International genome-wide meta-analysis identifies new primary biliary cirrhosis risk loci and targetable pathogenic pathways.

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a classical autoimmune liver disease for which effective immunomodulatory therapy is lacking. Here we perform meta-analyses of discovery data sets from genome-wide association studies of European subjects (n=2,764 cases and 10,475 controls) followed by validation genotyping in an independent cohort (n=3,716 cases and 4,261 controls). We discover and validate six previously unknown risk loci for PBC (Pcombined<5 × 10(-8)) and used pathway analysis to identify JAK-STAT/IL12/IL27 signalling and cytokine-cytokine pathways, for which relevant therapies exist

Murder in a Twin Island Paradise: Trends and Strategies Implemented to Address Criminal Homicide in Trinidad and Tobago

Purpose – The purpose of this chapter is to explore homicide trends in Trinidad and Tobago, to describe the factors that impact the risk for homicide perpetration and victimization, and to discuss the effectiveness of strategies implemented by law enforcement agencies to prosecute homicide cases. Design/methodology/approach – The chapter employs a detailed review of relevant literature to explore homicide trends and the strategies instituted to investigate and prosecute this criminal offense. Findings – Our findings suggest that homicide victimization and perpetration is concentrated among young men of African descent, who reside in underprivileged communities with a high population density. Gang violence prompted by a narco-drug economy, coupled with gun violence, accentuates the risk of homicide perpetration and victimization. As homicide rates remained high, law enforcement officials in Trinidad and Tobago were ill equipped to investigate and make arrests in these offenses. Originality/value – This chapter adds to the literature on homicide in Trinidad and Tobago by (1) showing that geographic and demographic factors structure homicide victimization and (2) exploring how the political economy of drugs in the Caribbean contributes to murder. © 2018 by Emerald Publishing Limited

Sport tourism on the islands: The impact of an international mega golf event

Islands may differ economically and socially from mainland areas and often suffer problems of insularity and vulnerability. However, they also experience certain benefits from their geographically different location, unique cultures, and international investment. In recent times, a number of successful international sporting events have been organised as a means of supporting an island's sustainable development. These sporting events have been based on close cooperation between the public and the international private sector in the areas of strategic planning and marketing. This paper will discuss a successful strategic sports marketing event that was held on Jeju Island, Korea - the US Professional Golf Association (PGA) Tour event, which was entitled, 'Korea Golf Championship'. First, the paper will discuss the major characteristics of islands that encourage sport tourism development. Second, research studies supporting sports tourism will be reviewed from a golf tourism perspective as a strategic niche market for island development. Third, an overall analysis will be conducted of this event that will cover all aspects in terms of the success or failure of the first US PGA tour that was held outside the United States of America

Whole genome‐wide sequence analysis of long‐lived families (Long‐Life Family Study) identifies MTUS2 gene associated with late‐onset Alzheimer's disease

IntroductionLate-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) has a strong genetic component. Participants in Long-Life Family Study (LLFS) exhibit delayed onset of dementia, offering a unique opportunity to investigate LOAD genetics.MethodsWe conducted a whole genome sequence analysis of 3475 LLFS members. Genetic associations were examined in six independent studies (N = 14,260) with a wide range of LOAD risk. Association analysis in a sub-sample of the LLFS cohort (N = 1739) evaluated the association of LOAD variants with beta amyloid (Aβ) levels.ResultsWe identified several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in tight linkage disequilibrium within the MTUS2 gene associated with LOAD (rs73154407, p = 7.6 × 10-9). Association of MTUS2 variants with LOAD was observed in the five independent studies and was significantly stronger within high levels of Aβ42/40 ratio compared to lower amyloid.DiscussionMTUS2 encodes a microtubule associated protein implicated in the development and function of the nervous system, making it a plausible candidate to investigate LOAD biology.HighlightsLong-Life Family Study (LLFS) families may harbor late onset Alzheimer's dementia (LOAD) variants. LLFS whole genome sequence analysis identified MTUS2 gene variants associated with LOAD. The observed LLFS variants generalized to cohorts with wide range of LOAD risk. The association of MTUS2 with LOAD was stronger within high levels of beta amyloid. Our results provide evidence for MTUS2 gene as a novel LOAD candidate locus