bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Invasive non‐native species likely to threaten biodiversity and ecosystems in the Antarctic Peninsula region
Authors: Hughes Kevin A. , Pescott Oliver L. , Peyton Jodey , Adriaens Tim , Cottier‐Cook Elizabeth J. , Key Gillian , Rabitsch Wolfgang , Tricarico Elena , Barnes David K. A. , Baxter Naomi , Belchier Mark , Blake Denise , Convey Peter , Dawson Wayne , Frohlich Danielle , Gardiner Lauren M. , González‐Moreno Pablo , James Ross , Malumphy Christopher , Martin Stephanie , Martinou Angeliki F. , Minchin Dan , Monaco Andrea , Moore Niall , Morley Simon A. , Ross Katherine , Shanklin Jonathan , Turvey Katharine , Vaughan David , Vaux Alexander G. C. , Werenkraut Victoria , Winfield Ian J. , Roy Helen E.
Published: January 2020

The Antarctic is considered to be a pristine environment relative to other regions of the Earth, but it is increasingly vulnerable to invasions by marine, freshwater and terrestrial non‐native species. The Antarctic Peninsula region (APR), which encompasses the Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands and South Orkney Islands, is by far the most invaded part of the Antarctica continent. The risk of introduction of invasive non‐native species to the APR is likely to increase with predicted increases in the intensity, diversity and distribution of human activities. Parties that are signatories to the Antarctic Treaty have called for regional assessments of non‐native species risk. In response, taxonomic and Antarctic experts undertook a horizon scanning exercise using expert opinion and consensus approaches to identify the species that are likely to present the highest risk to biodiversity and ecosystems within the APR over the next 10 years. One hundred and three species, currently absent in the APR, were identified as relevant for review, with 13 species identified as presenting a high risk of invading the APR. Marine invertebrates dominated the list of highest risk species, with flowering plants and terrestrial invertebrates also represented; however, vertebrate species were thought unlikely to establish in the APR within the 10 year timeframe. We recommend (a) the further development and application of biosecurity measures by all stakeholders active in the APR, including surveillance for species such as those identified during this horizon scanning exercise, and (b) use of this methodology across the other regions of Antarctica. Without the application of appropriate biosecurity measures, rates of introductions and invasions within the APR are likely to increase, resulting in negative consequences for the biodiversity of the whole continent, as introduced species establish and spread further due to climate change and increasing human activity.
Microbial resistance and resilience in response to environmental changes under the higher intensity of human activities than global average level
Authors: Huang Laibin , Bai Junhong , Wen Xiaojun , Zhang Guangliang , Zhang Chengdong , Cui Baoshan , Liu Xinhui
Published: January 2020

With the increasing intensity of global human activities, the ecosystem function, which is supported by the microbial community, will be dramatically changed and impaired. To investigate microbial resistance and resilience of microbial communities to human activities, we chose two typical types of human disturbances, urbanization, and reclamation under the higher intensity of human activities than the global average level. We examined microbial traits, including the abundance, diversity, phylogeny, and co‐occurrence interactions in soil microbial communities, together with the nitrification activities observed in the subtropical coastal ecosystem of the Pearl River Estuary and in soil microcosm experiments. Microbial communities were less resistant to the environmental changes caused by urbanization than to those caused by reclamation, which was significantly reflected in the nitrogen and/or carbon‐related patterns. However, most of the microbial traits could be recovered almost to the original level without significant differences in the microcosm after 40 days of incubation. The co‐occurrence interactions between nitrifiers and other microbial communities were dramatically changed and could not be completely recovered, but this change did not affect their nitrification activities for balancing the ammonium in the soil to the original level during the recovery stage, suggesting that the interactions between microbial communities might have fewer effects on their activities than previously thought. This study quantitatively demonstrated that microbial communities as a whole can recover to a status similar to the original state in a short time after the removal of stress at a large ecosystem scale even under the higher intensity of human activities than global average level in coastal ecosystems, which implied a strong recovery capacity of soil microbial community even after intense human disturbance.
Long‐term evolution and prediction of feed value for permanent mountain grassland hay: Analysis of a 32‐year data set in relation to climate change
Authors: Deroche Bertrand , Pradel Philippe , Baumont René
Published: January 2020

Elevation of mean air temperature related to climate change speeds up plant maturity, which influences mostly forage feed value. The objective of the study was to assess variation in hay quality harvested over 32 years at the same experimental site, and whether feed value is better predicted by combining agro‐climatic variables with chemical composition. From 1979 to 2010, the in vivo digestibility (OMd) and voluntary dry matter intake (VDMI) of 271 hays, harvested during the first vegetation cycle on permanent grasslands, were measured in sheep. Over 32 years, the mean air temperature between February and August increased significantly by 1.34°C. Cutting date was advanced by 6 days, but the average sum of temperature at cutting (ST) increased significantly by 13%. Crude protein (CP) content declined (−22%, p < .001), crude fibre content increased (+8%, p < .001), OMd decreased (−3%, p = .012) and VDMI increased (+9%, p = .011). Changes in the chemical composition and OMd were consistent with the increase in ST. Finally, the prediction of OMd from CP and crude fibre contents (R2 = .57, RMSE = 2.99) was slightly improved by the addition of ST and hay drying time (R2 = .60, RMSE = 2.83). Climate change may have a negative indirect effect on hay quality if an earlier cutting date does not compensate for its effect on the faster maturation of the plants. Moreover, agro‐climatic criteria could help to monitor and predict hay quality in relation to intra‐ and inter‐annual climatic changes.
Corporate choice of providers of voluntary carbon assurance
Authors: Datt Rina , Luo Le , Tang Qingliang
Published: January 2020

This study investigates corporate incentives for the choice of assurance providers of accounting firms versus nonaccounting firms. Based on an international sample of 3,635 firm‐year observations for the period of 2010–2014, we find that firms subject to greater legitimacy and stakeholder pressure (e.g., those with higher carbon emissions in countries with stringent climate protection and stakeholder‐orientation) are more likely to choose accounting firms as their assurance provider. We also find supporting evidence that firms with a desire to improve carbon management mechanisms (e.g., firms that adopt carbon reduction incentives with higher carbon transparency) show a tendency to choose consulting firms specializing in climate change management. The overall findings suggest that the choice of assurance provider is a strategic decision, which aligns with a firm's overall corporate social responsibility goal. Our results should help practitioners, managers, and regulators understand the emerging audit practice and market.
How do processing technology and formulation influence consumers’ choice of fruit juice?
Authors: Martins Inayara Beatriz Araujo , Rosenthal Amauri , Ares Gastón , Deliza Rosires
Published: January 2020

The study aimed at investigating the influence of four variables related to processing technology and formulation on consumer’s choice of fruit juice, and to explore the moderating effect of food technology neophobia (FTN). A choice‐conjoint task was implemented considering four variables: processing technology, added sugar, preservatives and cold pressing. Sixteen pairs of labels were presented to 369 Brazilian consumers to that indicate which of the products they would purchase. Then, they answered the FTN scales and a socio‐demographic questionnaire. Data were analysed using a logit model with random parameters. Results showed that cold pressing, pressurisation and the claims ‘no added sugar’ and ‘no preservatives’ had a positive effect on consumers’ choices, whereas the claim ‘not pressurised’ had a negative effect. The FTN moderated the effect of the variables on participants' choices of fruit juices. The main difference between groups of consumers with different level of neophobia (low, medium and high) was related to the effect of information about juice processing.
Dimethyl itaconate protects against fungal keratitis by activating the Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway
Authors: Gu Lingwen , Lin Jing , Wang Qian , Li Cui , Peng Xudong , Fan Yiqun , Lu Chunli , Lin Hao , Niu Yawen , Zhu Guoqiang , Zhao Guiqiu
Published: January 2020

Dimethyl itaconate (DI) is a membrane‐permeable itaconate derivative with anti‐inflammatory functions. However, the anti‐inflammatory effect of DI has never been studied in fungal keratitis. In this study, we tested the protective effect of DI against fungal keratitis and assessed the role of NF‐E2‐related factor‐2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) signaling in this process. Eyes of C57BL/6 (B6) mice were treated with 2 mm DI after infection with Aspergillus fumigatus. Human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) were pretreated with 0.25 mm DI and then incubated with A. fumigatus. Clinical scoring, slit‐lamp photography, myeloperoxidase determination, flow cytometry and immunostaining were used to assess the disease response and treatment efficacy. PCR, Western blot and ELISA were used to assess the expression of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), chemokine (C–X–C motif) ligand 1, IL‐6, IL‐8, Nrf2 and HO‐1. In addition, quantification of viable fungi, absorbance assays and fluorimetry were used to measure DI fungistatic activity. We observed that DI‐treated eyes showed decreased clinical scores, fungal loads, polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) infiltration and cytokine expression, compared with phosphate‐buffered saline‐treated infected eyes. DI treatment decreased the cytokine levels in infected corneas and in HCECs stimulated with A. fumigatus. Moreover, DI treatment increased Nrf2 and HO‐1 expression in corneas and nuclear Nrf2 accumulation in HCECs. DI‐induced cytokine downregulation was inhibited by pretreatment with an Nrf2 or HO‐1 inhibitor. Finally, DI treatment reduced the A. fumigatus absorbance and fungal mass. These data indicate that DI protects against fungal keratitis by limiting inflammation via the Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway and that DI inhibits the growth of A. fumigatus.
Is drought risk priced in private debt contracts?
Authors: Do Viet , Nguyen Thu Ha , Truong Cameron , Vu Tram
Published: January 2020

We investigate whether banks price drought risk in the interest rates charged to corporate borrowers. The results show that banks do charge drought‐affected borrowers higher loan spreads. The spread increase is most pronounced among food industry borrowers. Our findings are robust to alternative drought measures. We also document that lenders with more experience in lending to drought‐affected food borrowers charge a lower drought risk premium, and borrowers' credit rating of investment grade can act as a mitigating factor on drought risk effects. Our study highlights that externalities from local weather shocks are relevant to the private debt market.
Update on antiarrhythmic drug pharmacology
Authors: Huang Christopher L.‐H. , Wu Lin , Jeevaratnam Kamalan , Lei Ming
Published: January 2020

Cardiac arrhythmias constitute a major public health problem. Pharmacological intervention remains mainstay to their clinical management. This, in turn, depends upon systematic drug classification schemes relating their molecular, cellular, and systems effects to clinical indications and therapeutic actions. This approach was first pioneered in the 1960s Vaughan‐Williams classification. Subsequent progress in cardiac electrophysiological understanding led to a lag between the fundamental science and its clinical translation, partly addressed by The working group of the European Society of Cardiology (1991), which, however, did not emerge with formal classifications. We here utilize the recent Revised Oxford Classification Scheme to review antiarrhythmic drug pharmacology. We survey drugs and therapeutic targets offered by the more recently characterized ion channels, transporters, receptors, intracellular Ca2+ handling, and cell signaling molecules. These are organized into their strategic roles in cardiac electrophysiological function. Following analysis of the arrhythmic process itself, we consider (a) pharmacological agents directly targeting membrane function, particularly the Na+ and K+ ion channels underlying depolarizing and repolarizing events in the cardiac action potential. (b) We also consider agents that modify autonomic activity that, in turn, affects both the membrane and (c) the Ca2+ homeostatic and excitation‐contraction coupling processes linking membrane excitation to contractile activation. Finally, we consider (d) drugs acting on more upstream energetic and structural remodeling processes currently the subject of clinical trials. Such systematic correlations of drug actions and arrhythmic mechanisms at different molecular to systems levels of cardiac function will facilitate current and future antiarrhythmic therapy.
Heat shock transcription factor 1 regulates exercise‐induced myocardial angiogenesis after pressure overload via HIF‐1α/VEGF pathway
Authors: Tian Xu , Zhou Ning , Yuan Jie , Lu Le , Zhang Qi , Wei Minmin , Zou Yunzeng , Yuan Lingyan
Published: January 2020

Exercise training is believed to have a positive effect on cardiac hypertrophy after hypertension. However, its mechanism is still not fully understood. Herein, our findings suggest that heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) improves exercise‐initiated myocardial angiogenesis after pressure overload. A sustained narrowing of the diagonal aorta (TAC) and moderately‐ intense exercise training protocol were imposed on HSF1 heterozygote (KO) and their littermate wild‐type (WT) male mice. After two months, the cardiac function was assessed using the adaptive responses to exercise training, or TAC, or both of them such as catheterization and echocardiography. The HE stains assessed the area of myocyte cross‐sectional. The Western blot and real‐time PCR measured the levels of expression for heat shock factor 1 (HSF1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia inducible factor‐1 alpha (HIF‐1α) in cardiac tissues. The anti‐CD31 antibody immunohistochemical staining was done to examine how exercise training influenced cardiac ontogeny. The outcome illustrated that exercise training significantly improved the cardiac ontogeny in TAC mice, which was convoyed by elevated levels of expression for VEGF and HIF‐1α and preserved the heart microvascular density. More importantly, HSF1 deficiency impaired these effects induced by exercise training in TAC mice. In conclusion, exercise training encourages cardiac ontogeny by means of HSF1 activation and successive HIF‐1α/VEGF up‐regulation in endothelial cells during continued pressure overload.
Toward precision therapeutics: general and specific factors differentiate symptom change in depressed adolescents
Authors: Aitken Madison , Haltigan John D. , Szatmari Peter , Dubicka Bernadka , Fonagy Peter , Kelvin Raphael , Midgley Nick , Reynolds Shirley , Wilkinson Paul O. , Goodyer Ian M.
Published: January 2020

Background

The longitudinal course of multiple symptom domains in adolescents treated for major depression is not known. Revealing the temporal course of general and specific psychopathology factors, including potential differences between psychotherapies, may aid therapeutic decision‐making.

Methods

Participants were adolescents with major depressive disorder (aged 11–17; 75% female; N = 465) who were part of the IMPACT trial, a randomized controlled trial comparing cognitive behavioral therapy, short‐term psychoanalytic psychotherapy, and brief psychosocial intervention. Self‐reported symptoms at baseline and 6, 12, 36, 52, and 86 weeks postrandomization were analyzed with bifactor modeling.

Results

General psychopathology factor scores decreased across treatment and one‐year follow‐up. Specific melancholic features and depressive cognitions factors decreased from baseline to 6 weeks. Conduct problems decreased across treatment and follow‐up. Anxiety increased by 6 weeks and then reverted to baseline levels. Obsessions–compulsions did not change. Changes in general and specific factors were not significantly different between the three psychotherapies during treatment. During follow‐up, however, conduct problems decreased more in brief psychosocial intervention versus cognitive behavioral therapy (1.02, 95% Bayes credible interval 0.25, 1.96), but not versus short‐term psychoanalytic psychotherapy.

Conclusions

The clinical response signature in this trial is best revealed by rapid reductions in depression symptoms and general psychopathology. Protracted improvements in general psychopathology and conduct problems subsequently occur. Psychosocial treatments for adolescent depression have comparable effects on general and specific psychopathology, although a psychoeducational, goal‐focused approach may be indicated for youth with comorbid conduct problems.
The First Report and Molecular Analysis of Enterocytozoon bieneusi from Raccoon (Procyon lotor) in North of Iran
Authors: Javanmard Ehsan , Nemati Sara , Sharifdini Meysam , Rostami Ali , Mirjalali Hamed , Zali Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2020

Microsporidia are known opportunistic microorganisms and usually transmitted via the fecal–oral route. However, there is no information about human‐infecting microsporidia in wildlife in Iran. This study aimed to investigate and analyze human‐infecting microsporidia isolated from raccoons in north of Iran. Totally, 30 fecal samples were collected; then, DNA extraction was performed and specific fragments of the SSU rRNA gene of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon species were amplified. After amplification and sequencing the ITS, the results were compared to the GenBank database. Phylogenetic trees and network analysis were employed to explore probable relationships. E. bieneusi was the only detected microsporidia among samples. Genotyping showed the genotypes D, E, and RA in 15/18 (83.33%), 1/18 (5.55%), and 2/18 (11.11%) of samples, respectively. Novel genotypes RA1 and RA2 grouped together and apart from other genotypes. E. bieneusi genotypes D and E clustered with the genotypes previously reported from animals, humans, and environmental samples. Network analysis revealed six distinct sequence types among raccoon's isolates. This study demonstrated that E. bieneusi genotype D was the most prevalent microsporidia among raccoons. It seems that wildlife may play a role in dispersion of microsporidia spores.
Pressure–impedance analysis: Assist the diagnosis and classification of ineffective esophageal motility disorder
Authors: Wu Jia‐Feng , Tsai I‐Jung , Tong Tzu‐Wei , Lin Yi‐Cheng , Yang Chia‐Hsiang , Tseng Ping‐Huei
Published: January 2020

Background and Aim

We elucidated the clinical significance of distal contractile integral‐to‐esophageal impedance integral (EII) ratio (DCIIR) in ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) adult patients.

Methods

We recruited 101 patients with IEM (48.38 ± 1.58 years) and 42 matched healthy volunteers (44.28 ± 1.85 years) in this case–control study. All subjects underwent esophageal high‐resolution impedance manometry from October 2014 to May 2018. The diagnosis of IEM was based on the Chicago Classification version 3.0. The EII, EII ratio, and DCIIR were analyzed by matlab software.

Results

The EII, EII ratio, and DCIIR calculated at an impedance threshold of 1500 Ω (EII1500, EII ratio1500, and DCIIR1500, respectively) were significantly lower in the IEM group than in healthy controls (P < 0.0001, < 0.0001, and < 0.0001, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that DCIIR1500 < 0.008 mmHg/Ω, EII1500 > 71 000 Ω.s.cm, and EII ratio1500 > 0.43 were all predictive of IEM. Only DCIIR1500 < 0.008 mmHg/Ω remained significant in diagnosing IEM in the multivariate logistic regression analysis (odds ratio = 72.13, P < 0.001). The DCIIR1500 is negatively correlated with Eckardt score and the Reflux Disease Questionnaire (correlation coefficient = −0.2844 and −0.3136; P = 0.0006 and 0.0002, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic analysis further showed that a DCIIR1500 cut‐off of 0.002 mmHg/Ω achieved the best differentiation between the IEM‐alternans and IEM‐persistens subtypes among IEM patients (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The novel pressure–impedance parameter of high‐resolution impedance manometry, DCIIR1500, may assist in the diagnosis and classification of IEM and correlated with clinical symptoms.
Mortality and Cholesterol Metabolism in Subjects Aged 75 Years and Older: The Helsinki Businessmen Study
Authors: Sittiwet Chaiyasit , Simonen Piia , Gylling Helena , Strandberg Timo E.
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

In many studies, low serum cholesterol is paradoxically associated with a higher mortality risk among older adults. Therefore, we studied whole‐body cholesterol metabolism and its role in all‐cause mortality of older men in two subcohorts of different ages.

DESIGN

Prospective long‐term cohort.

SETTING

Home‐dwelling men of the Helsinki Businessmen Study.

PARTICIPANTS

Two partly overlapping subcohorts were recruited, in 2003 (n = 660; mean age = 76 years) and in 2011 (n = 398; mean age = 83 years). The younger subcohort was followed up after 3 and 11 years, and the older subcohort was followed up after 3 years.

MEASUREMENTS

Cholesterol metabolism was assessed via serum noncholesterol sterol‐cholesterol ratios, and quantification was performed by gas‐liquid chromatography with flame ionization detection. All statistical analyses were performed with age and statin treatment as covariates.

RESULTS

At the end of the 3‐year follow‐up, 10% of the younger and 13% of the older subcohort had died; and at the end of the 11‐year follow‐up, 40% of the younger subcohort had died. Serum total and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and cholesterol precursors reflecting cholesterol synthesis were lower in the older than in the younger subcohort (P < .001 for all). In the older subcohort, low serum campesterol and sitosterol, reflecting decreased cholesterol absorption efficiency, predicted all‐cause mortality (P < .05). This was supported by a trend toward low serum campesterol and sitosterol predicting mortality (P = .088 and P = .079, respectively) in the younger subcohort after 11 years. Cholesterol synthesis did not predict mortality, but in the older subcohort, decreased cholesterol absorption was less efficiently compensated for by decreased cholesterol synthesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Low cholesterol absorption efficiency predicted all‐cause mortality, especially in men aged 83 years on average, and cholesterol synthesis was lowered. These metabolic changes could contribute to the lowering of serum total and LDL‐cholesterol in older men. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:281–287, 2020
Power and responsibility: Advertising self‐regulation and consumer protection in a digital world
Authors: Dickinson‐Delaporte Sonia , Mortimer Kathleen , Kerr Gayle , Waller David S , Kendrick Alice
Published: January 2020

While advertising self‐regulation is generally considered effective in a closed, largely country‐based system, the digital world in which we now live is an open and global system. This raises challenges for consumer protection from national regulators trying to enforce compliance from global media platforms, advertisers, and consumers. Applying the power‐responsibility equilibrium, this study explores who has the power and who has the responsibility for advertising self‐regulation in a digital world. In doing so, it takes an ethnographic approach, eliciting insights from 18 key stakeholders in the self‐regulatory process, across the three geographical areas of Europe, United States, and Asia‐Pacific. The findings highlight the need for more collaboration and alignment of self‐regulatory systems and build a framework for action through embedding responsibility, aligning standards, initiating processes, and improving outcomes. Six recommendations are offered to restore the balance of power and responsibility.
Community‐based child development service fetal alcohol spectrum disorder assessment: A retrospective clinic audit
Authors: Webster Heidi , Doak Jessica , Katsikitis Mary
Published: January 2020

Aims

The aims of the current study were to: (i) report on the diagnostic profile of a group of children assessed for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) using the Australian Guide to the Diagnosis of FASD; and (ii) to provide information and recommendations for paediatricians and/or multidisciplinary teams conducting FASD assessments, including utilising the Australian Guide to the Diagnosis of FASD, and details of how to do FASD assessment.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted using relevant demographic and diagnostic data from children assessed for FASD within a community child development service.

Results

Results showed the widespread impact of FASD on the brain, with all children showing some level of impairment in at least 5 out of 10 of the neurodevelopmental domains assessed for FASD. Majority of children were diagnosed with co‐morbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, however, many additional co‐morbid diagnoses were evident.

Conclusions

The current study detailed the profile of children assessed for FASD and was the first to report the diagnostic profile of children assessed using the Australian Guide to the Diagnosis of FASD within a community child development service. Several recommendations are provided to assist paediatricians and multidisciplinary teams involved in child development assessments.
The Spanish version of the stressors in nursing students scale
Authors: Sarabia‐Cobo Carmen , Alconero‐Camarero Ana Rosa , González‐Gómez Silvia , Catalán-Piris María José , del Amo Setien Francisco , González‐López José Rafael
Published: January 2020

Accessible Summary

What is known on the subject?

The mental health of health professionals is affected by their own work. Nurses and nursing students face high levels of stress, which results in anxiety, burnout, and depression.

There are scales that allow the measurement of specific stress levels of nursing students, especially when they first attend their clinical practices in real settings such as hospitals.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

Our study consists of validating an existing scale (the Stressors in Nursing Students Scale, SINS) that measures these stress levels in Spanish.

Stress is an issue for nursing students and is related to the specific stressors they encounter in the process of their professional work and study.

What are the implications for practice?

The validation and adaptation of this scale to Spain will allow us to adequately assess the stress levels of our students to give them adequate tools for the emotional control of their anxiety and stress.

Once we have a reliable and appropriate tool for measuring the factors of greater impact in the generation of stress, we can implement preventive measures which may be very useful for the control of anxiety.

Introduction

Nursing professionals and students suffer a greater number of stressors with negative health consequences.

Aim

To translate and test a Spanish version of the Stressors in Nursing Students Scale (SINS‐S), with a cohort of nursing students in Spain. Also, we sought to examine the factor structure of this test and explore the psychometric structure of stress among this population.

Method

The SINS scale was translated into Spanish and administered to a cohort (n = 398) of male and female Spanish nursing students in the final three years of their nursing program. Data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis.

Results

Exploratory factor analysis revealed four factors: “Clinical,” “Financial,” “Confidence,” and “Education.”

Discussion

There were similarities between the perception of stressors by nursing students in Spain compared with the original version of the SINS from the United Kingdom. Stress is an issue for nursing students and is related to the specific stressors they encounter in the process of their professional work and study.
Relative expression analysis of light‐harvesting genes in the freshwater alga Lympha mucosa (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Evans Joshua R. , Vis Morgan L.
Published: January 2020

Members of the freshwater red algal order Batrachospermales are often described as shade‐adapted. Nevertheless, recent ecophysiological studies have demonstrated species‐level differences in acclimation to a range of irradiances. Lympha mucosa occurs in open and shaded portions of temperate streams and is abundant during summer months, suggesting it tolerates high and low irradiances. Specimens of L. mucosa were collected from open (sun‐acclimated) or shaded (shade‐acclimated) sites and exposed to low (<20 μmol photons · m−2 · s−1) or high (220 μmol photon · m−2 · s−1) light for 72 h to examine mechanisms of photoacclimation at the transcriptional level. High‐throughput sequence data were used to design specific primers for genes involved with light harvesting and these were quantified with qPCR. The greatest significant difference in transcript abundances was observed in the psaA gene (Photosystem I P700 apoprotein), and site‐type had an effect on these responses. Shade‐acclimated thalli were 22‐fold down‐regulated at high light, whereas sun‐acclimated thalli were only 5‐fold down‐regulated. Another gene involved with Photosystem I (petF ferredoxin) was down‐regulated at high light, but only individuals from the shaded site were significantly different (4‐fold). In thalli from both sites, cpeA (Phycoerythrin alpha chain) was down‐regulated at high light. Although not statistically significant, patterns consistent with previous physiological and transcriptomic studies were uncovered, namely the inverse response of transcriptional activity in genes that encode phycobiliproteins. In support of previous ecophysiological studies of freshwater red algae, these data indicate significant transcriptional changes involving Photosystem I and phycobiliprotein synthesis are required to tolerate and grow at various irradiances.
Dilution effect of plant diversity on infectious diseases: latitudinal trend and biological context dependence
Authors: Liu Xiang , Chen Lifan , Liu Mu , García‐Guzmán Graciela , Gilbert Gregory S. , Zhou Shurong
Published: January 2020

Biodiversity is thought to help regulate the impacts of disease through the dilution effect, where biodiversity among potential host species helps limit the impacts of pathogens. However, our knowledge is fragmentary about the direction and magnitude of the effects of plant species richness on disease impact. Here, we gathered data from 145 comparisons presented in 21 papers to conduct a systematic meta‐analysis on the effect of plant species richness on aboveground plant disease impact. We estimated the effect size using Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) with Fisher's z‐transformation. We evaluated how the magnitude of effect size varies between systems, including ecosystem type (grassland versus forest), pathogen taxon (virus versus fungus), study design (observational versus manipulative), parasite life history (biotroph versus necrotroph) and kinds of symptoms associated with the disease. We also tested whether there was a latitudinal trend of the effect size. We found there was a significant overall dilution effect in plant communities, but the magnitude varied among systems. Studies based on manipulative experiments and those in grassland ecosystems showed a significant dilution effect, as did both viral and fungal pathogens. Furthermore, obligate biotrophic pathogens but not necrotrophs showed a significant dilution effect. Diseases with different kinds of symptom manifestation differed, but not in a consistent pattern to the life history of the pathogens. The dilution effect was notably stronger at lower latitudes in the mid‐temperate region than at higher latitudes. This latitudinal trend existed in forest ecosystems, both observational and manipulative experiments, and necrotrophs. Dilution effects occur prevalently in plant communities, although the magnitude depends on ecosystem type, pathogen life history and kinds of symptoms associated with the disease. In conclusion, this study shows the importance of preserving the biodiversity of plants for maintaining ecosystem health.
Resilience trinity: safeguarding ecosystem functioning and services across three different time horizons and decision contexts
Authors: Weise Hanna , Auge Harald , Baessler Cornelia , Bärlund Ilona , Bennett Elena M. , Berger Uta , Bohn Friedrich , Bonn Aletta , Borchardt Dietrich , Brand Fridolin , Chatzinotas Antonis , Corstanje Ron , De Laender Frederik , Dietrich Peter , Dunker Susanne , Durka Walter , Fazey Ioan , Groeneveld Jürgen , Guilbaud Camille S. E. , Harms Hauke , Harpole Stanley , Harris Jim , Jax Kurt , Jeltsch Florian , Johst Karin , Joshi Jasmin , Klotz Stefan , Kühn Ingolf , Kuhlicke Christian , Müller Birgit , Radchuk Viktoriia , Reuter Hauke , Rinke Karsten , Schmitt‐Jansen Mechthild , Seppelt Ralf , Singer Alexander , Standish Rachel J. , Thulke Hans‐H. , Tietjen Britta , Weitere Markus , Wirth Christian , Wolf Christine , Grimm Volker
Published: January 2020

Ensuring ecosystem resilience is an intuitive approach to safeguard the functioning of ecosystems and hence the future provisioning of ecosystem services (ES). However, resilience is a multi‐faceted concept that is difficult to operationalize. Focusing on resilience mechanisms, such as diversity, network architectures or adaptive capacity, has recently been suggested as means to operationalize resilience. Still, the focus on mechanisms is not specific enough. We suggest a conceptual framework, resilience trinity, to facilitate management based on resilience mechanisms in three distinctive decision contexts and time‐horizons: 1) reactive, when there is an imminent threat to ES resilience and a high pressure to act, 2) adjustive, when the threat is known in general but there is still time to adapt management and 3) provident, when time horizons are very long and the nature of the threats is uncertain, leading to a low willingness to act. Resilience has different interpretations and implications at these different time horizons, which also prevail in different disciplines. Social ecology, ecology and engineering are often implicitly focussing on provident, adjustive or reactive resilience, respectively, but these different notions of resilience and their corresponding social, ecological and economic tradeoffs need to be reconciled. Otherwise, we keep risking unintended consequences of reactive actions, or shying away from provident action because of uncertainties that cannot be reduced. The suggested trinity of time horizons and their decision contexts could help ensuring that longer‐term management actions are not missed while urgent threats to ES are given priority.
Metabolite‐based genome‐wide association study enables dissection of the flavonoid decoration pathway of wheat kernels
Authors: Chen Jie , Hu Xin , Shi Taotao , Yin Huanran , Sun Dongfa , Hao Yuanfeng , Xia Xianchun , Luo Jie , Fernie Alisdair R. , He Zhonghu , Chen Wei
Published: January 2020

The marriage of metabolomic approaches with genetic design has proven a powerful tool in dissecting diversity in the metabolome and has additionally enhanced our understanding of complex traits. That said, such studies have rarely been carried out in wheat. In this study, we detected 805 metabolites from wheat kernels and profiled their relative contents among 182 wheat accessions, conducting a metabolite‐based genome‐wide association study (mGWAS) utilizing 14 646 previously described polymorphic SNP markers. A total of 1098 mGWAS associations were detected with large effects, within which 26 candidate genes were tentatively designated for 42 loci. Enzymatic assay of two candidates indicated they could catalyse glucosylation and subsequent malonylation of various flavonoids and thereby the major flavonoid decoration pathway of wheat kernel was dissected. Moreover, numerous high‐confidence genes associated with metabolite contents have been provided, as well as more subdivided metabolite networks which are yet to be explored within our data. These combined efforts presented the first step towards realizing metabolomics‐associated breeding of wheat.
A case of mid‐face toddler excoriation syndrome (MiTES)
Authors: Noguera‐Morel Lucero , Ortiz‐Cabrera Nelmar Valentina , Campos Minia , Hernández‐Martín Ángela , Torrelo Antonio
Published: January 2020

The term mid‐face toddler excoriation syndrome (MiTES) has been proposed to describe a rare condition that arises in infancy as is characterized by self‐inflicted excoriations. It is considered to be a milder variant of hereditary sensory‐autonomic neuropathy (HSAN) type VIII. We present an 8‐year‐old boy with lesions on the mid‐face that were admittedly self‐induced and associated with an abnormally high pain threshold. The diagnosis and management of MiTES is reviewed.
Involvement of nitrogen in storage root growth and related gene expression in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas)
Authors: Yao Z. , Wang Z. , Fang B. , Chen J. , Zhang X. , Luo Z. , Huang L. , Zou H. , Yang Y.
Published: January 2020

Nitrogen (N) could affect storage root growth and development of sweet potato. To manage external N concentration fluctuations, plants have developed a wide range of strategies, such as growth changes and gene expression.

Five sweet potato cultivars were used to analyse the functions of N in regulating storage root growth. Growth responses and physiological indicators were measured to determine the physiological changes regulated by different N concentrations. Expression profiles of related genes were analysedviamicroarray hybridization data and qRT‐PCR analysis to reveal the molecular mechanisms of storage root growth regulated by different N concentrations.

The growth responses and physiological indicators of the five cultivars were changed by N concentration. The root fresh weight of two of the sweet potato cultivars, SS19 and GS87, was higher under low N concentrations compared with the other cultivars. SS19 and GS87 were found to be having greater tolerance to low N concentration. The expression of N metabolism and storage root growth related genes was regulated by N concentration in sweet potato.

These results reveal that N significantly regulated storage root growth. SS19 and GS87 were more tolerant to low N concentration and produced greater storage root yield (at 30 days). Furthermore, several N response genes were involved in both N metabolism and storage root growth.
Effects of the cognitive stimulation therapy based on Roy's adaptation model on Alzheimer's patients’ cognitive functions, coping‐adaptation skills, and quality of life: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lok Neslihan , Buldukoglu Kadriye , Barcin Ebru
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This study aims to specify the effects of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy based on Roy's adaptation model (RAM) on Alzheimer's patients’ coping and adaptation skills, cognitive functions, and quality of life (QOL).

Design and methods

This is an experimental and randomized controlled trial. Patients in the experimental group received cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) based on RAM.

Findings

The cognitive function level of the experimental group was found to be higher than that of the control group at the end of the measurements (performed in the 7th week); the difference was found to be statistically significant (P < .05). In the experimental group, dimensions of troubleshooting and focusing, making physical decisions, attention processing, systematizing, learning, and establishing relationships were found to be better than those of the control group after the application, and the difference was found to be statistically significant (P < .05). However, after the application, QOL of the experimental group was found to be better than that of the control group following the measurements; the difference was found to be statistically significant (P < .05).

Practice implications

Psychiatric nurses should evaluate the patients using Standardize Mini‐Mental Test Examination before applying RAM‐based CST, and they should apply CST to early‐ and mid‐stage Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients at the end of the evaluation and work with groups consisting of six persons at most. Since the cognitive functions of individuals with AD decline from the first stage, coping‐adaptation, and QOL levels will also be affected, so it is recommended to evaluate the cognitive functions, coping‐adjustment and QOL levels of individuals before applying RAM‐based CST. Trial registration number: NCT02229474
Anosognosia in patients with Alzheimer's disease: current perspectives
Authors: Tagai Kenji , Nagata Tomoyuki , Shinagawa Shunichiro , Shigeta Masahiro
Published: January 2020

Alzheimerʼs disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterised by neurocognitive impairments, especially memory impairment, as core symptoms linked to reductions in activities of daily life. As marginal symptoms, neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs) appear during the progressive course of the disease. A lack of self‐awareness (anosognosia) of cognitive and functional impairments is often seen in patients with AD, and associations between anosognosia and other NPSs have been previously reported. To account for anosognosia pathogenesis neurocognitively, the cognitive awareness model (CAM) has been helpful for explaining the stream of events from sensory input to behavioural/affective and metacognitive outputs. According to CAM, there are three types of anosognosia: (i) primary anosognosia, (ii) executive anosognosia, and (iii) mnemonic anosognosia. These types of anosognosia are generated from different neurocognitive modulations leading to metacognitive outputs or behavioural/affective regulations. Primary anosognosia is considered to be caused by deficits in the metacognitive awareness system (MAS). While preserved MAS function is associated with milder depression and anxiety in AD, a severer depressive mood in patients with mild AD can inversely cause self‐underestimation. The modulation of executive anosognosia is thought to be associated with dangerous/disinhibition behaviours and apathy among NPS sub‐symptoms, via impairments of comparator mechanism (Cm) within the central executive system. Other neurobehavioral reactions linked to self‐awareness include ‘denying’ and ‘confabulation’, and each of these reactions is thought to be affected by the MAS and a Cm. Denial of oneʼs own memory impairments appears as a defensive reaction to protect against dysphoric feelings, and the confabulatory comment is instantly reaction constructed by fabrications according to misinterpretations of memory information about oneself. Similarly, the innovative development of a theoretical model (CAM) has contributed to explaining the mechanism of anosognosia and some neurobehavioral outputs from a neurocognitive perspective.
Understanding the interplay of sleep and aging: Methodological challenges
Authors: Muehlroth Beate E. , Werkle‐Bergner Markus
Published: January 2020

In quest of new avenues to explain, predict, and treat pathophysiological conditions during aging, research on sleep and aging has flourished. Despite the great scientific potential to pinpoint mechanistic pathways between sleep, aging, and pathology, only little attention has been paid to the suitability of analytic procedures applied to study these interrelations. On the basis of electrophysiological sleep and structural brain data of healthy younger and older adults, we identify, illustrate, and resolve methodological core challenges in the study of sleep and aging. We demonstrate potential biases in common analytic approaches when applied to older populations. We argue that uncovering age‐dependent alterations in the physiology of sleep requires the development of adjusted and individualized analytic procedures that filter out age‐independent interindividual differences. Age‐adapted methodological approaches are thus required to foster the development of valid and reliable biomarkers of age‐associated cognitive pathologies.
Investigation of using very high‐frequency ultrasound in the differential diagnosis of early‐stage pemphigus vulgaris vs seborrheic dermatitis
Authors: Zheng Xiaofeng , Wu Chao , Jin Hongzhong , Liu Jie , Wang Haimeng
Published: January 2020

Background

Early‐stage pemphigus vulgaris (PV) often manifests as erythema alone. We hypothesized that very high‐frequency ultrasonography (VHFUS) features could simplify the differential diagnosis of early‐stage pemphigus vulgaris versus seborrheic dermatitis (SD).

Materials and Methods

Fourteen patients with SD or early‐stage PV were recruited from our outpatient clinic during 2016‐2019. We used 50‐MHz VHFUS to image the erythema on the patients’ scalp, face, chest, and back and retrospectively evaluated their ultrasonographic features.

Results

Very high‐frequency ultrasonography images of early‐stage PV showed enhanced epidermal echo (8/14, 57%), linear or oval intra‐epidermal hypoechoic/anechoic areas (12/14, 86%), linear anechoic areas at the dermal‐epidermal junction (14/14, 100%), reduced echo of superficial to whole dermis (9/14, 64%), and slightly increased dermal thickness (14/14, 100%). The intra‐epidermal hypoechoic/anechoic bands (100%) showed the greatest specificity. VHFUS images of SD showed enhanced epidermal echo (7/14, 50%), epidermal unevenness (7/14, 50%), linear anechoic bands at the dermal‐epidermal junction (8/14, 57%), reduced middle dermis echo (10/14, 71%), and slightly increased dermal thickness (10/14, 71%). The epidermal unevenness (100%) had the greatest specificity. There was a significant difference (P < .05) between early‐stage PV and SD regarding the proportion of linear intraepithelial hypoechoic/anechoic bands and linear anechoic areas at the dermal‐epidermal junction.

Conclusions

Early‐stage PV and SD have relatively specific VHFUS erythematous manifestations. Intra‐epidermal hypoechoic/anechoic bands for early‐stage PV and epidermal unevenness for SD were most specific. VHFUS contributes to the differential diagnosis of PV and SD by highlighting their features, that is, intra‐epidermal hypoechoic/anechoic bands and linear anechoic areas at the dermal‐epidermal junction.
Identification of the novel KIR3DL2*114 allele in a Chinese individual by polymerase chain reaction sequence‐based typing
Authors: Chen Chen , Wang Jielin , He Yanmin , He Ji , Zhu Faming
Published: January 2020

KIR3DL2*114 differs from KIR3DL2*016 by a single nucleotide substitution at position 329 G>A.