bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of novel disease relevant genetic modifiers affecting the SHH pathway in the developing brain
Authors: Mecklenburg Nora , Kowalczyk Izabela , Witte Franziska , Görne Jessica , Laier Alena , Gonschior Hannes , Lehmann Martin , Richter Matthias , Sporbert Anje , Purfürst Bettina , Hübner Norbert , Hammes Annette
Published: November 2020

Pathogenic gene variants in humans affecting the sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway lead to severe brain malformations with variable penetrance due to unknown genetic modifiers. To identify such modifiers, we established novel congenic mouse models. LRP2 deficient C57BL/6N mice suffer from heart outflow tract defects and holoprosencephaly caused by impaired SHH activity. These defects are fully rescued on FVB/N background indicating a strong influence of modifier genes. Applying comparative transcriptomics, we identifiedPttg1andUlk4as candidate modifiers upregulated in the rescue strain. Functional analyses showed that ULK4 and PTTG1, both microtubule-associated proteins, are new positive regulators of SHH signaling, rendering the pathway more resilient to disturbances. In addition, we characterized PTTG1 as a novel primary cilia component in the neuroepithelium. The identification of genes, that powerfully modulate the penetrance of genetic disturbances affecting the brain and heart, is likely relevant to understand variability in human congenital disorders.
Cross-Platform Validation of Neurotransmitter Release Impairments in Schizophrenia Patient-DerivedNRXN1-Mutant Neurons
Authors: Pak ChangHui , Danko Tamas , Mirabella Vincent R. , Wang Jinzhao , Zhang Xianglong , Ward Thomas , Grieder Sarah , Vangipuram Madhuri , Huang Yu-Wen Alvin , Liu Yingfei , Jin Kang , Dexheimer Philip , Bardes Eric , Mittelpunkt Alexis , Ma Junyi , McLachlan Michael , Moore Jennifer C. , Urban Alexander E. , Dage Jeffrey L. , Swanson Bradley J. , Aronow Bruce J. , Pang Zhiping P. , Levinson Douglas F. , Wernig Marius , Südhof Thomas C.
Published: November 2020

HeterozygousNRXN1deletions constitute the most prevalent currently known single-gene mutation predisposing to schizophrenia. Previous studies showed that engineered heterozygousNRXN1deletions impaired neurotransmitter release in human neurons, suggesting a synaptic pathophysiological mechanism. Utilizing this observation for drug discovery, however, requires confidence in its robustness and validity. Here, we describe a multi-center effort to test the generality of this pivotal observation, using independent analyses at two laboratories of patient-derived and newly engineered human neurons with heterozygousNRXN1deletions. We show that in neurons that were trans-differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells derived from threeNRXN1-deletion patients, the same impairment in neurotransmitter release was observed as in engineeredNRXN1-deficient neurons. This impairment manifested as a decrease in spontaneous synaptic events and in evoked synaptic responses, and an alteration in synaptic paired-pulse depression.Nrxn1-deficient mouse neurons generated from embryonic stem cells by the same method as human neurons did not exhibit impaired neurotransmitter release, suggesting a human-specific phenotype.NRXN1deletions produced a reproducible increase in the levels of CASK, an intracellularNRXN1-binding protein, and were associated with characteristic gene expression changes. Thus, heterozygousNRXN1deletions robustly impair synaptic function in human neurons regardless of genetic background, enabling future drug discovery efforts.
Looking for pathways related to COVID-19 phenotypes: Confirmation of pathogenic mechanisms by SARS-CoV-2 - Host interactome
Authors: Messina Francesco , Giombini Emanuela , Montaldo Chiara , Sharma Ashish Arunkumar , Piacentini Mauro , Zoccoli Antonio , Sekaly Rafick-Pierre , Locatelli Franco , Zumla Alimuddin , Maeurer Markus , Capobianchi Maria R. , Lauria Francesco Nicola , Ippolito Giuseppe ,   COVID 19 INMI Network Medicine for IDs Study Group.
Published: November 2020

In the last months, many studies have clearly described several mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection at cell and tissue level. Host conditions and comorbidities were identified as risk factors for severe and fatal disease courses, but the mechanisms of interaction between host and SARS-CoV-2 determining the grade of COVID- 19 severity, are still unknown.

We provide a network analysis on protein–protein interactions (PPI) between viral and host proteins to better identify host biological responses, induced by both whole proteome of SARS-CoV-2 and specific viral proteins. A host-virus interactome was inferred on published PPI, using an explorative algorithm (Random Walk with Restart) triggered by all the 28 proteins of SARS-CoV-2, or each single viral protein one-by-one. The functional analysis for all proteins, linked to many aspects of COVID-19 pathogenesis, allows to identify the subcellular districts, where SARS-CoV-2 proteins seem to be distributed, while in each interactome built around one single viral protein, a different response was described, underlining as ORF8 and ORF3a modulated cardiovascular diseases and pro-inflammatory pathways, respectively. Finally, an explorative network-based approach was applied to Bradykinin Storm, highlighting a possible direct action of ORF3a and NS7b to enhancing this condition.

This network-based model for SARS-CoV-2 infection could be a framework for pathogenic evaluation of specific clinical outcomes. We identified possible host responses induced by specific proteins of SARS-CoV-2, underlining the important role of specific viral accessory proteins in pathogenic phenotypes of severe COVID-19 patients.
The trend of association between autism traits in mothers and severity of autism symptomatology in children
Authors: Karmakar Asmita , Bhattacharya Manisha , Adhya Jayeeta , Chatterjee Susmita , Dogra Atanu Kumar
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are heterogeneous disorders, and heterogeneity lies both at genetic and phenotypic levels. To better understand the etiology and pathway that may contribute to autism symptomatology, it is important to study milder expressions of autism characteristics – autistic traits or milder expressions of autism phenotype, especially in intergenerational context. This study aims to see the trend of association, if any, between child autism symptom and mothers’ autism phenotype as well as mothers’ theory of mind and to see if mothers’ theory of mind was associated with their own autistic traits.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 96 mothers of children with varying symptom severity of autism (mild, moderate and severe) using Autism Spectrum Quotient and faux pas recognition test. Analysis of variance, trend analysis and t-test were done.

Findings

Results showed a linear trend of relationship between mothers’ autism phenotype and child symptom severity. However, the groups did not have significant differences in theory of mind. Only a few components of theory of mind were found to be associated with autistic traits. These findings question the prevailing idea that theory of mind can be a reliable endophenotype of autism.

Research limitations/implications

There has been a lack of research assessing the possible link between parents’ autism phenotype and symptom severity of ASD children. This study is a preliminary step towards that direction. This study indicates a probability of shared genetic liability between mothers and offspring, which would have important consequences for understanding the mechanisms that lead to autism.

Practical implications

This study offers implications for treatment planning of those with clinical ASD. An awareness of parental factors is critical for any holistic intervention plan when a family seeks treatment for their child. This study suggests that while individualising interventions, clinicians may consider possible presence of high levels of autistic traits and related cognitive features present in the probands’ parents.

Originality/value

There has been lack of research assessing the possible link between parents’ autism phenotype and symptom severity of ASD children. This study, even though preliminary, is a step towards that direction. This study suggests that autism traits might be influenced by common genetic variation and indicates a probability of shared genetic liability between mothers and offspring, which would have important consequences for understanding the mechanisms that lead to autism.
An integrated TOPSIS-MOORA-based performance evaluation methodology for the key service providers in sharing economy: case of Airbnb superhosts
Authors: Majumdar Adrija , Adhikari Arnab
Published: November 2020

Purpose

In the context of sharing economy, the superhost program of Airbnb emerges as a phenomenal success story that has transformed the tourism industry and garnered humongous popularity. Proper performance evaluation and classification of the superhosts are crucial to incentivize superhosts to maintain higher service quality. The main objective of this paper is to design an integrated multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) method-based performance evaluation and classification framework for the superhosts of Airbnb and to study the variation in various contextual factors such as price, number of listings and cancelation policy across the superhosts.

Design/methodology/approach

This work considers three weighting techniques, mean, entropy and CRITIC-based methods to determine the weights of factors. For each of the weighting techniques, an integrated TOPSIS-MOORA-based performance evaluation method and classification framework have been developed. The proposed methodology has been applied for the performance evaluation of the superhosts (7,308) of New York City using real data from Airbnb.

Findings

From the perspective of performance evaluation, the importance of devising an integrated methodology instead of adopting a single approach has been highlighted using a nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test. As per the context-specific findings, it has been observed that the price and the number of listings are the highest for the superhosts in the topmost category.

Practical implications

The proposed methodology facilitates the design of a leaderboard to motivate service providers to perform better. Also, it can be applicable in other accommodation-sharing economy platforms and ride-sharing platforms.

Originality/value

This is the first work that proposes a performance evaluation and classification framework for the service providers of the sharing economy in the context of tourism industry.
The impact of health insurance on healthcare service use and costs: evidence from rural China
Authors: Wang Yiqiu , Porter Maria , Jin Songqing
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of introducing a health insurance program in rural China between 2004 and 2006, the New Cooperative Medical Scheme (NCMS).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply difference in difference and propensity score matching methods (PSM-DID) to a widely used panel dataset, the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). Findings are robust across several treatment and comparison groups used in previous NCMS studies.

Findings

Households who participated in NCMS increased the use of preventive services and western medicine, while lowering the use of traditional Chinese medicine. NCMS also reduced hospital use, out of pocket payments, travel time to healthcare facilities and waiting time to see doctors. The authors estimate that reductions in travel and waiting time saved roughly 52m U.S. dollars in 2006.

Research limitations/implications

Previously divergent findings on health insurance effects may be due to researchers studying health insurance across different healthcare delivery systems. In addition, in estimating how health insurance access affects healthcare costs, the authors should consider economic costs related to the time needed to access health services.

Originality/value

The authors study how health insurance access affects patients' choice of providers and economic costs to accessing health care services, outcomes that have not received much attention previously. The authors depart from previous NCMS studies by comparing several different approaches to identifying treatment and control groups when applying PSM-DID.
An empirical study of the internal factors influencing the application of compensation incentives in SMEs
Authors: Balogh Gábor , Sipos Norbert , Rideg András
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Competitiveness is a multidimensional construct, related to a number of external and internal company factors. This paper aims to provide empirical evidence on the relationship between the application of small- and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) compensation incentives as an index/element of human system development and competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

A unique primary data set drawn from the Global Competitiveness Project on SMEs’ competitiveness was analysed, using cross-sectional data of 784 firms. First, descriptive statistics were used to show the data set peculiarities. Second, a forward logistic regression was applied to show the effects on the application of compensation incentives. A 25.1% of explanatory power was found by targeting the application of compensation systems by 7 firm-level principal factors and 30 control variables.

Findings

The findings suggest that there is a higher chance of the application of compensation incentives in cases when the employees possess a more substantial tacit knowledge and formal and informal relationship networks. It is also positively impacted by the higher level of intra-company manifestation of knowledge.

Research limitations/implications

The research was conducted among SMEs from eight countries, based on a unique questionnaire designed for small enterprises. The respective countries are from Europe and Latin America, which serve as a reference category for Hungary. Also, there is a high level of 0 answers for the involved variables. The binary logistic regression methodology is suitable for filtering out some of these; nevertheless, the proportion of uncertain factors remains high as it is indicated by the explanatory power.

Originality/value

The majority of the literature is dealing with large companies in the topic of competitiveness, whereas in this data set, a deeper analysis was carried out among SMEs from eight countries, comparing their results to the Hungarian ones. The findings can be used as reference points for future studies, and the understanding of the HR cycle within SMEs.
South Korean’s fever for public service jobs and exam ronins: from a NHRD management framework
Authors: Kim Namhee , Park Sunyoung
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe South Korea’s unique fever for public service jobs (FPSJ) and to critique it from a National Human Resource Development (NHRD) management framework.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviewed previous studies, news and technical reports related to FPSJ and NHRD to connect FPSJ and NHRD.

Findings

This study analyzed FPSJ-related issues based on three areas (development, allocation and utilization) of human resources and four contexts (political, economic, social and educational backgrounds). FPSJ has led to multiple concerns about developing human resources (vocational education and career guidance), allocating human resources (the unbalanced supply-demand mismatch and flawed selection) and using human resources (delayed job entry and low public service ethos).

Originality/value

This study analyzes the challenges related to FPSJ in Korea from a NHRD perspective. Based on the analysis, this study recommends strategies for reducing the over-emphasis on FPSJ.
Training for event volunteers: factors influencing event managers' resource allocation decision-making
Authors: Leigh Jacqueline , Cairncross Grant , Lamont Matthew
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Managing special events which utilise volunteer labour presents unique challenges due to the time-bound and infrequent nature of events, coupled with the non-traditional employment contractual basis associated with volunteers. Having committed, well-trained volunteers can sometimes be the difference between success and failure for an event. This paper explores factors shaping event managers' decision-making in relation to allocating organisational resources towards training for event volunteers.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilising qualitative methods, a sample of senior event managers practicing within Australia were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews. Their attitudes towards, and factors shaping, their decision-making in relation to allocating organisational resources towards training for event volunteers were analysed and discussed through an interpretive lens.

Findings

Six intervening variables which shaped event managers' decisions to resource volunteer training were identified. These six variables both shaped and constrained event managers' decisions to resource and implement volunteer training.

Originality/value

The study highlights factors that need to be considered when considering attaining festival attendance satisfaction with volunteers’ service provision through training. This work also contributes to future discussions about the value of volunteer training to event success.
Mobile health intervention and COVID-19 pandemic outbreak: insights from Indian context
Authors: Pai Rajesh R. , Alathur Sreejith
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper discusses the need for government and healthcare organization to implement mobile phone-based solutions for healthcare during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. It also highlights the challenges and/or barriers to the rapid introduction, implementation and management of these and other innovative solutions to health service delivery during the current situation

Design/methodology/approach

The data include both qualitative and quantitative, collected from the primary interview-based case study and questionnaire survey. It also uses insights from the general populations, healthcare professionals and health information technology developers to understand the role of a mobile health intervention in the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.

Findings

Healthcare professionals and health information technology developers are confident that the use of mobile health technology and applications has the ability to assist in monitoring and controlling the COVID-19 outbreak. The key advantages of using mobile phone technology are: increased awareness, improved assistance in tracking and testing casualties, improved assistance in seeking and scheduling health information and medical appointments, increased social distancing, improved overall productivity and quality of life. However, data demonstrated that lack of awareness and accessibility or unwillingness to use the technology, complex healthcare needs, application infrastructure, policies and a dearth of training and support are all barriers to successful implementation of this useful tool.

Practical implications

This research has the potential to make a significant impact on government and healthcare policy through presenting a coherent argument for the importance of designing and deploying mobile health technology and applications for the general population.

Originality/value

prior literature in this domain is inadequate in explaining the importance of mobile phone-based healthcare solutions for health service and during serious disease outbreaks and, in particular, within the Indian context. The findings of this study can be used by government and healthcare organizations to improve health governance during the current global pandemic.
Time-frequency linkages of international housing markets and macroeconomic drivers
Authors: Marfatia Hardik
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The studies on international housing markets have not modeled frequency domain and focused only on the time domain. The purpose of the present research is to fill this gap by using the state-of-the-art econometric technique of wavelets to understand how differences in the horizon of analysis across time impact international housing markets’ relationship with some of the key macroeconomic variables. The purpose is to also analyze the direction of causation in the relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses the novel time–frequency analysis of international housing markets’ linkages to the macroeconomic drivers. Unlike conventional approaches that do not distinguish between time and frequency domain, the author uses wavelets to study house prices’ relationship with its drivers in the time–frequency space. The novelty of the approach also allows gaining insights into the debates that deal with the direction of causation between house price changes and macroeconomic variables.

Findings

Results show that the relationship between house prices and key macroeconomic indicators varies significantly across countries, time, frequencies and the direction of causation. House prices are most related to interest rates at the higher frequencies (short-run) and per capita income growth at the lower frequencies (long-run). The role of industrial production and income growth has switched over time at lower frequencies, particularly, in Finland, France, Sweden and Japan. The stock market’s nexus with the housing market is significant mainly at high to medium frequencies around the recent financial crisis.

Research limitations/implications

The present research implies that in contrast to the existing approaches that are limited to the only time domain, the frequency considerations are equally, if not more, important.

Practical implications

Results show that interested researchers and analysts of international housing markets need to account for the both horizon and time under consideration. Because the factors that drive high-frequency movements in housing market are very different from low-frequency movements. Furthermore, these roles vary over time.

Social implications

The insights from the present study suggest policymakers interested in bringing social change in the housing markets need to account for the time–frequency dynamics found in this study.

Originality/value

The paper is novel on at least two dimensions. First, to the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first to propose the use of a time–frequency approach in modeling international housing market dynamics. Second, unlike present studies, it is the first to uncover the direction of causation between house prices and economic variables for each frequency at every point of time.
Corporate cash holdings, firm performance and national governance: evidence from emerging markets
Authors: Jabbouri Imad , Almustafa Hamza
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to document the impact of corporate cash holdings on firm performance in Middle East and North African (MENA) emerging markets. The authors also examine how the quality of national governance shapes the interaction between corporate cash holdings and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ data from non-financial firms listed on the stock markets of twelve MENA countries between 2004 and 2018. The empirical model avoids the shortcomings of the prior literature by applying a dynamic framework to the relationship between cash holdings and firm performance.

Findings

This research reports a significant positive relationship between corporate cash holdings and firm performance. The results appear to be more pronounced in countries with strong national governance and more developed institutional settings. The findings demonstrate that most benefits of corporate cash holdings can be achieved under strong institutional settings. The authors argue that the positive impact that national governance has on individual firms by reinforcing investors' protection and lowering agency problems increases the added value of cash holdings.

Practical implications

The findings should encourage local authorities and policymakers to reinforce the law and instigate new regulations to strengthen the quality of national governance and restore the integrity of local markets.

Originality/value

Prior studies have largely been silent on how national governance can shape the relationship between corporate cash holdings and firm performance. This paper draws attention to this issue within the context of MENA emerging markets. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first study that explores the interaction between cash holdings, firm performance and national governance in MENA emerging markets.
Exploring food security among recently resettled Syrian refugees: results from a qualitative study in two Canadian cities
Authors: Vatanparast Hassan , Koc Mustafa , Farag Marwa , Garcea Joseph , Engler-Stringer Rachel , Qarmout Tamer , Henry Carol , Racine Louise , White Judy , Iqbal Romaina , Khakpour Mahasti , Dasarathi Sindhuja , D'Angelo Sonia
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to provide a qualitative in-depth account of the status and experience of food insecurity for Syrian refugee households in Toronto and Saskatoon, Canada. The study considers the range of geographic, socio-economic, cultural and gendered components shaping and determining the barriers and management of food insecurity.

Design/methodology/approach

The study included 54 semi-structured interviews with refugee families in Toronto and Saskatoon who resettled in Canada after November 2015. In addition, 15 semi-structured in-person or telephone interviews were conducted with settlement and support agencies to measure their capacity to respond to issues of food insecurity for Syrian refugees.

Findings

Syrian refugees reported experiencing food insecurity as part of the broader resettlement journey, including in the transitional phase of refuge and in each settlement context in Canada. Income status in Canada was reported as a key barrier to food security. Low-income barriers to food security were experienced and shaped by factors including food affordability, physical access and availability and the extent of familial or other support networks including sponsorship relationships. Participants also reported how managing food insecurity contributed to the intensification of gender expectations.

Originality/value

The analysis reveals food insecurity as both an income and non-income based concern for refugees during the process of resettlement. The study also highlights the importance of considering variations between primary barriers to food security identified by Syrian families and key informants as critical to the development of strategies designed to mitigate the impacts of resettlement on food security.
Information-sharing strategy for online platform: the impact of suppliers’ price and advertising competition
Authors: Yang Dongsheng , Xu Minghui
Published: November 2020

Purpose

In recent years, with the rapid development of the Internet and e-commerce, the online retail business has grown rapidly. E-commerce platforms can track different click data to understand consumer behavior and demand preferences, so as to make better demand forecasts, and strategically share this information with upstream suppliers. When the platform charges a certain fee for the shared data, the suppliers face the question of whether to purchase demand information. This article aims to analyze the influence of price competition and advertising competition on the suppliers' decisions to purchase information and the online platform for data pricing.

Design/methodology/approach

By using static game with incomplete information, this paper explores information-sharing strategies of an online platform with two competitive brand suppliers. The authors use Nash game to analyze the suppliers' purchasing information decision and then obtain the optimal information price of the online platform with information-sharing contract.

Findings

This paper shows that demand information sharing benefits both the platform and the suppliers. Without information contracts, the online platform is willing to share demand information with at least one supplier. Especially, when the consumer's sensitivity to advertising is larger and the commission fee charged by the online platform is small, the online platforms will share information with only one supplier. Based on the game outcomes between the suppliers, two pricing strategies for information are proposed under which at least one supplier purchases information. If the consumers are less (more) sensitive to advertising competition, pricing strategy of the online platform induces both suppliers (only one supplier) to purchase information.

Originality/value

At present, most of the information-sharing articles are based on the traditional purchase and sale mode. Based on the background of e-commerce, this paper examines the online platform's information-sharing strategies, which has certain innovation. In addition, the results show that the information-sharing strategy of the online platform is affected by both the price and advertising competitiveness, which provides a new expansion and supplement for the information-sharing literature.
Leave no one behind: including the health of prisoners in international development frameworks is essential for achieving sustainable development goals
Authors: Naravage Wanapa , van der Putten Marc , Krumeich Anja , Falqui Luca , Doran Rodger
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The pledge of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is “to leave no one behind.” However, there are significant groups of people who are at risk of being left behind. The health and social issues facing prisoners are well known, but past initiatives to address them through international development initiatives have failed to gain widespread support. The purpose of this paper is to advocate for inclusion of prison health care in current international development frameworks such as Universal Health Coverage and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a commentary paper.

Findings

The governments of most countries have accepted both the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Universal Health Coverage as frameworks for future national development planning. Including prison health care in these frameworks will provide a powerful platform for those advocating for better prison health services and will allow governments wary of offending public opinion to make significant changes to the way prisons are managed. Providing better prison health care services will not only lead to better long-term population health outcomes overall but will also contribute to achieving the 2030 Agenda aspiration to “leave no-one behind.”

Originality/value

This paper provides a discussion of current international development guidance and identifies that prison health care is not sufficiently recognized as an essential contributor to achieving the sustainable development goals.
A practice-based learning approach toward sustainable consumption in the workplace
Authors: Figueiredo Marina Dantas de , Castro Neyliane Maranhão de , Silva Minelle E.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze how changes toward sustainable consumption of electric energy [1] are learned in the workplace, the paper uses a practice-based approach to organizational learning. This paper focuses on the workplace as a rich environment where social learning is not limited to individuals but is also rooted in the community of practitioners at an organizational level.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used participative action research through interviews, two focus groups and observations. Departing from the interventions, this paper identified the elements of the practice of energy consumption. This paper further altered elements to intentionally promote the reconfiguration of such practice toward sustainable patterns among the working group.

Findings

The results show that the goal of promoting sustainability through changes in the individual and collective actions and understandings may be achieved through sharing knowledge and keeping knowledge alive within the practices of a community; embedding knowledge in material practices and innovating as an ongoing process. During the research, this paper observed that employees became more aware of sustainable consumption and such self-consciousness prompted behavioral changes in the workplace. Likewise, the new material arrangements adopted in the work environment nudged sustainable energy consumption, which required lower levels of awareness.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to sustainability studies by providing more information on how the learning of sustainable energy consumption happens in the level of social practices. It also contributes to workplace studies by showing that changes in materials, meanings and competences interwove with new dynamics to reshape the practice, foreshadowing more lasting changes toward sustainability.
Immunology of COVID‐19
Authors: Brüssow Harald
Published: November 2020

The immune response to SARS‐CoV‐2 reveals a delicate balance between protective effects and harmful pathological reactions and can possibly explain the highly variable disease manifestations in subjects infected with this novel coronavirus. A better understanding of the anti‐viral immune response is not only critical for vaccine development but might also provide targets for pharmaceutical and immunological treatment options. Recent research literature on immune aspects of COVID‐19 is summarized in this review with an outlook how bats have evolved to live with these viral infections.
Health insurance coverage and self‐employment
Authors: Berkowitz Seth A. , Gold Rachel , Domino Marisa Elena , Basu Sanjay
Published: November 2020

Background

Self‐employed workers are 10% of the US labor force, with growth projected over the next decade. Whether existing policy mechanisms are sufficient to ensure health insurance coverage for self‐employed workers, who do not have access to employer‐sponsored coverage, is unclear.

Objective

To determine whether self‐employment is associated with lack of health insurance coverage.

Data Sources

Secondary analysis of Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data collected 2014‐2017.

Study Design

Participants were working age (18‐64 years), employed, civilian noninstitutionalized US adults with two years of Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) participation in 2014‐2017. We compared those who were employees vs those who were self‐employed. Key outcomes were self‐report of health insurance coverage, and of delaying needed medical care.

Data Extraction Methods

Longitudinal design among individuals who were employees during study year 1, comparing health insurance coverage among those who did vs did not transition to self‐employment in year 2.

Principal Findings

16 335 individuals, representing 121 473 345 working‐age adults, met inclusion criteria; of these, 147, representing 1 097 582 individuals, transitioned to self‐employment. In unadjusted analyses, 25.7% of those who became self‐employed were uninsured in year 2, vs 8.1% of those who remained employees (P < .0001). In adjusted models, self‐employment was associated with greater risk of being uninsured (26.1% vs 8.0%, risk difference 18.0%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 9.2% to 26.9%, P = .0001). A time‐by‐employment type product term suggests that 10.0 percentage points (95%CI 0.3 to 19.7 percentage points, P = .04) of the risk difference may be attributable to the change to self‐employment. Self‐employment was also associated with delaying needed medical care (12.0% vs 3.1%, risk difference: 8.9%, 95% CI 3.1% to 14.6%, P = .003).

Conclusions

One in four self‐employed workers lack health insurance coverage. Given the rise in self‐employment, it is imperative to identify ways to improve health care insurance access for self‐employed working‐age US adults.
Acceptability and Co‐Development of an Online Cognitive Bias Modification Intervention for Emerging Adults With Hazardous Alcohol Use and Social Anxiety: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Prior Katrina , Salemink Elske , Wiers Reinout W. , Teachman Bethany A. , Piggott Monique , Newton Nicola C. , Teesson Maree , Baillie Andrew J. , Campbell Samuel , Stapinski Lexine A.
Published: November 2020

Background

Approach bias modification (ApBM) and interpretation bias modification (IBM) are two promising adjunct treatments for alcohol use and social anxiety, respectively. However, the acceptability of combining ApBM and IBM into one program for people who experience both of these disorders is unknown. The present study describes the codevelopment of a new, hybrid ApBM + IBM program and provides insight into the perceptions of acceptability from service providers and emerging adults.

Methods

Service providers (n = 14) and emerging adults aged 18 to 25 years with lived experience of hazardous alcohol use and heightened social anxiety (n = 15) were recruited via online advertisements and through existing networks. All participants were shown a beta version of the program and asked to complete qualitative and quantitative questions to ascertain feedback on the program’s acceptability and suggestions for improvement.

Results

Themes emerged relating to the ApBM + IBM program’s quality and usefulness, appropriateness, motivation and engagement, and potential clinical value. The program was well received and deemed acceptable for the target age group. It was rated particularly highly with regard to the overall quality and ease of use. Emerging adults had fewer suggestions for how the intervention might be revised; however, there were suggestions from both groups regarding the need for a compelling rationale at the outset of treatment and a suggestion to include a motivational interviewing and psychoeducational‐based module prior to the first training session, to increase user buy‐in and engagement.

Conclusions

The current findings reflect positively on the acceptability of a hybrid ApBM + IBM for emerging adults with co‐occurring hazardous alcohol use and social anxiety. Service providers and emerging adults identified a number of ways to improve the design and implementation of the program, which will likely improve adherence to, and outcomes of, the intervention when added as an adjunct to treatment as usual.
DNA metabarcoding reveals that African leopard diet varies between habitats
Authors: Havmøller Rasmus Worsøe , Jacobsen Nis Sand , Havmøller Linnea Worsøe , Rovero Francesco , Scharff Nikolaj , Bohmann Kristine
Published: November 2020

Understanding carnivores’ diet is key to understanding their adaptability in a rapidly changing world. However, studying diet of large carnivores is difficult due to their elusive nature. In this study, we performed DNA metabarcoding analyses of 82 putative leopard scats collected from two distinct, but connected, habitat types (rainforest and grassland) in the Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania. Two mitochondrial markers were used to identify predator and prey. Metabarcoding confirmed that 60 of the collected scats (73%) originated from leopards, and nineteen mammalian prey DNA sequences were identified to species. Using prey size correction factors for leopards, and covariates on habitat type and prey ecology, we investigated whether differences in leopard dietary composition were detectable between habitats. We found that leopards in grassland consumed a larger mean prey size compared with leopards in rainforest. Small prey (<19 kg) constituted >70% of the biomass consumed by leopards in rainforest, while large prey (≥80 kg) were only eaten in grassland. Arboreal species constituted 50% of the biomass consumed by rainforest leopards. Our results highlight the importance of arboreal species in their diet. From a management perspective, we suggest continued protection of all prey species in the protected areas to prevent human–wildlife conflicts.
Varicocoele and oxidative stress: New perspectives from animal and human studies
Authors: Razi Mazdak , Tavalaee Marziyeh , Sarrafzadeh‐Rezaei Farshid , Moazamian Aron , Gharagozloo Parviz , Drevet Joël R. , Nasr‐Eshafani Mohammad‐Hossein
Published: November 2020

Background

Varicocoele (VCL), one of the main causes of male subfertility, negatively affects testicular function. Due to limited access to human testicular tissue, animal model studies have been used to evaluate molecular and, recently, epigenetic changes attributed to pathophysiology induced by VCL.

Objectives

This review aims to provide an update on the latest findings regarding the link between VCL‐induced biochemical stress and molecular changes in germ cells and spermatozoa. Endocrine and antioxidant status, testicular chaperone‐specific hemostasis failure, altered testicular ion balance, metabolic disorders, and altered carbon cycling during spermatogenesis are among the many features that will be presented.

Discussion

Literature review coupled with our own findings suggests that ionic imbalance, hypoxia, hyperthermia, and altered blood flow could lead to severe chronic oxidative and nitrosative stress in patients with VCL leading to defective spermatogenesis and impairment of the integrity of all sperm cell components and compartments down to the epigenetic information they carry.

Conclusion

Since oxidative stress is an important feature of the reproductive pathology of VCL, therapeutic strategies such as the administration of appropriate antioxidants could be undertaken as a complementary non‐invasive treatment line.
The oxysterol receptor GPR183 in inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Misselwitz Benjamin , Wyss Annika , Raselli Tina , Cerovic Vuk , Sailer Andreas W. , Krupka Niklas , Ruiz Florian , Pot Caroline , Pabst Oliver
Published: November 2020

Immune cell trafficking is an important mechanism for the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The oxysterol receptor GPR183 and its ligands, dihydroxylated oxysterols, can mediate positioning of immune cells including innate lymphoid cells. GPR183 has been mapped to an IBD risk locus, however another gene, Ubac2 is encoded on the reverse strand and associated with Behçet's disease, therefore the role of GPR183 as a genetic risk factor requires validation. GPR183 and production of its oxysterol ligands are up‐regulated in human IBD and murine colitis. Gpr183 inactivation reduced severity of colitis in group 3 innate lymphoid cells‐dependent colitis and in IL‐10 colitis but not in dextran sodium sulphate colitis. Irrespectively, Gpr183 knockout strongly reduced accumulation of intestinal lymphoid tissue in health and all colitis models. In conclusion, genetic, translational and experimental studies implicate GPR183 in IBD pathogenesis and GPR183‐dependent cell migration might be a therapeutic drug target for IBD.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Oxysterols, Lifelong Health and Therapeutics. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.16/issuetoc
In infancy, it’s the extremes of arousal that are ‘sticky’: Naturalistic data challenge purely homeostatic approaches to studying self‐regulation
Authors: Wass Samuel V. , Smith Celia G. , Clackson Kaili , Mirza Farhan U.
Published: November 2020

Most theoretical models of arousal/regulatory function emphasise the maintenance of homeostasis; consistent with this, most previous research into arousal has concentrated on examining individuals’ recovery following the administration of experimentally administered stressors. Here, we take a different approach: we recorded day‐long spontaneous fluctuations in autonomic arousal (indexed via electrocardiogram, heart rate variability and actigraphy) in a cohort of 82 typically developing 12‐month‐old infants while they were at home and awake. Based on the aforementioned models, we hypothesised that extreme high or low arousal states might be more short‐lived than intermediate arousal states. Our results suggested that, contrary to this, both low‐ and high‐arousal states were more persistent than intermediate arousal states. The same pattern was present when the data were viewed over multiple epoch sizes from 1 s to 5 min; over 10–15‐minute time‐scales, high‐arousal states were more persistent than low‐ and intermediate states. One possible explanation for these findings is that extreme arousal states have intrinsically greater hysteresis; another is that, through ‘metastatic’ processes, small initial increases and decreases in arousal can become progressively amplified over time. Rather than exclusively using experimental paradigms to study recovery, we argue that future research should also use naturalistic data to study the mechanisms through which states can be maintained or amplified over time.
The negative impact of barriers to entry on income inequality
Authors: Overstreet Dallin
Published: November 2020

Barriers to entry such as fees, licensing, or educational requirements make it more difficult to start businesses. Problematically, many barriers to entry are due to regulatory capture and serve only to benefit incumbent firms. These regulations, which are created by government, often make it exceedingly difficult for low‐income individuals to start new businesses, denying individuals access to higher‐paying occupations. I estimate two models and find that barriers to entry increase income inequality. A one‐point decrease in the World Bank's ease of starting a business score equates to a 0.15–1.25‐point increase in the Gini coefficient.
Prenatal diagnosis of pulmonary artery sling associated with tracheal agenesis: A case report
Authors: Qi Yanhua , Huo Huanhuan , Ma Miaoyan , Wu Jinfang , Li Xiaopeng , Liu Baomin
Published: November 2020

Pulmonary artery sling (PAS) and tracheal agenesis (TA) are rare diseases, and most cases of PAS are associated with tracheal bronchial malformations. However, PAS associated with TA is yet to be reported. We report a case of PAS with TA diagnosed prenatally. Due to the extremely low incidence, physicians do not have sufficient understanding of these diseases and it is challenging to diagnose these diseases by prenatal ultrasound, with high rates of misdiagnosis. Prenatal examination of the pulmonary artery branches, trachea, and esophagus is useful; therefore, improving the accuracy of prenatal diagnosis will help in perinatal management and counseling.
Diurnal and nocturnal foraging specialisation in Neotropical army ants
Authors: O'Donnell Sean , Lattke John , Powell Scott , Kaspari Michael
Published: November 2020

Temporal segregation of species' activity periods may lessen interspecific competition.

e tested for temporal segregation among Neotropical army ants (Formicidae: Dorylinae). Co‐occurring species overlap on prey resources, and regular colony movements and long‐distance raiding increase interspecific interference.

We hypothesised interspecific competition selects for temporal separation of species' raid periods into diurnal versus nocturnal activity. We predicted species would differ significantly in their timing of foraging. We further predicted timing would differ among congeners because close relatives likely overlap in resource needs.

Trail walk encounter rates were used to estimate species' diurnal versus nocturnal foraging activity at four Neotropical sites.

Army ant species differed significantly in foraging times. There were significantly diurnal and nocturnal specialists; some species foraged at similar rates day and night. Two genera (EcitonandNeivamyrmex) included both diurnal and nocturnal specialists. Relative eye size (a morphological indicator of above‐ground activity) was positively associated with diel foraging specialisation (both diurnal and nocturnal).

Temporal separation of foraging times may play a role in allowing Neotropical army ant species to occupy the same habitat. Diel specialisation may be a common mechanism for species coexistence in tropical forests where season‐based phenological changes are often moderated.