bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Putative neural mechanisms underlying release‐mode‐specific abnormalities in dopamine neural activity in a schizophrenia‐like model: The distinct roles of glutamate and serotonin in the impaired regulation of dopamine neurons
Authors: Sotoyama Hidekazu
Published: August 2023

Abnormalities in dopamine function might be related to psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. Even at the same concentration, dopamine exerts opposite effects on information processing in the prefrontal cortex depending on independent dopamine release modes known as tonic and phasic releases. This duality of dopamine prevents a blanket interpretation of the implications of dopamine abnormalities for diseases on the basis of absolute dopamine levels. Moreover, the mechanisms underlying the mode‐specific dopamine abnormalities are not clearly understood. Here, I show that the two modes of dopamine release in the prefrontal cortex of a schizophrenia‐like model are disrupted by different mechanisms. In the schizophrenia‐like model established by perinatal exposure to inflammatory cytokine, epidermal growth factor, tonic release was enhanced and phasic release was decreased in the prefrontal cortex. I examined the activity of dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), which sends dopamine projections to the prefrontal cortex, under anaesthesia. The activation of VTA dopamine neurons during excitatory stimulation (local application of glutamate or N‐methyl‐d‐aspartic acid [NMDA]), which is associated with phasic activity, was blunt in this model. Dopaminergic neuronal activity in the resting state related to tonic release was increased by disinhibition of the dopamine neurons due to the impairment of 5HT2 (5HT2A) receptor‐regulated GABAergic inputs. Moreover, chronic administration of risperidone ameliorated this disinhibition of dopaminergic neurons. These results provide an idea about the mechanism of dopamine disturbance in schizophrenia and may be informative in explaining the effects of atypical antipsychotics as distinct from those of typical drugs.
An integrated watershed modelling framework to explore the covariation between sediment connectivity and soil erosion
Authors: Guo Zongjun , Wu Lei , Liu Shuai , Zhang Huiyong , Du Bailin , Ruan Bingnan
Published: August 2023

Quantitative identification of the covariation between sediment connectivity and soil erosion can contribute to provide the key information for watershed sediment management. However, this covariation and its spatiotemporal response mechanisms are still unclear, especially whether this covariation can be used as a basis for identifying critical source areas of sediment in large‐scale ecological restored watersheds. In this study, an integrated methodology framework by the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE), index of connectivity (IC) and sediment delivery ratio (SDR) was proposed to visually assess the spatiotemporal characteristics of erosion and sediment yield processes in the Yanhe Watershed with large‐scale ecological restoration from 1985 to 2020 and to identify the covariation between sediment connectivity and erosion in subbasins. The soil erosion estimated by RUSLE has decreased by over 80% since 1985 owing to increased vegetation cover and the effective implementation of soil conservation measures, but the upper reaches still have high erosion intensity due to differences in specific controlling factors such as topographic conditions and land cover, requiring focused soil conservation practice. The IC results showed that as the vegetation restoration and soil conservation measures in the Yanhe Watershed varied from year to year, their spatial and temporal patterns had a strong influence on the distribution of sediment connectivity, and some local areas in the middle reaches showed local minima of IC in 1995, 1998 and 2010 mainly due to the implementation of long‐term ecological restoration project. The developed IC‐Erosion maps indicated that areas with high connectivity but low erosion accounted for over 60% of the total watershed area from 1985 to 1999, demonstrating a reverse correlation between sediment connectivity and erosion. Meanwhile, over 40% of the erosion occurred in a few areas (approximately 20%) with high connectivity and high erosion from 2000 to 2004, which can be characterized as the critical areas of erosion. The methods and results of this study provide ideas for separately defining both erosion and connectivity and quantifying bi‐variable erosion–connectivity classification, which can be easily viewed on a scatterplot.
Estimating intrinsic susceptibility to extinction when little ecological information is available: The case of Neotropical freshwater stingrays (Chondrichthyes: Potamotrygoninae)
Authors: Vazquez Diego M. , Lucifora Luis O.
Published: August 2023

Determining the extinction risk of poorly known species is difficult, as data on both their biological traits and the threats to which they are exposed are often not available. Neotropical freshwater stingrays (potamotrygonins) represent such a challenge, as limited ecological data prevent formal assessments. Geographic range size (GRS) was computed for the first time for potamotrygonins (as a longitudinal extent of occurrence measured in km of river length) and, together with two other traits correlated with intrinsic susceptibility to extinction—body size, biological productivity (rmax)—was used to rank potamotrygonins according to their intrinsic susceptibility to extinction. Potamotrygonin GRS was only 6%–7% of that of marine elasmobranchs and is likely to be a significant driver of potamotrygonin extinction risk. The relationship between potamotrygonin GRS and body size differed from the expected triangular theoretical pattern; probably a result of the fragmented nature of freshwater habitats. Using K‐medoids clustering, we identified seven groups of species; the most susceptible groups comprised the biggest species such as Potamotrygon brachyura and Paratrygon spp. Intrinsic susceptibility was also highest in the largest hydrographic basins, likely as a result of species with low rmax being more common there. Exposure to anthropogenic threats is highest for the species most intrinsically susceptible to extinction, which consequently have a high‐extinction risk. We recommend the use of longitudinal extents of occurrence as standardized measurements of freshwater taxa GRS. Our ranking method, combining observed and predicted traits, may be a useful tool to assess poorly known taxa to assist conservation prioritization.
Comparative cracking resistance‐cost study for the hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures made of natural and recycled asphaltic materials
Authors: Ghoroghi Shahab Soleiman , Haghighatpour Pegah Jafari , Aliha M. R. M. , Berto F.
Published: August 2023

Cracking performance of control and RAPed hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures was studied under low and medium temperatures. The effects of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) content (0 and 50%), compaction method, and temperature (−20, 0 and +20°C) on KIf and KIIf were investigated. Cracking resistances of both modes showed similar trends. The fracture toughness of RAPed mixture at +20°C was higher than the control mixture. However, at −20°C, KIf and KIIf obtained from the RAPed mixture were about 22% lower than control mixture. A cost analysis was performed to compare the manufacturing costs of both mixtures. Accordingly, the cost of HMA mixture containing 50% RAP was 26% less than the control mixture. The proposed life‐cost index in the RAPed mixture was 10, 25, and 100% greater than the control mixture at −20, 0, and +20°C, respectively. Temperature and RAP content had the most important impacts on fracture toughness and cost, respectively.
Nest‐site selection and reproductive success of a critically endangered parrot, the Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus), in an anthropogenic landscape
Authors: Lewis Thomas C. , Vargas Ignacio Gutiérrez , Vredenbregt Claire , Jimenez Mario , Hatchwell Ben , Beckerman Andrew P. , Childs Dylan Z.
Published: August 2023

Nest‐site selection is the principal way in which secondary cavity‐nesting species mitigate the negative effects of factors such as predation, parasitism and exposure on reproductive success. Large‐bodied secondary cavity‐nesting birds rely on large cavities in mature trees that are often absent or reduced in anthropogenically disturbed forests. Hence, the availability of high‐quality nest‐sites may be limited for these species, potentially reducing reproductive success. The aim of this study was to investigate nest‐site selection and the effect of nest‐site features on reproductive success in the critically endangered Great Green Macaw Ara ambiguus in northern Costa Rica. We show that Great Green Macaws select nest‐sites according to the characteristics of the cavity and the tree in which they are located. Moreover, reproductive success is a function of certain cavity features. However, the availability of high‐quality cavities, those with features associated with higher reproductive success, is potentially limited. By studying nest‐site selection and productivity together, we have identified that the availability of high‐quality cavities could potentially limit the future recovery of the critically endangered Great Green Macaw.
Choice of model and re‐nesting probability function influences behaviour of avian seasonal productivity models and their demographic predictions
Authors: White Patrick J. C. , Stoate Chris , Aebischer Nicholas J. , Szczur John , Ferrer Lucy , Norris Ken
Published: August 2023

Measuring seasonal productivity is difficult in multi‐brooded species without labour‐intensive ringing studies. Individual‐based (IB) models have been used to estimate seasonal productivity with no direct knowledge of number of nesting attempts, but they are often based on simplified re‐nesting probability (φR) step‐functions instead of observed or more biologically plausible ones. We present a new, open‐source IB seasonal productivity model parameterized from studies of Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros and Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella. We examined how the φR function shape (empirical versus simplified) influenced (1) model performance, (2) re‐nesting compensation and (3) population‐level predictions of a simulated management intervention. Population‐level predictions were made only for Yellowhammer as we had more detailed demographic data, such as survival rates, available. Pattern‐oriented modelling revealed that IB models produced realistic within‐population distributions of breeding parameters, and those specified with an observed or empirically derived φR function generally outperformed those specified with simpler step functions. Strength of re‐nesting compensation differed depending on the φR function used. For Yellowhammers, type of φR function in IB models marginally influenced population‐level predictions of a simulated management intervention (potential population growth rate increased between 23% and 29% relative to no management intervention). In contrast, a simple deterministic productivity model, which did not simulate re‐nesting compensation, predicted a 41% increase in potential population growth. At a population level, choice of φR function may have less influence on IB model predictions, but choice of model itself (IB versus deterministic) may have substantial impact. We discuss how more biologically plausible φR functions might either be observed directly, derived from nest data, or estimated from proxy information such as moult or brood patch changes.
A comprehensive investigation of novel and traditional inflammatory and metabolic markers as predictive indicators in psoriasis
Authors: Metin Zuhal , Tur Kagan , Durmaz Koray , Akogul Serkan , Akca Hanife M. , Imren Işıl G. , Demir Nazime B. O. , Ozkoca Defne
Published: August 2023

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory and papulosquamous dermatological disorder. While previous studies have discussed certain inflammatory markers for diagnosing and monitoring psoriasis, there is an absence of comprehensive research encompassing both novel and traditional inflammatory markers, as well as metabolic markers, in relation to psoriasis.

Methods

A total of 209 individuals participated, including 54 psoriasis patients and 155 controls. Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) was calculated for the patient group. Potential predictive markers for psoriasis were identified: Uric acid/HDL ratio (UHR), D‐dimer/albumin ratio (DAR), fibrinogen/albumin ratio (FAR), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, CRP, WBC, HOMA‐IR, and vitamin D levels. Differences between groups and correlations with PASI and each other were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test and Spearman correlation coefficient.

Results

The results indicate that the patient group exhibited statistically significantly higher levels of UHR, FAR, CRP, WBC, and HOMA‐IR. Upon analyzing the correlations between PASI and the identified markers, statistically significant positive correlation with WBC and negative correlation with vitamin D were observed. The correlations of PASI with other markers did not reach statistical significance. It should be underlined that our study was conducted in a predominantly mild‐to‐moderate patient population.

Conclusions

The absence of specificity of these markers for psoriasis limits their practical application. However, the development of new objective measures by using them in combination with specific data such as PASI will provide significant benefits in terms of disease diagnosis, follow‐up, and treatment.
Effect of pH on the structure and emulsification properties of ultrasonicated water‐soluble protein from Moringa oleifera seed
Authors: Tang Shiqi , Du Qiuhan , Li Yang , Qi Baokun , Jiang Lianzhou , Fu Zhen
Published: August 2023

The Moringa seed protein (MOS) is a new protein resource, the development and utilisation of MOS is still in its early stages due to the late introduction of its varieties. To improve the range of available MOS protein, this study investigated the effects of different pH levels on the ultrasonic modification of MOS protein (UMOWP), exploring the feasibility of UMOWP emulsion systems in food. The zeta potential analysis revealed that the isoelectric point (pI) of UMOWP was 5.8. The secondary structures of UMOWP could be regulated by pH. Moreover, different secondary structures led to different tertiary structures and chemical bonds in UMOWP. Compared with pH values near pI, surface hydrophobicity significantly increased but the total S–S group and particle size decreased away from pI. Furthermore, UMOWP partially dissociated at pH 3, and the degree of dissociation was weaker at pH 9 and pH 11. These structural changes led to significant improvements in the emulsification properties of UMOWP at pH 11, resulting in better environmental stability of the emulsion. These findings provide a foundation for the potential application of MOS proteins in the food industry.
Bede Morris: a perspective from an early PhD candidate
Authors: Heath Trevor J
Published: August 2023

Between 1953 and 1986, Bede Morris published 28 papers in the Journal, each of which elucidated aspects of the lymphatic system. Initially with rats at the Kanematsu Institute at Sydney Hospital under FC Courtice, and then at Australian National University with sheep and a succession of PhD students, Morris developed an impressive series of experimental approaches and understandings of the role of the lymphatic system in the physiology and immunology of the mammalian body. In this piece for the 100th anniversary of the Journal, we celebrate his contributions to immunological research.
Age‐specific severity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in February 2020 to June 2021 in the Netherlands
Authors: de Boer Pieter T. , van de Kassteele Jan , Vos Eric R. A. , van Asten Liselotte , Dongelmans Dave A. , van Gageldonk‐Lafeber Arianne B. , den Hartog Gerco , Hofhuis Agnetha , van der Klis Fiona , de Lange Dylan W. , Stoeldraijer Lenny ,   the RIVM COVID‐19 epidemiology and surveillance team, de Melker Hester E. , Geubbels Eveline , van den Hof Susan , Wallinga Jacco
Published: August 2023

Background

The severity of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 infection varies with age and time. Here, we quantify how age‐specific risks of hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and death upon infection changed from February 2020 to June 2021 in the Netherlands.

Methods

A series of large representative serology surveys allowed us to estimate age‐specific numbers of infections in three epidemic periods (late‐February 2020 to mid‐June 2020, mid‐June 2020 to mid‐February 2021, and mid‐February 2021 to late‐June 2021). We accounted for reinfections and breakthrough infections. Severity measures were obtained by combining infection numbers with age‐specific numbers of hospitalization, ICU admission, and excess all‐cause deaths.

Results

There was an accelerating, almost exponential, increase in severity with age in each period. The rate of increase with age was the highest for death and the lowest for hospitalization. In late‐February 2020 to mid‐June 2020, the overall risk of hospitalization upon infection was 1.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3–1.8%), the risk of ICU admission was 0.36% (95% CI: 0.31–0.42%), and the risk of death was 1.2% (95% CI: 1.0–1.4%). The risk of hospitalization was significantly increased in mid‐June 2020 to mid‐February 2021, while the risk of ICU admission remained stable over time. The risk of death decreased over time, with a significant drop among ≥70‐years‐olds in mid‐February 2021 to late‐June 2021; COVID‐19 vaccination started early January 2021.

Conclusion

Whereas the increase in severity of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 with age remained stable, the risk of death upon infection decreased over time. A significant drop in risk of death among elderly coincided with the introduction of COVID‐19 vaccination.
Pore size regulation of BN fibers and its effect on tetracycline adsorption
Authors: Liu Zhaowei , Zhao Kang , Li Dan , Xing Guoxin , Tang Yufei
Published: August 2023

The environmental hazards caused by antibiotics are becoming more and more serious, especially tetracycline antibiotics, which not only destroy the water balance, but even threaten people's lives. Therefore, the hierarchical micro‐mesoporous boron nitride (BN) fibers with high adsorption capacity were prepared by in situ synthesis. The results indicated that the pore size extremes of the hierarchical micro‐mesoporous BN fibers were distributed at 1.2, 2.9, and 23.4 nm, and the total pore volume reached 0.295 cm3/g. Importantly, mesopores were conducive to diffusion while microporous structure was conducive to capture the tetracycline molecules. The maximum adsorption capacity of hierarchical porous BN fibers for tetracycline reached 870.29 mg/g, which was 1.99 times the maximum adsorption capacity reported in the existing literature. This was attributed to the synergistic enhancement between the mass transfer trapping effect and the intermolecular bonding in the BN fibers, which enabled the vertical adsorption of tetracycline molecules on the surface and between the layers of the BN molecules. In addition, the adsorption removal rate of the hierarchical porous BN for tetracycline was still as high as 99.93% after reusing five times. This hierarchical micro‐mesoporous BN fiber has broad application prospects in the fields of antibiotic adsorption and water purification.
Coevolutionary maintenance of forked tails and song in hirundines (Aves: Hirundininae)
Authors: Hasegawa Masaru
Published: August 2023

Both conspicuous plumage ornamentation and song are well‐known examples of sexually selected traits, but their interrelationship is not well known, perhaps in part because of confounding factors, including interspecific variation in ecology, habitat, morphology, and type of ornamentation. Here, using a phylogenetic comparative approach and the 69 species with available information (i.e. 96% of all 72 species), I examined the evolutionary relationship between forked tails and the presence/absence of song in hirundines (Aves: Hirundininae). Hirundines have similar ecology (e.g. aerial insectivores, social monogamy, and biparental provisioning), morphology (e.g. syrinx with nearly complete bronchial rings), and plumage ornamentation (i.e. a sexually selected forked tail), which provides a unique opportunity to examine the evolutionary associations between plumage ornamentation and song. In particular, hirundines have repeatedly lost their ornamentation, forked tails, setting up a condition to test their association with the evolutionary gain/loss of their simple song. After controlling for phylogeny and covariates, I demonstrated that song was less likely to be found in species with forkless tails than in species with forked tails. Two correlates of tail shape, sexual dimorphism in the overall plumage characteristics as a well‐known proxy of sexual selection and incubation type as a measure of extrapair mating opportunity, were not positively related to the presence or absence of song, indicating the importance of forked tails, rather than their correlates. The analysis of the correlated evolution of discrete characters further supported the correlated evolution of the two traits, in which forked tails and song are maintained together and less likely to be lost under the presence of each other. The current study provided macroevolutionary support for the integrated use of visual and acoustic courtship traits.
A test of species' mobility hypothesis in ecological niche modelling
Authors: Feng Xiao
Published: August 2023

Aim

Ecological niche modelling (ENM) or species distribution modelling is increasingly used in decision‐making regarding land use and biodiversity conservation. Model accuracy is essential, but can be affected by modelling choices, including the critical and ubiquitous question of how to define a model training domain. Theories have suggested designing a training domain based on areas accessible to a species for improved model performance (here termed as species’ mobility hypothesis). However, we still lack direct quantitative evidence on whether this approach leads to optimal model performance. Here, I conducted a modelling experiment to investigate the species' mobility hypothesis.

Location

North and South America.

Taxon

Hummingbirds (Aves: Trochilidae).

Methods

The modelling experiment was based on 87 hummingbird species. A series of spatial buffers (from 5 to 5000 km with varying intervals) were created around occurrences, where background points were sampled and used as input for model calibration. The models calibrated with spatial buffers were compared with models calibrated with training domains that considered areas accessible to species, using Boyce index and sensitivity, specificity and true skill statistics.

Results

Model performance increased when the size of the training domain was larger, although the model performance reached saturation when size of the training domain passed a certain threshold. The threshold varied by species and evaluation method and was generally estimated to be below 200 km. The model performance based on areas accessible to species was comparable (e.g. non‐significant difference in sensitivity) to the saturation performance of models when spatial buffers were used.

Main conclusions

Positive evidence was found to support the species' mobility hypothesis that designing a training domain based on areas accessible to species could lead to optimal or near‐optimal model performance. When no information on the accessible area is available, modellers may use a tuning strategy to identify the size of the training domain for optimized model performance.
Practitioner Review: Neurobiological consequences of childhood maltreatment – clinical and therapeutic implications for practitioners
Authors: Samson Jacqueline A. , Newkirk Thatcher R. , Teicher Martin H.
Published: August 2023

Background

Childhood maltreatment is one of the most important preventable risk factors for a wide variety of psychiatric disorders. Further, when psychiatric disorders emerge in maltreated individuals they typically do so at younger ages, with greater severity, more psychiatric comorbid conditions, and poorer response to established treatments, resulting in a more pernicious course with an increased risk for suicide. Practitioners treating children, adolescents, and young adults with psychiatric disorders will likely encounter the highest prevalence of clients with early‐onset maltreatment‐associated psychiatric disorders. These may be some of their most challenging cases.

Method

In this report, we explore key validated alterations in brain structure, function, and connectivity associated with exposure to childhood maltreatment as potential mechanisms behind their patients' clinical presentations.

Results

We then summarize key behavioral presentations likely associated with neurobiological alterations and propose a toolkit of established trauma and skills‐based strategies that may help diminish symptoms and foster recovery. We also discuss how some of these alterations may serve as latent vulnerability factors for the possible development of future psychopathology.

Conclusions

Research on the neurobiological consequences of childhood adversity provides a vastly enriched biopsychosocial understanding of the developmental origins of health and pathology that will hopefully lead to fundamental advances in clinical psychology and psychiatry.
The maintenance of genetic diversity under host–parasite coevolution in finite, structured populations
Authors: Peters Madeline A. E. , Mideo Nicole , MacPherson Ailene
Published: August 2023

As a corollary to the Red Queen hypothesis, host–parasite coevolution has been hypothesized to maintain genetic variation in both species. Recent theoretical work, however, suggests that reciprocal natural selection alone is insufficient to maintain variation at individual loci. As highlighted by our brief review of the theoretical literature, models of host–parasite coevolution often vary along multiple axes (e.g. inclusion of ecological feedbacks or abiotic selection mosaics), complicating a comprehensive understanding of the effects of interacting evolutionary processes on diversity. Here we develop a series of comparable models to explore the effect of interactions between spatial structures and antagonistic coevolution on genetic diversity. Using a matching alleles model in finite populations connected by migration, we find that, in contrast to panmictic populations, coevolution in a spatially structured environment can maintain genetic variation relative to neutral expectations with migration alone. These results demonstrate that geographic structure is essential for understanding the effect of coevolution on biological diversity.

Abstract

Overview of the six matching alleles models considered and their main results for the maintenance of host genetic diversity. Bolded text in the top half of the figure indicates results in which coevolution maintained diversity, either transiently (relative to neutrality) or in the long term. The bottom half of the figure highlights model features, including host–parasite coevolution, spatial set-up and time scale. In the coevolutionary model, hosts and parasites undergo both extrinsic birth and death as well as death and subsequent birth resulting from successful infection. Geography is defined as one of three options: one patch, two patches with migration and island–mainland with migration. Time scale is either continuous or discrete, with models correspondingly specified as either Moran or Wright–Fisher models.
Toward global and national toxicity footprints
Authors: Leclerc Alexandra , Berthet Etienne , Stadler Konstantin , Wood Richard , Laurent Alexis
Published: August 2023

Estimating comprehensive toxicity footprints, encompassing potential impacts of toxic releases from consumption on human health and ecosystems, remains challenging due to the absence of complete emission inventories and disaggregation in global economic sectors. This study proposes an integrative approach to evaluate the global toxicity footprint by combining multiple databases, inventorying methods gap‐filling/extrapolation techniques, and environmentally extended multi‐region input–output models. We incorporated industrial, residential, and agricultural emissions of 693 chemicals into air, water, and soil, assessing the toxicity footprints of 49 countries and regions and revealing the displacement of toxic impacts across regions and nations. Our results emphasize the significant sensitivity of emission inventories and toxicity footprints to the choice of extrapolation procedures in regionalized chemical inventory development. Despite considerable progress in consolidating emission data, major gaps persist in publicly available datasets, impeding accurate extrapolation of global pollutant releases and comprehensive analysis of toxicity footprints. Primary data require refinement, harmonization, and expansion to enhance toxicity footprints' accuracy, particularly concerning pesticide emissions and national Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers initiatives. This study offers crucial insights for national and regional policymakers, facilitating the creation of targeted regulations and incentives to mitigate toxic substances' environmental impact. Future research should prioritize developing input–output table projections, deriving forward‐looking time series of national emission inventories, and establishing absolute thresholds for toxic impacts within the framework of environmentally sustainable societies.
How the public perceives the “good nurse” in China: A content analysis of national newspapers
Authors: Chen Xiao , Du Yu , Shen Zhiyun , Qin Wei , Zhang Yuxia
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Newspapers are a predominant channel through which the Chinese public learns about nurses and the nursing profession. However, little nursing research has been performed in China to investigate the newspaper portrayal of nurses, and how the public perceives the role of nurses in the Chinese context is still an ambiguous phenomenon. This study aimed to clarify the public portrayals of nurses in China, and to analyze whether there are changes over time in news content related to nurses in the national newspapers.

Design

A content analysis of the newspaper articles citing nurses that have been published since each newspaper was established.

Method

We selected two national daily newspapers as sources to systematically search for articles about nurses from 1949 to 2022. A coding instrument was developed to quantitatively extract the contents of the articles identified. Then, using a mixed methods approach, we analyzed newspaper content to show the roles of nurses presented to the public by the media.

Results

A total of 317 articles were analyzed. Nurses have been depicted with heterogeneous images in both newspapers with positive wordings and up to 28 types of public images. More than half of the articles portrayed two, three, or more types of images. Among the images of nurses identified, “overworked” appeared the most frequently, followed by “dedicated,” “philanthropic and benevolent,” and “with a sense of responsibility,” and then “technically skilled.” By analyzing the image of nurses in both newspapers over time, we found that images related to virtue have largely increased with time, while images about professionalism have decreased.

Conclusion

Nursing continues to be depicted as a virtuous caregiving profession, often forgetting the wide need for knowledge, skill, and expertise required in the occupation. The public image of nurses portrayed in the national newspapers does not accurately match their actual roles.

Clinical Relevance

The public image of nurses portrayed in the national newspapers does not accurately match their actual roles. To actualize a professional role and increase social status of nurses, intentional image management is needed. Nursing schools, nursing associations, and nursing professionals should be more proactive in overcoming the stereotypical image portrayed of them and use the news media as a tool to invite attention from and dialogue with the public about the value of nursing to reframe the public's understanding of the expert role of the professional nurse in health care and to create a new and more professional image for nursing.
Should we be Conservative or Aggressive? SME Managers’ Responses in a Crisis and Long‐Term Firm Survival
Authors: Paeleman Ine , Vanacker Tom , Zahra Shaker A.
Published: August 2023

Past research shows that during a crisis, managers of publicly‐held firms often adopt a ‘conservative’ approach focused on protecting the existing core of their firms by decreasing investments and hoarding precautionary cash. By doing so, managers decrease firms’ short‐term failure rates. However, the literature says little about how managers of private, Small and Medium‐sized Enterprises (SMEs) (should) act during a crisis. To address this question, we draw on the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory. Empirically, we use longitudinal data from 38,885 Belgian SMEs’ responses to the 2008–09 financial crisis. Consistent with our expectations, we find that an ‘aggressive’ approach focused on resource investment during the crisis decreases SMEs’ failure rates for up to a decade after the crisis. Further, younger SMEs, and especially those in industries with more growth opportunities, adopt aggressive approaches. Overall, the results show that SMEs need to be aggressive during the crisis to ensure their long‐term survival. Moreover, contrary to current depictions of younger SMEs as being vulnerable, and especially so in crises, our evidence highlights that they are surprisingly aggressive when being confronted with a crisis, relative to their older peers.
Hyaluronic acid injections for pain relief and functional improvement in patients with temporomandibular disorders: An umbrella review of systematic reviews
Authors: Agostini Francesco , Ferrillo Martina , Bernetti Andrea , Finamore Nikolaos , Mangone Massimiliano , Giudice Amerigo , Paoloni Marco , de Sire Alessandro
Published: August 2023

Background

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are the main cause of chronic facial pain, and intra‐articular (IA) injections of hyaluronic acid (HA) are commonly performed.

Objectives

This umbrella review of systematic reviews aimed at analysing the effectiveness of HA injections on pain and functional outcomes in patients affected by TMD.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Library and PEDro were systematically searched from inception until 17 January 2023 to identify systematic reviews evaluating the effects on pain and functional outcomes of HA IA injections. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022382586.

Results

Out of 316 papers suitable for title/abstract screening, 18 articles were included in the umbrella review. Thirteen studies included only randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs). The included systematic reviews reported no statistically significant differences between HA and corticosteroids, whereas platelet derivates seem to have good results in pain relief. The literature did not show severe adverse events, except for mild pain in the site of injection. Concerning the quality assessment of the 18 systematic reviews, 2 (11.11%) had a high quality, 3 (16.67%) a moderate quality, 7 (38.89%) a low quality and 6 (33.33%) a critically low quality.

Conclusions

Taken together, findings of this umbrella review showed intriguing effects of IA HA injections in terms of reduction of pain intensity and improvement of functioning in patients affected by TMD. Furthermore, there is no agreement on the effectiveness of a combination of arthrocentesis or arthroscopy with IA HA injections. Although the literature showed these positive results after IA HA injections, the overlapping of primary studies in the systematic reviews included might have affect our results, such as the very low quality of the papers. Thus, further RCTs are needed to confirm the efficacy of IA injections of HA on pain relief in patients with TMD.
Sleep–wake timing and chronotype in perinatal periods: longitudinal changes and associations with insomnia symptoms, sleep‐related impairment, and mood from pregnancy to 2 years postpartum
Authors: Verma Sumedha , Pinnington Donna M. , Manber Rachel , Bei Bei
Published: August 2023

Across the perinatal transition, existing research focuses mainly on significant changes in sleep duration and quality, neglecting sleep timing. This study investigated change trajectories of sleep timing and chronotype from late pregnancy to 2 years postpartum and examined longitudinal associations of chronotype with symptoms of insomnia, daytime sleep‐related impairment, and mood. Data were from a two‐arm randomised controlled trial testing parent‐focused wellbeing interventions. Participants were a community sample of nullipara without severe sleep/mental health conditions. Participants self‐reported bedtime, rise‐time, chronotype, insomnia symptoms, sleep‐related impairment, depression, and anxiety at seven time points: gestation Weeks 30 and 35, and postpartum Months 1.5, 3, 6, 12 and 24. Trajectories were estimated using mixed‐effects models with continuous time, quadratic splines, and a knot at childbirth, controlling for age and group allocation. A total of 163 participants (mean [SD] age 33.35 [3.42] years) took part. Bedtime and rise‐times delayed during late pregnancy (~8 and ~20 min, respectively) but became progressively earlier (~20 and ~60 min, respectively) over the 2 postpartum years. Chronotype became more eveningness in late pregnancy, and more morningness after childbirth, however changes were small. Controlling for sleep duration and efficiency, greater morningness was associated with significantly less symptoms of insomnia and sleep‐related impairment over time (all p < 0.001); longitudinal associations between chronotype and symptoms of depression and anxiety were non‐significant (all p > 0.65). Sleep–wake timing and chronotype became progressively earlier from pregnancy to 2 years postpartum. Morningness chronotype may be sleep‐protective during the transition from pregnancy to parenthood. Mechanisms underlying these associations require further research.
AhR may be involved in Th17 cell differentiation in chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Zhang Ruyi , Liu Huaie , Lin Jie , Ding Jie , You Jing , Geng Jiawei
Published: August 2023

Th17 cells which are crucial for host immunity have been demonstrated to increase HBV infection. However, the mechanism of the Th17 cell increase is unknown. Hence, the mechanism of Th17 cell enhancement is important to provide a theoretical foundation for chronic hepatitis B immunotherapy. This study included 15 instances in the healthy control (HC) and 15 cohorts in the chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Their CD4+T cells were isolated from their peripheral blood and then subjected to RNA transcriptome sequencing. Then, to identify target genes linked to Th17‐cell differentiation, DEGs associated with CHB were convergent with the Th17‐cell‐associated genes from the KEGG database. Hub genes of DEG and target genes linked to Th17 cells were analysed for correlation. The AhR‐related genes were located using the GeneMANIA database. To analyse the function of the genes, GO and KEGG pathways were employed. Protein–protein interaction network analysis employed the Metascape, STRING and Cytoscape databases. Finally, Western blotting and RT‐qPCR were used to validate AhR. A total of 348 differential genes were identified in CHB patients. CytoHubba was used for screening five hub genes associated with CHB: CXCL10, RACGAP1, TPX2, FN1 and GZMA. This study aimed to determine the mechanism of elevated Th17 cells in CHB. As a result, further investigation using the convergence of DGEs and Th17 cell‐related genes identified three target genes: AhR, HLA‐DQA1 and HLA‐DQB1, all of which were elevated in CHB. The three genes were primarily involved in immune response‐related processes, according to the GO enrichment analysis. Correlation analysis of CXCL10, RACGAP1, TPX2, FN1 and GZMA genes with AhR, HLA‐DQA1 and HLA‐DQB1 revealed that AhR was positively associated with CXCL10 and GZMA genes, which best respond to the severity of CHB disease. Combined with the role of AhR in Th17 cell differentiation, the genes AhR was chosen for confirmation by RT‐qPCR and WB in this study. The results showed that the CHB group had higher expression levels of AhR at both RT‐qPCR and WB levels. Furthermore, this study's findings revealed that AhR may contribute to the development of CHB by affecting the differentiation of Th17 cells.
Global patterns of phylogenetic beta‐diversity components in angiosperms
Authors: Moulatlet Gabriel Massaine , Kusumoto Buntarou , Pinto‐Ledezma Jesús , Shiono Takayuki , Kubota Yasuhiro , Villalobos Fabricio
Published: August 2023

Questions

Geographic gradients of beta‐diversity help understanding the relationship between species and their environment. However, on a global scale, such patterns are only known for a few taxa, mainly terrestrial vertebrates, especially when considering the phylogenetic dimension. Here, we present the first global analysis of phylogenetic beta‐diversity (PBD) for angiosperms. We aim to disentangle the relative contribution of PBD components (turnover‐ and nestedness‐resultant differences) and the deviation of PBD given the taxonomic beta‐diversity (TBD) along environmental and geographic gradients.

Location

Global.

Methods

We compiled range maps of 207,146 angiosperm species at 1° cells and calculated PBD for assemblages formed by each focal cell and its neighboring cells in radii of 1.5° and 2° (“moving‐window” approach). PBD was decomposed into turnover‐ and nestedness‐resultant components, evaluating their relative importance as the proportion of nestedness‐resultant PBD to the total PBD (PBDratio). To evaluate lineage exchanges, we calculated the deviation of PBD from TBD (PBDdev). We assessed the breakpoints of relationship between PBD and geographic (latitude and elevation) and environmental (temperature and precipitation) gradients using linear piecewise regressions.

Results

The turnover‐resultant component was predominant in shaping the global angiosperm PBD pattern. PBDratio was positively correlated with temperature, having a breakpoint around 14°. Because PBDdev was mostly positive, TBD prevailed over PBD; PBDdev was correlated significantly with latitude and temperature gradients, being higher (i.e., low lineage replacement compared with species replacement) at latitudes above 50° N, and in colder climates (below 2°C).

Conclusions

We provided the first global assessment of current geographic PBD patterns for angiosperms. Our results showed that such patterns are largely dictated by global environmental and geographic gradients, with lineage replacement being more important than lineage loss in virtually all areas, except at higher latitudes and on islands and peninsulas.
Childhood obesity: Implications on adipose tissue dynamics and metabolic health
Authors: Palacios‐Marin Ivonne , Serra Dolors , Jiménez‐Chillarón Josep C. , Herrero Laura , Todorčević Marijana
Published: August 2023

Obesity is the leading risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Childhood obesity represents an alarming health challenge because children with obesity are prone to remain with obesity throughout their life and have an increased morbidity and mortality risk. The ability of adipose tissue to store lipids and expand in size during excessive calorie intake is its most remarkable characteristic. Cellular and lipid turnovers determine adipose tissue size and are closely related with metabolic status. The mechanisms through which adipose tissue expands and how this affects systemic metabolic homeostasis are still poorly characterized. Furthermore, the mechanism through which increased adiposity extends from childhood to adulthood and its implications in metabolic health are in most part, still unknown. More studies on adipose tissue development in healthy and children with obesity are urgently needed. In the present review, we summarize the dynamics of white adipose tissue, from developmental origins to the mechanisms that allows it to grow and expand throughout lifetime and during obesity in children and in different mouse models used to address this largely unknown field. Specially, highlighting the role that excessive adiposity during the early life has on future's adipose tissue dynamics and individual's health.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the effect of digital game‐based or influencer food and non‐alcoholic beverage marketing on children and adolescents: Exploring hierarchy of effects outcomes
Authors: Evans Rebecca K. , Christiansen Paul , Finlay Amy , Jones Andrew , Maden Michelle , Boyland Emma
Published: August 2023

Videogame livestreaming platforms are an emerging form of digital media, popular with young people, where users watch gaming influencers play videogames. Food and non‐alcoholic beverage (hereafter: food) brands have a substantial presence on these platforms, yet no studies have examined the impact of this food marketing on young people. This systematic review and meta‐analysis examined the evidence (quantitative or mixed‐method) for a relationship between exposure to digital game‐based or influencer food marketing, and food‐related (brand awareness, attitudes, preferences, purchase, and consumption), and post‐consumption (weight, body mass index [BMI], and dental caries) outcomes in young people (≤18 years). Twenty‐three databases were searched in March 2021. Twenty‐two studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 20 were included in the quantitative synthesis. Meta‐analyses indicated food marketing was associated with more positive attitudes and greater preferences (OR = 1.74, p < 0.001 [95%CI: 1.355, 2.232]), and increased consumption (SMD = 0.37, p < 0.001 [95%CI: 0.219, 0.529]). Narrative synthesis indicated that food marketing may increase brand awareness but not pester intent, although data were limited. Evidence suggests that there is a relationship between exposure to food marketing via influencers and digital gaming media, and several food‐related outcomes. This is the first quantitative synthesis to demonstrate these relationships; this work has implications for food marketing policy.
A timid response to the consequence argument
Authors: McKenna Michael
Published: August 2023

In this paper, I challenge the Consequence Argument for Incompatibilism by arguing that the inference principle it relies upon is not well motivated. The sorts of non‐question‐begging instances that might be offered in support of it fall short.