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"Fons, M"
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Fundamental questions in cross-cultural psychology
\"Cross-cultural psychology has come of age as a scientific discipline, but how has it developed? The field has moved from exploratory studies, in which researchers were mainly interested in finding differences in psychological functioning without any clear expectation, to detailed hypothesis tests of theories of cross-cultural differences. This book takes stock of the large number of empirical studies conducted over the last decades to evaluate the current state of the field. Specialists from various domains provide an overview of their area, linking it to the fundamental questions of cross-cultural psychology such as how individuals and their cultures are linked, how the link evolves during development, and what the methodological challenges of the field are. This book will appeal to academic researchers and postgraduates interested in cross-cultural research\"-- Provided by publisher.
Book
Differential expression of E-type prostanoid receptors 2 and 4 in microglia stimulated with lipopolysaccharide
Background
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is induced under inflammatory conditions, and prostaglandin E
2
(PGE
2
) is one of the products of COX activity. PGE
2
has pleiotropic actions depending on the activation of specific E-type prostanoid EP1-4 receptors. We investigated the involvement of PGE
2
and EP receptors in glial activation in response to an inflammatory challenge induced by LPS.
Methods
Cultures of mouse microglia or astroglia cells were treated with LPS in the presence or absence of COX-2 inhibitors, and the production of PGE
2
was measured by ELISA. Cells were treated with PGE
2
, and the effect on LPS-induced expression of TNF-α messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein was studied in the presence or absence of drug antagonists of the four EP receptors. EP receptor expression and the effects of EP2 and EP4 agonists and antagonists were studied at different time points after LPS.
Results
PGE
2
production after LPS was COX-2-dependent. PGE
2
reduced the glial production of TNF-α after LPS. Microglia expressed higher levels of EP4 and EP2 mRNA than astroglia. Activation of EP4 or EP2 receptors with selective drug agonists attenuated LPS-induced TNF-α in microglia. However, only antagonizing EP4 prevented the PGE
2
effect demonstrating that EP4 was the main target of PGE
2
in naïve microglia. Moreover, the relative expression of EP receptors changed during the course of classical microglial activation since EP4 expression was strongly depressed while EP2 increased 24 h after LPS and was detected in nuclear/peri-nuclear locations. EP2 regulated the expression of iNOS, NADPH oxidase-2, and vascular endothelial growth factor. NADPH oxidase-2 and iNOS activities require the oxidation of NADPH, and the pentose phosphate pathway is a main source of NADPH. LPS increased the mRNA expression of the rate-limiting enzyme of the pentose pathway glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and EP2 activity was involved in this effect.
Conclusions
These results show that while selective activation of EP4 or EP2 exerts anti-inflammatory actions, EP4 is the main target of PGE
2
in naïve microglia. The level of EP receptor expression changes from naïve to primed microglia where the COX-2/PGE
2
/EP2 axis modulates important adaptive metabolic changes.
Journal Article
Happiness and Cultural Tourism: The Perspective of Civil Participation
In this research we analyze links between happiness and cultural tourism, taking the European Holy Grail Route in Spain as a cultural tourist product. Questions that arise are, among others, can cultural tourism generate understanding and social cohesion? Consequently, can it also mean increasing the happiness of both tourists and the host population? How and what can be learned from cultural tourism as a peaceful social process? Specifically, a qualitative approach was made in which we conducted semi-structured interviews with people belonging to civil society associations linked to the route. An analysis of the narratives (from the interviews) through the grounded theory was carried out. Improved individual reasons for happiness and social cohesion as a result of positive significant experiences are observed in the first step of results, and an exportable Decalogue of social behavior in cultural tourism experiences is presented and evaluated by the interviewees and shown as a research proposal.
Journal Article
Business Ethics Crisis and Social Sustainability. The Case of the Product “Pura Vida” in Peru
Peru is a Latin American country with one of the most powerful and dynamic emerging economies in the world; however, it reveals considerable inconsistencies and socioeconomic inequalities. This research demonstrates that business ethics and corporate social responsibility are closely related with the welfare state of the country/region where a company is incorporated. Research work has been carried out on the case of the product “Pura Vida”, of the Gloria Company, implementing a mixed research method (documentary, quan and qual) in which a descriptive collection of data from different sources, in relation to the company and the crisis with Pura Vida milk, has been used; additionally, an ad hoc survey has been conducted on a sample of Peruvian citizens to know their insight in relation to the relevant aspects of business ethics and corporate responsibility and their opinion regarding the specific case being investigated; finally, in-depth interviews were held with the company’s management staff. It is shown that without a certain degree of welfare state, it is difficult to implement ethics and social responsibility in companies and in society as a whole. In addition, the main concerns of Peruvians regarding ethics and social responsibility can be observed.
Journal Article
Arginine Transport Is Impaired in C57Bl/6 Mouse Macrophages as a Result of a Deletion in the Promoter of Slc7a2 (CAT2), and Susceptibility to Leishmania Infection Is Reduced
Host genetic factors play a crucial role in immune response. To determine whether the differences between C57Bl/6 and BALB-C mice are due only to the production of cytokines by T-helper 1 cells or T-helper 2 cells, we obtained bone marrow—derived macrophages from both strains and incubated them with these cytokines. Although the induction of Nos2 and Arg1 was similar in the 2 strains, infectivity to Leishmania major differed, as did macrophage uptake of arginine, which was higher in BALB-C macrophages. The levels of interferon γ— and interleukin 4-dependent induction of the cationic amino acid transporter SLC7A2 (also known as \"cationic amino acid transporter 2,\" or \"CAT2\") were decreased in macrophages from C57Bl/6 mice. This reduction was a result of a deletion in the promoter of one of the 4 AGGG repeats. These results demonstrate that the availability of arginine controls critical aspects of macrophage activation and reveal a factor for susceptibility to Leishmania infection.
Journal Article
Therapeutic DNA Vaccination Using In Vivo Electroporation Followed by Standard of Care Therapy in Patients With Genotype 1 Chronic Hepatitis C
Clearance of infections caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) correlates with HCV-specific T cell function. We therefore evaluated therapeutic vaccination in 12 patients with chronic HCV infection. Eight patients also underwent a subsequent standard-of-care (SOC) therapy with pegylated interferon (IFN) and ribavirin. The phase I/IIa clinical trial was performed in treatment naive HCV genotype 1 patients, receiving four monthly vaccinations in the deltoid muscles with 167, 500, or 1,500 μg codon-optimized HCV nonstructural (NS) 3/4A-expressing DNA vaccine delivered by in vivo electroporation (EP). Enrollment was done with 2 weeks interval between patients for safety reasons. Treatment was safe and well tolerated. The vaccinations significantly improved IFN-γ–producing responses to HCV NS3 during the first 6 weeks of therapy. Five patients experienced 2–10 weeks 0.6–2.4 log10 reduction in serum HCV RNA. Six out of eight patients starting SOC therapy within 1–30 months after the last vaccine dose were cured. This first-in-man therapeutic HCV DNA vaccine study with the vaccine delivered by in vivo EP shows transient effects in patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection. The interesting result noted after SOC therapy suggests that therapeutic vaccination can be explored in a combination with SOC treatment.
Journal Article
Accountability through Environmental and Social Reporting by Wind Energy Sector Companies in Spain
At present, energy transition is a crucial phenomenon that is at the very heart of governmental policies. There are a huge number of stakeholders involved in the change, but among these, the main socioeconomic actors that affect environmental and social impacts are energy companies. In this research, we analyze their institutionalized role in the Spanish wind energy sector, in the framework of the ecological movement. We consult the special views, opinions and motivations given by managers responsible for Institutional Relations in the main wind energy companies in Spain, and their perceptions of environmental reporting. We therefore tackle aspects related to the drivers of the social and environmental disclosure of environmental and social information. Research has been carried out based on documentary secondary analysis, and the use of a qualitative method with semi-structured interviews has revealed tendencies and pressures in the sector. Results suggest that the social context and public opinion pressure organizations to reveal environmental and social information. We also put forward how information is conveyed to the society through accountability practices, and the different institutionalized ways in which this is achieved.
Journal Article
Responsible consumption trend in Generation Z and millennials its impact on SDG 12. A Peruvian case study
PurposeThis study aims to analyze the responsible consumption of Generation Z and millennials in the Latin American market, with special emphasis on the Peruvian case, to identify their differences with consumers born in 1980 and earlier and to evaluate their contribution to Sustainable Development Goal 12.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted on a sample of 309 persons living in Lima. After developing and validating an instrument, an online questionnaire was used to collect data. These data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially, using chi-square tests to validate the relationship between variables.FindingsThe study identifies and explains the new trend of responsible consumption among Generation Z and millennials in emerging markets, where end consumers interact with and prefer products and services from companies that demonstrate responsible behavior and offer trust. It identifies new consumption variables that go beyond the traditional ones.Research limitations/implicationsThe study reveals a trend in the responsible consumption of Generation Z and millennials in Peru. However, it is necessary to complement the study in other countries in the region, as well as to study the new generations, such as the alpha generation and their consumption patterns.Practical implicationsThe new trend of responsible consumption among Generation Z and millennials is forcing companies to implement strategies and develop corporate social responsibility programs. These companies must demonstrate ethical, environmental, socially responsible and sustainable behaviors in their daily operations to satisfy their stakeholders.Originality/valueThe study reveals a new trend in Peru, a developing country, where the market – the end consumer – is more informed and therefore demands better corporate performance from companies, including care for the environment and a contribution to society that includes a good relationship with its stakeholders.
Journal Article
Genetic Variants in Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Non-Receptor Type 23 Are Responsible for Mesiodens Formation
A mesiodens is a supernumerary tooth located in the midline of the premaxilla. To investigate the genetic cause of mesiodens, clinical and radiographic examination were performed on 23 family members of a two-generation Hmong family. Whole exome sequencing (WES) or Sanger sequencing were performed in 22 family members and two unrelated Thai patients with mesiodens. WES in the Hmong family revealed a missense mutation (c.1807G>A;p.Glu603Lys) in PTPN23 in seven affected members and six unaffected members. The mode of inheritance was autosomal dominance with incomplete penetrance (53.84%). Two additional mutations in PTPN23, c.2248C>G;p.Pro750Ala and c.3298C>T;p.Arg1100Cys were identified in two unrelated patients with mesiodens. PTPN23 is a regulator of endosomal trafficking functioning to move activated membrane receptors, such as EGFR, from the endosomal sorting complex towards the ESCRT-III complex for multivesicular body biogenesis, lysosomal degradation, and subsequent downregulation of receptor signaling. Immunohistochemical study and RNAscope on developing mouse embryos showed broad expression of PTPN23 in oral tissues, while immunofluorescence showed that EGFR was specifically concentrated in the midline epithelium. Importantly, PTPN23 mutant protein was shown to have reduced phosphatase activity. In conclusion, mesiodens were associated with genetic variants in PTPN23, suggesting that mesiodens may form due to defects in endosomal trafficking, leading to disrupted midline signaling.
Journal Article
Costs and Benefits of High Mutation Rates: Adaptive Evolution of Bacteria in the Mouse Gut
We have shown that bacterial mutation rates change during the experimental colonization of the mouse gut. A high mutation rate was initially beneficial because it allowed faster adaptation, but this benefit disappeared once adaptation was achieved. Mutator bacteria accumulated mutations that, although neutral in the mouse gut, are often deleterious in secondary environments. Consistently, the competitiveness of mutator bacteria is reduced during transmission to and re-colonization of similar hosts. The short-term advantages and long-term disadvantages of mutator bacteria could account for their frequency in nature.
Journal Article