University of Exeter

About: University of Exeter is a education organization based out in Exeter, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 15820 authors who have published 50650 publications receiving 1793046 citations. The organization is also known as: Exeter University & University of the South West of England.

Marine harmful algal blooms, human health and wellbeing: challenges and opportunities in the 21st century.

Abstract: Microalgal blooms are a natural part of the seasonal cycle of photosynthetic organisms in marine ecosystems. They are key components of the structure and dynamics of the oceans and thus sustain the benefits that humans obtain from these aquatic environments. However, some microalgal blooms can cause harm to humans and other organisms. These harmful algal blooms (HABs) have direct impacts on human health and negative influences on human wellbeing, mainly through their consequences to coastal ecosystem services (fisheries, tourism and recreation) and other marine organisms and environments. HABs are natural phenomena, but these events can be favoured by anthropogenic pressures in coastal areas. Global warming and associated changes in the oceans could affect HAB occurrences and toxicity as well, although forecasting the possible trends is still speculative and requires intensive multidisciplinary research. At the beginning of the 21st century, with expanding human populations, particularly in coastal and developing countries, mitigating HABs impacts on human health and wellbeing is becoming a more pressing public health need. The available tools to address this global challenge include maintaining intensive, multidisciplinary and collaborative scientific research, and strengthening the coordination with stakeholders, policymakers and the general public. Here we provide an overview of different aspects of the HABs phenomena, an important element of the intrinsic links between oceans and human health and wellbeing.

The Effect of Hydrogen Sulfide Donors on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Formation of Inflammatory Mediators in Macrophages

Abstract: The role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in inflammation is controversial, with both pro- and antiinflammatory effects documented. Many studies have used simple sulfide salts as the source of H2S, which give a rapid bolus of H2S in aqueous solutions and thus do not accurately reflect the enzymatic generation of H2S. We therefore compared the effects of sodium hydrosulfide and a novel slow-releasing H2S donor (GYY4137) on the release of pro- and antiinflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated murine RAW264.7 macrophages. For the first time, we show that GYY4137 significantly and concentration-dependently inhibits LPS-induced release of proinflammatory mediators such as IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, nitric oxide (•NO), and PGE2 but increased the synthesis of the antiinflammatory chemokine IL-10 through NF-κB/ATF-2/HSP-27–dependent pathways. In contrast, NaHS elicited a biphasic effect on proinflammatory mediators and, at high concentrations, increased the synthesis of IL-1β, IL-6, NO, PGE2 and TNF-α...

Think crisis-think female: the glass cliff and contextual variation in the think manager-think male stereotype.

Abstract: The “think manager‐think male” (TMTM) association underlies many gender inequalities in the workplace. However, research into the “glass cliff” has demonstrated that the suitability of male and female managers varies as a function of company performance such that in times of poor performance people may “think female” (Ryan & Haslam, 2005, 2007). Three studies examined gender and managerial stereotypes in the context of companies that are doing well or doing badly. Study 1 reproduced TMTM associations for descriptions of managers of successful companies but demonstrated a reversal for managers of unsuccessful companies. Study 2 examined the prescriptive nature of these stereotypes. No TMTM relationship was found for ideal managers of successful companies, but ideal managers of unsuccessful companies were associated with the female stereotype. Study 3 suggested that women may be favored in times of poor performance, not because they are expected to improve the situation, but because they are seen to be good people managers and can take the blame for organizational failure. Together, the studies illustrate the importance of context as a moderator of the TMTM association. Practical and theoretical implications for gender discrimination in the workplace are discussed.

Marine microplastics spell big problems for future generations

Abstract: There are certain human environmental perturbations so major that they are capable of destabilizing the earth’s normal function at a global scale (1). These so-called planetary boundary threats include climate change, ozone depletion, and ocean acidification. Emerging as a novel addition to this list is the vast quantity of discarded plastic waste that is accumulating in the oceans on an unprecedented scale, where it breaks down to form microscopic and nanoscopic fragments, or microplastics. Microplastics (particles with a diameter <1 mm, with no lower limit) derive from progressive fragmentation of larger plastic items, or may be manufactured to be of a small size, for use in personal care products, medicines, and industry (2). They reach the seas through beach littering, road runoff, sewage, and illegal dumping activities. Microplastics are ubiquitous in marine waters, from deep ocean sediments to polar icecaps, a result of the estimated 8 million tons of plastic that enters the oceans each year (3). Despite calls for plastic to be reclassified as hazardous (4), legislation to restrict marine debris accumulation is hindered by a lack of evidence that it causes ecological harm. In PNAS, Sussarellu et al. (5) provide an important starting point for assembling this evidence: Using an integrative approach, they show that ingestion of microplastics during gametogenesis has impacts on feeding and reproduction in oysters, with negative impacts on adult fecundity and offspring quality, both of which are key components of an organism’s individual fitness. The results of Sussarellu et al. (5) are important because they support an emerging paradigm that microplastics can reduce reproductive output and fitness in marine species by altering their food consumption and energy allocation. Marine plastic debris is a global threat because of its abundance, persistence, and mobility across scales, with subsequent widespread distribution and potential geophysical and biological impacts … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence should be addressed. Email: t.s.galloway{at}exeter.ac.uk. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1