bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transforming human resources management in the age of Industry 4.0: a matter of survival for HR professionals
Authors: Poba-Nzaou Placide , Galani Malatsi , Tchibozo Anicet
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study aims to contribute to the old debate about the need for transformation of human resource (HR) professionals and HR services. It proposes the advent of people analytics as an unprecedented opportunity to support this transformation toward a more strategic positioning.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper carried out a review of the use or willingness to use analytics by HR professionals.

Findings

Although HR professionals have been able to transform themselves over the years from a posture largely dominated by the administrative role, to one that includes compliance, the transformation remains insufficient considering the challenges faced by organizations. The advent of the fourth industrial revolution has put people back at the center of organizations’ concerns, but HR seems to be neither equipped nor ready to seize this unprecedented opportunity to play a more strategic role.

Originality/value

Transforming human resource management to fit Industry 4.0 is not a necessity, but a matter of survival for HR professionals.
Power asymmetry, egalitarianism and team learning – Part 1: conceptualizing the moderating role of environmental hardship
Authors: Sinha Ruchi , Stothard Christina
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to understand the effects of team power asymmetry (hierarchy) on team learning.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature suggests that power asymmetry can hurt team learning due to unequal interactions. The authors integrate the situated focus theory of power and the theory of adversarial growth to propose that environmental hardship can moderate this relationship. Such that, under environmental hardship there is a shift in power relations within hierarchical teams, such that power asymmetry positively relates to team learning via increased team egalitarianism (interactional equality).

Findings

The study is presented in two parts. Part 1 reviews the literature and builds the theoretical arguments for the conceptual model, while Part 2 empirically examines the model on a sample of military teams. In Part 1, the authors propose a theoretically derived model and directions for future research in team power, dynamics and learning.

Research limitations/implications

It provides directions to empirically validate a contingency-based model to resolve the dilemma of creating equality and high levels of team learning in hierarchical teams.

Originality/value

The conceptual model and hypotheses contribute to the team learning literature by theoretically clarifying the conditions under which power asymmetry is likely to improve team learning.
Exploring some marketing practices in management consulting firms: evidence from small service firms in Italy
Authors: Gabbianelli Linda , Pencarelli Tonino
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to investigate the marketing and communication activities carried out by small management consulting firms and how they relate to customers.

Design/methodology/approach

After the framing of the literature on the subject, the study is based on the results of a survey carried out through an online questionnaire. The sample under investigation is represented by 914 small consulting firms located in central Italy.

Findings

Results show that half of the sample carried out marketing and communication activities, mainly through the website and social media, while others participating in events as speakers at conferences. It also emerges that management consulting firms carry out activities aimed at maintaining relationship with customers even if they do not invest time in market research in order to find potential and new clients.

Practical implications

The study suggests that management consulting firms should adopt a systematic and strategic approach to communication and should develop a complete and integrated digital communication strategy, as well as to rethink the consulting business model.

Originality/value

There are no previous studies that provide insight into the everyday practice of marketing and communication of small management consulting services in today's dynamic and changing economic environment.
Embracing sustainability in the drive from ordinary to outstanding: case examples from Emirates, Jumeirah and Rotana
Authors: Stanojevic Sabina
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer the best strategy to create a better future for people and our planet by 2030. The SDGs was adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as a call for action by all countries poor, rich and middle-income to promote prosperity while protecting the environment. Tourism and hospitality is one of the fastest growing segments of the service industry in the Middle East. Aviation and the hotel industry represent the majority of the hospitality industry, and due to that, this paper aims to showcase their effort in following and adapting to UN SDGs to build sustainable communities and cities. The chosen companies for the analysis are Emirates Airline, Jumeirah Group and Rotana Group.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study is based on secondary qualitative data retrieved from websites.

Findings

The findings indicate commitment to acknowledge and lead by example by following the UN SDGs at all three companies. The research reflected on the ability of the three companies to thrive in achieving SDGs. Further, the paper reveals why the construction of sustainable cities and communities is important. It explains how the wider hospitality industry could adapt and make an effort by working together with the hotel and aviation sectors in building smart cities and completely sustainable communities.

Practical implications

The paper recommends a focus on strengthening Goal 8 – decent work and economic growth and Goal 11 – sustainable cities and communities to achieve common UN SDGs for all.

Originality/value

The chosen hospitality brands (Emirates Airline, Jumeirah Group and Rotana Group) represent examples of companies that are acknowledging and working on their engagement to become leaders in achieving UN SDGs. The process needs to be ongoing in what should be a final goal – building completely sustainable, self-sufficient cities and communities worldwide.
A Moderated Mediation Model Linking Entrepreneurial Orientation to Strategic Alliance Performance
Authors: Jiang Xu , Jiang Feifei , Sheng Shibin , Wang Gang
Published: August 2020

This study examines how and when entrepreneurial orientation (EO) enhances alliance performance by considering knowledge integration as a critical mediator and bonding as an important contingency of the mediation effect. We test this moderated mediation framework using a sample of 410 alliance firms (based on a total of 820 respondents). Our results show that knowledge integration fully mediates the relationship between EO and alliance performance and that this indirect effect is stronger at a high level of bonding. Overall, we contribute to the entrepreneurship literature by revealing how firms translate their EO‐based strategies into positive alliance outcomes through knowledge integration and when this indirect effect is most effective.
We know off‐rolling happens. Why are we still doing nothing?
Authors: McShane Jo
Published: August 2020

Described by General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) Geoff Barton as ‘beyond repugnant’ (TES, 2017), ‘off‐rolling’ is the removal of pupils from the school roll via various unofficial means. This study positions a plethora of triggers for this form of exclusion, its prevalence and wider social implications. These perspectives will be evaluated alongside current national data and media perspectives, integrated with the outcomes of narrative accounts from practitioners in schools across England in 2018. The study concludes by commenting on the impact of performance‐driven school cultures on limiting the choices parents and pupils are able to make when confronted by the prospect of exclusion from education. The longer‐term social dangers presented by labelling a cohort of young people as marginal to education and society are considered, as is the fitness for purpose of the current education system in the meeting of pupil needs.
Pivoting from decomposing correlates to developing solutions: An evidence‐based agenda to address drivers of health
Authors: Frakt Austin B. , Jha Ashish K. , Glied Sherry
Published: August 2020

Health is influenced by many factors outside the health system. This is often expressed by decomposing contributors to health into factors that sum to 100 percent. In this commentary, we assess the (few) strengths and (many) limitations of such decompositions. We conclude that they fail to be useful for policy guidance. We conclude by proposing an alternative approach to assessing how various factors affect health: evaluations of interventions.
An Analysis of Forensically Important Insects Associated with Human Remains in Indiana, U.S.A.*
Authors: Weidner Lauren M. , Nigoghosian Gregory , Yoho Kelie C. , Parrott Jonathan J. , Hans Krystal R.
Published: August 2020

Research documenting insect colonization of human remains is limited in North America, and currently nonexistent for the American Midwest. Such research is essential for forensic entomologists to identify species of research interest in a region. In this study, we collected insects from human remains in 24 cases across Indiana from June 2016 through September 2018. We analyzed species composition across scene type and season. Eight species of blow flies were collected as larvae from human remains, with Phormia regina and Lucilia sericata as the two predominant colonizers. Phormia regina was the most numerous species collected from outdoor scenes (73.6% of total collections) while L. sericata was the most numerous from the indoor scenes (60.4% of total collections). With scene types pooled, Calliphora vicina and Cochliomya macellaria were the predominant species in the fall (55.6% and 42.2%, respectively); P. regina was the dominant colonizer in the spring (68.6%); and P. regina and L. sericata were the predominant colonizers (46.5% and 44.4%, respectively) in the summer. In addition to these findings, we confirmed the first record of Lucilia cuprina colonizing human remains in Indiana having collected this species from three cases. A single adult Chrysomya megacephala was collected from an indoor scene in southern Indiana, which represents its second collection in the state. Beetles belonging to the families Staphylinidae, Silphidae, Histeridae, Cleridae, Trogidae, Dermestdae, and Nitidulidae were also collected from two outdoor scenes. This study provides important baseline data for forensic entomologists in Indiana, as well as surrounding states with similar environments.
Victims, survivors and the emergence of ‘endurers’ as a reflection of shifting goals in the management of redeployment
Authors: McLachlan Christopher J. , MacKenzie Robert , Greenwood Ian
Published: August 2020

The victim and survivor debate conceptualises employees impacted by restructuring as one or the other. A key contribution of this study is the identification of a conceptually distinct category of employee impacted by restructuring, the endurer. Endurers are survivors who share many of the experiences of victims, occupying a space in‐between the two and not easily understood as either. Endurers experience redundancy of role yet retention of employment. This creates specific needs that pose new challenges for the human resource (HR) function. Through examining the HR function's implementation of an internal redeployment strategy at SteelCo, the study reveals the displacement of substantive goals by institutional goals, and the impact this has on endurers. The analysis of endurers' experiences also offers a conceptual lens for understanding changes to the psychological contract in the context of restructuring.
Can food processing produce hypoallergenic egg?
Authors: Ma Xiaojuan , Liang Rui , Xing Qianlu , Lozano‐Ojalvo Daniel
Published: August 2020

Eggs and their derived products are common foods that can induce food allergic reaction, especially in children. The reported incidence of egg allergy is 1% to 2%, and its prevalence has rapidly increased in recent years. Currently, there is no approved treatment for it. The clinical guidance for this adverse food reaction is the complete elimination of egg (and their derived products) from diet, which is difficult due to the wide use of egg ingredients in food industry. Food processing methods can affect the conformational and/or linear epitopes of allergens and may change the allergenicity of egg. Thermal treatment and various other processing methods based on the enzymatic hydrolysis and irradiation have been found useful in reducing allergenicity of certain egg allergens. However, processed egg proteins can also show an increased allergenicity after treatment and the correct pattern to follow for the generation of hypoallergenic products remains unclear. This review explores the influence of processing methods on egg allergenicity and reports the best options for the generation of hypoallergenic egg products to date.
Sulfane sulfur‐activated actinorhodin production and sporulation is maintained by a natural gene circuit inStreptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Lu Ting , Cao Qun , Pang Xiuhua , Xia Yongzhen , Xun Luying , Liu Huaiwei
Published: August 2020

Sulfane sulfur, including polysulfide and persulfide, is a newly identified cellular component present in microorganisms; however, its physiological functions are unclear.Streptomyces coelicolorM145 is a model strain of actinomycetes, which produces several polyketides, including actinorhodin. Herein, we found that both exogenously added and endogenously generated sulfane sulfur increased the actinorhodin production and accelerated spore formation ofS. coelicolorM145. This bacterial species carries a natural gene circuit containing four genes that encode a CsoR‐like transcription factor (ScCsoR), persulfide dioxygenase (ScPDO), rhodanese and a sulfite transporter, which were shown to be responsible for sensing and removal of excessive sulfane sulfur. ScCsoR was observed to bind to the promoters of the four genes, thus repressing their transcription. Sulfane sulfur modified Cys37 of ScCsoR, and the modified ScCSoR did not bind to the promoters, thereby activating the transcription of ScPDO. The deletion of ScCsoR decreased cellular sulfane sulfur, while the deletion of ScPDO increased its levels. The increased sulfane sulfur promoted actinorhodin production and sporulation. This study unveiled a natural gene circuit for maintaining sulfane sulfur homeostasis in bacteria. Further, we identified the trigger effect of sulfane sulfur on actinorhodin production, presenting a new approach for activating polyketide gene clusters in actinomycetes.
Tonian Tectonic‐Strata Regions and their Geological Significance in China
Authors: XU Yadong , ZHANG Kexin , HE Weihong , YU Yang , KOU Xiaohu , SONG Bowen , LUO Mansheng , WANG Lijun , MA Zhongjie , YANG Fengli
Published: August 2020

The continent of China developed through the coalescence of three major cratons (North China, Tarim and Yangtze) and continental micro‐blocks through the processes of oceanic crust disappearance and acceretionary‐collision of continental crusts. The strata of the Chinese continental landmass are subdivided into 12 tectonic‐strata regions. Based on the composition of geological features among the three main cratons, continental micro‐blocks and other major global cratons, their affinities can be preliminarily deduced during the Tonian period, using evidence from sedimentary successions, paleobiogeography, tectonic and magmatic events. The Yangtze and Tarim cratons show that they have close affinities during the assembly‐dispersal milestone of the Rodinia Supercontinent. The sedimentary record and magmatic age populations in the blocks suggest that there was a widespread, intensive magmatic event that resulted from a subduction process during ∼1000–820 Ma, related to continental rifting around the Yangtze and Tarim cratons. However, they differ greatly from the North China Craton. The continental micro‐blocks in the Panthalassic Ocean could have some missing connection with the North China Craton that persisted until the Middle‐Late Devonian. In contrast, the Alxa Block showed a strong affinity with the Tarim Craton. The revised Tonian paleogeography of the Rodinia Supercontinent is a good demonstration of how to show the relationship between the main cratons and the continental micro‐blocks.
Eocene Basins on the SE Tibetan Plateau: Markers of Minor Offset along the Xuelongshan–Diancangshan–Ailaoshan Structural System
Authors: LIAO Cheng , YANG Tiannan , XUE Chuandong , LIANG Mingjuan , XIN Di , XIANG Kun , JIANG Lili , SHI Pengliang , ZHU Wenbin , WAN Liangchun , TANG Jing , YU Jing , WU Pinglei
Published: August 2020

The offset of geological bodies provides robust evidence of displacement along a fault or ductile shear zone. The amount of displacement along the Xuelongshan–Diancangshan–Ailaoshan structural system, southeastern Tibetan Plateau, is uncertain because of the lack of offset geological markers. This NNW–SSE‐trending system is developed in three isolated metamorphic complexes and interjacent nonmetamorphosed rocks. They are expected to record similar post‐Eocene strain, although their structural patterns should be distinct. Geological mapping in the area between the Xuelongshan and Diancangshan metamorphic complexes has revealed a small Eocene basin, the Madeng Basin, located to the west of the structural system. The sedimentary and volcanic successions of the Madeng Basin are comparable to those of the Jianchuan Basin, which is located to the east of the structural system. Zircon U–Pb geochronological and bulk geochemical data demonstrate that the volcanic rocks of both basins formed during 37–34 Ma and share the same geochemical features. These data suggest that the Madeng and Jianchuan basins previously constituted a single basin, with the distribution of high‐K volcanic rocks in the basins defining an ENE–WSW‐trending volcanic belt that shows a limited dextral offset of ≤20 km across the Xuelongshan–Diancangshan–Ailaoshan structural system. Therefore, the northern segment of the structural system records no evidence of large‐scale lateral movement/displacement. The results suggest that the Indochina block, which is bounded by the Xuelongshan–Diancangshan–Ailaoshan structural system to the east and the Sagaing Fault to the west, has not extruded southward as a whole but rather has been deformed by pervasive crustal shortening.
Early Paleozoic Ocean Plate Stratigraphy of the Beishan Orogenic Zone, NW China: Implications for Regional Tectonic Evolution
Authors: WANG Jiaxuan , ZHANG Kexin , JIN Jisuo , SONG Bowen , YU Yang , WANG Lijun , WANG Shengdong , SUN Shuo
Published: August 2020

The Beishan orogenic zone is a key area to understand evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt that is an accretionary factory well‐enough preserved in the Paleozoic. In early Paleozoic, the tectonic mélange zone containing the coherent unit and mélange unit is triggered by the complicated accretionary process of the Beishan area. The early Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the Beishan orogenic zone is investigated in this study using sedimentology and stratigraphic correlations of the lowe Paleozoic deposits. From the Cambrian to the middle Ordovician, this region was characterized by geographically extensive, flat‐bedded siliceous mudstone, indicating the existence of a large ocean basin. The oceanic plate entered the convergence phase in terms of the Wilson Circle during the Middle Ordovician, when numerous magmatic arcs formed along two opposite sides of the ocean. The magmatic arcs became the widest during the Silurian, suggesting that the Hongliuhe‐Niujuanzi‐Xichangjing Ocean (HNX; a southern branch of the Paleo Asian Ocean) was reduced to a small residual ocean in the central Beishan region by that time, and probably lasted till the Carboniferous or later by newly published data.
Geological Characteristics and Genesis of the Jiamoshan MVT Pb–Zn Deposit in the Sanjiang belt, Tibetan Plateau
Authors: LIU Yingchao , YANG Zhusen , YUE Longlong , YU Yushuai , MA Wang , TANG Bolang
Published: August 2020

The carbonate‐hosted Pb–Zn deposits in the Sanjiang metallogenic belt on the Tibetan Plateau are typical of MVT Pb–Zn deposits that form in thrust‐fold belts. The Jiamoshan Pb–Zn deposit is located in the Changdu area in the middle part of the Sanjiang belt, and it represents a new style of MVT deposit that was controlled by karst structures in a thrust–fold system. Such a karst‐controlled MVT Pb–Zn deposit in thrust settings has not previously been described in detail, and we therefore mapped the geology of the deposit and undertook a detailed study of its genesis. The karst structures that host the Jiamoshan deposit were formed in Triassic limestones along secondary reverse faults, and the orebodies have irregular tubular shapes. The main sulfide minerals are galena, sphalerite, and pyrite that occur in massive and lamellar form. The ore‐forming fluids belonged to a Mg2+–Na+–K+–SO42––Cl−–F−–NO3−–H2O system at low temperatures (120–130°C) but with high salinities (19–22% NaCl eq.). We have recognized basinal brine as the source of the ore‐forming fluids on the basis of their H–O isotopic compositions (–145‰ to –93‰ for δDV‐SMOW and –2.22‰ to 13.00‰ for δ18Ofluid), the ratios of Cl/Br (14–1196) and Na/Br (16–586) in the hydrothermal fluids, and the C–O isotopic compositions of calcite (–5.0‰ to 3.7‰ for δ13CV‐PDB and 15.1‰ to 22.3‰ for δ18OV‐SMOW). These fluids may have been derived from evaporated seawater trapped in marine strata at depth or from Paleogene–Neogene basins on the surface. The δ34S values are low in the galena (–3.2‰ to 0.6‰) but high in the barite (27.1‰), indicating that the reduced sulfur came from gypsum in the regional Cenozoic basins and from sulfates in trapped paleo‐seawater by bacterial sulfate reduction. The Pb isotopic compositions of the galena samples (18.3270–18.3482 for 206Pb/204Pb, 15.6345–15.6390 for 207Pb/204Pb, and 38.5503–38.5582 for 208Pb/204Pb) are similar to those of the regional Triassic volcanic‐arc rocks that formed during the closure of the Paleo‐Tethys, indicating these arc rocks were the source of the metals in the deposit. Taking into account our new observations and data, as well as regional Pb–Zn metallogenic processes, we present here a new model for MVT deposits controlled by karst structures in thrust–fold systems.
Sedimentary Facies, Provenance and Geochronology of the Heshangzhen Group: Implications for the Tectonic Evolution of the Eastern Jiangnan Orogen, South China
Authors: ZHOU Xiaohua , HU Xiumian , JIANG Ren , GAO Tianshan , MA Xue , XING Guangfu , SUN Gaoyuan , SHU Xujie , ZHAO Xilin
Published: August 2020

The Neoproterozoic Jiangnan orogen plays an important role in the study of the Precambrian tectonic evolution of South China. The tectonic nature of the Neoproterozoic sedimentary basins is still controversial, due to poor understanding of the sedimentary sequences and the lack of geochronological data. Here, we present sedimentological, provenance and geochronological data from the Heshangzhen Group in the eastern Jiangnan orogen. Sedimentological analysis shows that the Luojiamen Formation was deposited in a submarine fan, and the overlying Hongchicun Formation was deposited in front of a fan delta. The youngest detrital zircons constrain the lower Luojiamen and Hongchicun formations with ages of 827.3 ± 8.4 Ma and 825 ± 12 Ma, respectively. The sandstones of the Luojiamen Formation are characterized by a large number of intermediate to felsic volcanic grains, suggesting a volcanic arc source. In contrast, quartz and sedimentary lithic grains increase in the Hongchicun Formation, showing a new input from a collisional orogenic source. Detrital zircon from six sandstone samples in the Luojiamen and Hongchicun formations yield similar age spectra of 930–820 Ma with a peak at ca. 845–860 Ma, with one main cluster at 930–820 Ma. Detrital zircons of 930–845 Ma show a positive value of∊Hf(t) (+2.4 to +11, mean +7.6), which is similar to the volcanic arc of the nearby Shuangxiwu Group. There are a minor group of zircons with U‐Pb ages ranging from 820 Ma to 845 Ma from the middle part of the Luojiamen Formation and Hongchicun Formation, with ∊Hf(t) values between –20 to +2.4, which are consistent with the characteristics of the Shuangqiaoshan Group. within light of the bidirectional paleocurrents in the Luojiamen Formation, it is speculated that the zircons of 820–845 Ma were recycled from the Shuangqiaoshan Group, which is derived from a continental arc to the northwest. Our data suggests that the Luojiamen Formation was formed in an inter‐arc basin, while the Hongchicun Formation was formed in an accretionary wedge‐top basin. When juxtaposed with the conglomeratic characteristics at the bottom of the Luojiamen Formation, it is believed that the unconformity represented by the ‘Shen Gong Movement’ reflects the rapid erosion and accumulation process of island arc volcanic material. The disconformity between the Luojiamen and Hongchicun formations is the imprint of transition from inter‐arc basin to accretionary wedge‐top basin, which represents the collision between the Shuangxiwu arc and the Yangtze Plate.
Increased frequency of sleep problems in children and adolescents with familial Mediterranean fever: The role of anxiety and depression
Authors: Durcan Gizem , Yildiz Mehmet , Kadak Muhammed Tayyib , Barut Kenan , Kavruk Erdim Nese , Sahin Sezgin , Adrovic Amra , Haslak Fatih , Dogangun Burak , Kasapcopur Ozgur
Published: August 2020

Aim

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is the most common hereditary autoinflammatory disease. The main goal of our study is to compare sleep habits, depression and anxiety of patients with FMF to healthy children and to determine the influence of disease‐related factors on sleep habits and psychiatric symptoms.

Method

In total, 323 child and adolescent patients with FMF and 260 healthy peers as a control group were included in this study. Questionnaires were used to evaluate sleep habits, psychological status of children and adolescents with and without FMF.

Results

While there was not a significant difference in terms of age, gender, depression and anxiety scores (P > 0.05); patients with FMF had significantly higher total sleeping score (45.69 ± 7.70 vs 43.31 ± 7.77; P = 0.001). Depression and anxiety scores of patients with FMF who have been experiencing sleep problems were found to be dramatically higher compared to those FMF patients without sleep problems (7.70 ± 5.56 vs 4.59 ± 3.97; P = 0.001; 35.46 ± 18.57 vs 25.22 ± 14.12; P = 0.001; respectively). Patients with FMF who had a disease attack last month had remarkably higher depression, anxiety and sleeping scores compared to those who did not. When FMF patients were compared in terms of exertional leg pain, increased acute phase reactant levels, comorbidity and mutation types, there was not a significant difference for depression, anxiety and sleeping scores.

Conclusion

Children and adolescents with FMF experience more sleeping problems compared to healthy children and in presence of sleeping disorders, psychiatric symptoms are seen more frequently. Therefore, evaluation of psychopathology is important if youth with FMF have sleep problems.
blaOXA‐731, a new chromosome‐encoded blaOXA‐48‐like variant in Shewanella sp. from the aquatic environment in Myanmar
Authors: Shanmugakani Rathina Kumar , Sugawara Yo , Akeda Yukihiro , Hagiya Hideharu , Sakamoto Noriko , Aye Mya Mya , Myint Thuzar , Hamada Shigeyuki , Tomono Kazunori
Published: August 2020

Shewanella sp., the progenitors of blaOXA‐48‐like genes are increasingly reported with the possession of different blaOXA‐48‐like variants. This study aims to characterize blaOXA‐731, a new variant of a blaOXA‐48‐like gene identified in Shewanella sp. isolated from the aquatic environment in Myanmar. Phylogenetic analysis of the blaOXA‐731 sequence with other blaOXA‐48‐like variants showed that it has the highest nucleotide identity of 86.09% with blaOXA‐48. However, the active site motifs in OXA‐731 were 100% identical to that in OXA‐48. Whole‐genome sequencing analysis showed that blaOXA‐731 is not surrounded by any mobile genetic elements. The genetic context of blaOXA‐731 was found as similar to other blaOXA‐48‐like genes previously identified in Shewanella sp. S1 nuclease pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis followed by Southern blotting confirmed the location of blaOXA‐731 in the chromosome of the Shewanella genome. Cloning and expression studies showed that OXA‐731 has β‐lactamase activity similar to OXA‐48 and OXA‐181, but it has no significant carbapenemase activity. Our results showed the significance of blaOXA‐48‐like‐carrying Shewanella sp. in the spreading of blaOXA‐48‐like genes in the community.
Measuring the Economic Risk of COVID‐19
Authors: Noy Ilan , Doan Nguyen , Ferrarini Benno , Park Donghyun
Published: August 2020

We measure the economic risk of COVID‐19 at a geo‐spatially detailed resolution. In addition to data about the current prevalence of confirmed cases, we use data from 2014–2018 and a conceptual disaster risk model to compute measures for exposure, vulnerability, and resilience of the local economy to the shock of the epidemic. Using a battery of proxies for these four concepts, we calculate the hazard, the principal components of exposure and vulnerability to it, and of the economy’s resilience (i.e. its ability of the recover rapidly from the shock). We find that the economic risk of this pandemic is particularly high in most of Sub‐Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. These results are consistent when comparing an ad hoc equal weighting algorithm for the four components of the index, an algorithm that assumes equal hazard for all countries, and one based on estimated weights using previous aggregated disability‐adjusted life years losses associated with communicable diseases.
Bidirectional sex‐dependent regulation of α6 and β3 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors by protein kinase Cε
Authors: Moen Janna K. , DeBaker Margot C. , Myjak Julia E. , Wickman Kevin , Lee Anna M.
Published: August 2020

Nicotine and alcohol are the most commonly abused substances worldwide and are frequently coabused. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) containing the α6 and β3 subunits are expressed in neural reward circuits and are critical for nicotine and alcohol reward. nAChRs are dynamically regulated by signaling molecules such as protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε), which impact transcription of α6 and β3 subunit mRNA (Chrna6 and Chrnb3, respectively). Previous work found decreased expression of Chrna6 and Chrnb3 transcripts in the ventral midbrain of male PKCε−/− mice, who also consume less nicotine and alcohol compared with wild‐type (WT) littermates. Using RT‐qPCR, we show that female PKCε−/− mice have higher expression of Chrna6 and Chrnb3 transcripts in the ventral midbrain, which functionally impacts nAChR‐dependent behavior as female but not male PKCε−/− mice exhibit locomotor hypersensitivity to low‐dose (0.25 mg/kg i.p.) nicotine. Female PKCε−/− mice show no differences in alcohol‐induced sedation in the loss‐of‐righting reflex assay (4.0 g/kg i.p.) compared with WT littermates, whereas male PKCε−/− mice have enhanced sedation compared with WT mice. Female PKCε−/− mice also show reduced immobility time in response to varenicline (1.0 mg/kg i.p.) compared with WT littermates in the tail suspension test, and this effect was absent in male mice. Additionally, we found that female PKCε−/− mice show altered alcohol and nicotine consumption patterns in chronic voluntary two‐bottle choice assays. Our data reveal a bidirectional effect of sex in the transcriptional regulation of nicotinic receptors by PKCε, highlighting the importance of studying both sexes in preclinical animal models.
Living in the shadows: Diversity of amphibians, reptiles and birds in shade‐grown yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) plantations
Authors: Cabral Hugo , Coronel‐Bejarano Diana , Ruiz Rodolfo , Cañete Lucas , Britez Evelyn , Rojas Viviana
Published: August 2020

NativeIlex paraguariensis(yerba mate) is one of the most widespread crops in the Atlantic Forest region of southern South America and has an important economic and cultural value in Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. Despite the known potential of shade‐grown products (especially cocoa and coffee) to protect biodiversity, the benefits of shade‐grown yerba mate for biodiversity conservation in the Atlantic Forest remain scarce, one of the most threatened ecoregions in the world, also considered a biodiversity hotspot. In order to understand these potential benefits, it is important to identify how species use shade‐grown yerba mate plantations, as well as if it can be an strategy to improve or maintain biodiversity in complex socio‐ecological landscapes. We analysed the potential benefits of forests with shade‐grown yerba mate for birds, amphibian and reptiles in the Reserve for National Park ‘San Rafael’ and its buffer area (Itapúa Department, Paraguay). We evaluated differences in species richness and composition between three environments: forest with shade‐grown yerba mate, forest edge and monoculture crop plantations analysing beta diversity. A total of 112 bird species were recorded in all three environments. Regarding the herpetological community, we recorded 10 species (seven amphibians and three reptiles). Our results indicate that forests with yerba mate plantations not only maintains the bird species richness, but also its species composition differs significantly from edge and croplands, which might be an indicator of the contribution of shade‐grown yerba mate plantations to conservation. The results of the research would help to value the impact of sustainable agroforestry activities for the conservation of Atlantic Forest biodiversity.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
The use of oil‐soluble contrast media for tubal flushing in infertility: A consensus statement from ACCEPT (Australasian CREI Consensus Expert Panel on Trial evidence)
Authors: Glanville Elizabeth Joan , Venetis Christos , Boothroyd Clare Anne , Farquhar Cynthia , Hull Mary Louise
Published: August 2020

Good evidence that oil‐soluble contrast media (OSCM) enhances pregnancy rates when used to assess fallopian tube patency by hysterosalpingogram has prompted rapid clinical uptake by some fertility doctors and imaging specialists in Australia and New Zealand. The ACCEPT group met in July 2019 to develop a consensus document outlining the indications for and safe use of OSCM, to inform and guide clinicians interested in offering procedures using this media to couples with infertility.
Evaluation of a culturally sensitive social and emotional well‐being program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
Authors: Snodgrass William J. , Rayner Victoria , Rice Simon M. , Purcell Rosemary , Bowers Jennifer
Published: August 2020

Objective

To evaluate Deadly Thinking, a social and emotional well‐being promotion program targeted to remote and rural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Deadly Thinking aims to improve emotional health literacy, psychological well‐being and attitudes towards associated help‐seeking.

Design

Participants completed pre/post‐test evaluations via a brief self‐report survey immediately before and after the Deadly Thinking workshop.

Setting

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in rural and regional Australia.

Participants

Data were obtained from 413 participants (69.8% female, mean age 41.6 years), of whom 70.4% identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders.

Intervention

Deadly Thinking workshops involve participant's engaging with a series of videos and facilitated group discussions with other participants related to social and emotional well‐being topics relevant to individuals and communities.

Main outcome measures

Participants completed measures of psychological distress, suicidal ideation, substance use, changes in attitudes towards help‐seeking and help‐seeking intentions and satisfaction with the workshop. Additionally, participants in a train‐the‐trainer workshop rated their perceived confidence to deliver the program post‐workshop.

Result

Participants reported positive perceptions of community safety and well‐being and low rates of marked distress, with no significant difference between train‐the‐trainer and community workshop participants. Results indicated significant improvement in help‐seeking intentions post‐workshop and high rates of satisfaction with workshop components.

Conclusion

Initial evaluation indicates good acceptability and feasibility of delivering the Deadly Thinking program in rural and remote Indigenous communities; however, more robust evaluation of the program is warranted using controlled conditions to measure effectiveness, particularly for changing in help‐seeking behaviour.
Editorial: obesity management and IBD—weight loss reduces IBD risk
Authors: Marsh Abigail , Radford‐Smith Graham
Published: August 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Kochhar et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15721
Editorial: social distancing during the COVID‐19 pandemic – IBD patients cannot stay at home forever
Authors: Benson‐Pope Samantha Jane , Gearry Richard B.
Published: August 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to the Taxonera et al and Taxonera and Alba papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15804 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15937
Editorial: acute non‐cirrhotic and non‐malignant portal vein thrombosis—who should be candidates for interventional treatment?
Authors: Zhang Dan , Xu Shixue , Tian Yulong , Qi Xingshun
Published: August 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to the Rössle et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15811 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15930
Editorial: a diabetologist's perspective on the diagnosis and monitoring of NAFLD
Authors: Targher Giovanni
Published: August 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Younossi et al and Younossi and Henry papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15830 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15929
Editorial: a diabetologist’s perspective on the diagnosis and monitoring of NAFLD—Authors' reply
Authors: Younossi Zobair M. , Henry Linda
Published: August 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to the Younossi et al and Targher et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15830 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15906
Letter: the under‐treatment and under‐diagnosis of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer is just the tip of the iceberg—authors' reply
Authors: Forsmark Chris E. , Yadav Dhiraj
Published: August 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Forsmark et al and Shiha et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15698 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15913
Editorial: quality improvement project to identify factors associated with a delay in IBD diagnosis
Authors: Segal Jonathan P. , Smith Philip J.
Published: August 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Walker et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15885
Thoracoscopic right middle lobectomy for Mycobacterium abscessus in a young patient suspected of having congenital immunodeficiency
Authors: Sekihara Keigo , Hirai Hoshie , Sumiya Ryusuke , Momose Naoya , Sugimura Aya , Nagasaka Satoshi
Published: August 2020

Mycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus) infection is resistant to multi‐antibacterial treatment, and surgical resection is often recommended. We report a case of M. abscessus infection in a young patient suspected of having a GATA2 mutation. A 19‐year‐old woman with a medical history of severe sinusitis and a family history of non‐tuberculous mycobacteriosis presented at our hospital. M. abscessus was confirmed by sputum culture. The patient received multidrug therapy, including clarithromycin. CT scan demonstrated bronchodilation and capacity decrease due to non‐obstructive atelectasis in the middle lobe. We performed thoracoscopic resection without complications. Congenital immunodeficiency was suspected given the patient's past medical and family history. The result of lymphocyte subset analysis revealed a GATA2 mutation, but no genetic mutation was detected by a next‐generation sequencer. The patient followed a good clinical course. This paper reports the successful treatment of an M. abscessus infection and the importance of checking the genetic background of young patients.
Complex effect of continuous curcumin exposure on human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cell regenerative properties through matrix metalloproteinase regulation
Authors: Yang Qichen , Leong Samantha Antonio , Chan Kwok Ping , Yuan Xiang‐Ling , Ng Tsz Kin
Published: August 2020

Curcumin has been reported to be beneficial for cancers, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, based on its anti‐oxidative, anti‐inflammation, anti‐tumorigenic and neuroprotective properties. With its high‐dose application, curcumin toxicity to systemic tissues is a reasonable concern. Here, we report the responses of human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM‐MSCs) to continuous curcumin exposure. hBM‐MSCs were treated with 0.01‐100 μmol/L curcumin continuously in vitro for 7 days. 25 μmol/L curcumin or above significantly attenuated hBM‐MSC maintenance, whereas 10 μmol/L curcumin reduced hBM‐MSC proliferation and hindered their migration with increasing cell apoptosis. Besides, 5 μmol/L curcumin treatment inhibited hBM‐MSC adipogenic differentiation, but enhanced osteogenic differentiation, which depended on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐13 expression and activity. Furthermore, curcumin treatment reduced MMP1 expression but up‐regulated the immunomodulatory gene IDO1 expression. In summary, this study revealed the complex effects of continuous curcumin exposure on hBM‐MSC maintenance and regenerative properties through MMP regulation. Given the complex effects of curcumin, its use for biomedical purposes should be carefully considered in treatment length and dosage.
Characterisation of centriole biogenesis during multiciliation in planarians
Authors: Li Yaping , Guo Fanghao , Jing Qing , Zhu Xueliang , Yan Xiumin
Published: August 2020

Background Information

Dense multicilia in protozoa and metazoa generate a strong force important for locomotion and extracellular fluid flow. During ciliogenesis, multiciliated cells produce hundreds of centrioles to serve as basal bodies through various pathways including deuterosome‐dependent (DD), hyper‐activated mother centriole‐dependent (MCD) and basal bodydependent (BBD) pathways. The centrosome‐free planarian Schmidtea mediterranea is widely used for regeneration studies because its neoblasts are capable of regenerating any body part after injury. However, it is currently unclear how the flatworms generate massive centrioles for multiciliated cells in the pharynx and body epidermis when their cells are initially centriole‐free.

Results

In this study, we investigate the progress of centriole amplification during the pharynx regeneration. We observe that the planarian pharyngeal epithelial cells generate their centrioles asynchronously through a de novo pathway. Most of the de novo centrioles are formed individually, whereas the remaining ones are assembled in pairs, possibly by sharing a cartwheel, or in small clusters lacking a nucleation center. Further RNAi experiments show that the known key factors of centriole duplication, including Cep152, Plk4 and Sas6, are crucial for the centriole amplification.

Conclusions and Significance

Our study demonstrates the distinct process of massive centriole biogenesis in S. mediterranea and helps to understand the diversity of centriole biogenesis during evolution.
The hidden role of NLRP3 inflammasome in obesity‐related COVID‐19 exacerbations: Lessons for drug repurposing
Authors: Bertocchi Ilaria , Foglietta Federica , Collotta Debora , Eva Carola , Brancaleone Vincenzo , Thiemermann Christoph , Collino Massimo
Published: August 2020

COVID‐19, the illness caused by SARS‐CoV‐2, has a wide‐ranging clinical spectrum that, in the worst‐case scenario, involves a rapid progression to severe acute respiratory syndrome and death. Epidemiological data show that obesity and diabetes are among the main risk factors associated with high morbidity and mortality. The increased susceptibility to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection documented in obesity‐related metabolic derangements argues for initial defects in defence mechanisms, most likely due to an elevated systemic metabolic inflammation (“metaflammation”). The NLRP3 inflammasome is a master regulator of metaflammation and has a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of either obesity or diabetes. Here, we discuss the most recent findings suggesting contribution of NLRP3 inflammasome to the increase in complications in COVID‐19 patients with diabesity. We also review current pharmacological strategies for COVID‐19, focusing on treatments whose efficacy could be due, at least in part, to interference with the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed issue on The Pharmacology of COVID‐19. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.21/issuetoc
Psychometric properties of the Turkish version of Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth
Authors: Kaya Kara Ozgun , Turker Duygu , Kara Koray , Yardimci‐Lokmanoglu Bilge Nur
Published: August 2020

Background

Participation in daily activities provides many opportunities for children with and without disabilities to improve cognitive, physical and communication abilities; to develop social relationships and to promote adaptive behaviours. The aim of this study is to examine the psychometric properties of the Participation Environment Measure for Children and Youth (PEM‐CY) in Turkish children and youth with and without a disability.

Methods

A total of 410 parents of children with (n = 232) and without (n = 178) disabilities, aged 5–17 years, were included in this study. Cronbach's alpha (α) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were evaluated for internal consistency and test–retest reliability, respectively. Discriminant validity was determined by comparing the differences in participation and environment scores for disability groups and age intervals with the two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post‐hoc analyses when results were statistically significant.

Results

Internal consistency (0.67–0.80) and test–retest reliability (0.67–0.93, p < 0.0001) ranged from moderate to very strong for different summary scores. Discriminant validity of the Turkish version of PEM‐CY was supported by significant differences between children with and without disabilities on participation and environment scales (p < 0.05). We identified some significant age differences, but they did not follow consistently.

Conclusions

The Turkish version of the PEM‐CY is a valid and reliable tool to determine the participation and environmental factors in the home, at school and in community settings in Turkish children and youth aged 5–17 years, with and without disabilities.