bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remembering Nightingale in her turbulent times: Introducing the Theory of Integral Nursing in our turbulent times
Authors: Beck Deva‐Marie , Dossey Barbara Montgomery
Published: November 2024

Aim

To connect selected examples from Florence Nightingale's life with concerns for the distress nurses are experiencing worldwide.

Background

We live in turbulent times of disease, armed conflict, vast climate change, and social injustice—factors exacerbating illness and impacting health—factors Nightingale also addressed throughout her life.

Sources of evidence

The Theory of Integral Nursing (TIN) is introduced with related examples of nursing's problems and solutions seen through integral lenses at the individual, group, grassroots, and global levels. Illustrating these points, relevant Nightingale quotes and life narratives illustrate how she responded, in her time, to the challenges we face in our time.

Discussion

Leading reflections focus on changes needed within nursing's culture to encourage proactive innovations and public advocacy for the challenges nurses face—for nurses to be seen and heard.

Conclusion

Nurses are a potentially significant force to bring our trusted caring and compassion for suffering into advocacy for a better world.

Implications for nursing practice

Nightingale's vision for maintaining excellence in ‘sick‐nursing’ practice is described with a corresponding aim to develop ‘health‐nursing’ practices to address the causes of illness and injury through public advocacy.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Recommendations connect Nightingale's hope for future policy leadership with recent global policy calls to sustain positive change within nursing's culture and the global healthcare workforce.
Working at Home and the Gender Wage Gap
Authors: Birch Elisa , Preston Alison
Published: November 2024

This paper examines the impact of working at home on the wages of men and women using cross‐sectional and panel data from Australia. The results show that working at home helps narrow the gender wage gap. A concerning finding is that fathers who work at home earn significantly less than other men who work at home. Policy implications are discussed.
Physical Activity and Arterial Stiffness: A Narrative Review
Authors: Yang Jinyu , Chen Xiaoqian , Chen Xiang , Li Lihua
Published: November 2024

Arterial stiffness is a significant predictor of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Physical activity (PA) has been extensively studied for its potential to reduce arterial stiffness, but the relationship between different types, durations, and intensities of PA and arterial stiffness remains a topic of ongoing research. Therefore, in this narrative review, we evaluated the current evidence focusing on the effect of PA on arterial stiffness and vascular health and discussed the known underlying physiological mechanisms. PA, irrespective of its intensity or pattern, is consistently associated with lower arterial stiffness. Aerobic exercise, particularly at higher intensities, is the most effective strategy for reducing arterial stiffness. These benefits are especially significant in populations with higher cardiovascular risk, such as those with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Therefore, maintaining an active lifestyle into older age is crucial for vascular health and may contribute to healthy aging.
Association between Pan‐Immune Inflammation Value and Sarcopenia in Hypertensive Patients, NHANES 1999–2018
Authors: Long Lu , Xiong Bingquan , Luo Zhidan , Yang Haiyan , She Qiang
Published: November 2024

Sarcopenia worsens the prognosis in hypertensive patients, leading to complications such as proteinuria, osteoporosis, disability, and cognitive impairment. Early screening and intervention for sarcopenia in these patients may improve outcomes. This cross‐sectional study utilized data from 9253 hypertensive patients in the 1999–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We used logistic and linear regression models, restricted cubic splines (RCS), and subgroup analyses to evaluate the relationship between pan‐immune‐inflammation value (PIV) and sarcopenia. Patients were divided into quartiles based on PIV levels. After controlling for confounding factors, our study found that those in the highest PIV quartile faced a 36% greater risk of developing sarcopenia compared to those in the lowest quartile (OR = 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04–1.77). The RCS analysis indicated a linear increase in sarcopenia risk as PIV levels rose (non‐linear p = 0.130). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that diabetes synergistically increased sarcopenia risk (p for interaction = 0.007). Elevated PIV levels were identified as an independent risk factor for sarcopenia, with diabetes amplifying this risk. These findings highlight the importance of early identification and management of elevated PIV levels to improve outcomes for hypertensive patients at risk of sarcopenia.
Building a better lawyer: Experimental evidence that artificial intelligence can increase legal work efficiency
Authors: Nielsen Aileen , Skylaki Stavroula , Norkute Milda , Stremitzer Alexander
Published: November 2024

Rapidly improving artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have created opportunities for human–machine cooperation in legal practice. We provide evidence from an experiment with law students (N = 206) on the causal impact of machine assistance on the efficiency of legal task completion in a private law setting with natural language inputs and multidimensional AI outputs. We tested two forms of machine assistance: AI‐generated summaries of legal complaints and AI‐generated text highlighting within those complaints. AI‐generated highlighting reduced task completion time by 30% without any reduction in measured quality indicators compared to no AI assistance. AI‐generated summaries produced no change in performance metrics. AI summaries and AI highlighting together improved efficiency but not as much as AI highlighting alone. Our results show that AI support can dramatically increase the efficiency of legal task completion, but finding the optimal form of AI assistance is a fine‐tuning exercise. Currently, AI‐generated highlighting is not readily available from state‐of‐the‐art, consumer‐facing large language models, but our work suggests that this capability should be prioritized in the development of legal AI products.
Automating Abercrombie: Machine‐learning trademark distinctiveness
Authors: Adarsh Shivam , Ash Elliott , Bechtold Stefan , Beebe Barton , Fromer Jeanne
Published: November 2024

Trademark law protects marks to enable firms to signal their products' qualities to consumers. To qualify for protection, a mark must be able to identify and distinguish goods. US courts typically locate a mark on a “spectrum of distinctiveness”—known as the Abercrombie spectrum—that categorizes marks as fanciful, arbitrary, or suggestive, and thus as “inherently distinctive,” or as descriptive or generic, and thus as not inherently distinctive. This article explores whether locating trademarks on the Abercrombie spectrum can be automated using current natural‐language processing techniques. Using about 1.5 million US trademark registrations between 2012 and 2019 as well as 2.2 million related USPTO office actions, the article presents a machine‐learning model that learns semantic features of trademark applications and predicts whether a mark is inherently distinctive. Our model can predict trademark actions with 86% accuracy overall, and it can identify subsets of trademark applications where it is highly certain in its predictions of distinctiveness. Using an eXplainable AI (XAI) algorithm, we further analyze which features in trademark applications drive our model's predictions. We then explore the practical and normative implications of our approach. On a practical level, we outline a decision‐support system that could, as a “robot trademark clerk,” assist trademark experts in their determination of a trademark's distinctiveness. Such a system could also help trademark experts understand which features of a trademark application contribute the most toward a trademark's distinctiveness. On a theoretical level, we discuss the normative limits of the Abercrombie spectrum and propose to move beyond Abercrombie for trademarks whose distinctiveness is uncertain. We discuss how machine‐learning projects in the law not only inform us about the aspects of the legal system that may be automated in the future, but also force us to tackle normative tradeoffs that may be invisible otherwise.
Does the Infestation by Trematode Parasites Influence Trade‐Offs Between Somatic Condition and Male Reproductive Traits in a Viviparous Fish?
Authors: Domínguez‐Castanedo Omar , Gaspar‐Navarro Jorge , Zúñiga‐Vega J. Jaime
Published: November 2024

Life history theory predicts that a trade‐off may occur when an increased investment in one fitness component causes a reduced investment in another. Parasites generate changes in the optimal life history traits of organisms, causing compromises for their hosts. The objective of this research was to determine whether trematodes Clinostomum sp. and Uvulifer sp. inflict measurable damage on the males of the viviparous fish Poeciliopsis infans, generating trade‐offs between somatic condition and reproductive traits (gonad mass and gonopodium length). We found (i) a negative relationship of large encysted metacercariae and non‐encysted metacercariae on somatic condition. Interestingly, individuals with a higher parasite load had a worse body condition, but bigger gonads and longer gonopodium; and, (ii) a bond between small encysted metacercariae and non‐encysted metacercariae with smaller gonopodia, only in fish with poorer somatic condition. The strongest correlation was given by the non‐encysted metacercariae, probably due to mechanical damage during migration through the body cavity. We did not find any trade‐off effects of Uvulifer sp. We consider that the statistical effects found on somatic condition can be attributed to a greater reproductive investment, generating energetic costs that compromise their defences against infection, allowing a greater parasite load.
Alterations of endocannabinoid signaling and microglia reactivity in the retinas of AD‐like mice precede the onset of hippocampal β‐amyloid plaques
Authors: Tisi Annamaria , Scipioni Lucia , Carozza Giulia , Di Re Lucia , Cimino Giacomo , Di Meo Camilla , Palaniappan Sakthimala , Valle Francesco Della , Fanti Federico , Giacovazzo Giacomo , Compagnone Dario , Maccarone Rita , Oddi Sergio , Maccarrone Mauro
Published: November 2024

Extra‐cerebral manifestations of Alzheimer's disease (AD) develop in the retina, which is, therefore, considered a “window to the brain”. Recent studies demonstrated the dysregulation of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system (ECS) in AD brain. Here, we explored the possible alterations of ECS and the onset of gliosis in the retina of AD‐like mice. Tg2576 (TG) mice overexpressing the amyloid precursor protein (APP) were used at the age of 12 months, when hippocampal β‐amyloid plaques had not been developed yet. Analysis of retinal gliosis showed a significant increase in the number of IBA1 (+) microglia cells in TG versus wild type (WT). Gliosis was not associated with retinal β‐amyloid plaques, evident retinal degenerative signatures, or excitotoxicity; instead, oxidative stress burden was observed as increased acrolein levels. Analysis of the ECS (receptors/metabolic enzymes) through western blotting (WB) revealed the up‐regulation of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), the enzyme responsible for the degradation of 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG), in TG retinas. Fluorescence intensity analysis of anti‐CB2 and anti‐MAGL immuno‐stained cryosections was consistent with WB, showing their up‐regulation throughout the retinal layers. No statistically significant differences were found for the other enzymes/receptors of the ECS under study. However, linear regression analysis for individual animals showed a significant correlation between CB2 and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), diacylglycerol lipase α/β (DAGLα/β), and APP; instead, a significant negative correlation was found between MAGL and APP. Finally, ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) demonstrated a significant reduction of 2‐AG in TG retinas (~0.34 ng/mg) compared to WT (~1.70 ng/mg), while a trend toward increase was found for the other eCB anandamide (AEA). Overall, our data indicate that gliosis and ECS dysregulation—in particular of CB2, MAGL and 2‐AG—occur in the retina of AD‐like mice before retinal degeneration and development of hippocampal β‐amyloid plaques.

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Convergent effects of synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone and amyloid beta in human olfactory neurosphere‐derived cells
Authors: Farnum Zane , Mani Radhika , Bindoff Aidan , Wilson Richard , Fiotakis Adoni , Stephens Jessica , Cho Ellie , Mackay‐Sim Alan , Sinclair Duncan
Published: November 2024

Stressful life events and glucocorticoid (stress) hormones appear to increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease and hasten its progression, but the reasons for this remain unclear. One potential explanation is that when amyloid β (Aβ) pathology is accumulating in the preclinical disease stage, glucocorticoid receptor signalling during stressful events exacerbates cellular dysfunction caused by Aβ. Alternatively, Aβ may disrupt glucocorticoid receptor signalling. To explore these possibilities, we investigated whether the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone and Aβ have overlapping effects on the cellular proteome and whether Aβ influences canonical glucocorticoid receptor function. Human olfactory neurosphere‐derived (ONS) cells, collected from the olfactory mucosa of six adult donors, were treated with soluble Aβ40 or Aβ42 followed by dexamethasone. Proteins were quantified by mass spectrometry. After 32 h treatment, Aβ40 and Aβ42 both induced profound changes in innate immunity‐related proteins. After 72 h, Aβ42 formed widespread aggregates and induced few proteomic changes, whereas Aβ40 remained soluble and altered expression of mitochondrial and innate immunity‐related proteins. ONS cells revealed overlapping impacts of Aβ40 and dexamethasone, with 23 proteins altered by both treatments. For 16 proteins (including eight mitochondrial proteins) dexamethasone counteracted the effects of Aβ40. For example, caspase 4 and methylmalonate‐semialdehyde dehydrogenase were increased by Aβ40 and decreased by dexamethasone. Consistent with this finding, Aβ40 increased, but dexamethasone decreased, ONS cell proliferation. For seven proteins, including superoxide dismutase [Mn] mitochondrial, dexamethasone exacerbated the effects of Aβ40. For some proteins, including complement C3, the effects of dexamethasone differed depending on whether Aβ40 was present or absent. Neither Aβ species influenced glucocorticoid receptor nuclear translocation. Overall, this study revealed that glucocorticoid receptor signalling modifies the intracellular effects of Aß40, counteracting some effects and exacerbating others. It suggests that cellular mechanisms through which glucocorticoid receptor signalling influences Alzheimer's disease risk/progression are complex and determined by the balance of beneficial and detrimental glucocorticoid effects.

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Modulating the cholinergic system—Novel targets for deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Witzig V. , Pjontek R. , Tan S. K. H. , Schulz J. B. , Holtbernd F.
Published: November 2024

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second‐fastest growing neurodegenerative disease in the world. The major clinical symptoms rigor, tremor, and bradykinesia derive from the degeneration of the nigrostriatal pathway. However, PD is a multi‐system disease, and neurodegeneration extends beyond the degradation of the dopaminergic pathway. Symptoms such as postural instability, freezing of gait, falls, and cognitive decline are predominantly caused by alterations of transmitter systems outside the classical dopaminergic axis. While levodopa and deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus or globus pallidus internus effectively address PD primary motor symptoms, they often fall short in mitigating axial symptoms and cognitive impairment. Along these lines, the cholinergic system is increasingly recognized to play a crucial role in governing locomotion, postural stability, and cognitive function. Thus, there is a growing interest in bolstering the cholinergic tone by DBS of cholinergic targets such as the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) and nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM), aiming to alleviate these debilitating symptoms resistant to traditional treatment strategies targeting the dopaminergic network. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the role of cholinergic dysfunction in PD. We discuss the impact of PPN and NBM DBS on the management of symptoms not readily accessible to established DBS targets and pharmacotherapy in PD and seek to provide guidance on patient selection, surgical approach, and stimulation paradigms.

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The overlooked first intercostal ligament: Does it help to stabilize the Weberian apparatus?
Authors: Leyhr Jake , Haitina Tatjana , Bird Nathan C.
Published: November 2024

The Weberian apparatus is a novel hearing adaptation that facilitates increased hearing sensitivity in otophysan fishes. The apparatus is a complex system composed of modifications to anterior vertebral elements, the inner ear, and the swim bladder. A critical piece of the system that often receives minor attention are the various ligaments that bridge these three regions. The most famous of the ligaments is the interossicular ligament, which connects the Weberian ossicle chain (scaphium–intercalarium–tripus). Several other ligaments are present, including the suspensor (tripus to parapophysis 4) and the triple ligament (tripus–os suspensorium–tunica externa). Here, by combining diffusible iodine‐based contrast enhancement (DICE) and propagation phase‐contrast synchrotron radiation micro‐computed tomography (PPC‐SRμCT) with classic histological methods, we shine new light on the first intercostal ligament (ICL1) and discuss its potential function in relation to the Weberian apparatus. ICL1 is nearly absent from the cypriniform literature, typically only mentioned in a general discussion together with other intercostal ligaments. This study examines the development and structure of ICL1 comparatively with the other definitive Weberian ligaments in the zebrafish (Danio rerio). We provide a comprehensive view of three‐dimensional shape, development, and composition to generate hypotheses regarding potential functions of ICL1 within the greater Weberian apparatus. Given new detail presented herein regarding the structure of ICL1, modifications to rib 5 and parapophysis 4 for ICL1 attachment, and the alignment of ICL1 with the os suspensorium, we propose a supportive (anchoring) role of ICL1 to aid in minimizing non‐optimal movement of the structures of the fourth vertebra. This addition would focus vibrations anteriorly through the ossicle chain with minimal signal loss in zebrafish and other species with similar Weberian apparatus morphologies. We conclude that ICL1 should be included in future analyses of Weberian apparatus function where ligaments are addressed.
Unpacking youth engagement in agriculture: Land, labour mobility and youth livelihoods in rural Nepal
Authors: Sunam Ramesh , Sugden Fraser , Kharel Arjun , Sunuwar Tula Raj , Ito Takeshi
Published: November 2024

Young people are increasingly turning away from agriculture in many parts of the global South, even where agriculture remains the backbone of livelihoods and the rural economy. This tendency among rural youth has become a critical research and public concern given that mass youth un (der)employment has emerged as a defining feature in many countries. In this paper, we interrogate and depart from the dominant narrative of the youth‐agriculture disconnect by focussing on socio‐economic conditions that shape diverse patterns of youth livelihood in rural areas. Our empirical evidence draws on ethnographic studies conducted in rural parts of Nepal with in‐depth interviews with young people complemented by key informant interviews with local leaders and community workers who shared their experiences and local narratives of the links among youth, agriculture and migration. Findings show that youth aspiration to leave agriculture is hard to deny, although this is heavily mediated by economic status, caste and gender in rural contexts. Given the chronic livelihood insecurity and the structural barriers rooted in class, caste and gender, we find that youth from underprivileged backgrounds do not have the luxury of considering an ‘exit’ from agriculture despite their mobility aspirations. When a longer‐term livelihood trajectory is considered, youth aspirations to transition out of agriculture show some degree of temporality regardless of their background, suggesting their re‐engagement in agriculture later in their life.
TFC‐1326 Compound Reduces Clinical Signs of Skin Aging. Evidence From In Vitro Human Adipose and Skin Models and Pilot Clinical Trial
Authors: Deliencourt‐Godefroy Géraldine , Legoedec Jocelyne , Bourdens Marion , Juin Noémie , Nguyen Linh‐Trang , Branchet Marie‐Christine , Boisnic Sylvie , Keophiphath Mayoura
Published: November 2024

Background

Anti‐freeze Glycoproteins (AFGPs) were described to preserve biological materials and protect them from different stresses.

Aims

The effects of a synthetic anti‐freeze glycoprotein‐based compound, TFC‐1326, on human skin quality and its biological actions were studied.

Methods

The effects of various concentrations of TFC‐1326 on the biology of human preadipocytes, differentiated in the proinflammatory microenvironment, and on human fibroblasts grown in coculture with human mature adipocytes or monocultured in stress conditions were investigated in, in vitro studies. Additionally, the efficacy of a 1% TFC‐1326 topical cream was evaluated in a clinical investigation on the skin biology and appearance of 20 women aged between 40 and 65 years throughout 84 days of application.

Results

The in vitro studies revealed that TFC‐1326 mitigated the deleterious effects of a proinflammatory cytokine cocktail produced by human macrophages, by restoring preadipocyte adipogenic capacity and by reducing their fibroinflammatory state. TFC‐1326 also stimulated the proliferative capacity of dermal fibroblasts co‐cultured with mature adipocytes as well as their production of hyaluronic acid and procollagen type I, while decreasing IL6 secretion and increasing fibroblast viability. Furthermore, daily 1% TFC‐1326 topical cream application, measurably improved skin radiance and laxity, as well as skin density. Finally, significant reductions of the volume and depth of the crow's feet wrinkles were also observed.

Conclusions

The compound TFC‐1326 significantly improved the physiological appearance and cellular functions of aging skin.
Optimizing analgesia for endometrial biopsy: A prospective, randomized comparative study
Authors: Coskun Enes Serhat , Yeniocak Ali Selcuk , Bacak Havva Betul , Salman Suleyman
Published: November 2024

Aim

This prospective, randomized, observational study aimed to compare the efficacy of intrauterine lidocaine, oral dexketoprofen, cervical lidocaine spray, and paracervical block with prilocaine for pain management during outpatient endometrial biopsy (EMB).

Methods

One hundred ninety‐seven women aged 18–75 undergoing EMB were randomly assigned to one of four groups: intrauterine lidocaine (n = 49), oral dexketoprofen (n = 48), cervical lidocaine spray (n = 50), or paracervical block with prilocaine (n = 50). Pain intensity was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) immediately post‐procedure and at 30 min, with additional analgesia needs recorded at 60 min. Statistical analyses included Kruskal–Wallis, chi‐square tests, and post hoc analysis.

Results

The intrauterine lidocaine group had the lowest pain scores, while oral dexketoprofen had the highest (p < 0.001). Intrauterine lidocaine and paracervical block scores were significantly lower than those in the lidocaine spray and dexketoprofen groups (p < 0.001). Additional analgesia was needed in 30% of the lidocaine spray group, with none required in other groups. Severe pain (VAS ≥5.8) was more frequent in the dexketoprofen group compared to others (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Intrauterine lidocaine and paracervical block are more effective than lidocaine spray and oral dexketoprofen in reducing procedural pain during EMB, highlighting the importance of appropriate analgesic selection to enhance patient comfort in office‐based gynecological procedures.
Transforming Management Education: Insights from Social‐Ecological Systems and Social Innovation Research
Authors: Colombo Laura A.
Published: November 2024

It is clear that contemporary management education (ME) needs to be transformed to tackle complex social‐ecological crises effectively. However, the concept of transformation is often ill‐defined in the context of ME; while there is also a lack of understanding about what concrete transformation trajectories (also called scaling pathways) are available to management educators. This conceptual paper adopts a social‐ecological systems lens to shed light on the basics of transformation (the why, what, where, when and who); combined with a social innovation lens to provide more clarity on transformation's practical specificity (the how). Rooted in a vision of ME aimed at cultivating social‐ecological flourishing (i.e. a civic ME), this paper integrates different theoretical lenses to assert the possibility of–and outline trajectories for–transformation in the business school. This work contributes to developing a social‐ecological systems approach to ME; while proposing multiple concrete scaling pathways to support a civic transformation of ME. It highlights that ME stands at a crossroads: management educators could passively wait until transformation is forced by the unintended crossing of tipping points; or deliberately and collectively navigate it. Ultimately, transformation emerges from the delicate interplay of structure (i.e. inescapable structural barriers) and agency (i.e. intentional transformative actions).
Melatonin Ameliorates Cadmium‐Induced Liver Fibrosis Via Modulating Gut Microbiota and Bile Acid Metabolism
Authors: Liu Xianjiao , Kang Weili , Li Jinyan , Li Xin , Yang Peng , Shi Mengdie , Wang Zhongyu , Wang Yanyan , Medina Andrea Del Pilar Abreo , Liu Dandan , Zhu Fenxia , Shen Hong , Huang Kehe , Chen Xingxiang , Liu Yunhuan
Published: November 2024

Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread environmental contaminant with high toxicity to human health. Melatonin has been shown to improve Cd‐induced liver damage. However, its mechanism has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of melatonin on Cd‐induced liver damage and fibrosis. A combination of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and mass spectrometry‐based metabolomics was adopted to investigate changes in the gut microbiome and its metabolites on the regulation of melatonin in Cd‐induced liver injury and fibrosis of mice. Further, nonabsorbable antibiotics, a fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) program and intestine‐specific farnesoid X receptor (FXR) knockout mice were employed to explore the mechanism of melatonin (MT) on liver injury and fibrosis in Cd treated mice. MT significantly improved hepatic inflammation, bile duct hyperplasia, liver damage, and liver fibrosis, with a notable decrease in liver bile acid levels in Cd‐exposed mice. MT treatment remodeled the gut microbiota, improved gut barrier function, and reduced the production of gut‐derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS). MT significantly decreased the intestinal tauro‐β‐muricholic acid levels, which are known as FXR antagonists. Notably, MT prominently activated the intestinal FXR signaling, subsequently inhibiting liver bile acid synthesis and decreasing hepatic inflammation in Cd‐exposed mice. However, MT could not ameliorate Cd‐induced liver damage and fibrosis in Abx‐treated mice. Conversely, MT still exerted a protective effect on Cd‐induced liver damage and fibrosis in FMT mice. Interestingly, MT failed to reverse liver damage and fibrosis in Cd‐exposed intestinal epithelial cell‐specific FXR gene knockout mice, indicating that intestinal FXR signaling mediated the protective effect of MT treatment. MT improves Cd‐induced liver damage and fibrosis through reshaping the intestinal flora, activating the intestinal FXR‐mediated suppression of liver bile acid synthesis and reducing LPS leakage in mice.
Studies on phyto‐ecological attributes and soil parameters of Swertia thomsonii C.B.Clarke assemblages in Kashmir Himalaya
Authors: Wani Bilal A. , Magray Junaid A. , Ganie Aijaz H. , Qadir Roof-Ul- , Javid Hanan , Nawchoo Irshad A.
Published: November 2024

Phyto‐ecological studies are crucial in developing insights into community structure and functioning. Here, we studied the phytosociological and soil parameters of Swertia thomsonii – an endemic medicinal plant of western Himalaya. Thirty quadrats were laid out across three different habitats of S. thomsonii in Kashmir Himalaya. Soil samples were collected from each site and soil properties were determined by using standard methods. A total of 62 species belonging to 51 genera and 34 families were recorded across the three study sites. Herbs were dominant (83.87%) followed by shrubs (9.67%), trees (4.83%), and ferns (1.61%). Based on importance value index (IVI) values Cynodon dactylon (42.84), Gaultheria trichophylla (42.44) Leucanthemum vulgare (39.93), Poa angustifolia (30.33), Trifolium pratense (26.67), Galium aparine (25.88), and Androsace rotundifolia (25.82) were found to be dominant species within S. thomsonii assemblages. The maximum (23.14) IVI value of S. thomsonii was recorded at the Doodhpathri site followed by Gulmarg (22.12) and Pahalgam (16.34). Diversity indices varied across three study sites. Plant species richness was recorded maximum at Pahalgam (30 species) followed by Doodhpathri (26 species) and Gulmarg (20 species). Also, Shannon index was recorded maximum (H = 3.03) at the Pahalgam site followed by Doodhpathri (H = 2.99) and Gulmarg (H = 2.62). Simpson index and species evenness were recorded maximum (0.93 and 0.79 respectively) at the Doodhpathri site followed pahalgam (0.92 and 0.67 respectively) and Gulmarg site (0.90 and 0.65 respectively). Soil parameters also varied significantly across study sites. Nitrogen and phosphorous were recorded maximum (465.32 ± 4.26 kg ha−1 and 80.2 ± 3.63 kg ha−1 respectively) at the Gulmarg site and minimum (301.33 ± 2.62 kg ha−1 and 33.63 ± 4.22 kg ha−1 respectively) at Pahalgam site. Potassium was recorded maximum (295.5 ± 3.34 kg ha−1) at the Pahalgam site and minimum (165.83 ± 4.25 kg ha−1) at the Gulmarg site. The scientific information generated could contribute to better management practices for target species and thereby ensuring ecosystem health and sustenance of ecosystem services.
Treatment principles in adults and development of patient‐reported outcomes in cyclic vomiting syndrome
Authors: Chen Yaozhu J. , Patel Milan , Venkatesan Thangam
Published: November 2024

Background

Cyclic vomiting syndrome is a chronic disorder of gut‐brain interaction that is present in both adults and children. It is characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and several non‐GI symptoms. It is also associated with several comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression, which affect overall health care outcomes.

Methods

This article delineates treatment principles, encompassing both abortive interventions and prophylactic regimens currently recommended for CVS. However, it underscores a critical concern: the absence of FDA‐approved medications for CVS treatment, with existing therapies relying on retrospective and open‐labeled trials.

Key results

This article emphasizes the pressing need for the development of CVS‐specific outcome assessment tools to facilitate more accurate evaluation and robust data collection for the future studies. In exploring this deficiency, the manuscript also presents the up‐to‐date data and development that enhances our comprehension of patient‐centric concepts, and the challenges faced in creating CVS‐specific tools, and presents a roadmap for their development. Addressing this gap is crucial for advancing our understanding of CVS and optimizing patient care.

Conclusions and Inferences

This elucidates the current state of CVS management but also advocates for a future where tailored tools enhance our ability to measure and improve the outcomes for individuals with this debilitating disorder.
The Incomplete Transmutation of Feeling: Female Platform Drivers' Negotiation and Resistance to Emotional Labour in China's Ride‐Hailing Industry
Authors: Kwan Haley
Published: November 2024

This article contributes to the scholarship of the gig labour process and gendered emotional labour and enriches the theorisation of emotional labour and alienation and Marxist feminist platform studies in transportation platforms. Focusing on Chinese female platform drivers' lived experience, this study conducts Chatnography and ‘chat’ interviews with 40 Chinese female Didi drivers, from November 2020 to June 2022. First, this article highlights how communication technologies and social reproduction processes complicate the emotional disciplinary process in China's ride‐hailing industry. Second, this study unveils the gender logic of emotional labour in China's transportation platforms, such that women's double identities as a platform driver and digital labour are intertwined in the gig labour process, resulting in the unprecedented human costs of gendered and sexualised emotional labour, such as self‐alienation and estrangement. Third, this study argues that the transmutation of emotion is an incomplete, antagonistic, and contradictory process in China's ride‐hailing industry. On the one hand, women worker's consciousness is contextualised in the social reproduction process. Care activities for children create an antagonistic force to combat gendered emotional labour on ride‐hailing platforms. On the other hand, the affordances of communication technologies energise individual and collective resistance to gendered and sexualised emotional labour.
Cross‐population validation of the PreMO risk indicator for predicting myopia onset in children
Authors: Fulton Jane M. , Leung Tsz Wing , McCullough Sara J. , Saunders Kathryn J. , Logan Nicola S. , Lam Carly S. Y. , Doyle Lesley
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The Predicting Myopia Onset and progression (PreMO) risk indicator, developed using data generated from white children in the UK, incorporates age, spherical equivalent refraction (SER), axial length (AL) and parental myopia to stratify the likelihood of developing myopia. This study evaluated the PreMO's predictive accuracy using prospective datasets from independent samples of children in Hong Kong (HK) and an ethnically diverse cohort of children in the United Kingdom.

Methods

Non‐myopic children (SER > –0.50 D) aged 6–8 and 9–10 years were scored using the PreMO risk indicator framework, integrating baseline cycloplegic SER, AL and parental myopia data. Scores were assigned risk categories as follows: 0 = no risk, 1–3 = low risk, 4–6 = moderate risk and 7–9 = high risk. SER at ≥15 years of age was used to define refractive outcomes as ‘myopic’ or ‘not myopic’.

PreMO's predictive accuracy was analysed via Receiver Operator Characteristic curves, with Youden's J‐Index identifying the optimal risk score threshold. Sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve were determined and compared with those of singular predictors, that is, SER < +0.75 D and AL ≥ 23.07 mm at 6–8 years.

Results

In the cohort of children aged 6–8 years, a PreMO risk score ≥ 4 exhibited high sensitivity in predicting myopia onset in UK (0.97) and HK (0.94) children, with high specificity in UK (0.96) and moderate specificity in HK (0.64) children. In UK children aged 6–8 years, the PreMO outperformed singular predictors such as SER and AL. Among HK children aged 9–10 years, the PreMO score maintained high sensitivity (0.90) and moderate specificity (0.72).

Conclusions

A PreMO risk score ≥ 4 is a strong predictive indicator for future myopia onset, particularly in UK children. Despite high sensitivity in both UK and HK cohorts, specificity varied, indicating the need for contextual application of the tool, particularly in pre‐myopic Asian children.
Genetic Variation in Yield and Fruit Weight Among Strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa) Cultivars and the Interaction With Year and Location Effect
Authors: Chacón José Guillermo , Fernandez Gina E. , Isik Fikret
Published: November 2024

Strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa) is an important crop in the United States. In this study, we analysed strawberry trials established across 7 years and two locations. Our objective was to estimate genetic parameters and predict breeding values for yield. Linear mixed models were used for unbalanced data across years and locations and study the genotype by year and location interactions. The results suggested significant differences between cultivars for fruit weight but not for total and marketable yield. Fruit weight was controlled by genetic factors, shown by the high heritability of cultivar means (0.93), whereas marketable yield and total yield showed lower heritability estimates (0.48 and 0.63, respectively), indicating a substantial environmental influence. For fruit weight, cultivars exhibited stability across years and locations, supported by the high additive genetic correlations observed for cultivar‐by‐year (r = 0.90) and cultivar‐by‐location interactions (r = 0.98). Fruit weight and total yield were genetically independent as suggested near zero additive genetic correlation (−0.06 ± 0.416) between two traits, and they should be considered for an index selection in the strawberry breeding strategy.
Individual Versus Combined Effects of Warming, Elevated CO2 and Drought on Grassland Water Uptake and Fine Root Traits
Authors: Tissink Maud , Radolinski Jesse , Reinthaler David , Venier Sarah , Pötsch Erich M. , Schaumberger Andreas , Bahn Michael
Published: November 2024

Increasing warming, atmospheric CO2 and drought are expected to change the water dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems. Yet, limited knowledge exists about how the interactive effects of these factors will affect grassland water uptake, and whether adaptations in fine root production and traits will alter water uptake capacity. In a managed C3 grassland, we tested the individual and combined effects of warming (+3°C), elevated CO2 (eCO2; +300 ppm) and drought on root water uptake (RWU) as well as on fine root production, trait adaptation, and fine root‐to‐shoot production ratios, and their relationships with RWU capacity. High temperatures, amplified by warming, exacerbated RWU reductions under drought, with negligible water‐sparing effects from eCO2. Drought, both under current and future (warming, eCO2) climatic conditions, shifted RWU towards deeper soil layers. Overall, RWU capacity related positively to fine root production and specific root length (SRL), and negatively to mean root diameters. Warming effects on traits (reduced SRL, increased diameter) and the ratio of fine root‐to‐shoot production (increased) were offset by eCO2. We conclude that under warmer future conditions, irrespective of shifts in water sourcing, it is particularly hot droughts that will lead to increasingly severe restrictions of grassland water dynamics.
Soil Microbiota Modulates Root Transcriptome With Divergent Effect on Maize Growth Under Low and High Phosphorus Inputs
Authors: Wang Chao , Tai Huanhuan , Chen Yinglong , Zhai Zhiwen , Zhang Lin , Pu Zitian , Zhang Maolin , Li Chunjian , Xie Zhihong
Published: November 2024

Plant growth can be promoted by beneficial microorganisms, or inhibited by detrimental ones. Although the interaction process between a single microbial species and its host has been extensively studied, the growth and transcriptional response of the host to soil microbiota is poorly understood. We planted maize in natural or sterile soil collected from a long‐term experimental site with two different soil phosphate (P) regimes. We examined the composition of microbial communities inhabiting root‐associated niches in natural soil. In parallel, we determined the biomass, ionomes, and root transcriptome profiling of maize grown in natural or sterile soil. Soil microbiota could promote or inhibit different P starvation‐responsive (PSR) genes, as well as induce several defense‐related metabolic processes independently of external P levels. Soil microbiota accompanied by long‐term application of P fertilizer induced lower intensity of PSR and defense responses, inhibiting maize growth. Under a low P regime, the PSR and defense responses were induced to a higher extent, promoting P absorption and growth. Our findings suggest a soil P‐dependent effect of microbiota on maize growth by integrating PSR and defense responses and provide a more refined understanding of the interaction between root growth and soil microbiota.
Plant and soil responses to sediment deposition and nutrient‐enrichment in healthy, deteriorating, and newly created coastal marshes of the Mississippi River Delta
Authors: Groseclose Gina N. , Elsey‐Quirk Tracy
Published: November 2024

Coastal marshes vulnerable to sea‐level rise may benefit from sediment amendments to increase elevation. However, nutrient‐loading to estuaries may counter elevation gain through reduced root production and/or increased decomposition. Here, we test if belowground plant productivity, root decomposition, and marsh accretion response to nutrient‐loading differs with sediment addition in three marsh types: a healthy intermediate salinity marsh, a deteriorating brackish marsh, and a created marsh in Barataria Basin, Louisiana, United States. In this region, wetland loss is rapid, and a major restoration project is underway to introduce Mississippi River water, sediment, and nutrients to offset marsh loss. Porewater nutrient concentrations, vegetation structure, belowground productivity and decomposition, and accretion rates were measured over 450 days. Experimental nitrate additions yielded high porewater ammonium‐N concentrations in the Deteriorating marsh but had a smaller effect in Healthy and Created marshes. Belowground productivity in the Deteriorating marsh was neutral to negatively affected by nutrient and sediment treatments, whereas positive effects occurred in Healthy and Created marshes. Despite elevation increase from sediment treatments, and substantial effects of nutrient treatments on porewater nutrient concentrations, belowground decomposition and surface accretion rates were not affected by treatments. Sediment deposition increased species richness in the Healthy marsh and added sediment and added nutrients with sediment increased plant height in the Created and Deteriorating marshes, respectively. Over the timescale measured, experimental sedimentation and pulsed nutrient input had few consistent effects on belowground ingrowth, decomposition, or surface accretion. Our findings highlight that response to nutrient pulses are complex and depend on baseline marsh conditions.
Clinical gerontological nursing competence among licensed practical nurses in healthcare services—A descriptive cross‐sectional study
Authors: Petra Suonnansalo , Sari Pramila‐Savukoski , Merja Meriläinen , Heidi Siira , Sami Sneck , Anniina Tohmola , Eevi Karsikas , Anna‐Maria Tuomikoski
Published: November 2024

Aim

This study aimed to describe self‐assessed clinical gerontological nursing competence and its associated factors among licensed practical nurses.

Design

A descriptive cross‐sectional design was adopted for the study.

Methods

Data were collected in Autumn 2023 from 394 licensed practical nurses working in healthcare services for older people in one well‐being services county in Finland. The nurses, recruited through convenience sampling, were surveyed using a 40‐item self‐assessment clinical gerontological nursing competence instrument (on a Likert scale from 1 = poor to 5 = excellent). Descriptive statistical methods were used to analyse the results.

Results

Participants mainly assessed their clinical gerontological competence as good. Competence in using assistive devices to support functional ability was assessed as very good, while competence in postoperative wound care was assessed as the weakest. Participants working in 24‐h services assessed their competence as the weakest among the three clinical gerontological nursing areas. Participants under 40 years of age with 5–10 years of work experience self‐assessed statistically significantly stronger competence in disease‐specific nursing than those over 40 with less work experience.

Conclusion

The self‐assessed competence of licensed practical nurses varies across different service and care units. Competence in wound care requires more focus and education in the future. Attention should also be paid to competence development in different educational areas, for example, through continuous education and competence development models. The results could facilitate licensed practical nurses' competence development and management in clinical gerontological nursing. The study's insights can also guide allocating resources and education to ensure high‐quality care in different service areas.
Emergency Management in Japan: Human Decision‐Making Strategy Analysis During Large‐Scale Earthquake
Authors: Zhang Zhiwen , Wang Hongjun , Fan Zipei , Song Xuan , Shibasaki Ryosuke
Published: November 2024

In the context of unexpected disasters, comprehending individual decision‐making strategy is essential for governmental policy formulation and evacuation planning. The main challenges stem from the absence of large‐scale mobility data and the complex influences of multiple factors on personal strategies. To address this, this study focuses on the 2011 Tohoku earthquake in Japan as a case, which struck at 14:46 on March 11, a typical working day. Decision‐making strategies regarding how people return home from their workplaces have emerged as a primary concern. Therefore, we construct a large human mobility database for the Greater Tokyo area, and develop an empirical prediction for decision‐making strategies following earthquakes with the consideration of multiple factors. Except for users' location‐based information, we extract the grid‐based stay areas from historical stay records (normal days before disasters) and discover the functions of these areas combined with points of interest located within them. Experimental results indicate the effectiveness of our proposed framework in strategy prediction. Besides, we conduct an explainable feature importance analysis of key factors, which also provides insights for understanding human decisions during disasters.