bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public debt, foreign direct investment and economic growth dynamics
Authors: Onafowora Olugbenga , Owoye Oluwole
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the dynamic and long-run relationships among public debt, FDI and output growth in five individual Caribbean countries over the period 1975–2015.

Design/methodology/approach

Zivot and Andrews (1992) unit root test with structural break is used to examine the stationarity of the variables and then the autoregressive distributed lag bounds testing procedure is used to ascertain existence of cointegration among them. Finally, order-invariant generalized forecast error variance decomposition (GFEVD) is used to establish the strength of the causal relationship between the examined variables.

Findings

The results confirm that the examined variables are cointegrated. FDI, domestic investment, trade openness, human capital (HC) and institutional quality were found to have significantly positive effects on economic growth, while higher public debt and inflation rates hampered growth. GFEVD revealed unidirectional Granger causality running from FDI to economic growth in two countries; unidirectional causality from growth to FDI in two other countries; and bidirectional causality between growth and FDI in one other country. The results also indicate one-way causality from output growth to public debt in three countries and bidirectional causality between these two variables in two other countries.

Practical implications

The implication is that the Caribbean Governments may need to adopt effective debt management as a major policy and intensify efforts at utilizing loans obtained judiciously for human and capital projects that have direct positive net present value but, to secure strong and inclusive growth, these strategies must be linked to policies that enhance macroeconomic stability and the quality of their institutions, encourage capital inflows and domestic investmentsvis-à-visdomestic savings, and increase HC and trade earnings.

Originality/value

In contrast to extant studies of the public debt–FDI–output growth nexus, this study controls for the possibility of structural breaks in unit root tests along with performing bounds test for cointegration, variance decomposition analysis, Granger causality tests, and CUSUM and CUSUMSQ tests for the stability of the dynamic output growth model. This is a unique contribution to the existing literature, and highlights the originality value of this paper.
Sincerity or ploy? An investigation of corporate social responsibility campaigns
Authors: Childs Michelle , Woo Hongjoo , Kim Seeun
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) campaigns have become increasingly popular among fashion apparel brands to reduce environmental impacts of their operations and position themselves as sustainable. In light of attribution theory, this paper aims to investigate how aspects of a CSR campaign affect consumers’ perceptions of brand authenticity, brand attitudes and CSR attitudes.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on a 2 (brand image: sustainable vs disposable brand) × 2 (message source: brand website vs news article) between-subjects experimental design with random assignment to conditions and manipulation checks.

Findings

When exposed to messages about CSR campaigns, consumers have more favorable perceptions of brand authenticity, brand attitudes and CSR attitudes for a sustainable brand than for a disposable brand, particularly when consumers view information about a CSR campaign on the brand’s website. However, this is not true for disposable brands when CSR campaigns are promoted through a news source.

Practical implications

Sustainable brands can derive benefits by strategically partnering with causes through CSR campaigns, particularly when their campaigns are promoted through their brand’s website (vs news source). However, brands that offer disposable products (e.g. fast fashion brands) should exercise caution when implementing these campaigns; CSR campaigns may confuse customers as they do not align with the everyday practices of disposable brands.

Originality/value

As the apparel industry faces increased scrutiny for negative impacts on the environment, this study helps to understand whether customers perceive CSR campaigns as trustworthy and authentic, or as ploys aimed at creating more positive brand images.
A multilevel study on the causal relationship in association network of work stress
Authors: Yang Fu-Chiang , Kao Rui-Hsin , Cho Cheng-Chung
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the causal correlation between the work stress of immigration officers (IOs) and the cross-level effect of social support.

Design/methodology/approach

A multilevel model was used to analyze the quantitative data obtained from 231 IOs in Taiwan, who served as the research objects.

Findings

From the results of this study, it was found that a positive significant relationship existed between role conflict and work stress, as well as between work stress and job burnout. Also, cross-level context and moderating effect for the relationship between social support and work stress, as well as between social support, work stress and job burnout were obtained.

Originality/value

This study only considered IOs in airports and ports. Therefore, it is necessary to determine if other topics of organizational behavior, such as the leadership of supervisors, organizational climate and work values of IOs, have a positive moderating effect. In this regard, it is recommended that a longitudinal study should be conducted in the future.
Measuring perspective taking among police recruits
Authors: Inzunza Miguel , Stenlund Tova , Wikström Christina
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Perspective taking (PT), as part of the empathy concept, is an important ability in the police profession. It is important to understand how PT can be measured, but also whether it changes over time. The purpose of this paper is to compare the outcomes of three different measures of PT, and to see whether police students’ PT changes at different stages of their education.

Design/methodology/approach

Three measures, one self-reported and two objective tests, were administered to Swedish National Police recruits at three distinct stages of their police training. The outcomes of the measures were psychometrically analyzed, after which associations between measures and between-group differences were assessed.

Findings

The result showed that the measures provided results that were in line with what had been reported in earlier studies. There were no significant correlations between the total scores of the three measures, yet students who graded their abilities higher on the subjective instrument did perform better on one of the objective tests. The findings also showed that recruits in later parts of their training self-reported significantly lower PT values than recruits at the beginning of their training.

Originality/value

This study adds knowledge on the ability of different types of instruments to measure PT and how this construct may develop over time among police recruits.
Case exercises in an introduction to management course: a structured approach to increase student engagement
Authors: Lewis Michael S. , Frkal Robin Ayers
Published: March 2019

Research methodology

Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to test the effectiveness of the case exercise process as it relates to increasing student participation and engagement. Surveys were used as a data collection method where students self-reported their participation.

Case overview/synopsis

This research paper argues that class engagement and participation is a process that must be learned by students. To this end, it presents a case exercise process designed particularly for the introduction to management class that helps students to learn and apply management theory while increasing their engagement. While each element of the process is not new, the integration of the elements into a process that is structured and repeated throughout the semester adds value to student participation. Empirical data demonstrated that students increased their participation in classes that used the case exercise process over traditional lecture classes.

Complexity academic level

This paper is relevant for faculty members seeking to use case exercises in teaching undergraduate management courses, particularly introductory management courses.
Local leaders and the distribution of central government funds: Evidence from 18 European democracies
Authors: COMAN EMANUEL EMIL
Published: March 2019

This article looks at the relationship between the political affiliation of local leaders and the distribution of government funds with the help of a new dataset on local elections from 18 European countries between 2000 and 2013. It finds that central governments are more likely to target regions with high density of local councils affiliated with the parties in government only under certain institutional arrangements. The relationship exists where local councils enjoy little power and thus are less able to claim credit for the funds independent of the central government. The relationship is also present where local leaders are involved in the selection of candidates for national office.
Populism and feminist politics: The cases of Finland and Spain
Authors: KANTOLA JOHANNA , LOMBARDO EMANUELA
Published: March 2019

While populism has been subject to growing scholarly interest, its relationship to feminist politics has remained conspicuously understudied. This article investigates this relationship by analysing two cases of European populism: left populism in Spain (Podemos), and right populism in Finland (the Finns Party). The questions asked, and the challenges posed to feminist politics from populist political forces are intriguing: How is feminist politics articulated in both left and right populism? What differences can be discerned between left and right populism for feminist politics? To explore this, the article analyses three core dimensions: (1) political representation: descriptive representation (numbers of women, men and minority positions) and substantive representation (policy content in relation to gender equality); (2) populist parties’ formal and informal gender institutions such as internal quotas, gender equality plans and institutional culture; and (3) dedicated spaces for feminist politics such as women's sections or feminist groups. It is argued that political ideology matters for feminist politics, and while left parties are more responsive to feminist concerns and populism poses specific problems for feminist politics, it is the gendered culture of political parties that ensures both left and right parties are problematic for feminist politics.
Enhanced production of individual ganoderic acids by integrating Vitreoscilla haemoglobin expression and calcium ion induction in liquid static cultures of Ganoderma lingzhi
Authors: Xu Jun‐Wei , Yue Tong‐Hui , Yu Xuya , Zhao Peng , Li Tao , Li Na
Published: March 2019

Ganoderic acids produced by Ganoderma exhibit anticancer and antimetastatic activities. A novel approach by combining Vitreoscilla haemoglobin (VHb) expression and calcium ion induction was developed to enhance ganoderic acid (GA) production in liquid static cultures of G. lingzhi. The maximum contents of GA‐O, GA‐S and GA‐Me were 1451.33 ± 67.50, 1431.23 ± 79.74 and 1283.81 ± 85.13 μg per 100 mg cell weight, respectively under the integrated approach, which are the highest contents as ever reported in Ganoderma. The contents of squalene and lanosterol were increased by 2.0‐ and 3.0‐fold in this case compared with those in the control. The transcription levels of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, farnesyl‐diphosphate synthase, squalene synthase and cytochrome P450 CYP5150L8 were upregulated by 2.56‐, 3.31‐, 2.59‐ and 6.12‐fold respectively. Additionally, the expression of VHb improved the ratio of type I to type II GA in liquid static cultivation of G. lingzhi. The transcription levels of cyp512a2, cyp512v2 and cyp512a13, candidate cytochrome P450 genes involved in oxidative modification of the lanostane skeleton in GA biosynthesis, were also increased by 2.28‐, 2.65‐ and 3.54‐fold in the VHb‐expressing strain respectively. Our results illustrated that the approach described here efficiently improved GA production in G. lingzhi fermentation.
Evaluation of osimertinib efficacy according to body surface area and body mass index in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer harboring an EGFR mutation: A prospective observational study
Authors: Ono Taihei , Igawa Satoshi , Ozawa Takahiro , Kasajima Masashi , Ishihara Mikiko , Hiyoshi Yasuhiro , Kusuhara Seiichiro , Nishinarita Noriko , Fukui Tomoya , Kubota Masaru , Sasaki Jiichiro , Hisashi Mitsufuji , Katagiri Masato , Naoki Katsuhiko
Published: March 2019

Background

Osimertinib is recommended for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with EGFR mutation; however, it is unclear whether body size variables affect the efficacy of osimertinib in such patients. This study assessed the potential effect of body surface area (BSA) and body mass index (BMI) on osimertinib chemotherapy in patients with T790M‐positive advanced NSCLC who progress on prior EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational cohort study. Median BSA and BMI were used as cut‐off values to evaluate the impact of body size variables on osimertinib chemotherapy.

Results

The median BSA and BMI of 47 patients were 1.50 m2 and 21.5 kg/m2, respectively. Clinical outcomes did not significantly differ between the high and low BSA groups, with response rates of 59.1% and 56.0% (P = 0.83) and progression‐free survival (PFS) of 7.6 and 9.1 months (P = 0.69), respectively. Similarly, there were no significant differences between the high and low BMI groups relative to response rates, which were 60.8% and 54.1% (P = 0.64), respectively, and PFS, which was 7.6 months in both groups (P = 0.38). No significant differences were observed among toxicity profiles in relation to BSA or BMI. Multivariate analysis identified better performance status, young age, and EGFR exon 19 deletion as independent favorable predictors of PFS.

Conclusion

The efficacy of osimertinib does not significantly vary relative to body size variables of patients with T790M‐positive NSCLC who progress on prior EGFR‐TKIs.
High‐risk social drinkers and heavy drinkers display similar rates of alcohol consumption
Authors: Sloan Matthew E. , Gowin Joshua L. , Janakiraman Roshni , Ester Corbin D. , Stoddard Joel , Stangl Bethany , Ramchandani Vijay A.
Published: March 2019

Alcohol consumption is often assessed over weeks to months, but few attempts have been made to characterize alcohol consumption rates at the level of an individual drinking session. Here, we aimed to compare the rate of alcohol consumption in social drinkers at high risk for alcohol use disorder (AUD) and heavy drinkers. One hundred and sixty social drinkers and 48 heavy drinkers participated in an alcohol self‐administration study. Social drinkers were classified as low risk or high risk for AUD based on sex, impulsivity, and family history of alcoholism. Participants received a priming dose of intravenous alcohol to assess alcohol‐induced craving and completed a 125‐minute intravenous alcohol self‐administration session to assess rate of achieving a binge‐level exposure (blood alcohol concentration greater than or equal to 80 mg%). There were no differences between rates of binging in high‐risk and heavy drinkers (hazard ratio = 0.87; 95% CI, 0.48‐1.56). Heavy drinkers reported higher levels of craving than high‐risk and low‐risk drinkers at baseline. However, following a priming dose of alcohol, there were no longer differences in craving between high‐risk and heavy drinkers. These results indicate that high‐risk social drinkers demonstrate binging behavior that is similar to heavy drinkers, which may be driven by alcohol‐induced craving. Prospective studies are needed to elucidate whether these patterns of craving and consumption in high‐risk social drinkers are predictive of future AUD.
Financial Revolution in Republican China During 1900–37: A Survey and a New Interpretation
Authors: Ma Debin
Published: March 2019

This paper surveys the phenomenal transformation of banking and finance, public debt, and monetary regimes during 1900–37, a period of great political instability in Chinese history. To understand why growth in these strategic sectors occurred, I highlight the role of the institutional nexus of Western treaty ports (with Shanghai being the most important) and China Maritime Customs service, a relatively autonomous tax bureaucracy. My new interpretation on the importance of this mechanism sheds new light on the role of Chinese political institutions, the impact of the West and the ongoing Great Divergence debate.
Significant association of rare variant p.Gly8Ser in cardiac sodium channel β4‐subunit SCN4B with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Xiong Hongbo , Yang Qin , Zhang Xiaoping , Wang Pengxia , Chen Feifei , Liu Ying , Wang Pengyun , Zhao Yuanyuan , Li Sisi , Huang Yufeng , Chen Shanshan , Wang Xiaojing , Zhang Hongfu , Yu Dong , Tan Chencheng , Fang Cheng , Huang Yuan , Wu Gang , Wu Yanxia , Cheng Xiang , Liao Yuhua , Zhang Rongfeng , Yang Yanzong , Ke Tie , Ren Xiang , Li Hui , Tu Xin , Xia Yunlong , Xu Chengqi , Chen Qiuyun , Wang Qing K.
Published: March 2019

Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects 33.5 million individuals worldwide. It accounts for 15% of strokes and increases risk of heart failure and sudden death. The voltage‐gated cardiac sodium channel complex is responsible for the generation and conduction of the cardiac action potential, and composed of the main pore‐forming α‐subunit Nav1.5 (encoded by the SCN5A gene) and one or more auxiliary β‐subunits, including Navβ1 to Navβ4 encoded by SCN1B to SCN4B, respectively. We and others identified loss‐of‐function mutations in SCN1B and SCN2B and dominant‐negative mutations in SCN3B in patients with AF. Three missense variants in SCN4B were identified in sporadic AF patients and small nuclear families; however, the association between SCN4B variants and AF remains to be further defined. In this study, we performed mutational analysis in SCN4B using a panel of 477 AF patients, and identified one nonsynonymous genomic variant p.Gly8Ser in four patients. To assess the association between the p.Gly8Ser variant and AF, we carried out case‐control association studies with two independent populations (944 AF patients vs. 9,81 non‐AF controls in the first discovery population and 732 cases and 1,291 controls in the second replication population). Significant association was identified in the two independent populations and in the combined population (p = 4.16 × 10−4, odds ratio [OR] = 3.14) between p.Gly8Ser and common AF as well as lone AF (p = 0.018, OR = 2.85). These data suggest that rare variant p.Gly8Ser of SCN4B confers a significant risk of AF, and SCN4B is a candidate susceptibility gene for AF.
Systematic Review of Clinimetric Instruments to determine the severity of Non‐segmental Vitiligo
Authors: Peralta‐Pedrero María Luisa , Morales‐Sánchez Martha Alejandra , Jurado‐Santa Cruz Fermín , De la Torre‐García Mónica Elizabeth , Cruz‐Peralta Eduardo Sinaí , Olguín‐García María Guadalupe
Published: March 2019

This systematic review of measurement instruments for vitiligo outcomes included validation articles published from 2011 to May 2018. According to the PRISMA statement, the search was carried out in EMBASE (via OvidSP); MEDLINE (via OvidSP and PubMed). The COSMIN taxonomy will be used to define the measurement properties. Inclusion criteria were original studies reporting measuring properties. Exclusion criteria were clinical trials using scales whose measurement properties were not assessed, studies of cross‐cultural adaptation, scales focused on other aspects of the disease such as quality of life, satisfaction, disease's burden. Fourteen studies were identified, which described 15 instruments to measure vitiligo outcomes. Nine of them, measured properties related to the severity of the disease: Vitiligo extent score (VES), Self‐Assessment Vitiligo Extent Score (SA‐VES), Self‐Assessed Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (SAVASI), Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI), Vitiligo European Task Force assessment (VETFa), Vitíligo Noticeability Scale (VNS), Koebner's phenomenon in vitiligo score (K‐VSCOR), Vitiligo Extent Tensity Index (VETI), Potential Repigmentation Index (PRI). The most effective tool to asses affected Body Surface Area (BSA) is VES. The VASI is useful to stratify by severity. There is not enough evidence to recommend the use of SAVASI. The VETFa does not offer any difference to calculate the affected BSA compared with the rule of 9's. The VNS and K‐VSCOR lack of reliability evidence.
Pharmacological inhibition of the F1‐ATPase/P2Y1 pathway suppresses the effect of apolipoprotein A1 on endothelial nitric oxide synthesis and vasorelaxation
Authors: Cabou Cendrine , Honorato Paula , Briceño Luis , Ghezali Lamia , Duparc Thibaut , León Marcelo , Combes Guillaume , Frayssinhes Laure , Fournel Audren , Abot Anne , Masri Bernard , Parada Nicol , Aguilera Valeria , Aguayo Claudio , Knauf Claude , González Marcelo , Radojkovic Claudia , Martinez Laurent O.
Published: March 2019

Aim

The contribution of apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1), the major apolipoprotein of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), to endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation is unclear, and there is little information regarding endothelial receptors involved in this effect. Ecto‐F1‐ATPase is a receptor for APOA1, and its activity in endothelial cells is coupled to adenosine diphosphate (ADP)‐sensitive P2Y receptors (P2Y ADP receptors). Ecto‐F1‐ATPase is involved in APOA1–mediated cell proliferation and HDL transcytosis. Here, we investigated the effect of lipid‐free APOA1 and the involvement of ecto‐F1‐ATPase and P2Y ADP receptors on nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and the regulation of vascular tone.

Method

Nitric oxide synthesis was assessed in human endothelial cells from umbilical veins (HUVECs) and isolated mouse aortas. Changes in vascular tone were evaluated by isometric force measurements in isolated human umbilical and placental veins and by assessing femoral artery blood flow in conscious mice.

Results

Physiological concentrations of lipid‐free APOA1 enhanced endothelial NO synthesis, which was abolished by inhibitors of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and of the ecto‐F1‐ATPase/P2Y1 axis. Accordingly, APOA1 inhibited vasoconstriction induced by thromboxane A2 receptor agonist and increased femoral artery blood flow in mice. These effects were blunted by inhibitors of eNOS, ecto‐F1‐ATPase and P2Y1 receptor.

Conclusions

Using a pharmacological approach, we thus found that APOA1 promotes endothelial NO production and thereby controls vascular tone in a process that requires activation of the ecto‐F1‐ATPase/P2Y1 pathway by APOA1. Pharmacological targeting of this pathway with respect to vascular diseases should be explored.
The Chronology of Insiza Cluster Khami‐Phase Sites in South‐Western Zimbabwe: Compositional Insights from pXRF and Raman Analysis of Excavated Exotic Glass Finds
Authors: Koleini F. , Machiridza L. H. , Pikirayi I. , Colomban P.
Published: March 2019

Fourteen glass beads and one glass fragment from Khami‐period (ad 1400–1830) sites of Danamombe, Naletale, Gomoremhiko, Nharire and Zinjanja, in Zimbabwe, were analysed by pXRF and Raman spectroscopy with the intention of correlating the results with associated radiocarbon dates. The results show that Zinjanja and an earlier part of the Danamombe stratigraphic context had Khami Indo‐Pacific beads (15th–17th centuries) corresponding with Torwa occupational layers. Other European beads and one bottle fragment [high‐lime, low‐alkali (HLLA) glass] dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries were confined to the top stratigraphic layers of Danamombe and Naletale, which coincide with the later Rozvi occupational layers. Gomoremhiko had one Mapungubwe–Zimbabwe bead series (13th–15th centuries), which suggests that it was probably earlier than the other sites. All European beads are made of soda–lime plant‐ash glass with high alumina, which makes them comparable with glass produced through the Mediterranean traditions in Southern Europe.
Marriage Equality: On the Books and on the Ground? An Experimental Audit Study of Beliefs and Behavior towards Same‐Sex and Interracial Couples in the Wedding Industry
Authors: Kroeper Kathryn M. , Muenks Katherine , Murphy Mary C.
Published: March 2019

In the United States, same‐sex and interracial couples benefit from federal court decisions recognizing and protecting their marital unions. Despite these legal protections, prejudiced beliefs and subtly‐biased behavior toward these groups may still be socially normative. The present studies surveyed Americans’ beliefs about the acceptability of prejudice toward same‐sex, interracial, and white heterosexual couples and then examined actual behavior among wedding venue professionals towards them. In Study 1, Americans felt it more socially normative to express prejudice toward same‐sex couples than toward interracial couples and heterosexual couples; they also forecasted that same‐sex couples would experience more discrimination by wedding industry professionals than interracial couples. Study 2 used experimental audit methods to examine whether the actual behavior of wedding venue professionals aligned with Americans’ social norm beliefs. Results revealed that same‐sex couples and, to a lesser extent, interracial couples experienced more discrimination by wedding industry professionals than did white heterosexual couples.
Threshold Selection for Covariance Estimation
Authors: Qiu Yumou , Liyanage Janaka S. S.
Published: March 2019

Thresholding is a regularization method commonly used for covariance estimation, which provides consistent estimators if the population covariance satisfies certain sparsity condition (Bickel and Levina, 2008a; Cai and Liu, 2011). However, the performance of the thresholding estimators heavily depends on the threshold level. By minimizing the Frobenius risk of the adaptive thresholding estimator for covariances, we conduct a theoretical study for the optimal threshold level, and obtain its analytical expression. A consistent estimator based on this expression is proposed for the optimal threshold level, which is easy to implement in practice and efficient in computation. Numerical simulations and a case study on gene expression data are conducted to illustrate the proposed method.
Long‐term overall‐ and progression‐free survival after pentostatin, cyclophosphamide and rituximab therapy for indolent non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Khashab Tamer , Hagemeister Fredrick , Romaguera Jorge E. , Fanale Michelle A. , Pro Barbara , McLaughlin Peter , Rodriguez M. Alma , Neelapu Sattva S. , Fayad Luis , Younes Anas , Feng Lei , Vega Francisco , Kwak Larry W. , Samaniego Felipe
Published: March 2019

In a prospective phase II trial, pentostatin combined with cyclophosphamide and rituximab (PCR) induced strong responses and was well‐tolerated in previously untreated patients with advanced‐stage, indolent non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (iNHL). After a median patient follow‐up of more than 108 months, we performed an intent‐to‐treat analysis of our 83 participants. Progression‐free survival (PFS) rates at 108 months for follicular lymphoma (FL), marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) were 71%, 67% and 15%, respectively, and were affected by clinicopathological characteristics. Ten‐year PFS rates for those with beta‐2‐microglobulin levels <2·2 and ≥2·2 mg/l prior to treatment were 71% and 21%, respectively. Patients without bone marrow involvement had 10‐year PFS rates of 72% vs. 29% for those with involvement. At time of analysis, the median overall survival (OS) had not been reached. The OS rate was 64% at 10 years and differed significantly based on histology: 94% for FL, 66% for MZL and 39% for SLL. Long‐term toxicities included 18 (21·7%) patients with second malignancies and 2 (2·4%) who developed myelodysplastic syndrome after receiving additional lines of chemotherapy. Our 10‐year follow‐up analysis confirms that PCR is an effective, robust and tolerable treatment regimen for patients with iNHL.
Family functioning moderates the impact of depression treatment on adolescents’ suicidal ideations
Authors: Dardas Latefa Ali
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore whether adolescent‐perceived family functioning moderates the depression treatment effects on suicidal ideations.

Methods

This is a nonpreregistered exploratory secondary analysis of the TADS RCT, which included four treatment groups: fluoxetine, CBT, their combination, and placebo. A random coefficients regression model with posteriori CONTRAST statements was conducted to examine the effects of depression treatment on adolescents’ suicidal ideations over time (N = 439). Baron and Kenny's (1986) and Kraemer et al.'s (2002) approach was followed to explore family functioning as a potential moderator of the treatment effects on suicidal ideations over time.

Results

Adolescents in the four treatment groups did not differ significantly in their suicidal ideations at initial status; however, those in the combination group had faster reduction in suicidality. Family functioning moderated the relationship between depression treatment and adolescents’ suicidal ideations. In particular, the results revealed that for adolescents who reported positive family functioning (n = 249), treatment had a significant impact on their suicidal ideations over time. However, for adolescents who reported negative family functioning (n = 190), type of treatment did not have a differential effect on improvement in severity of suicidal ideation over time.

Conclusion

Findings provided evidence that the process by which depression treatment impacts adolescents’ suicidality is contingent upon their family environment. Family‐centered approaches to adolescent depression treatment are recommended.
A novel clinical nomogram to predict bilateral hyperaldosteronism in Chinese patients with primary aldosteronism
Authors: Xiao Libin , Jiang Yiran , Zhang Cui , Jiang Lei , Zhou Weiwei , Su Tingwei , Ning Guang , Wang Weiqing
Published: March 2019

Context

Adrenal venous sampling (AVS) is recommended as the gold standard for subtype classification in primary aldosteronism (PA); however, this approach has limited availability.

Objective

We aimed to develop a novel clinical nomogram to predict PA subtype based on routine variables, thereby reducing the number of candidates for AVS.

Patients and method

Patients were randomly divided into a training set (n = 185) and a validation set (n = 79). Risk factors for idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA) differentiating from aldosterone‐producing adenoma (APA) were identified using logistic regression analysis. A nomogram was constructed to predict the probability of IHA. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and a calibration plot were applied to assess the predictive value. Then, 115 patients were prospectively enrolled, and a nomogram was used to predict the subtypes before AVS.

Results

Body mass index (BMI), serum potassium and computed tomography (CT) finding were adopted in the nomogram. The nomogram presented an area under the ROC (AUC) of 0.924 (95% CI: 0.875‐0.957), sensitivity of 86.59% and specificity of 87.38% in the training set and an AUC of 0.894 (95% CI: 0.804‐0.952), sensitivity of 82.86% and specificity of 84.09% in the validation set. Predicted probability and actual probability matched well in the nomogram (Hosmer‐Lemeshow test: P > 0.05). Using the nomogram as a surrogate to predict IHA in the prospective set before AVS, the specificity reached 100% when we increased the threshold to a probability of 90%.

Conclusion

We have developed a tool that is able to predict IHA in patients with PA and potentially avoid AVS.
Is there a role for B cells in chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids? A case report
Authors: Mehta Dev , Yacoub Hussam , El‐Hunjul Mohammed , Khaitov Dmitry
Published: March 2019

Background

Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) is a recently defined inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system, prominently involving the brainstem. This condition is diagnosed based on clinical presentation, imaging findings and robust response to steroids, along with histopathology.

Case presentation

Here, we describe a case of a 47‐year‐old woman who presented with gait ataxia, bilateral leg weakness and urinary retention. Initial imaging studies were unremarkable, but on follow up she was found to have multiple enhancing lesions in the left cerebellar peduncle associated with a clinical relapse. Several weeks later, and after being treated with ocrelizumab, a B‐cell targeted therapy, she developed new neurological symptoms and was found to have new lesions on brain imaging. She was diagnosed with probable CLIPPERS. She was started on azathioprine and remained asymptomatic with normal brain imaging for several months.

Conclusions

Despite adequate depletion of circulating B cells, the patient continued to have relapses associated with CLIPPERS. This supports the notion that targeted peripheral B‐cell therapy does not stop the progression of CLIPPERS.
Grappling with the Impermanence of Place: A Black Baptist Congregation in South Los Angeles
Authors: Azzara Monique
Published: March 2019

Based on over two years of fieldwork with Faith Family Missionary Baptist Church, I illustrate how this congregation grounds their sense of place when place itself is impermanent. In the midst of poverty, unemployment, and violence, the community views their Christian calling in their mission to reshape the younger, disenfranchised generation into godly individuals. Congregants build fellowship by pooling their resources in an attempt to follow the call of God to do good, and to recruit and save the disenfranchised. I argue that this congregation’s sense of place is shaped by and grounded in this fellowship, i.e., the concrete relationships they form through such practices. Despite having few resources to generate a large impact in the broader city, the congregation acts as a system of support crucial to individuals in these neighborhoods. While the congregation’s location in the city is invisible to many outsiders due to their mobility, further attention should be paid to such alternate forms of civic participation and practice. [Urban Christianity; Black Los Angeles; Place; Fellowship]
VKORC1 and Novel CYP2C9 Variation Predict Warfarin Response in Alaska Native and American Indian People
Authors: Henderson Lindsay M. , Robinson Renee F. , Ray Lily , Khan Burhan A. , Li Tianran , Dillard Denise A. , Schilling Brian D. , Mosley Mike , Janssen Patricia L. , Fohner Alison E. , Rettie Allan E. , Thummel Kenneth E. , Thornton Timothy A. , Veenstra David L.
Published: March 2019

Alaska Native and American Indian (AN/AI) people have unique pharmacogene variation that may affect warfarin disposition and therapeutic response. We performed targeted genotyping for cytochrome P450 (CYP)2C9, vitamin K epoxide oxidase reductase complex subunit 1 (VKORC1), CYP4F2, CYP4F11, and gamma‐glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX) variants in AN/AI people receiving warfarin. The primary outcome was stable warfarin dose, defined as one dose, and associated international normalized ratio within the target range, at least 6 months after starting therapy, with two matching doses at least 2 weeks apart. Genotype–phenotype relationships were assessed by multivariate regression analysis, adjusted for self‐reported heritage, age, gender, and concurrent statin use. VKORC1 genotype explained 34% of dose variability, with VKORC1 −1639G>A and 1173C>T associated with a 1.7 mg/day (P = 1.4e‐05) dose reduction. Additionally, CYP2C9 N218I was suggestively significant (P = 0.077), with heterozygotes requiring 1.1 mg/day less than reference individuals. Self‐reported heritage was significantly associated with dose, largely driven by differences in the diagnostic VKORC1 allele frequencies among AN/AI people.
A world in turmoil: governing risk, establishing order in humanitarian crises
Authors: Dijkzeul Dennis , Sandvik Kristin Bergtora
Published: March 2019

This special issue of Disasters on humanitarian governance focuses on risk and order. Its contributions show the tensions between humanitarian normative ideals and practical consequences, as many of the ordering effects are associated with either intended or unintended consequences. This introduction offers a conceptual framing of humanitarian governance. Defining humanitarian governance as a subset of global governance, the paper shows how humanitarians have attempted to improve the consequences of their work by fighting instrumentalisation and instituting rationalisation processes. It adapts four questions, originally formulated by Michael Barnett (), to examine the ways in which humanitarian governance functions in more detail: what kind of world is being imagined and produced through the specific concern with order and risk? Who governs? How is this a form of humanitarian governance and how is it organised? And finally, what are the principal techniques of such governance? The conclusion summarises the main findings and sets an agenda for further research.
The futility of rights‐based humanitarian aid to the Occupied Palestinian Territories
Authors: Høigilt Jacob
Published: March 2019

A rights‐based approach (RBA) to humanitarian aid is intrinsic to Norwegian policy and should inform Norwegian aid to the Occupied Palestinian Territories, one of the main receivers of Norwegian aid. However, this is the case only to a limited extent. While Norwegian humanitarian non‐governmental organisations (NGOs) take RBA seriously, and design their projects in accordance with its principles, they are unable to pursue a programme of long‐term structural change. This is because the main duty‐bearer, Israel, is indifferent or hostile to their work, while Norway's foreign policy is given higher priority than following through a rights‐based agenda. The result of this situation is a large, long‐standing aid effort that is unable to provide more than temporary relief in a steadily deteriorating situation. The Palestinian case suggests that RBA in humanitarianism may lead to frustration rather than human liberation when not backed up by political power.
Varying degree of physiological integration among host instars and their endoparasitoid affects stress‐induced mortality
Authors: Gols Rieta , Ros Vera I.D. , Ode Paul J. , Vyas Dhaval , Harvey Jeffrey A.
Published: March 2019

In natural populations of insect herbivores, genetic differentiation is likely to occur due to variation in host plant utilization and selection by the local community of organisms with which they interact. In parasitoids, engaging in intimate associations with their host during immature development, local variation may exist in host quality for parasitoid development. We compared the development of a gregarious endoparasitoid, Cotesia glomerata L. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), collected in The Netherlands, in three strains and three caterpillar instars (L1–L3) of its main host, Pieris brassicae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae). Hosts had been collected in The Netherlands and France, and were reared in the laboratory for one generation. We also used an established Dutch laboratory strain that had not been exposed to parasitoids for at least 24 generations. Parasitoid survival to adulthood was inversely correlated with host instar at parasitism. Adult parasitoid body mass was largest when hosts were parasitized as L1 and smallest when hosts were parasitized as L3, whereas egg‐to‐adult development time was quickest on L3 hosts and slowest on L1 hosts. Higher survival and faster development of C. glomerata on French L2 hosts also showed that there is variation in host‐instar‐related suitability. Many L2 and most L3 caterpillars that were parasitized exhibited signs of pathogen infection and perished within a few days of parasitism, whereas this never happened when hosts were parasitized as L1 or in non‐parasitized control caterpillars. Our results reveal that, irrespective of the host strain, L1 hosts are optimally synchronized with C. glomerata development. By contrast, the high precocious mortality of L3 larvae may be due to stress‐induced regulation by the parasitoid in order to ‘force’ its developmental program into synchrony with the developing parasitoid larvae. Our results underscore a potentially important role played by pathogens in mediating herbivore–parasitoid interactions that are host‐instar‐dependent in their expression.
Blending active and passive digital technology methods to improve symptom monitoring in early psychosis
Authors: Cella Matteo , He Zhimin , Killikelly Clare , Okruszek Łukasz , Lewis Shon , Wykes Til
Published: March 2019

Aims

Psychotic symptoms fluctuate over time and effective and regular monitoring may contribute to relapse prevention and improve long‐term outcomes. In this proof‐of‐concept study we test the feasibility, acceptability and potential usefulness of a novel digital method assessing the association between physiological signals and psychotic symptom distress.

Methods

Fifteen participants with first episode psychosis were asked to use a self‐assessment mobile phone application for psychotic symptom monitoring for 10 days while using a wrist worn device continuously recording heart rate variability (HRV) and electrodermal activity (EDA). We compared physiological activity when participants reported experiencing distressing and non‐distressing psychotic symptoms.

Results

Participants completed on average 76% of the mobile phone symptom assessments. When reporting distressing hallucinations and delusions participants had significantly higher EDA levels and non‐significant lower HRV values compared to when these symptoms were non‐distressing.

Conclusions

This study provides further evidence linking psychotic symptom's distress, as experienced in everyday life, and autonomic deregulation. This proof‐of‐concept study may lead to further longer‐term efforts to identify relapse biosignatures using automated methods based on passive monitoring. This method may allow for earlier interventions, contribute to improve relapse prevention and reduce symptoms interfering with recovery.
My body and other objects: The internal limits of self‐ownership
Authors: Carnegy‐Arbuthnott Hannah
Published: March 2019

Common practices such as donating blood or selling hair assume rights of disposal over oneself that are similar to, if not indistinguishable from, property rights. However, a simple view of self‐ownership fails to capture relevant moral differences between parts of a person and other objects. In light of this, we require some account of the continuity in the form of ownership rights a person has over herself and other objects, which also acknowledges the normative differences between constitutive parts of a person, on the one hand, and external objects, on the other. This paper provides such an account by arguing that there are reasons internal to a general justification of property rights to limit the extent of powers included in ownership of different kinds of object, depending on how the person is situated in relation to them. Rejecting a typical Hohfeldian view of property as a univocal, gradable concept allows us to make space for a new approach to property and self‐ownership: one which can make sense of various uses of the body as property without entailing that our relation to those parts is exhaustively characterised by an ordinary property right.
Overcoming prey naiveté: Free‐living marsupials develop recognition and effective behavioral responses to alien predators in Australia
Authors: Bytheway Jenna P. , Banks Peter B.
Published: March 2019

Naiveté in prey arises from novel ecological mismatches in cue recognition systems and antipredator responses following the arrival of alien predators. The multilevel naiveté framework suggests that animals can progress through levels of naiveté toward predator awareness. Alternatively, native prey may be preadapted to recognize novel predators via common constituents in predator odors or familiar predator archetypes. We tested predictions of these competing hypotheses on the mechanisms driving behavioral responses of native species to alien predators by measuring responses of native free‐living northern brown bandicoots (Isoodon macrourus) to alien red fox (Vulpes vulpes) odor. We compared multiple bandicoot populations either sympatric or allopatric with foxes. Bandicoots sympatric with foxes showed recognition and appropriate antipredator behavior toward fox odor via avoidance. On the few occasions bandicoots did visit, their vigilance significantly increased, and their foraging decreased. In contrast, bandicoots allopatric with foxes showed no recognition of this predator cue. Our results suggest that vulnerable Australian mammals were likely naïve to foxes when they first arrived, which explains why so many native mammals declined soon after fox arrival. Our results also suggest such naiveté can be overcome within a relatively short time frame, driven by experience with predators, thus supporting the multilevel naiveté framework.
Transcriptome analysis shows ambiguous phenotypes of murine primitive endoderm‐related stem cell lines
Authors: Zhong Yixiang , Binas Bert
Published: March 2019

Primitive endoderm (PrE)‐related cell lines (XEN, pXEN and nEnd cells) show key features of the PrE. By transcriptome analysis, we show: (a) Compared to embryonic stem cells, PrE‐related cell lines are less in vivo like, although early nEnd cells are most similar to the PrE. (b) These cell lines show post‐PrE features of parietal (XEN and pXEN cells) or visceral (nEnd cells) endoderm, likely driven by Tgf‐β and Wnt/Activin signaling, respectively. (c) pXEN and nEnd cell lines additionally show pre‐PrE features. Hence, neither pXEN nor nEnd cell cultures represent a distinct in vivo entity. Rather, their properties are compatible with mixed and hybrid phenotypes. Our findings indicate that pre‐PrE, PrE and early post‐PrE phenotypes result from different niches, which need to be better understood to derive cell lines that distinctly represent the early stages of the extraembryonic endoderm.