bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Workplace spirituality and employee loyalty: an empirical investigation among millennials in India
Authors: Aboobaker Nimitha , Edward Manoj , K.A. Zakkariya
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper examines the relationship between dimensions of workplace spirituality (meaningful work, sense of community and alignment with organizational values) and employee loyalty (intention to stay, benefit insensitivity toward alternate employers and word of mouth about the organization), in the context of millennials who are three times more likely to change jobs, than other generations.

Design/methodology/approach

This descriptive study was conducted among a sample of 308 employees, working in private sector organizations in India. Self-reporting questionnaires were administered among the respondents, who were selected through a purposive sampling method and structural equation modeling was done to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The three dimensions of workplace spirituality had varying influences on the outcomes variables. Alignment with organizational values was positively related to all dimensions of employee loyalty, whereas the sense of community had a positive association with intention to stay and benefit insensitivity while meaningful work indicated positive influence only on benefit insensitivity. The findings, in general, suggest that employees’ experience of workplace spirituality has significant positive influence on their loyalty toward the organization.

Originality/value

This study is pioneering in conceptualizing and testing a theoretical model linking workplace spirituality and employee loyalty, particularly in the context of millennials, who form 50 per cent of the workforce and reportedly exhibit higher turnover intentions. The study gains relevance in the context of reports about monetary/non-monetary preferences among millennial employees and that the generation is not too keen in working with teams, but would rather prefer working in an organization, which provides space for self-actualization in individual growth. Implications for their experience of workplace spirituality and outcomes are elaborated, thus striving to fill a gap in the existing literature.
Entrepreneurship education in China
Authors: Liu Tiantian , Walley Keith , Pugh Geoff , Adkins Paul
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to generate insight into the effects of entrepreneurship education in China by conducting a preliminary scoping study of the enterprising tendency of university students studying business.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a self-administered questionnaire based on the General Measure of Enterprising Tendency v2 (GET2) test to measure the enterprising tendency of a group of Chinese university students. Decision trees, using the Chi-square automatic interaction detector (CHAID) approach, and multiple regression analyses were used to investigate the enterprising tendency of respondents.

Findings

The findings from this study indicate that the students have an overall medium level of enterprising tendency and strengths in some enterprising characteristics. The findings reveal that gender, family business, hometown and entrepreneurship education are significantly related to enterprising tendency but that age, household income, parents’ education and occupation are not.

Research limitations/implications

Although the study is based on a relatively small sample taken from just one university in Beijing, the findings suggest that the enterprising tendency of students can be encouraged by entrepreneurship education. Combined with evidence that entrepreneurship education is at a relatively early stage of development in China, this finding suggests considerable scope to increase student’s enterprising tendency by extending, creating a more favourable environment for and improving the methods used to deliver entrepreneurship education. Enterprising tendency can be argued to naturally result in entrepreneurial intention; however, this extension is beyond the scope of this study, which is restricted to the analysis of enterprising tendency.

Originality/value

This study makes an original contribution to knowledge as it is one of the first studies to explore enterprising tendency among university students in China. It has value for government, policymakers and university program designers in that it provides direction for entrepreneurship education in China.
Too little too late: can we control browser fingerprinting?
Authors: Al-Fannah Nasser Mohammed , Mitchell Chris
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Browser fingerprinting is increasingly being used for online tracking of users, and, unlike the use of cookies, is almost impossible for users to control. This has a major negative impact on online privacy. Despite the availability of a range of fingerprinting countermeasures as well as some limited attempts by browser vendors to curb its effectiveness, it remains largely uncontrolled. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides the first comprehensive and structured discussion of measures to limit or control browser fingerprinting, covering both user-based and browser-based techniques.

Findings

This study discusses the limitations of counter browser fingerprinting measures and the need for browser vendor support in controlling fingerprinting. Further, a somewhat counterintuitive possible new browser identifier is proposed which could make cookies and fingerprint-based tracking redundant; the need for, and possible effect of, this feature is discussed.

Originality/value

This study provides the first comprehensive and structured discussion of measures to limit or control browser fingerprinting. Also, it proposes a new browser identifier that could make cookies and fingerprint-based tracking redundant.
Highly automated interviews: applicant reactions and the organizational context
Authors: Langer Markus , König Cornelius J. , Sanchez Diana Ruth-Pelipez , Samadi Sören
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The technological evolution of job interviews continues as highly automated interviews emerge as alternative approaches. Initial evidence shows that applicants react negatively to such interviews. Additionally, there is emerging evidence that contextual influences matter when investigating applicant reactions to highly automated interviews. However, previous research has ignored higher-level organizational contexts (i.e. which kind of organization uses the selection procedure) and individual differences (e.g. work experience) regarding applicant reactions. The purpose of this paper is to investigate applicant reactions to highly automated interviews for students and employees and the role of the organizational context when using such interviews.

Design/methodology/approach

In a 2 × 2 online study, participants read organizational descriptions of either an innovative or an established organization and watched a video displaying a highly automated or a videoconference interview. Afterwards, participants responded to applicant reaction items.

Findings

Participants (n=148) perceived highly automated interviews as more consistent but as conveying less social presence. The negative effect on social presence diminished organizational attractiveness. The organizational context did not affect applicant reactions to the interview approaches, whereas differences between students and employees emerged but only affected privacy concerns to the interview approaches.

Research limitations/implications

The organizational context seems to have negligible effects on applicant reactions to technology-enhanced interviews. There were only small differences between students and employees regarding applicant reactions.

Practical implications

In a tense labor market, hiring managers need to be aware of a trade-off between efficiency and applicant reactions regarding technology-enhanced interviews.

Originality/value

This study investigates high-level contextual influences and individual differences regarding applicant reactions to highly automated interviews.
New frontiers in cognitive ability testing: working memory
Authors: Martin Nicholas , Capman John , Boyce Anthony , Morgan Kyle , Gonzalez Manuel Francisco , Adler Seymour
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Cognitive ability tests demonstrate strong relationships with job performance, but have several limitations; notably, subgroup differences based on race/ethnicity. As an alternative, the purpose of this paper is to develop a working memory assessment for personnel selection contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors describe the development of Global Adaptive Memory Evaluation (G.A.M.E.) – a working memory assessment – along with three studies focused on refining and validating G.A.M.E., including examining test-taker reactions, reliability, subgroup differences, construct and criterion-related validity, and measurement equivalence across computer and mobile devices.

Findings

Evidence suggests that G.A.M.E. is a reliable and valid tool for employee selection. G.A.M.E. exhibited convergent validity with other cognitive assessments, predicted job performance, yielded smaller subgroup differences than traditional cognitive ability tests, was engaging for test-takers, and upheld equivalent measurement across computers and mobile devices.

Research limitations/implications

Additional research is needed on the use of working memory assessments as an alternative to traditional cognitive ability testing, including its advantages and disadvantages, relative to other constructs and methods.

Practical implications

The findings illustrate working memory’s potential as an alternative to traditional cognitive ability assessments and highlight the need for cognitive ability tests that rely on modern theories of intelligence and leverage burgeoning mobile technology.

Originality/value

This paper highlights an alternative to traditional cognitive ability tests, namely, working memory assessments, and demonstrates how to design reliable, valid, engaging and mobile-compatible versions.
Ten lessons for qualitative transformative service researchers
Authors: Azzari Courtney Nations , Baker Stacey Menzel
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper offers key methodological insights for scholars new to qualitative transformative service research (TSR).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper offers ten lessons on conducting qualitative TSR that the authors have gleaned, across more than 30 years (combined) of qualitative inquiries and engagement with other scholars conducting and publishing what may be now termed TSR.

Findings

The key lessons of conducting qualitative TSR work include: displaying ethics in conducting and presenting qualitative TSR; preparing for and understanding the research context; considering design, mechanics and technical elements; being participant-centric; co-creating meaning with participants; seeking/using diverse types of data; analyzing data in an iterative fashion, including/respecting multiple perspectives; presenting evidence in innovative ways; and looking inward at every stage of the research process.

Social implications

The paper provides implications for addressing the vulnerability of both research participants and researchers with the aim of improving research methods that lead to improved service research and well-being outcomes.

Originality/value

Clearly, the complexity and importance of the social problems TSR scholars investigate – poverty, war, disaster recovery, inadequate healthcare – requires preparation for how to engage in transformative service research. Importantly, the paper fits with recent persistent calls within the broader literature of services marketing to: use service research and design to create “uplifting changes” within society and broaden the paradigmatic underpinnings of service research to include dynamic, process-oriented approaches, which capture the dynamic and relational aspects of service ecosystems.
The influence of culture on quality management practices and their effects on perceived service quality by secondary school students
Authors: Soria-García José , Martínez-Lorente Ángel Rafael
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how quality culture influences the relationship between total quality management (TQM) and secondary school students’ perceived service quality (PSQ).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors underpin research to analyse the effect of quality culture and TQM practices on PSQ. The sample included questionnaires completed by 268 teachers and 559 students from 56 secondary schools in the Murcia Region (Spain). The proposed model comprises an exogenous construct (quality culture) and three endogenous ones (two constructs represent the TQM model’s infrastructure practices and core practices, whereas one represents PSQ), and specifies the relations among them. The authors used the variance-based structural equation modeling technique and the partial least squares estimation method to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Its empirical analysis reveals that the quality culture influences the effectiveness of QM practices by suggesting a significant strong effect on infrastructure and core quality practices. In turn, the analysis reveals that these two QM aspects differently have an impact on PSQ. Finally, the mediation analysis results reveal the indirect significant impact of the quality culture on PSQ through the mediator effect of QM practices.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this work is to theoretically explain and empirically prove some mechanisms by which education centers can develop and implement a total quality initiative. The findings provide ideas for management teams about how to personalize TQM practices to achieve optimum performance outcomes.
Between blame and care: women's ‘needs talk’ about obesity interventions in prenatal care
Authors: Lauridsen Drude Skov
Published: January 2020

Pregnant women's weight is no longer a private life situation, but a public health issue. In western prenatal care policies, pregnant women with a high body mass index (BMI) are targeted as a high‐risk group in need of extra prenatal care to prevent pregnancy complications and childhood obesity. Recent studies argue that such targeting leads to a number of unintended negative consequences for women such as stigmatisation and mother blame. While targeting based on BMI increases the surveillance of women's weight and behaviour in pregnancy, it might also provide extra care and services for women. This article draws on Nancy Fraser's concept of ‘needs talk’ to investigate how women interpret Danish prenatal care services provided to meet the ‘obese’ pregnant women's needs. The analysis shows that women engage ambivalently with claims about their needs and who they ‘are’ as these are formulated by health authorities. Some claims and assumptions about the ‘obese’ pregnant woman are accepted. Others are rejected or redefined. The article concludes by discussing maternal ambivalence about the obesity discourse in relation to the ‘obese’ pregnant woman as a category that positions women between being blamed and receiving extra prenatal care.
Dreaming under fire: the psyche in times of continuous stress
Authors: Kron Tamar
Published: January 2020

Continuous stress and trauma are manifested in dreams, the study of which can expand our knowledge concerning unconscious reactions to trauma and efforts of coping with continuous traumatic situations. In our research we asked people living under continuous threat of rocket attacks to record their dreams and their associations to them during four consecutive weeks. We collected 609 dreams from 44 women and 18 men (age range 14‐62). The dreams submitted were analysed according to the Jungian approach in the light of the information and associations presented by the subjects. Full dream series of dreamers from each group were analysed in an attempt to capture the depth‐psychological experience of living and dreaming under fire. The most frequent themes found were: ‘concrete vs. symbolic', ‘togetherness', ‘active ego', ‘fear and anxiety', ‘shadow' and ‘personal issue'.

The subjects were divided into three age groups. Differences between the occurrences of themes were examined. On the unconscious level our results showed that the adolescents group seemed to be the most vulnerable to the stress situation (preponderance of concrete dreams), the mature adults group was the least influenced by it (preponderance of symbolic dreams and of the ‘personal issue' theme) and the young adults group made the greatest psychological efforts for coping (preponderance of ‘active ego' theme). We noted few anima figures appearing in the men's dreams, while animus figures appeared in the women's dreams. In another study undertaken immediately after one of the recent wars in Gaza we collected dreams of Israelis living in the south of Israel who were under heavy daily rocket attacks, and dreams of Palestinians living in the West Bank. The most significant difference we found between the groups was a preponderance of symbolic dreams among the Palestinians, as opposed to a preponderance of concrete trauma dreams among the Israeli group living on the Gaza border. In both groups we found archetypal symbols of evil. In conclusion, dreams can help us detect emotional distress, even when subjects seem ‘ok'. Early detection and working with dreams can help prevent the severity of delayed PTSD.
Biotransformation of green tea (Camellia sinensis) by wine yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Wang Rui , Sun Jingcan , Lassabliere Benjamin , Yu Bin , Liu Shao Quan
Published: January 2020

Wine yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae 71B was used in fermentation of green tea to modulate the volatiles and nonvolatiles. After fermentation, higher alcohols, esters, and acids, such as isoamyl alcohol, isobutanol, ethyl octanoate, ethyl decanoate, octanoic, and decanoic acids were generated. Some key aroma compounds of tea including linalool, hotrienol, dihydroactinidiolide, and 2‐phenylethanol increased significantly. Among these compounds, linalool and 2‐phenylethanol increased by 1.3‐ and 10‐fold, respectively, which impart floral and fruity notes to fermented green tea. Alkaloids including caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline were reduced significantly after fermentation, while the most important free amino acid in tea, theanine, was not metabolized by S. cerevisiae. Tea catechins decreased whereas gallic and caffeic acids increased significantly, resulting in the unchanged antioxidant capacity of the fermented green tea. Hence, this work highlighted the potential of using S. cerevisiae to modulate green tea aroma and nonvolatiles.

Practical Application

A novel fermented tea is produced by yeast fermentation. Saccharomyces cerevisiae led to significant changes in tea volatiles and nonvolatiles. Antioxidant capacity remained stable after fermentation.
Efficacy of TNFα inhibitors for refractory vascular Behçet's disease: A multicenter observational study of 27 patients and a review of the literature
Authors: Aksoy Aysun , Yazici Ayten , Omma Ahmet , Cefle Ayse , Onen Fatos , Tasdemir Unal , Ergun Tulin , Direskeneli Haner , Alibaz‐Oner Fatma
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Vascular involvement is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in Behçet's disease (BD) patients. Immunosuppressive (IS) agents are the mainstay of vascular BD (VBD) treatment; however, up to one‐third of patients relapse under conventional ISs. In this case series, we present the results of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNFα) inhibitor use for the treatment of VBD patients who were refractory to conventional ISs and corticosteroids.

Methods

This retrospective multicenter study included 27 refractory VBD patients treated with TNFα inhibitor agents. All data were acquired from patient charts.

Results

Complete clinical remission was achieved in 22 (80%) patients within 3 months of the initiation of TNFα inhibitors. Infliximab was the first choice of TNFα inhibitor in 24 and adalimumab in three patients. The median daily dose of corticosteroids significantly decreased at 3 months. A trend toward a higher rate of complete remission was observed with concomitant IS use compared to monotherapy of TNFα inhibitors (93% vs 67%, P = .09). Serious side effects were observed in two patients (one pneumonia and one tuberculosis).

Conclusion

Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha inhibitors seem a highly effective option for remission‐induction of refractory VBD with an acceptable safety data. Concomitant IS use may achieve higher complete remission rates as compared to TNFα inhibitor monotherapy. Comparative efficacy and safety of biological agents for VBD require further prospective, randomized controlled studies with a longer duration of follow‐up.
Defence in Depth Against Human Extinction: Prevention, Response, Resilience, and Why They All Matter
Authors: Cotton‐Barratt Owen , Daniel Max , Sandberg Anders
Published: January 2020

We look at classifying extinction risks in three different ways, which affect how we can intervene to reduce risk. First, how does it start causing damage? Second, how does it reach the scale of a global catastrophe? Third, how does it reach everyone? In all of these three phases there is a defence layer that blocks most risks: First, we can prevent catastrophes from occurring. Second, we can respond to catastrophes before they reach a global scale. Third, humanity is resilient against extinction even in the face of global catastrophes. The largest probability of extinction is posed when all of these defences are weak, that is, by risks we are unlikely to prevent, unlikely to successfully respond to, and unlikely to be resilient against. We find that it’s usually best to invest significantly into strengthening all three defence layers. We also suggest ways to do so tailored to the classes of risk we identify. Lastly, we discuss the importance of underlying risk factors – events or structural conditions that may weaken the defence layers even without posing a risk of immediate extinction themselves.
TSLP and IL‐33 reciprocally promote each other's lung protein expression and ILC2 receptor expression to enhance innate type‐2 airway inflammation
Authors: Toki Shinji , Goleniewska Kasia , Zhang Jian , Zhou Weisong , Newcomb Dawn C. , Zhou Baohua , Kita Hirohito , Boyd Kelli L. , Peebles Ray S.
Published: January 2020

Background

The epithelial cell‐derived danger signal mediators thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and IL‐33 are consistently associated with adaptive Th2 immune responses in asthma. In addition, TSLP and IL‐33 synergistically promoted group 2 innate lymphoid cell (ILC2) activation to induce innate allergic inflammation. However, the mechanism of this synergistic ILC2 activation is unknown.

Methods

BALB/c WT and TSLP receptor‐deficient (TSLPR−/−) mice were challenged intranasally with Alternaria extract (Alt‐Ext) or PBS for 4 consecutive days to evaluate innate airway allergic inflammation. WT mice pre‐administered with rTSLP or vehicle, TSLPR−/− mice, and IL‐33 receptor‐deficient (ST2−/−) mice were challenged intranasally with Alt‐Ext or vehicle once or twice to evaluate IL‐33 release and TSLP expression in the lung. TSLPR and ST2 expression on lung ILC2 were measured by flow cytometry after treatment of rTSLP, rIL‐33, rTSLP + rIL‐33, or vehicle.

Results

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin receptor deficient mice had significantly decreased the number of lung ILC2 expressing IL‐5 and IL‐13 following Alt‐Ext‐challenge compared to WT mice. Further, eosinophilia, protein level of lung IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13, and airway mucus score were also significantly decreased in TSLPR−/− mice compared to WT mice. Endogenous and exogenous TSLP increased Alt‐Ext‐induced IL‐33 release into BALF, and ST2 deficiency decreased Alt‐Ext‐induced TSLP expression in the lung. Further, rTSLP and rIL‐33 treatment reciprocally increased each other's receptor expression on lung ILC2 in vivo and in vitro.

Conclusion

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin and IL‐33 signaling reciprocally enhanced each other's protein release and expression in the lung following Alt‐Ext‐challenge and each other's receptor expression on lung ILC2 to enhance ILC2 activation.
Comel‐Netherton syndrome: A local skin barrier defect in the absence of an underlying systemic immunodeficiency
Authors: Stuvel Kira , Heeringa Jorn J. , Dalm Virgil A. S. H. , Meijers Ruud W. J. , van Hoffen Els , Gerritsen Susan A. M. , van Zelm Menno C. , Pasmans Suzanne G. M. A.
Published: January 2020

Background

Comel‐Netherton syndrome (NS) is a rare autosomal disease, characterized by severe skin disease, hair shaft defects, atopic diathesis, and increased susceptibility for skin infections. Since patients with NS suffer from recurrent infections, it has been hypothesized that an underlying immunodeficiency attributes to this. Here, we studied clinical and immunological characteristics of the cohort of NS patients in the Netherlands in order to identify whether potential immunodeficiencies result in the increased risk of infectious complications.

Methods

Phenotypes were scored for severity of skin condition, specific hair shaft defects, atopy, and recurrent infections. Patients’ blood samples were collected for quantification of serum immunoglobulin (Ig) levels, specific antibodies against Streptococcus pneumoniae, and allergen‐specific IgE, as well as detailed immunophenotyping of blood leukocyte and lymphocyte subsets by flow cytometry.

Results

A total of 14 patients were included with age range 3‐46 years and varying degrees of skin involvement. All patients presented with atopic symptoms (food allergy, n = 13; hay fever, n = 10; asthma, n = 7). Recurrent skin infections were common, particularly in childhood (n = 12). Low levels of specific antibodies against S pneumoniae were found in 10 of 11 evaluated patients. Detailed immunological analysis was performed on 9 adult patients. Absolute numbers of lymphocyte subsets and serum immunoglobulin levels were all within normal ranges.

Conclusion

Multidisciplinary evaluation of our national cohort showed no evidence for a severe, clinically relevant systemic immunodeficiency. Therefore, we conclude that in Dutch NS patients the increased risk of infections most likely results from the skin barrier disruption and that increased allergen penetration predisposes to allergic sensitization.
Low socio‐economic conditions and prematurity‐related morbidities explain healthcare use and costs for 2‐year‐old very preterm children
Authors: Meregaglia Michela , Croci Ileana , Brusco Carla , Herich Lena C. , Di Lallo Domenico , Gargano Giancarlo , Carnielli Virgilio , Zeitlin Jennifer , Fattore Giovanni , Cuttini Marina
Published: January 2020

Aim

To estimate healthcare use and related costs for 2‐year‐old very preterm (VP) children after discharge from the neonatal unit.

Methods

As part of a European project, we recruited an area‐based cohort including all VP infants born in three Italian regions (Lazio, Emilia‐Romagna and Marche) in 2011‐2012. At 2 years corrected age, parents completed a questionnaire on their child health and healthcare use (N = 732, response rate 75.6%). Cost values were assigned based on national reimbursement tariffs. We used multivariable analyses to identify factors associated with any rehospitalisation and overall healthcare costs.

Results

The most frequently consulted physicians were the paediatrician (85% of children), the ophthalmologist (36%) and the neurologist/neuropsychiatrist (26%); 38% of children were hospitalised at least once after the initial discharge, for a total of 513 admissions and over one million euros cost, corresponding to 75% of total healthcare costs. Low maternal education and parental occupation index, congenital anomalies and postnatal prematurity‐related morbidities significantly increased the risk of rehospitalisation and total healthcare costs.

Conclusion

Rehospitalisation and outpatient care are frequent in VP children, confirming a substantial health and economic burden. These findings should inform the allocation of resources to preventive and rehabilitation services for these children.
Longitudinal cohort study reveals different patterns of stress in parents of preterm infants during the first year after birth
Authors: Schmöker Annika , Flacking Renée , Udo Camilla , Eriksson Mats , Hellström‐Westas Lena , Ericson Jenny
Published: January 2020

Aim

To compare experiences of stress in mothers and fathers of preterm infants during the first year of life, assess changes in parental stress and explore potential predictors of parental stress.

Methods

Between 2013 and 2015, data on parental stress were collected at 8 weeks after discharge and at 6 and 12 months postpartum from 493 mothers and 329 fathers of 547 preterm infants in Sweden. The Swedish Parenting Stress Questionnaire was used as a secondary outcome in a randomised clinical trial of breastfeeding support.

Results

At the three time points, mothers perceived more role restriction and fathers more social isolation (P < .001). Stress decreased in mothers during the first year (P = .018), whereas stress increased in fathers between 6 and 12 months (P = .048). Mothers of very preterm infants (P = .024), parents of twins (P = .038) and parents with lower perceived general health (P = .003) reported higher levels of stress during the first year after birth.

Conclusion

This study identified several factors that influenced parental stress. Mothers and fathers showed different patterns of stress levels during the first year after birth. This finding indicates different needs for mothers and fathers regarding the time at which parental support after discharge might be most beneficial.
Comparative evaluation of CLIA and EIA for Quantiferon‐TB Gold Plus
Authors: Brantestig Sandra , Kinnunen Annica , Almeflo Sandra , Restorp Karin , Ahlqvist Jenny , Dyrdak Robert
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this study was to compare the Quantiferon‐TB Gold Plus test analysed with chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) to immunoassay (EIA). One hundred and twenty‐five clinical specimens submitted to Karolinska University Hospital for Quantiferon‐TB Gold Plus analysis were used to analyse agreement of the CLIA and EIA assays. The imprecision on CLIA was determined by analysis of pooled clinical samples of antigen tubes (TB1 and TB2), a reference material from National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC 82/587) and two controls of the test. Recovery on CLIA was determined by analysis of the TB1 and TB2 samples and NIBSC 82/587. Concordant results were obtained for 110 (88.0%) of 125 samples with cut‐off including a borderline range. With no borderline range, 121 of 125 samples (96.8%) showed concordant results. Repeatability had a coefficient of variation (CV) of 14.9%. Reproducibility for pooled clinical samples TB1 and TB2 had a CV of 10.5% and 11.0%, respectively, and for the NIBSC 82/587 7.45%, and kit controls 31.0% respective 12.2%. Overall recovery had a mean of 94.1% (SD 12%). We concluded that Quantiferon‐TB Gold Plus analysed with the CLIA assay shows good concordance with EIA and acceptable imprecision.
The inflammatory response to bone infection – a review based on animal models and human patients
Authors: Lüthje Freja Lea , Jensen Louise Kruse , Jensen Henrik Elvang , Skovgaard Kerstin
Published: January 2020

Bone infections are difficult to diagnose and treat, especially when a prosthetic joint replacement or implant is involved. Bone loss is a major complication of osteomyelitis, but the mechanism behind has mainly been investigated in cell cultures and has not been confirmed in human settings. Inflammation is important in initiating an appropriate immune response to invading pathogens. However, many of the signaling molecules used by the immune system can also modulate bone remodeling and contribute to bone resorption during osteomyelitis. Our current knowledge of the inflammatory response relies heavily on animal models as research based on human samples is scarce. Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common causes of bone infections and is the pathogen of choice in animal models. The regulation of inflammatory genes during prosthetic joint infections and implant‐associated osteomyelitis has only been studied in rodent models. It is important to consider the validity of an animal model when results are extrapolated to humans, and both bone composition and the immune system of pigs has been shown to be more similar to humans, than to rodents. Here in vivo studies on the inflammatory response to prosthetic joint infections and implant‐associated osteomyelitis are reviewed.
Fatal liver failure after therapeutic doses of paracetamol in a patient with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and atypical pharmacogenetic profile of drug‐metabolizing enzymes
Authors: Lao Yvonne Elisabeth , Molden Espen , Kringen Marianne Kristiansen , Annexstad Ellen Johanne , Sæverud Håvard Andreassen , Jacobsen Dag , Hovda Knut Erik
Published: January 2020

Paracetamol has a good safety profile, but pharmacogenetic differences in drug‐metabolizing enzymes may have an impact on its risk of hepatotoxicity. We present a case of fatal acute liver failure (ALF) after therapeutic doses of paracetamol in a patient with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, where pharmacogenetic screening was conducted. This 30‐year‐old man was electively admitted for a tracheostomy. A total of 14.5 g paracetamol was given over four days. He developed a severe ALF and died 11 days after admission. Pharmacogenetic screening showed absent CYP2D6 metabolism and increased CYP1A2 activity, which may have increased the formation of toxic intermediate metabolite, N‐acetyl‐p‐benzo‐quinone imine (NAPQI). He also had decreased function of UGT2B15, which increases the amount of paracetamol available for metabolism to NAPQI. Having a reduced muscle mass and thus a reduced glutathione levels to detoxify produced NAPQI may add to the risk of toxicity. This case may indicate that pharmacogenetic variability is of potential relevance for the risk of paracetamol‐induced hepatotoxicity in patients with neuromuscular diseases. Further studies should investigate if pharmacogenetic screening could be a tool to detect potentially increased risk of hepatotoxicity in these patients at therapeutic doses of paracetamol and hence provide information for selection of analgesic treatment.
Pulmonary hypertension in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Gredic Marija , Blanco Isabel , Kovacs Gabor , Helyes Zsuzsanna , Ferdinandy Péter , Olschewski Horst , Barberà Joan Albert , Weissmann Norbert
Published: January 2020

Even mild pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with increased mortality and morbidity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive; therefore, specific and efficient treatment options are not available. Therapeutic approaches tested in the clinical setting, including long‐term oxygen administration and systemic vasodilators, gave disappointing results and might be only beneficial for specific subgroups of patients. Preclinical studies identified several therapeutic approaches for the treatment of PH in COPD. Further research should provide deeper insight into the complex pathophysiological mechanisms driving vascular alterations in COPD, especially as such vascular (molecular) alterations have been previously suggested to affect COPD development. This review summarizes the current understanding of the pathophysiology of PH in COPD and gives an overview of the available treatment options and recent advances in preclinical studies.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Risk factors, comorbidities, and comedications in cardioprotection. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.1/issuetoc
Scorpion toxin inhibits the voltage‐gated proton channel using a Zn2+‐like long‐range conformational coupling mechanism
Authors: Tang Dongfang , Yang Yuqin , Xiao Zhen , Xu Jiahui , Yang Qiuchu , Dai Han , Liang Songping , Tang Cheng , Dong Hao , Liu Zhonghua
Published: January 2020

Background and Purpose

Blocking the voltage‐gated proton channel HV1 is a promising strategy for the treatment of diseases like ischaemia stroke and cancer. However, few HV1 channel antagonists have been reported. Here, we have identified a novel HV1 channel antagonist from scorpion venom and have elucidated its action mechanism.

Experimental Approach

HV1 and NaV channels were heterologously expressed in mammalian cell lines and their currents recorded using whole‐cell patch clamp. Site‐directed mutagenesis was used to generate mutants. Toxins were recombinantly produced in Escherichia coli. AGAP/W38F‐HV1 interaction was modelled by molecular dynamics simulations.

Key Results

The scorpion toxin AGAP (anti‐tumour analgesic peptide) potently inhibited HV1 currents. One AGAP mutant has reduced NaV channel activity but intact HV1 activity (AGAP/W38F). AGAP/W38F inhibited HV1 channel activation by trapping its S4 voltage sensor in a deactivated state and inhibited HV1 currents with less pH dependence than Zn2+. Mutation analysis showed that the binding pockets of AGAP/W38F and Zn2+ in HV1 channel partly overlapped (common sites are His140 and His193). The E153A mutation at the intracellular Coulombic network (ICN) in HV1 channel markedly reduced AGAP/W38F inhibition, as observed for Zn2+. Experimental data and MD simulations suggested that AGAP/W38F inhibited HV1 channel using a Zn2+‐like long‐range conformational coupling mechanism.

Conclusion and Implications

Our results suggest that the Zn2+ binding pocket in HV1 channel might be a hotspot for modulators and valuable for designing HV1 channel ligands. Moreover, AGAP/W38F is a useful molecular probe to study HV1 channel and a lead compound for drug development.
Tetramethylpyrazine: A promising drug for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Chen Yuqin , Lu Wenju , Yang Kai , Duan Xin , Li Mengxi , Chen Xiuqing , Zhang Jie , Kuang Meidan , Liu Shiyun , Wu Xiongting , Zou Guofa , Liu Chunli , Hong Cheng , He Wenjun , Liao Jing , Hou Chi , Zhang Zhe , Zheng Qiuyu , Chen Jiyuan , Zhang Nuofu , Tang Haiyang , Vanderpool Rebecca R. , Desai Ankit A. , Rischard Franz , Black Stephen M. , Garcia Joe G.N. , Makino Ayako , Yuan Jason X.‐J. , Zhong Nanshan , Wang Jian
Published: January 2020

Background and Purpose

Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) was originally isolated from the traditional Chinese herb ligusticum and the fermented Japanese food natto and has since been synthesized. TMP has a long history of beneficial effects in the treatment of many cardiovascular diseases. Here we have evaluated the therapeutic effects of TMP on pulmonary hypertension (PH) in animal models and in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).

Experimental Approach

Three well‐defined models of PH ‐chronic hypoxia (10% O2)‐induced PH (HPH), monocrotaline‐induced PH (MCT‐PH) and Sugen 5416/hypoxia‐induced PH (SuHx‐PH) ‐ were used in Sprague‐Dawley rats, and assessed by echocardiography, along with haemodynamic and histological techniques. Primary cultures of rat distal pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) were used to study intracellular calcium levels. Western blots and RT‐qPCR assays were also used. In the clinical cohort, patients with PAH or CTEPH were recruited. The effects of TMP were evaluated in all systems.

Key Results

TMP (100 mg·kg−1·day−1) prevented rats from developing experimental PH and ameliorated three models of established PH: HPH, MCT‐PH and SuHx‐PH. The therapeutic effects of TMP were accompanied by inhibition of intracellular calcium homeostasis in PASMCs. In a small cohort of patients with PAH or CTEPH, oral administration of TMP (100 mg, t.i.d. for 16 weeks) increased the 6‐min walk distance and improved the 1‐min heart rate recovery.

Conclusion and Implications

Our results suggest that TMP is a novel and inexpensive medication for treatment of PH. Clinical trial is registered with www.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR‐IPR‐14005379).
MicroRNA‐92b‐3p is a prognostic oncomiR that targets TSC1 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Cong , Uemura Motohide , Tomiyama Eisuke , Matsushita Makoto , Koh Yoko , Nakano Kosuke , Hayashi Yujiro , Ishizuya Yu , Jingushi Kentaro , Kato Taigo , Hatano Koji , Kawashima Atsunari , Ujike Takeshi , Nagahara Akira , Fujita Kazutoshi , Imamura Ryoichi , Tsujikawa Kazutake , Nonomura Norio
Published: January 2020

Although several studies have reported that microRNA (miR)‐92b‐3p is involved in various cellular processes related to carcinogenesis, its physiological role in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remains unclear. To clarify the role of miR‐92b‐3p in ccRCC, we compared miR‐92b‐3p expression levels in ccRCC tissues and adjacent normal renal tissues. Significant upregulation of miR‐92b‐3p was observed in ccRCC tissues. Overexpression of miR‐92b‐3p using a miRNA mimic promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion activities of ACHN cells. Functional inhibition of miR‐92b‐3p by a hairpin miRNA inhibitor suppressed Caki‐2 cell growth and invasion activities in vitro. Mechanistically, it was found that miR‐92b‐3p directly targeted the TSC1 gene, a known upstream regulator of mTOR. Overexpression of miR‐92b‐3p decreased the protein expression of TSC1 and enhanced the downstream phosphorylation of p70S6 kinase, suggesting that the mTOR signaling pathway was activated by miR‐92b‐3p in RCC cells. Importantly, a multivariate Cox proportion hazard model, based on TNM staging and high levels of miR‐92b‐3p, revealed that miR‐92b‐3p expression (high vs. low hazard ratio, 2.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.20‐6.83; P = .018) was a significant prognostic factor for overall survival of ccRCC patients with surgical management. Taken together, miR‐92b‐3p was found to act as an oncomiR, promoting cell proliferation by downregulating TSC1 in ccRCC.
Reliability and Validity of an Adapted and Translated Version of the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (AT‐MSEL) in Rural Guatemala
Authors: Colbert Alison M. , Lamb Molly M. , Asturias Edwin J. , Muñoz Flor M. , Bauer Desirée , Arroyave Paola , Hernández Sara , Martínez Maria Alejandra , Paniagua‐Avila Alejandra , Olson Daniel , Calvimontes D. Mirella , Bolaños Guillermo A. , El Sahly Hana M. , Connery Amy K.
Published: January 2020

Background

A growing literature base supports the use of tests developed in high‐income countries to assess children in low resource settings when carefully translated, adapted, and applied. Evaluation of psychometric properties of adapted and translated measures within populations is necessary. The current project sought to evaluate the reliability and validity of an adapted and translated version of the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (AT‐MSEL) in rural Guatelama.

Methods

The reliability and validity of the AT‐MSEL in rural Guatemala were analyzed for children ages 0–5 years.

Results

Interrater reliability coefficients (ICC = 0.99–1.0) and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.91–0.93) were excellent for all subscales. General linear models utilizing paired data showed consistency between standard scores (p < 0.0001). Mean raw scores increased with chronological age, as expected. Across age groups, subscales were significantly, positively correlated with one another (p < 0.05 ‐ < 0.001) with one exception, visual reception and expressive language at the 0–10 month age range (p = 0.43).

Conclusions

The AT‐ MSEL showed strong psychometric properties in a sample of young children in rural Guatemala. Findings demonstrate that the AT‐MSEL can be used validly and reliably within this specific population of children. This work supports the concept that tests developed in high‐income countries can be used to assess children in low resource settings when carefully translated, adapted and applied.
Automatic speaker recognition from speech signal using bidirectional long‐short‐term memory recurrent neural network
Authors: Devi Kharibam Jilenkumari , Thongam Khelchandra
Published: January 2020

Speaker recognition is a major challenge in various languages for researchers. For programmed speaker recognition structure prepared by utilizing ordinary speech, shouting creates a confusion between the enlistment and test, henceforth minimizing the identification execution as extreme vocal exertion is required during shouting. Speaker recognition requires more time for classification of data, accuracy is optimized, and the low root‐mean‐square error rate is the major problem. The objective of this work is to develop an efficient system of speaker recognition. In this work, an improved method of Wiener filter algorithm is applied for better noise reduction. To obtain the essential feature vector values, Mel‐frequency cepstral coefficient feature extraction method is used on the noise‐removed signals. Furthermore, input samples are created by using these extracted features after the dimensions have been reduced using probabilistic principal component analysis. Finally, recurrent neural network‐bidirectional long‐short‐term memory is used for the classification to improve the prediction accuracy. For checking the effectiveness, the proposed work is compared with the existing methods based on accuracy, sensitivity, and error rate. The results obtained with the proposed method demonstrate an accuracy of 95.77%.
Subsidizing extinction?
Authors: Dempsey Jessica , Martin Tara G , Sumaila U. Rashid
Published: January 2020

In 2010 world governments agreed to eliminate, phase out or reform incentives that harm biodiversity by 2020. Yet few governments have even identified such incentives, never mind taking action on them. While some subsidies are well studied, such as in fisheries and fossil fuel production, there is an urgent need for the conservation community to study the potential effects a broader array of subsidies have on biodiversity. In addition, we need a better understanding of who benefits from these subsidies. We term this pursuit ‘subsidy accountability’, which is crucial but challenging work crossing disciplines and government ministries. It requires ecologists, forensic accountants, and policy wonks, calculating and forecasting the positive and negative effects of subsidies and their elimination on biodiversity and vulnerable human populations. The Intergovernmental Panel for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services recently concluded that action on biodiversity loss requires transformative economic change; true action on subsidies is one step towards such change.