), respectively. A subgroup of patients with at least moderately severe depressive symptoms at baseline (QIDS-SR16 total score ≥11) was analyzed. Improvement in psoriasis was assessed by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). Results: Approximately 10% of the overall psoriasis population had at least moderately severe depressive symptoms at baseline. At week 12, comorbid patients treated with ixekizumab had significantly greater improvements in their QIDS-SR16 total score (ixekizumab 80 mg every 2 weeks [Q2W], -7.1; ixekizumab 80 mg every 4 weeks [Q4W], -6.1) vs. placebo (-3.4) (p < 0.001, both comparisons) and higher rates of remission of depressive symptoms (ixekizumab Q2W, 45.2%; ixekizumab Q4W, 33.6%) vs. placebo (17.8%) (p ≤ 0.01, both comparisons). Patients treated with ixekizumab also had significant reductions in hsCRP and PASI compared to placebo. Etanercept treatment was not associated with significant improvements in depressive symptoms compared to placebo. Conclusions: In this comorbid population, 12 weeks of ixekizumab therapy resulted in remission of depression for approximately 40% of patients and improved systemic inflammation as indicated by hsCRP.
ERAP1 and PDE8A Are Downregulated in Cattle Protected against Bovine Tuberculosis
Authors: Blanco Federico Carlos , Soria Marcelo Abel , Klepp Laura Inés , Bigi Fabiana
Published: September 2017

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a zoonotic disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis that is responsible for significant economic losses worldwide. In spite of its relevance, the limited knowledge about the host immune responses that provide effective protection against the disease has long hampered the development of an effective vaccine. The identification of host proteins with an expression that correlates with protection against bTB would contribute to the understanding of the cattle defence mechanisms against M. bovis infection. In this study, we found that ERAP1 and PDE8A were downregulated in vaccinated cattle that were protected from experimental M. bovis challenge. Remarkably, both genes encode proteins that have been negatively associated with immune protection against bTB.
Potential Effects of Hormone Therapy in Type 2 Idiopathic Macular Telangiectasia
Authors: Wolf-Schnurrbusch Ute E.K. , Leung Irene , Sallo Ferenc B. , Clemons Traci E. , Chew Emily Y. , Bird Alan C. , Peto Tunde ,   MacTel Study Group
Published: September 2017

Purpose: To investigate the influence of hormone therapy with tamoxifen or estrogens on morphological changes in macular telangiectasia (MacTel) type 2 patients as revealed clinically in multiple imaging modalities. Methods: Patients with a history of tamoxifen or estrogen use were selected from the cohort of the MacTel Study. A race-, age- and best-corrected visual acuity-matched group of MacTel participants not under hormone therapy served as the comparison group. The frequencies of typical features of the MacTel phenotype apparent in color fundus, red-free, fluorescein angiographic and optical coherence tomographic images were graded and analyzed statistically. Results: Thirty-nine MacTel patients were included in the analyses, of whom 13 were receiving tamoxifen, 13 estrogens and 13 patients no hormone treatment. Patients treated with estrogens showed significantly fewer breaks in the ellipsoid zone on optical coherence tomography (7 eyes, 29.1%, vs. tamoxifen: 14 eyes, 53.8%, and vs. controls: 14 eyes, 53.8%, p = 0.04 in both analyses, Fisher exact test). Retinal crystalline deposits were significantly more frequent in patients receiving estrogens (12 eyes, 16.2%, vs. 2 eyes, 2.7%, p = 0.003, Fisher exact test). No significant between-group differences were apparent with regard to other features of the phenotype (extent of retinal low reflective spaces, late hyperfluorescence on fluorescein angiography or retinal thickness). Conclusions: Tamoxifen treatment does not seem to accentuate structural changes in patients with MacTel type 2. Treatment with estrogens may exhibit a neuroprotective effect as suggested by the decreased frequency of ellipsoid zone breaks in corresponding patients, although corroborative studies are warranted to confirm these exploratory data.
Effectiveness of Mesalazine, Thiopurines and Tumour Necrosis Factor Antagonists in Preventing Post-Operative Crohn's Disease Recurrence in a Real-Life Setting
Authors: Allocca Mariangela , Landi Rosario , Bonovas Stefanos , Fiorino Gionata , Papa Alfredo , Spinelli Antonino , Furfaro Federica , Peyrin-Biroulet Laurent , Armuzzi Alessandro , Danese Silvio
Published: September 2017

Background: Most Crohn's disease (CD) patients develop endoscopic recurrence within one year of intestinal resection. The best treatment method to prevent post-operative CD recurrence remains uncertain. Methods: A total of 155 CD patients from 2 referral centres, who were undergoing intestinal resection with ileo-colonic anastomosis (January 2004-January 2015), were included. All subjects received preventive therapy with tumour necrosis factor antagonists (anti-TNFs), thiopurinesor mesalazine. The primary outcome was the rate of endoscopic recurrence (Rutgeerts score ≥i2) in the 3 treatment groups. Results: Patients treated with anti-TNFs were at significantly lower risk of endoscopic recurrence during the follow-up than those receiving thiopurines or mesalazine (incidence rates of 2.2, 3.0 and 4.8 per 100 person-months, respectively, log-rank, p = 0.011). The median time to recurrence was significantly longer in patients treated with anti-TNFs than in those who received thiopurines or mesalazine (37.0, 13.7, and 16.8 months, respectively, log-rank, p = 0.011). Anti-TNFs were more effective than mesalazine (univariable analysis, hazard ratio [HR] 0.45, 95% CI 0.26-0.77, p = 0.004; multivariable analysis, HR 0.45, 95% CI 0.26-0.77, p = 0.004), and non-significantly superior over thiopurines. Conclusion: Anti-TNF therapy was the most effective strategy for the prevention of endoscopic CD recurrence.
Injury Resistance in the Setting of Liver Fibrosis Is Accompanied by the Inhibition of High-Mobility Group Box-1 Translocation and Release
Authors: Bai Li , Jin Waishu , Kong Ming , Zhang Xiaohui , Zheng Sujun , Chen Yu , Li Lu , Liu Hui , Zhu Longdong , Ren Feng , Li Junfeng , Han Yuanping , Duan Zhongping
Published: September 2017

Background: Injury resistance occurring in the setting of liver fibrosis is an interesting phenomenon not yet well characterized. In the present study, we investigated dynamically the injury resistance against acute challenge using animal models of hepatic fibrosis and spontaneous resolution, and focused on high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1), an important proinflammatory mediator. Methods: The hepatic damage of control, fibrosis (CCl4, 6 weeks), and regressive mice with or without CCl4 challenge was dynamically observed and compared. The translocation and release of HMGB1 were assessed by immunohistochemical staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The gene expression of proinflammatory mediators was detected by real-time PCR. Results: Our data showed that the fibrotic mice were invulnerable to acute CCl4 insult. The injury resistance diminished along with the resolution of liver fibrosis. Acute insult triggered the translocation and release of HMGB1 in control mice, which were remarkably inhibited in fibrotic mice, even under acute challenge. Nevertheless, regressive mice exhibited obvious translocation upon insult, especially for R12d mice. HMGB1-related proinflammatory immune responses were suppressed in fibrotic mice; however, they were restored in regressive mice upon insult. Conclusion: The injury resistance in the setting of liver fibrosis is accompanied by the inhibition of HMGB1 translocation and release as well as the suppression of HMGB1-related proinflammatory immune responses.
Salvage Hepatectomy for Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Radiofrequency Ablation and/or Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis
Authors: Orimo Tatsuya , Kamiyama Toshiya , Yokoo Hideki , Wakayama Kenji , Shimada Shingo , Einama Takahiro , Kamachi Hirofumi , Taketomi Akinobu
Published: September 2017

Aim: We aimed to evaluate the short- and long-term surgical outcomes of salvage hepatectomy for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and/or transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). Methods: We reviewed the surgical outcomes of 90 recurrent HCC patients after RFA and/or TACE (salvage group) and 490 HCC patients without preoperative treatment (primary group). We performed 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) between the 2 groups and matched 87 patients in each group. Results: Before PSM, the salvage group was pathologically more advanced than the primary group. After PSM, there were no significant differences in the clinicopathological features between the groups. The outcomes of propensity score-matched groups were compared and there was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups regarding perioperative outcomes and survival. Univariate and multivariate analyses of propensity score-matched HCC patients revealed that stage, tumor size, differentiation, and portal vein invasion were independent prognostic factors for survival. Preoperative RFA and/or TACE was not a prognostic factor in a propensity score-matched cohort. Conclusions: The short- and long-term surgical outcomes of the primary and salvage groups were similar under the matched clinicopathological background. Salvage hepatectomy might be an acceptable treatment for recurrent HCC patients after RFA and/or TACE.
Heart Failure–Related Hyperphosphorylation in the Cardiac Troponin I C Terminus Has Divergent Effects on Cardiac Function In Vivo
Authors: Li Yuejin , Zhu Guangshuo , Paolocci Nazareno , Zhang Pingbo , Takahashi Cyrus , Okumus Nazli , Heravi Amir , Keceli Gizem , Ramirez-Correa Genaro , Kass David A. , Murphy Anne M.
Published: September 2017

Background:

In human heart failure, Ser199 (equivalent to Ser200 in mouse) of cTnI (cardiac troponin I) is significantly hyperphosphorylated, and in vitro studies suggest that it enhances myofilament calcium sensitivity and alters calpain-mediated cTnI proteolysis. However, how its hyperphosphorylation affects cardiac function in vivo remains unknown.

Methods and Results:

To address the question, 2 transgenic mouse models were generated: a phospho-mimetic cTnIS200D and a phospho-silenced cTnIS200A, each driven by the cardiomyocyte-specific α-myosin heavy chain promoter. Cardiac structure assessed by echocardiography and histology was normal in both transgenic models compared with littermate controls (n=5). Baseline in vivo hemodynamics and isolated muscle studies showed that cTnIS200D significantly prolonged relaxation and lowered left ventricular peak filling rate, whereas ejection fraction and force development were normal (n=5). However, with increased heart rate or β-adrenergic stimulation, cTnIS200D mice had less enhanced ejection fraction or force development versus controls, whereas relaxation improved similarly to controls (n=5). By contrast, cTnIS200A was functionally normal both at baseline and under the physiological stresses. To test whether either mutation impacted cardiac response to ischemic stress, isolated hearts were subjected to ischemia/reperfusion. cTnIS200D were protected, recovering 88±8% of contractile function versus 35±15% in littermate controls and 28±8% in cTnIS200A (n=5). This was associated with less cTnI proteolysis in cTnIS200D hearts.

Conclusions:

Hyperphosphorylation of this serine in cTnI C terminus impacts heart function by depressing diastolic function at baseline and limiting systolic reserve under physiological stresses. However, paradoxically, it preserves heart function after ischemia/reperfusion injury, potentially by decreasing proteolysis of cTnI.
P2y12 Receptor Promotes Pressure Overload–Induced Cardiac Remodeling via Platelet-Driven Inflammation in Mice
Authors: Wu Lujin , Zhao Fujie , Dai Meiyan , Li Huaping , Chen Chen , Nie Jiali , Wang Peihua , Wang Dao Wen
Published: September 2017

Inflammation plays a critical role in adverse cardiac remodeling and heart failure. The P2y12 receptor is one of the predominant activating receptors for platelets, thus initiating inflammatory responses under various diseases. In this study, we investigated the functional significance of P2y12-mediated platelet activation in pressure overload–induced cardiac remodeling. Notably, P2y12 knockout (P2y12
−/−
) mice exhibited suppressed transverse aortic constriction–induced changes in cardiac hypertrophy, collagen synthesis, inflammatory cell recruitment, and cardiac dysfunction. Activated platelets and platelet–leukocyte aggregates were markedly downregulated in P2y12 knockout mice compared with wild-type counterparts after transverse aortic constriction. Moreover, bone marrow chimera experiments revealed that wild-type recipients of P2y12 knockout bone marrow markedly improved cardiac function and attenuated cardiac remodeling, reversed by wild-type platelets reinjection. Platelet depletion and P-selectin inhibition mimicked these protective effects by limiting the interaction between activated platelets and leukocytes. Furthermore, activated wild-type platelets directly induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and collagen synthesis via α-granule exocytosis, vanished in P2y12 knockout platelets or those administered anti-NSF (N-ethlymalimide-sensitive factor) antibodies. The results suggest that P2y12-mediated platelet activation promotes cardiac remodeling by triggering a series of inflammatory changes and interacting with leukocytes and endotheliocytes.
Inhibition of Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 Attenuates Salt-Induced Hypertension and Kidney Injury in Dahl Salt-Sensitive Rats
Authors: Kumar Vikash , Wollner Clayton , Kurth Theresa , Bukowy John D. , Cowley Allen W.
Published: September 2017

The goal of the present study was to explore the protective effects of mTORC1 (mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1) inhibition by rapamycin on salt-induced hypertension and kidney injury in Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rats. We have previously demonstrated that H
2
O
2
is elevated in the kidneys of SS rats. The present study showed a significant upregulation of renal mTORC1 activity in the SS rats fed a 4.0% NaCl for 3 days. In addition, renal interstitial infusion of H
2
O
2
into salt-resistant Sprague Dawley rats for 3 days was also found to stimulate mTORC1 activity independent of a rise of arterial blood pressure. Together, these data indicate that the salt-induced increases of renal H
2
O
2
in SS rats activated the mTORC1 pathway. Daily administration of rapamycin (IP, 1.5 mg/kg per day) for 21 days reduced salt-induced hypertension from 176.0±9.0 to 153.0±12.0 mm Hg in SS rats but had no effect on blood pressure salt sensitivity in Sprague Dawley treated rats. Compared with vehicle, rapamycin reduced albumin excretion rate in SS rats from 190.0±35.0 to 37.0±5.0 mg/d and reduced the renal infiltration of T lymphocytes (CD3
+
) and macrophages (ED1
+
) in the cortex and medulla. Renal hypertrophy and cell proliferation were also reduced in rapamycin-treated SS rats. We conclude that enhancement of intrarenal H
2
O
2
with a 4.0% NaCl diet stimulates the mTORC1 pathway that is necessary for the full development of the salt-induced hypertension and kidney injury in the SS rat.
Increased Risk of New-Onset Hypertension After Shock Wave Lithotripsy in Urolithiasis
Authors: Huang Shi-Wei , Tsai Chung-You , Wang Jui , Pu Yeong-Shiau , Chen Pei-Chun , Huang Chao-Yuan , Chien Kuo-Liong
Published: September 2017

Although shock wave lithotripsy is minimally invasive, earlier studies argued that it may increase patients’ subsequent risk of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. This study evaluated the association between shock wave lithotripsy and new-onset hypertension or diabetes mellitus. The Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database was used to identify 20 219 patients aged 18 to 65 years who underwent the first stone surgical treatment (shock wave lithotripsy or ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy) between January 1999 and December 2011. A Cox proportional model was applied to evaluate associations. Time-varying Cox models were applied to evaluate the association between the number of shock wave lithotripsy sessions and the incidence of hypertension or diabetes mellitus. After a median follow-up of 74.9 and 82.6 months, 2028 and 688 patients developed hypertension in the shock wave lithotripsy and ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy groups, respectively. Patients who underwent shock wave lithotripsy had a higher probability of developing hypertension than patients who underwent ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy, with a hazard ratio of 1.20 (95% confidence interval, 1.10–1.31) after adjusting for covariates. The risk increased as the number of shock wave lithotripsy sessions increased. However, the diabetes mellitus risk was similar in the shock wave lithotripsy and ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy groups. Furthermore, the hazard ratio did not increase as the number of shock wave lithotripsy sessions increased. Shock wave lithotripsy consistently increased the incidence of hypertension on long-term follow-up. Therefore, alternatives to urolithiasis treatment (eg, endoscopic surgery or medical expulsion therapy) could avoid the hypertension risk. Furthermore, avoiding multiple sessions of shock wave lithotripsy could also evade the hypertension risk.
Impact of Worsened Metabolic Syndrome on the Risk of Dementia: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Fan Yen‐Chun , Chou Chia‐Chi , You San‐Lin , Sun Chien‐An , Chen Chien‐Jen , Bai Chyi‐Huey
Published: September 2017

Background

The relationship of alteration of metabolic syndrome (MetS) with dementia remains unclear. The purpose of study was to evaluate the association between dynamic change in MetS status around a 5‐year period and dementia.

Methods and Results

The cohort study was conducted from the Taiwanese Survey on Prevalence of Hypertension, Hyperglycemia, and Hyperlipidemia in 2002, with follow‐up in 2007. The sample was subsequently linked to the National Health Insurance Research Database. Participants were divided into 3 groups: persistent MetS (MetS both in 2002 and 2007); nonpersistent MetS (MetS either in 2002 or 2007); and non‐MetS (MetS neither in 2002 nor 2007). Furthermore, the individuals with nonpersistent MetS were categorized as improved MetS (MetS in 2002 but not in 2007) and worsened MetS (MetS not in 2002 but in 2007). Each participant was tracked until the end of 2011 to identify the development of dementia. In total, 3458 participants aged 40 to 80 years were included. Up to 10 years and 31 741 person‐years of follow‐up, 76 patients developed dementia. Only a relationship was found between the nonpersistent MetS and dementia (adjusted hazard ratio=1.93; 95% confidence interval =1.17–3.19;
P
=0.010). Moreover, a significantly higher dementia risk was observed in patients with worsened MetS (adjusted
hazard ratio
=2.22; 95%
confidence interval
=1.32–3.72;
P
=0.003), but not those with persistent (
P
=0.752) or improved (
P
=0.829) MetS. Similar results were detected in participants aged ≥65 years.

Conclusions

Patients with worsened MetS had an increased dementia risk during the 10‐year follow‐up period in a population‐based sample.
Servant Leadership: Son of Man as Minister and Life Giver in Mark 10.45
Authors: Kgatle Mookgo Solomon
Published: September 2017

This article discusses the Son of Man as Minister and Life giver in Mk 10.45. The Son of Man as Minister is the servant who did not come on earth to be ministered to but to minister to others. The Son of Man as the Life giver is the servant who pays a price for the sake of many sinners in the world. The life, crucifixion, death, and resurrection of the Son of Man become that price for the release of those who are enslaved by sin. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate that these aspects of the Son of Man – Minister and Life giver – are aspects of servant leadership.
A new species of the clingfish genus Trachelochismus from bay and estuarine areas of New Zealand (Teleostei: Gobiesocidae)
Authors: CONWAY KEVIN W. , STEWART ANDREW L. , KING CRAGEN
Published: September 2017

Trachelochismus aestuarium, new species, is described on the basis of 120 specimens, 10.1–45.5 mm SL, collected from shallow (0–29 meters depth) bay and estuarine areas along the coast of New Zealand. It is distinguished from congeners (T. melobesia and T. pinnulatus) by a combination of characters, including features of the cephalic sensory system, adhesive disc papillae, and colouration in life, head shape, and gill-raker, fin ray and vertebrae counts. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial loci (cytrochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and 12S ribosomal RNA) and one nuclear locus (zic family member 1) for all three species of Trachelochismus and two outgroup taxa resulted in phylogenetic hypotheses in which T. aestuarium is the sister taxon to either T. pinnulatus (mitochondrial loci) or T. pinnulatus + T. melobesia (ZIC1). A new terminology is introduced for the superficial neuromasts arranged in rows on the surface of the head in members of Trachelochismus.
Bion’s Agony in The Long Week-End
Authors: Ehrlich Robert
Published: September 2017

In The Long Week-End Wilfred Bion focuses on his emotional distress during the first twenty-one years of his life. Rarely employing psychoanalytic terminology, he attempts to explore his emotional experience directly, struggling to find a language that could capture the complexity of inner life. Central to The Long Week-End is his desire to communicate how easily he could feel unintelligent, inept, weak, ashamed, guilty, angry, frightened, and cowardly in various settings. This self-criticism at times undermines his theoretical stance in this work, as he emphasizes the importance of doubt and uncertainty when attempting to comprehend most dimensions of experience.
Embedding Social Innovation: Shaping Societal Norms and Behaviors Throughout the Innovation Process
Authors: Purtik Henrike , Arenas Daniel
Published: September 2017

New products and services that tackle grand societal challenges often require changes in societal norms, values, and expectations. This research investigates the question of how innovating actors shape these informal institutions throughout the innovation process by drawing on the literature on social innovation and institutional theory. In a comparison of four case studies, we observe that all innovating actors under study engage in a diverse set of practices to challenge and shape societal norms and expectations as well as user habits and routines throughout the innovation process. These activities can be clustered into unilateral, bilateral, and multilateral change processes, depending on the number of actors involved. Our findings highlight how different types of direct and indirect interactions between innovating actors and users along the innovation process shape the understanding of social innovation, and stress the central role of physical experiences and positive emotions among (future) users. Thereby, we provide for a more nuanced view of how companies that aim to bring technologies with different characteristics of innovativeness to the market shape the informal institutional environment throughout the different phases of the innovation process.
Better to Stay Home: Evaluating the Impact of Day Reporting Centers on Offending
Authors: Hyatt Jordan M. , Ostermann Michael
Published: September 2017

This article reports the findings of a quasi-experimental evaluation of community resource centers (CRCs)—nonresidential, day reporting centers employed for recent parolees. CRC participants ( n = 2,789), drawn from release cohorts in 2008, 2009, and 2010, were matched using propensity scores to similar parolees who did not participate in CRC programming ( n = 16,500). At the conclusion of the scoring and matching process, 2,789 CRC–parolee pairs were identified, including the full population of program participants. Outcome measures, including rearrest, reconviction, and parole revocation rates, after 1, 2, and 3 years are reported. Across all release cohorts, CRC participants were arrested and revoked at significantly higher rates, resulting in higher rates of returns to custody. Implications for correctional policy are considered.
Rural–urban differences in accessing mental health treatment in patients with psychosis
Authors: Thirthalli Jagadisha , Reddy K Shanivaram , Kare Manoranjitha , Das Soumitra , Gangadhar BN
Published: September 2017

Background:

Delay in accessing psychiatric treatment has considerable influence on the outcome of psychoses. Systematic studies examining the source of the delay are lacking in India. In this article, we examine rural–urban differences regarding delay in accessing psychiatric care in patients with psychosis, an issue which was hitherto not studied.

Aims:

To evaluate the rural–urban differences in treatment seeking among patients with psychosis.

Methods:

Patients with psychotic disorders who presented to the outpatient department of an academic psychiatric institute for the first time ( n = 551) were interviewed using a semi-structured interview tool to assess the date of onset of illness.

Results:

Families in urban areas had significantly higher level of education and greater income than their rural counterparts. However, there was no difference in urban and rural patients in the duration of untreated illness (DUI). There was no correlation between average years of education of the family members and DUI (spearman’s rho = −0.01; p = .77).

Conclusions:

Despite the proximity to psychiatric centers, better education and greater income, patients in urban areas do not access psychiatric care earlier than patients in rural areas. So, mere presence of services would not make patients access them early.
Solutions to property rights ‘violations’ experienced by Ghanaian (Akan) widows and their children: The role of international social workers in addressing human rights
Authors: Korang-Okrah Rose , Haight Wendy , Gibson Priscilla , Black James
Published: September 2017

Social workers are increasingly embracing international perspectives and roles to address persistent human rights issues. This study examines solutions to property rights disputes involving Ghanaian women who are widowed from the perspectives of Akan men and women in four communities. Property ownership is fundamental to the economic survival of women and their children, but millions of women around the world lose their rights to property following the deaths of their husbands. We conducted focus groups with 102 participants in four Akan communities to generate local, culturally viable solutions for preventing property rights violations and resolving them when they do occur.
‘But don’t tell anybody’: The dilemma of confidentiality for the lone social worker in the context of child protective services
Authors: Janebová Radka
Published: September 2017

Social workers repeatedly find themselves confronted with a dilemma regarding the seemingly conflicting responsibilities of support and control. In the field of child protection, such a dilemma can literally be fatal in situations where the social worker feels solidarity with parents but also sees the child as in some way endangered. This article presents and discusses the methodological tool of self-reflective research in an attempt to understand the origins and contexts of certain conflicting responsibilities between support and control. This research tool is then applied to the author’s own practice in the field of social and legal protection of children.
Asian Women’s Action for Resilience and Empowerment Intervention: Stage I Pilot Study
Authors: Hahm Hyeouk Chris , Chang Stephanie Tzu-Han , Lee Gloria Yoonseung , Tagerman Michelle D. , Lee Christina S. , Trentadue Mia Pamela , Hien Denise A.
Published: September 2017

This study describes the development and pilot test of Asian Women’s Action for Resilience and Empowerment (AWARE), a culturally informed group psychotherapy intervention designed to reduce depressive symptoms, suicidality, substance use, and HIV and sexual risk behaviors among 1.5 and second generation Asian American (AA) women. To participate, AA women had to meet the criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or have a history of exposure to interpersonal violence (IPV) as determined using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) and Traumatic Life Events Questionnaire (TLEQ). This article also presents the preliminary feasibility and acceptability of AWARE from its Stage I pilot study of nine Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese American women. To foster holistic treatment, AWARE was developed based on original research findings from Stage 0 and integrated theoretical models including fractured identity theory, empowerment theory, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based techniques, and the AIDS Risk Reduction Model (ARRM). The development of AWARE was an iterative process informed by participant feedback, which led to frequent intervention modifications for a future randomized controlled trial (RCT) in Stage II. A qualitative analysis of participant feedback informed the following modifications: further exploration of feelings, improvements in technology delivery, learning and practicing coping skills, more specific cultural tailoring related to sexual health, decreased number of sessions and increased time per session. Findings provide support for the acceptability and feasibility of AWARE as “culturally informed” for AA young women with IPV histories, high-risk behaviors, and mental health issues.
Inter-caste lovers’ suicide pact – Case report from Nepal
Authors: Atreya Alok , Shrestha Milan , Acharya Jenash
Published: September 2017

Discrimination on cultural and ethnic grounds is a crime in Nepal. [Caste Based Discrimination and Untouchability (Offence and Punishment) Act, 2068 (2011) * * There are two different dates which reflect the Bikram Sambat which is the official Hindu calendar in Nepal. This calendar is 57 years ahead of Gregorian calendar. For example, 19 August 2017 AD is 03 Bhadra 2074 Bikram Sambat. Thus, the date 2068 is in Bikram Sambat, 2011 is per Gregorian calendar which is unofficial so kept in parenthesis. This text is available online from: http://www.ilo.org/aids/legislation/WCMS_190732/lang–en/index.htm . ]. However, cases of caste-based discrimination continue and have been reported in the newspapers. They occur because most families refuse to accept inter-caste marriages in Nepal as they fear they will become social outcasts. We present a tragic case where a young couple in their 20s made a pact to end their lives by jumping from Nepal’s highest suspension bridge. Preliminary police investigation suggested their inter-caste relationship was the reason.
Factorial Validity of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children—2nd Edition (MABC-2) in 7-16-Year-Olds
Authors: Psotta Rudolf , Abdollahipour Reza
Published: September 2017

The Movement Assessment Battery for Children—2nd Edition (MABC-2) is a test of motor development, widely used in clinical and research settings. To address which motor abilities are actually captured by the motor tasks in the two age versions of the MABC-2, the AB2 for 7- 10-year-olds and the AB3 for 11- 16-year-olds, we examined AB2 and AB3 factorial validity. We conducted confirmatory factor analysis (SPSS AMOS 22.0) on data from the test’s standardization samples of children aged 7–10, n = 483, and 11–16, n = 674, in order to find the best fitting models. The covariance matrix of AB2 and AB3 fit a three-factor model that included tasks of manual dexterity, aiming and catching, and balance. However, factor analytic models fitting AB2 and AB3 did not involve the dynamic balance tasks of hopping with the better leg and hopping with the other leg; and the drawing trail showed very low factor validity. In sum, both AB2 and AB3 of the MABC-2 test are able to discriminate between the three specific motor abilities; but due to questionable psychometric quality, the drawing trail and hopping tasks should be modified to improve the construct validity for both age versions of the MABC-2.
Sex Differences in Balance Among Alpine Ski Racers: Cross-Sectional Age Comparisons
Authors: Raschner Christian , Hildebrandt Carolin , Mohr Johanna , Müller Lisa
Published: September 2017

Although balance is a key ability in the strength demands of alpine ski racing, affecting both performance and injury prevention, few studies have examined balance or related sex differences among still-maturing athletes. In this 10-year study, we investigated cross-sectional balance performances at different age periods of a representative sample of over 500 11–18-year-old elite skiers of both genders. Participants performed balance tests using the MFT S3-Check. Left–right and forward–backward movements were used to calculate sensory and symmetry balance scores, which were both incorporated into a stability score. Mann–Whitney U tests assessed gender-specific differences by age-group with a significance level set at p < .05. Results showed gender differences only on forward–backward measurements for 14–16-year-olds, with females showing better stability and sensory (but not symmetry) scores than males. Thus, gender interacted with age and maturation to influence balance ability in these participants. Additionally, these rare 10-year data support coaches in their training and talent development of maturing athletes by providing important sport-, age-, and gender-specific normative comparison data for individual trainees.
Reasons Pro et Contra as a Debiasing Technique in Legal Contexts
Authors: Zenker Frank , Dahlman Christian , Bååth Rasmus , Sarwar Farhan
Published: September 2017

Although legal contexts are subject to biased reasoning and decision making, to identify and test debiasing techniques has largely remained an open task. We report on experimentally deploying the technique “giving reasons pro et contra” with professional ( N = 239) and lay judges ( N = 372) at Swedish municipal courts. Using a mock legal scenario, participants assessed the relevance of an eyewitness’s previous conviction for his credibility. On average, both groups displayed low degrees of bias. We observed a small positive debiasing effect only for professional judges. Strong evidence was obtained for a relation between profession and relevance-assessment: Lay judges seemed to assign a greater importance to the prior conviction than professional judges did. We discuss challenges for future research, calling other research groups to contribute additional samples.
Chinese EFL Teachers’ Cognition about the Effectiveness of Genre Pedagogy: A Case Study
Authors: Shi Leimin , Baker Amanda , Chen Honglin
Published: September 2017

Developing students’ communicative competence became the primary goal of the current College English Curriculum Requirements in 2004 in China. There has been increasing concern, however, that this goal has yet to be realized, particularly in relation to the teaching of writing. This study investigated the potential of a Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL-) informed genre approach to enhance Chinese students’ communicative competence in writing. As teachers’ beliefs have a strong impact on the effectiveness of their teaching practice (Borg, 2003), the study examined six Chinese College English teachers’ shifts in their beliefs and practices after attending a training workshop in the genre-based approach to writing development. Using pre- and post- workshop interviews and classroom observations and drawing on the analytical frameworks of teacher cognition (Borg, 2003), teacher knowledge (Shulman, 1986) and interactional scaffolding (Hammond and Gibbon, 2005), the study found that professional training in SFL genre pedagogy had a positive impact on teachers’ cognition about writing instruction, albeit with one notable constraint; the teachers paid only partial attention to the social purpose of the targeted genre, thus limiting the successful implementation of the pedagogy to a certain extent.
Deontic power, authority, and governance in international politics
Authors: Hall Rodney Bruce
Published: September 2017

Barnett and Duvall have offered a highly useful constructivist taxonomy of power in response to the rationalist question of why constructivists formerly lacked a theory of power. However, in applying their taxonomy of power to the question of global governance, they draw upon a specific interpretation of their ‘structural’ form of power from the radical theory of Steven Lukes. This move generates a number of ontological and analytic issues that constructivists normally avoid. This article offers three amendments to Barnett and Duvall’s thesis. These involve the (1) recognition and use of the subsumption of the constitutive forms of power that they theorize within the concept of ‘deontic power’, introduced in the institutional philosophy of John Searle and (2) recognition that the posited distinction between subjective and objective interests returns us to a rationalist and materialist ontology that resolves the question of actor interests and motivations through exogenous imputation by the analyst – a retrograde step for constructivist theory that can and should be avoided. (3) In developing the deontic bases of the constitutive forms of power introduced by Barnett and Duvall, we will recover the social means by which power can be exercised as authority.
A Cornerstone Course in Sociology: Providing Students with Theory, Methods, and Career Preparation Early in the Major
Authors: Holtzman Mellisa
Published: September 2017

Cornerstone courses bridge introductory content from lower-level survey courses with the more advanced theoretical and methodological content of upper-level, major-only courses. Cornerstones are implemented with the goal of better preparing students for advanced coursework and/or assisting them with understanding their major and its associated career options. Although cornerstones are common in psychology, biology, and business, they are seemingly less popular in sociology curriculums. This article uses evaluation data from a newly instituted cornerstone course in sociology to illustrate the potential benefits these courses can have for students as well as the discipline more generally.
Using Internet-Based Applications to Increase Collaboration Among Stakeholders in Special Education
Authors: Riggleman Samantha , Buchter Jennifer M.
Published: September 2017

Input from parents of children with disabilities is highly valuable; however, barriers such as lack of time or travel can hinder the partnership between parents and stakeholders. Internet-based applications (e.g., Google Groups, Google Drive, and OneDrive) can alleviate some of the difficulties in collaborating. This article describes the use and benefits of Internet-based applications to support collaboration between teachers, families, and other providers working with students with disabilities. How to collaborate through these apps will be examined with practical examples. Implications for security and confidentiality will be considered. Directions for future research will be discussed.
The relationship of delay of gratification and time comprehension in 4-year-old children
Authors: Zmyj Norbert
Published: September 2017

In a typical delay-of-gratification task, children have the choice between eating a small amount of treats immediately and waiting in order to receive a larger number of treats. To date, it has not been investigated whether children’s time comprehension is related to the ability to wait for the larger number of treats. Time comprehension can be tested by presenting children with three hourglasses containing different amounts of sand and asking them about the running time of the hourglasses (e.g., “Which hourglass will finish first?”). In this study, 75 four-year-old children were tested with a delay-of-gratification task, a time comprehension task, and a receptive language task. Children who ate the treat immediately in the delay-of-gratification task did not perform above chance level in the time comprehension task. In contrast, children who waited in the delay-of-gratification task, either for some time or until the end of the task, did perform above chance level. Correlation analyses revealed that performance in the time comprehension task and in the delay-of-gratification task correlated even after controlling for receptive language ability. Thus, children’s time comprehension is related to their ability to delay a prepotent response. The nature of this correlation is discussed.