bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of different doses of atorvastatin on collateral formation in coronary artery disease patients with coronary atherosclerosis
Authors: Liu Ling , Gao Lei , Tan Huilian , Qi Yanchao , Cui Dong , Wang Zhen , Liu Jun
Published: May 2022

Objective

The study aimed to explore the effect of different doses of atorvastatin on collateral formation in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with coronary atherosclerosis.

Methods

The study included 218 CAD patients who received treatment between January 2017 and January 2020 at our hospital. They were assigned to the high-dose group (40 mg atorvastatin) and the low-dose group (20 mg atorvastatin) using the random table method with 109 patients per group. The blood lipid levels, TNF-α, hs-CRP, NO, and coronary atherosclerosis collateral formation before and after treatment in the two groups were compared, and favorable factors of good coronary artery collateral circulation were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

LDL-C, TG, and TC levels decreased, whereas HDL-C levels increased in the two groups after treatment. The high-dose group had lower LDL-C, TG, and TC levels but higher HDL-C levels than the low-dose group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). TNF-α and hs-CRP levels decreased while NO levels increased in both groups after treatment. The high-dose group had lower TNF-α and hs-CRP levels but higher NO levels than the low-dose group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

High-dose atorvastatin could blood lipid levels of modulate CAD patients and promote coronary atherosclerosis collateral formation. In addition, hypertension, LDL-C, HDL-C, TNF-α, hs-CRP, and NO were independent determinants of good coronary artery collateral circulation.
Endometrial Stromal Sarcomas With BCOR Internal Tandem Duplication and Variant BCOR/BCORL1 Rearrangements Resemble High-grade Endometrial Stromal Sarcomas With Recurrent CDK4 Pathway Alterations and MDM2 Amplifications
Authors: Kommoss Felix K.F. , Chiang Sarah , Köbel Martin , Koelsche Christian , Chang Kenneth Tou-En , Irving Julie A. , Dickson Brendan , Thiryayi Sakinah , Rouzbahman Marjan , Rasty Golnar , von Deimling Andreas , Lee Cheng-Han , Turashvili Gulisa
Published: May 2022

The distinction between low-grade and high-grade endometrial stromal sarcomas (LGESS, HGESS) is increasingly defined by genetics. Recently, variant genomic alterations involving BCOR or BCORL1 have been reported in endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS), although it remains unclear whether these justify a diagnosis of LGESS or HGESS. In this study, we describe clinicopathologic and molecular features of ESS with such alterations to help clarify their classification in the spectrum of ESS. We collected a cohort of 13 ESS harboring variant alteration involving BCOR (6 with internal tandem duplication, 1 with EP300::BCOR fusion, 1 with BCOR::LPP fusion) and BCORL1 (4 with JAZF1::BCORL1 fusion, 1 with EPC1::BCORL1 fusion). The median patient age at primary diagnosis was 51 years (range: 18 to 70 y). Median tumor size at primary diagnosis was 9.3 cm (range: 4.5 to 21 cm), and extrauterine disease spread (stage IIIB-C) was present in 27%. The tumors were composed of round to spindled cells with cellularity and cytologic atypia ranging from mild to marked and a median mitotic count of 18/10 HPFs (range: 2 to 85/10 HPFs). At least focally myopermeative growth was noted in 8/8 assessable cases. Of 12 patients with follow-up data (median: 25 mo), 4 patients died of disease and 3 were alive with recurrent disease. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering of DNA methylation data together with a large cohort of uterine mesenchymal tumors that included YWHAE::NUTM2 and ZC3H7B::BCOR HGESS and molecularly confirmed LGESS revealed a common methylation signature for all ESS with variant BCOR and BCORL1 alterations and HGESS with YWHAE::NUTM2 and ZC3H7B::BCOR gene fusion. Copy number analysis revealed amplifications of CDK4 and MDM2, as well as homozygous deletions of CDKN2A/B and NF1 in a subset of tumors. Our results indicate that ESS with BCOR internal tandem duplication and variant BCOR and BCORL1 rearrangements clinically and molecularly resemble conventional HGESS.
Impact of Dermal Matrix Brand in Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction Outcomes
Authors: Johnson Ariel C. , Colakoglu Salih , Siddikoglu Duygu , Li Angel , Kaoutzanis Christodoulos , Cohen Justin B. , Chong Tae W. , Mathes David W.
Published: May 2022

Background:

Implant-based reconstruction is the most common procedure for breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Acellular dermal matrix is used to provide additional coverage in subpectoral and prepectoral implant placement. In this study, the authors compared postoperative outcomes between AlloDerm (LifeCell, Branchburg, N.J.) and DermACELL (Stryker, Kalamazoo, Mich.), two acellular dermal matrix brands.

Methods:

A retrospective review of implant-based breast reconstruction from 2016 to 2020 was conducted. Patient demographics and comorbidities, implant size and location, acellular dermal matrix choice, and postoperative outcomes were recorded. Primary outcomes assessed were seroma and infection compared between two acellular dermal matrix brands. Independent clinical parameters were assessed with multiple logistic regression models for the primary outcomes.

Results:

Reconstruction was performed in 150 patients (241 breasts). Eighty-eight patients underwent expander placement with AlloDerm and 62 patients with DermACELL. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics between the two groups. There was a significantly higher incidence of seroma in the AlloDerm group in univariate (AlloDerm 21.7 percent versus DermACELL 8.2 percent, p < 0.005) and multivariate analyses (p = 0.04; 95 percent CI, 1.02 to 6.07). Acellular dermal matrix use (regardless of type) was not associated with higher rates of infection (p = 0.99), but body mass index was (p = 0.004).

Conclusions:

Both AlloDerm and DermACELL had similar infection rates regardless of contributing risk factors. AlloDerm was found to be a risk factor for seroma formation in the postoperative period. As such, it is important to be aware of this complication when performing implant-based reconstruction with this brand of acellular dermal matrix.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, III.
Enhanced Recovery Pathway Reduces Hospital Stay and Opioid Use in Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction: A Single-Center, Private Practice Experience
Authors: Ochoa Oscar , Rajan Meenakshi , Garza Ramon , Chrysopoulo Minas , Pisano Steven , Ledoux Peter , Arishita Gary , Michalek Joel , Nastala Chet
Published: May 2022

Background:

This study aimed to determine benefits of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathway implementation in free flap breast reconstruction related to postoperative narcotic use and health care resource utilization.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients undergoing deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction from November of 2015 to April of 2018 was performed before and after implementation of the ERAS protocol.

Results:

Four hundred nine patients met inclusion criteria. The pre-ERAS group comprised 205 patients, and 204 patients were managed through the ERAS pathway. Mean age, laterality, timing of reconstruction, and number of previous abdominal surgical procedures were similar (p > 0.05) between groups. Mean operative time between both groups (450.1 ± 92.7 minutes versus 440.7 ± 93.5 minutes) and complications were similar (p > 0.05). Mean intraoperative (58.9 ± 32.5 versus 31.7 ± 23.4) and postoperative (129.5 ± 80.1 versus 90 ± 93.9) morphine milligram equivalents used were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in the pre-ERAS group. Mean length of stay was significantly (p < 0.001) longer in the pre-ERAS group (4.5 ± 0.8 days versus 3.2 ± 0.6 days). Bivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that operative time was positively associated with total narcotic requirements (p < 0.001) and length of stay (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

ERAS pathways in microsurgical breast reconstruction promote reduction in intraoperative and postoperative narcotic utilization with concomitant decrease in hospital length of stay. In this study, patients managed through ERAS pathways required 46 percent less intraoperative and 31 percent less postoperative narcotics and had a 29 percent reduction in hospital length of stay.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, III.
Case Report
Authors: Barmatz Caroline , Barzel Oren , Reznik Jacqueline
Published: May 2022

Background and Purpose:

This case report describes the hydrotherapy sessions received in conjunction with a rehabilitation program designed for a patient recovering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with intensive care unit (ICU)–acquired muscle weakness. The primary purpose of this case report was to examine the effects of hydrotherapy in a patient recovered from COVID-19 with ICU-acquired muscle weakness in the absence of any cross-infection.

Case Description:

The subject was a 29-year-old man in recovery after contracting COVID-19 infection and ICU-acquired muscle weakness. On admission to the orthopedic rehabilitation ward at Sheba Medical Center, the patient tested negative for COVID-19 according to the polymerase chain reaction test.

Intervention:

The patient received 4 hydrotherapy sessions that involved exercising in warm water (31°C-35°C) to improve muscle strength in a non- or low–weight-bearing capacity. A standard physical therapy program was also provided to the patient.

Outcome:

Following 2 weeks of rehabilitation that included 4 hydrotherapy sessions combined with a standard physiotherapy regimen, the patient was discharged home and able to walk outdoors independently for at least 30 minutes. Aside from the inclusion of specific personal protective equipment and social distancing (2 m), no additional requirements were necessary to our standard pool hygiene and no adverse infections were reported.

Discussion:

The results of this case report showed that hydrotherapy is a useful modality in the rehabilitation of ICU-acquired muscle weakness developed as a result of COVID-19.
The Step-Count Accuracy of Activity Monitors on Land and in the Water: Revisited
Authors: Stevens Sandra , Michaels Natalie Norman , Noven Marnie Vanden , Caputo Jennifer , Johnson Samantha L.
Published: May 2022

Background:

Activity monitors are used by people from all walks of life in the United States and elsewhere. Various companies boast their monitors can be used both on land and in the water, but the accuracy of these monitors when determining step count is unknown. This study is based on a pilot study published in 2019 by the same authors.

Methods:

Six popular water-resistant activity monitors were tested on 27 participants. Participants walked on a land treadmill for 3 minutes at a self-selected, comfortable walking speed while wearing 2 land/water activity monitors (one on each wrist) that were randomized across participants. This was repeated in the water on a HydroTrack (by HydroWorx) underwater treadmill. All walks were filmed so the actual step count could be determined for comparison with the counts from the monitors.

Results:

The accuracy of each monitor for step count on land and in the water was determined by comparing the monitor's calculation with the actual step count using correlation, mean step difference, Cohen's d calculation, paired t test for significance, and intraclass correlation.

Relevance:

This study provides further information regarding the accuracy of activity monitors in assessing step count on land and in the water. Continued research is recommended using a larger number of monitors, with individuals of varying ages and conditions.
The Effect of Aquatic Physical Therapy on Children With Down Syndrome
Authors: Hartlage Ashley , Nicholson Cody , Silvius Allison , Ennis Beth
Published: May 2022

Purpose/Hypothesis:

Properties of water such as buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, and fluid resistance when used with aquatic exercises have been shown to have a positive effect on balance and functional mobility. Previous literature has shown these improvements in children with cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type II, and developmental coordination disorder, disorders that could present with similar impairments to children with Down syndrome. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of aquatic therapy on children with Down syndrome.

Materials/Methods:

Ten children aged 2 to 8 years with a diagnosis of Down syndrome received 1:1 (student therapist:child) therapy sessions, with some children requiring a 2:1 ratio. Prior to aquatic intervention, each child was evaluated using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) and the Water Orientation Test Alyn (WOTA-1). For 8 consecutive weeks, each child received personalized interventions lasting about 45 minutes based upon their needs. After the 8-week aquatic intervention sessions, each child was then reevaluated with both outcome measures.

Results:

The study began with 10 participants, with 9 completing the 8-week program. Eight of the 9 children made clinically significant improvements in their WOTA-1 scores, and 7 of the 9 children made clinically significant improvements in their PBS score.

Conclusions:

The use of aquatic physical therapy for children with Down syndrome displayed quantitative improvements in balance, as well as comfort and mobility in the water. Using individualized treatment plans, each child was able to improve in each of the aforementioned areas.

Clinical Relevance:

This small study demonstrates that children with Down syndrome can gain functional benefits from aquatic therapy similar to previous research in children with hypertonia. As physical therapists, we need to be aware of how aquatic therapy can benefit different subgroups of children so that we can refer and treat as appropriate in order to give children the best functional outcome.
A Specialized Program for Prevention and Surveillance of Skin Abrasions During Aquatic Therapy for Patients With Spinal Cord Injury: A Successful Quality Assurance Initiative With Sustained Impact
Authors: Recio Albert C. , Kakitis-Fawley Amy , Mertins Rachel , Sachs Christy , Stiens Steven A.
Published: May 2022

Background and Purpose:

The primary objective of this research was to continuously improve the quality of aquatic therapy for patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) while reducing the incidence of skin abrasions using the PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act) system. The specific aim was to reduce the incidence of skin abrasions revealed by quality surveillance.

Methods:

Using the PDCA format for continuous improvement, a 3-phase program was designed and implemented. Phase I consisted of data mining. Phase II entailed the development of policy and procedures, and phase III consisted of education and implementation of the new policies and procedures.

Results:

Between 2010 and 2018, only 1.08% of all patients (N = 1203) were identified as having skin abrasions acquired during their aquatic therapy sessions. Of the total number of aquatic therapy appointments during that same time period, the incidence of skin abrasions was even lower, at only 0.08% (16 804).

Discussion:

During aquatic therapy sessions, patients were experiencing scrapes and abrasions predominantly affecting their limbs. Initial verbal reporting by therapists and nursing staff led to a paper tracking system starting in 2010. In phase II, we implemented policy and procedures outlining appropriate steps to prevent skin abrasions during aquatic therapy sessions. In phase III, therapists received additional training and education to lessen potential abrasions for patients and protective footwear became obligatory for ambulatory patients.

Conclusion:

Consistent communication, reporting, and tracking, combined with education and effective preventive measures, dramatically lessened the incidence of skin abrasions during aquatic therapy and using the PDCA system these outcomes can be sustained.
The Benefits of Group Aquatic Therapy for Young Children With Down syndrome
Authors: Milligan Helen , Glanzman Allan , Waasdorp Ilana , Kinslow Tricia , Hagenbaugh Michelle , Pipan Mary , Harrington Ann , Palombaro Kerstin
Published: May 2022

Background and Purpose:

To describe the implementation of an aquatic-based exercise program for young children with Down syndrome (DS). The aquatic setting is particularly motivating for children with DS. Swimming can be a safe and effective way to promote lifetime physical activity for individuals with DS. Caregivers often feel unprepared to assist their children in swimming activities, limiting participation in community programs.

Case Series:

Twenty children with DS participated in an aquatic-based program to facilitate transition to a community swim programs.

Intervention:

The Trisomy 21 Aquatic Group, an 8-week group-based exercise program, was developed that included aquatic skills, water acclimation, fitness activities, and caregiver instruction. A pre- and postparticipation evaluation included the establishment of goals and standardized assessments including the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), a parent questionnaire, and the Water Orientation Test Alyn (WOTA-1). The aquatic-based exercise program was piloted with 20 children between the ages of 1 and 5 years and included caregiver participation. Interventions consisted of respiratory control, water orientation, swim skills, balance and strengthening activities, and functional skills. Instruction promoted caregiver confidence and carryover in the community with consistent routines, repetition, and scaffolding of skills.

Outcomes:

Both WOTA and GMFM were analyzed using pre- and postgroup paired t tests. Statistically significant changes from pre- to postgroup tests were noted. The mean GMFM improved from 154 to 179.45 or 24.65 points (P < .00001 ± 18.93) and the mean WOTA improved from 25.53 to 37.33 or 12.2 points (P < .00001 ± 8.13). The parent questionnaire revealed significant changes in the child's ability to follow simple directions and take turns (Z = 2.157, P = .030) and blow bubbles (Z = 2.50, P = .0124) and an increase in the number of signs (mean change of 6.8 signs). Parents reported having confidence supporting their children in the water, improvements in strength, improved respiratory control, and readiness for swim lessons.

Discussion:

A standardized aquatics program for individuals with DS is presented. This is a step toward the establishment of effective treatment strategies regarding aquatic therapy for those with DS.
Natural processes influencing pollinator health
Authors: Stevenson Philip C. , Koch Hauke , Nicolson Susan W. , Brown Mark J. F.
Published: May 2022

Evidence from the last few decades indicates that pollinator abundance and diversity are at risk, with many species in decline. Anthropogenic impacts have been the focus of much recent work on the causes of these declines. However, natural processes, from plant chemistry, nutrition and microbial associations to landscape and habitat change, can also profoundly influence pollinator health. Here, we argue that these natural processes require greater attention and may even provide solutions to the deteriorating outlook for pollinators. Existing studies also focus on the decline of individuals and colonies and only occasionally at population levels. In the light of this we redefine pollinator health and argue that a top-down approach is required focusing at the ecological level of communities. We use examples from the primary research, opinion and review articles published in this special issue to illustrate how natural processes influence pollinator health, from community to individuals, and highlight where some of these processes could mitigate the challenges of anthropogenic and natural drivers of change.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Natural processes influencing pollinator health: from chemistry to landscapes’.
Potential effects of nectar microbes on pollinator health
Authors: Martin Valerie N. , Schaeffer Robert N. , Fukami Tadashi
Published: May 2022

Floral nectar is prone to colonization by nectar-adapted yeasts and bacteria via air-, rain-, and animal-mediated dispersal. Upon colonization, microbes can modify nectar chemical constituents that are plant-provisioned or impart their own through secretion of metabolic by-products or antibiotics into the nectar environment. Such modifications can have consequences for pollinator perception of nectar quality, as microbial metabolism can leave a distinct imprint on olfactory and gustatory cues that inform foraging decisions. Furthermore, direct interactions between pollinators and nectar microbes, as well as consumption of modified nectar, have the potential to affect pollinator health both positively and negatively. Here, we discuss and integrate recent findings from research on plant–microbe–pollinator interactions and their consequences for pollinator health. We then explore future avenues of research that could shed light on the myriad ways in which nectar microbes can affect pollinator health, including the taxonomic diversity of vertebrate and invertebrate pollinators that rely on this reward.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Natural processes influencing pollinator health: from chemistry to landscapes’.
Exploring connections between pollinator health and human health
Authors: Garibaldi Lucas A. , Gomez Carella Dulce S. , Nabaes Jodar Diego N. , Smith Matthew R. , Timberlake Thomas P. , Myers Samuel S.
Published: May 2022

Despite recent advances in understanding the role of biodiversity in ecosystem-service provision, the links between the health of ecosystem-service providers and human health remain more uncertain. During the past decade, an increasing number of studies have argued for the positive impacts of healthy pollinator communities (defined as functionally and genetically diverse species assemblages that are sustained over time) on human health. Here, we begin with a systematic review of these impacts, finding only two studies that concomitantly quantified aspects of pollinator health and human health. Next, we identify relevant research relating to four pathways linking pollinator health and human health: nutrition, medicine provisioning, mental health and environmental quality. These benefits are obtained through improved pollination of nutritious crops and an estimated approximately 28 000 animal-pollinated medicinal plants; the provisioning of pollinator-derived products such as honey; the maintenance of green spaces and biocultural landscapes that improve mental health; and cleaner air, water and food resulting from pollinator-centred initiatives to reduce agrochemical use. We suggest that pollinator diversity could be a proxy for the benefits that landscapes provide to human health.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Natural processes influencing pollinator health: from chemistry to landscapes’.
Complex networks of parasites and pollinators: moving towards a healthy balance
Authors: Brown Mark J. F.
Published: May 2022

Parasites are viewed as a major threat to wild pollinator health. While this may be true for epidemics driven by parasite spillover from managed or invasive species, the picture is more complex for endemic parasites. Wild pollinator species host and share a species-rich, generalist parasite community. In contrast to the negative health impacts that these parasites impose on individual hosts, at a community level they may act to reduce competition from common and abundant pollinator species. By providing rare species with space in which to exist, this will act to support and maintain a diverse and thus healthier pollinator community. At this level, and perhaps paraxodically, parasites may be good for pollinators. This stands in clear contrast to the obvious negative impacts of epidemic and spillover parasites on wild pollinator communities. Research into floral resources that control parasites could be best employed to help design landscapes that provide pollinators with the opportunity to moderate their parasite community, rather than attempting to eliminate specific parasites from wild pollinator communities.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Natural processes influencing pollinator health: from chemistry to landscapes’.
Host and gut microbiome modulate the antiparasitic activity of nectar metabolites in a bumblebee pollinator
Authors: Koch Hauke , Welcome Vita , Kendal-Smith Amy , Thursfield Lucy , Farrell Iain W. , Langat Moses K. , Brown Mark J. F. , Stevenson Philip C.
Published: May 2022

Antimicrobial nectar secondary metabolites can support pollinator health by preventing or reducing parasite infections. To better understand the outcome of nectar metabolite–parasite interactions in pollinators, we determined whether the antiparasitic activity was altered through chemical modification by the host or resident microbiome during gut passage. We investigated this interaction with linden (
Tilia
spp.) and strawberry tree (
Arbutus unedo
) nectar compounds
.
Unedone from
A. unedo
nectar inhibited the common bumblebee gut parasite
Crithidia bombi in vitro
and in
Bombus terrestris
gynes. A compound in
Tilia
nectar, 1-[4-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)-1,3-cyclohexadiene-1-carboxylate]-6-
O
-β-
d
-glucopyranosyl-β-
d
-glucopyranose (tiliaside), showed no inhibition
in vitro
at naturally occurring concentrations but reduced
C. bombi
infections of
B. terrestris
workers. Independent of microbiome status, tiliaside was deglycosylated during gut passage, thereby increasing its antiparasitic activity in the hindgut, the site of
C. bombi
infections
.
Conversely, unedone was first glycosylated in the midgut without influence of the microbiome to unedone-8-
O
-β-
d
-glucoside, rendering it inactive against
C. bombi
, but subsequently deglycosylated by the microbiome in the hindgut, restoring its activity. We therefore show that conversion of nectar metabolites by either the host or the microbiome modulates antiparasitic activity of nectar metabolites.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Natural processes influencing pollinator health: from chemistry to landscapes’.
From science to society: implementing effective strategies to improve wild pollinator health
Authors: Stout Jane C. , Dicks Lynn V.
Published: May 2022

Despite a substantial increase in scientific, public and political interest in pollinator health and many practical conservation efforts, incorporating initiatives across a range of scales and sectors, pollinator health continues to decline. We review existing pollinator conservation initiatives and define their common structural elements. We argue that implementing effective action for pollinators requires further scientific understanding in six key areas: (i) status and trends of pollinator populations; (ii) direct and indirect drivers of decline, including their interactions; (iii) risks and co-benefits of pollinator conservation actions for ecosystems; (iv) benefits of pollinator conservation for society; (v) the effectiveness of context-specific, tailored, actionable solutions; and (vi) integrated frameworks that explicitly link benefits and values with actions to reverse declines. We propose use of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) conceptual framework to link issues and identify critical gaps in both understanding and action for pollinators. This approach reveals the centrality of addressing the recognized
indirect
drivers of decline, such as patterns of global trade and demography, which are frequently overlooked in current pollinator conservation efforts. Finally, we discuss how existing and new approaches in research can support efforts to move beyond these shortcomings in pollinator conservation initiatives.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Natural processes influencing pollinator health: from chemistry to landscapes’.
Rodent responses to volatile compounds provide insights into the function of floral scent in mammal-pollinated plants
Authors: Johnson Steven D. , Govender Keeveshnee
Published: May 2022

Flowers pollinated by mammals have evolved in many plant families. Several scent compounds that attract bats to flowers have been identified, but the chemical ecology of pollination mutualisms between plants and ground-dwelling mammals is poorly understood. Rodents are key pollinators in South Africa and rely heavily on olfaction to locate food. Our aim was to identify compounds that may function to attract rodents to flowers. Eighteen volatile compounds, including 14 that are prominent in the scent of rodent-pollinated flowers, were used in choice experiments involving wild-caught individuals of four native rodent species. Rodents were generally attracted to oxygenated aliphatic compounds, specifically ketones and esters, but not to some aromatic compounds common in floral scents of insect-pollinated species, nor to a sulfide compound that is attractive to bats. Associative conditioning using sugar solution as a reward had only weak effects on the attractiveness of compounds to rodents. The attractive effect of some compounds disappeared when they were blended with compounds that did not attract rodents. We conclude that aliphatic ketones and esters are likely to play a key role in attracting rodents to flowers. Deployment of these compounds may allow plants to exploit rodent sensory bias that evolved in other contexts such as intra-specific communication and searching for seeds.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Natural processes influencing pollinator health: from chemistry to landscapes’.
Do amino and fatty acid profiles of pollen provisions correlate with bacterial microbiomes in the mason beeOsmia bicornis?
Authors: Leonhardt Sara Diana , Peters Birte , Keller Alexander
Published: May 2022

Bee performance and well-being strongly depend on access to sufficient and appropriate resources, in particular pollen and nectar of flowers, which constitute the major basis of bee nutrition. Pollen-derived microbes appear to play an important but still little explored role in the plant pollen–bee interaction dynamics, e.g. through affecting quantities and ratios of important nutrients. To better understand how microbes in pollen collected by bees may affect larval health through nutrition, we investigated correlations between the floral, bacterial and nutritional composition of larval provisions and the gut bacterial communities of the solitary megachilid beeOsmia bicornis. Our study reveals correlations between the nutritional quality of pollen provisions and the complete bacterial community as well as individual members of both pollen provisions and bee guts. In particular pollen fatty acid profiles appear to interact with specific members of the pollen bacterial community, indicating that pollen-derived bacteria may play an important role in fatty acid provisioning. As increasing evidence suggests a strong effect of dietary fatty acids on bee performance, future work should address how the observed interactions between specific fatty acids and the bacterial community in larval provisions relate to health inO. bicornis.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Natural processes influencing pollinator health: from chemistry to landscapes’.
Landscape-scale drivers of pollinator communities may depend on land-use configuration
Authors: Gillespie Mark A. K. , Baude Mathilde , Biesmeijer Jacobus , Boatman Nigel , Budge Giles E. , Crowe Andrew , Davies Nancy , Evans Rebecca , Memmott Jane , Morton R. Daniel , Moss Ellen , Murphy Mark , Pietravalle Stephane , Potts Simon G. , Roberts Stuart P. M. , Rowland Clare , Senapathi Deepa , Smart Simon M. , Wood Claire , Kunin William E.
Published: May 2022

Research into pollinators in managed landscapes has recently combined approaches of pollination ecology and landscape ecology, because key stressors are likely to interact across wide areas. While laboratory and field experiments are valuable for furthering understanding, studies are required to investigate the interacting drivers of pollinator health and diversity across a broader range of landscapes and a wider array of taxa. Here, we use a network of 96 study landscapes in six topographically diverse regions of Britain, to test the combined importance of honeybee density, insecticide loadings, floral resource availability and habitat diversity to pollinator communities. We also explore the interactions between these drivers and the cover and proximity of semi-natural habitat. We found that among our four drivers, only honeybee density was positively related to wild pollinator abundance and diversity, and the positive association between abundance and floral resources depended on insecticide loadings and habitat diversity. By contrast, our exploratory models including habitat composition metrics revealed a complex suite of interactive effects. These results demonstrate that improving pollinator community composition and health is unlikely to be achieved with general resource enhancements only. Rather, local land-use context should be considered in fine-tuning pollinator management and conservation.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Natural processes influencing pollinator health: from chemistry to landscapes’.
Soil moisture affects plant–pollinator interactions in an annual flowering plant
Authors: Dai Wenfei , Yang Yulian , Patch Harland M. , Grozinger Christina M. , Mu Junpeng
Published: May 2022

Many environmental factors impact plant and pollinator communities. However, variation in soil moisture and how it mediates the plant–pollinator interactions has yet to be elucidated. We hypothesized that long-term variation in soil moisture can exert a strong selective pressure on the floral and vegetative traits of plants, leading to changes in pollinator visitation. We demonstrated that there are three phenotypic populations ofGentiana aristatain our study alpine region in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau that vary in floral colour and other traits. Pink (dry habitat) and blue (intermediate habitat) flower populations are visited primarily by bumblebees, and white (wet habitat) flower populations are visited by flies. These patterns of visitation are driven by vegetative and floral traits and are constant when non-endemic plants are placed in the intermediate habitats. Additionally, the floral communities in different habitats vary, with more insect-pollinated forbs in the dry and intermediate habitats versus the wet habitats. Through a common garden and reciprocal transplant experiment, we demonstrated that plant growth traits, pollinator attractiveness and seed production are highest when the plant population is raised in its endemic habitat. This suggests that these plant populations have evolved to pollinator communities associated with habitat differences.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Natural processes influencing pollinator health: from chemistry to landscapes’.
Assessing pollen nutrient content: a unifying approach for the study of bee nutritional ecology
Authors: Lau Pierre , Lesne Pierre , Grebenok Robert J. , Rangel Juliana , Behmer Spencer T.
Published: May 2022

Poor nutrition and landscape changes are regularly cited as key factors causing the decline of wild and managed bee populations. However, what constitutes ‘poor nutrition’ for bees currently is inadequately defined. Bees collect and eat pollen: it is their only solid food source and it provides a broad suite of required macro- and micronutrients. Bees are also generalist foragers and thus the different pollen types they collect and eat can be highly nutritionally variable. Therefore, characterizing the multidimensional nutrient content of different pollen types is needed to fully understand pollen as a nutritional resource. Unfortunately, the use of different analytical approaches to assess pollen nutrient content has complicated between-studies comparisons and blurred our understanding of pollen nutrient content. In the current study, we start by reviewing the common methods used to estimate protein and lipids found in pollen. Next, using monofloralBrassicaandRosapollen, we experimentally reveal biases in results using these methods. Finally, we use our collective data to propose a unifying approach for analysing pollen nutrient content. This will help researchers better study and understand the nutritional ecology—including foraging behaviour, nutrient regulation and health—of bees and other pollen feeders.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Natural processes influencing pollinator health: from chemistry to landscapes’.
Sex differences in NK cells mediated by the X-linked epigenetic regulator UTX
Authors: Cheng Mandy I. , Riggan Luke , Li Joey H. , Tafti Rana Yakhshi , Chin Scott , Ma Feiyang , Pellegrini Matteo , Hrncir Haley , Arnold Arthur P. , O’Sullivan Timothy E. , Su Maureen A.
Published: May 2022

Viral infection outcomes are sex-biased, with males generally more susceptible than females. Paradoxically, the numbers of anti-viral natural killer (NK) cells are increased in males compared to females. Using samples from mice and humans, we demonstrate that while numbers of male NK cells are increased compared to females, they display impaired production of the anti-viral cytokine IFN-γ. These sex differences were not due solely to divergent levels of gonadal hormones, since these differences persisted in gonadectomized mice. Instead, these differences can be attributed to lower male expression of X-linkedKdm6a(UTX), an epigenetic regulator which escapes X inactivation in female NK cells. NK cell-specific UTX deletion in females phenocopied multiple features of male NK cells, which include increased numbers and reduced IFN-γ production. Integrative ATAC-seq and RNA-seq analysis revealed a critical role for UTX in the regulation of chromatin accessibility and gene expression at loci important in NK cell homeostasis and effector function. Consequently, NK cell-intrinsic UTX levels are critical for optimal anti-viral immunity, since mice with NK cell-intrinsic UTX deficiency show increased lethality to mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) challenge. Taken together, these data implicate UTX as a critical molecular determinant of NK cell sex differences and suggest enhancing UTX function as a new strategy to boost endogenous NK cell anti-viral responses.
Smoking and socio-economic factors linked to acute exacerbations of COPD: analysis from an Asthma + Lung UK survey
Authors: Williams Parris J , Cumella Andrew , Philip Keir EJ , Laverty Anthony A. , Hopkinson Nicholas S
Published: May 2022

Understanding the factors driving acute exacerbations of COPD is key to reducing their impact on human health and wellbeing. 5997 patients, mean 66 years, 64% female, completed an online survey between December 2020 and May 2021 about living with COPD developed by the charity Asthma+Lung UK. The 3731(62.2%) reporting frequent(≥2/year) exacerbations were more likely to smoke (AOR 1.70, 95%CI 1.470-1.98), have lower annual household income (≤£20,000, (AOR: 1.72, 1.36-2.17), live in a cold and damp home (AOR: 1.78, 1.50-2.11), and report previous occupational exposure to dust, fumes, and chemicals. Strategies to improve COPD outcomes must address issues of social justice.
Compensatory traits can explain concave cost function of purely sexual traits
Authors: Hasegawa Masaru
Published: May 2022

The cost of ornamentation is often measured experimentally to study the relative importance of sexual and viability selection for ornamentation, but these experiments can lead to a misleading conclusion when compensatory trait is ignored. For example, a classic experiment on the outermost tail feathers in the barn swallowHirundo rustica, explains that the concave (or U-shaped) aerodynamic performance cost of the outermost tail feathers would be the evolutionary outcome through viability selection for optimal tail length, but this conclusion depends on the assumption that compensatory traits do not cause reduced performance. Using a simple “toy model” experiment, I demonstrated that ornamentation evolved purely though sexual selection can produce a concave cost function under the presence of compensatory traits, which was further reinforced by a simple mathematical model. Therefore, concave cost function (and the low performance of individuals with reduced ornaments) cannot be used to infer the evolutionary force favoring ornamentation, due to a previously overlooked concept, “overcompensation”, which can increase the apparent cost of ornamentation.
PCR Testing in the UK During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic – Evidence from FOI Requests
Authors: Jefferson Tom , Dietrich Madeleine , Brassey Jon , Heneghan Carl
Published: May 2022

Polymerase Chain Reaction (“PCR”) tests have been used to identify cases of COVID-19 during the course of the pandemic. Notably, PCR alone cannot differentiate between the presence of whole viruses (which can be transmitted and infect individuals) and small fragments of genetic material that are not infectious. A feature of PCR known as the cycle threshold (Ct) can be used to discriminate between these states, but the relationship between Ct and infectiousness is still poorly understood.

This well-known limitation of the test compromises the identification of cases and their trends, and consequently those measures to interrupt transmission (such as isolation) that are undertaken on the basis of reliably identifying infectious individuals.

Here, we interrogate the public authorities’ understanding of PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 in the UK by accessing Freedom of Information requests submitted in 2020-21.We searched WhatDoTheyKnow and found 300 FOI requests, from over 150 individuals. We grouped their questions into four themes addressing the number of tests in use, the reporting of cycle thresholds (‘Ct’), the Ct values themselves, and the accuracy of tests.

The number of validated tests in use in the UK is currently not clear: In FOI responses, Public Health England (PHE) report it may be “80” or “85”. However, European regulations suggest there could be over 400 different CE marked tests available on the market and available for use. Laboratories have a statutory duty to report positive cases to PHE, but they do not have to advise which tests they are using nor submit Ct values. Only two FOI responses provided answers on Ct values, indicating that in a set time span, 24–38% of the Ct values were over 30. The most common FOI asked if there was a cycle threshold for positivity. In those that responded, the Ct for a positive result varied from 30 to 45. We found limited information on the technical accuracy of the tests. Several responses stated there is no ‘static’, ‘specific’ or ‘standard’ cycle threshold.

The current system requires significant changes to ensure it offers accurate diagnostic data to enable effective clinical management of SARS-CoV-2. PCR is an important and powerful tool, but its systematic misuse and misreporting risk undermining its usefulness and credibility.
Adaptation and validation of a French version of the Vaccination Attitudes Examination (VAX) scale
Authors: Eisenblaetter Margot , Madiouni Clarisse , Laraki Yasmine , Capdevielle Delphine , Raffard Stéphane
Published: May 2022

Over the past decades, vaccination has proven to be largely beneficial to global health. Despite vaccine efficacy, the French population has been recently affected by more anti-vaccination attitudes and vaccine refusal, and it is therefore necessary to develop and validate tools to study this health issue. The Vaccination Attitudes Examination scale is a brief 12-item questionnaire targeting adults, that assesses general attitudes towards vaccination. The aims of the study were (1) to translate and adapt the original English version of the scale into French and (2) to test the psychometric properties of the scale in a French population-based sample of adults. We included 450 French speaking adults that completed the French Vaccination Attitudes Examination scale and other questionnaires in order to assess convergent and divergent validities. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses showed that the French version of the Vaccination Attitudes Examination scale replicated the factorial structure of the original scale. Moreover, it demonstrated high internal consistency, good convergent and divergent validities, and excellent temporal stability. Also, scores on the scale differentiated vaccinators from non-vaccinator respondents. Results on the scale provides us with insight into factors involved in vaccine hesitancy in France, therefore allowing French authorities and policy makers to address these specific concerns and by consequence improve vaccine acceptance rates in this country.
A role for super-spreaders in carrying malaria parasites across the months-long dry season
Authors: Stadler Eva , Cromer Deborah , Ogunlade Samson , Ongoiba Aissata , Doumbo Safiatou , Kayentao Kassoum , Traore Boubacar , Crompton Peter D , Portugal Silvia , Davenport Miles P , Khoury David S
Published: May 2022

In malaria endemic regions, transmission of Plasmodium falciparum parasites is often seasonal with very low transmission during the dry season and high transmission in the wet season. Parasites survive the dry season within some individuals who experience prolonged carriage of parasites and are thought to ‘seed’ infection in the next transmission season. We use a combination of mathematical simulations and data analysis to characterise dry season carriers and their role in the subsequent transmission season. Simulating the life-history of individuals experiencing repeated exposure to infection predicts that dry season carriage is more likely in the oldest, most exposed and most immune individuals. This hypothesis is supported by data from a longitudinal study in Mali that shows that carriers are significantly older, experience a higher biting rate at the beginning of the transmission season and develop clinical malaria later than non-carriers. Further, since the most exposed individuals in a community are most likely to be dry season carriers, we show that this is predicted to enable a more than 2-fold faster spread of parasites into the mosquito population at the start of the subsequent wet season.
Effectiveness of the air-filled technique to reduce the dead space in syringes and needles during ChAdox1-n CoV vaccine administration
Authors: Phankavong Patchara , Prueksaanantakal Naphatthorn , Benjakul Nontawat , Manomaipiboon Anan
Published: May 2022

In the current study, we calculated the vaccine volume and amount of dead space in a syringe and needle during ChAdox1-n CoV vaccine administration using the air-filled technique, to reduce dead space in syringe and needle that administer up to 12 doses per vial. The hypothetical situation uses a vial with a similar size as the ChAdox1-n CoV vial. We used distilled water (6.5 ml), to fill the same volume as five vials of ChAdox1-n CoV. When 0.48 ml of distilled water is drawn according to the number on the side of the barrel, an additional 0.10 ml of air can be used in the dead space of the distilled water in the syringe and needle for 60 doses, which can be divided into an average of 0.5 ml dose. ChAdox1-n CoV was administered using a 1-mL syringe and 25G needle to administer ChAdox1-n CoV vaccine into 12 doses using this air-filled technique. The volume of the recipient vaccine will be increase by 20% and save the budget of a low dead space syringe (LDS).

Graphical Abstract