bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tree biodiversity in northern forests shows temporal stability over 35 years at different scales, levels and dimensions
Authors: Crockett Erin T. H. , Vellend Mark , Bennett Elena M.
Published: June 2022

At global scales, species richness is declining. However, at local scales, understanding exactly how, where and why biodiversity is changing becomes challenging since researchers have assessed biodiversity trends using different indicators, data sources and methods (e.g. repeated measurements at the same site over time vs. space‐for‐time substitutions).

In this study, we present a multifaceted analysis of biodiversity change by assessing how tree diversity in Québec, Canada changed between two sampling periods (1970–1977 and 2005–2016), in regards to different: levels of diversity (alpha diversity, temporal turnover and spatial beta diversity), dimensions of diversity (taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic), metrics of diversity (presence–absence and abundance based), and spatial scales of analysis (plot, 50, 100 and 200 km). We then assess how well potential drivers of biodiversity change (climate change and land cover change) explain the observed changes in alpha diversity. Since the data came from plots that remained forested over the course of the study, we used historical land cover change data and scenario analyses to test whether results from forest plots were likely to be representative of the broader landscape.

Across all levels, dimensions, metrics and spatial scales of analysis, we found either increases or no net change in diversity over time, with wide distributions of values around the mean. Presence–absence metrics often indicated increases in diversity over time, while abundance‐based metrics were more likely to show no net change. Potential drivers such as climate change and land cover change explained only a small fraction of the variation in alpha diversity change (i.e. why particular sites experienced positive vs. negative change) at the plot scale (adjusted R2 ≈ 0.03), but a greater fraction at coarser spatial scales (adjusted R2 of ~0.10 to ~0.50). Results from these forest plots are likely representative of the diversity change within the study region, since estimates of alpha diversity change only became negative under scenarios with the most extreme disturbance impacts.

Synthesis. None of our indicators showed evidence of declines in alpha or beta diversity of trees in temperate and boreal forests in Quebec (except for simulations with extremely high forest loss), but we did find temporal turnover in composition. Our results go beyond previous studies by analysing the many different aspects of biodiversity that might change over time, highlighting the need to shift from blanket descriptions of ‘biodiversity loss’ to more nuanced discussions around ‘biodiversity change’.
Hypertension during pregnancy
Authors: Chien Patrick
Published: June 2022

Deputy Editor‐in‐Chief, Dr Patrick Chien, discusses his top articles from this issue in an audio podcast available at: https://soundcloud.com/bjog/July-editorial-2022
Inhibitors of ABCB1 and ABCG2 overcame resistance to topoisomerase inhibitors in small cell lung cancer
Authors: Omori Miwako , Noro Rintaro , Seike Masahiro , Matsuda Kuniko , Hirao Mariko , Fukuizumi Aya , Takano Natsuki , Miyanaga Akihiko , Gemma Akihiko
Published: June 2022

Background

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive disease with a poor prognosis. Although most patients initially respond to topoisomerase inhibitors, resistance rapidly emerges. The aim, therefore, is to overcome resistance to topoisomerase I (irinotecan) or II (etoposide) inhibitors in SCLCs.

Methods

To identify key factors in the chemoresistance of SCLCs, we established four cell lines resistant to etoposide or an active metabolite of irinotecan, SN‐38, from SCLC cell lines and evaluated RNA profiles using parental and newly established cell lines.

Results

We found that the drug efflux protein, ATP‐binding cassette sub‐family B member 1 (ABCB1), was associated with resistance to etoposide, and ATP‐binding cassette sub‐family G member 2 (ABCG2) was associated with resistance to SN‐38 by RNA sequencing. The inhibition of ABCB1 or ABCG2 in each resistant cell line induced synergistic apoptotic activity and promoted drug sensitivity in resistant SCLC cells. The ABC transporter inhibitors, elacridar and tariquidar, restored sensitivity to etoposide or SN‐38 in in vitro and in vivo studies, and promoted apoptotic activity and G2‐M arrest in resistant SCLC cells.

Conclusions

ABC transporter inhibitors may be a promising therapeutic strategy for the purpose of overcoming resistance to topoisomerase inhibitors in patients with SCLC.
Principled, practical, flexible, fast: A new approach to phylogenetic factor analysis
Authors: Hassler Gabriel W. , Gallone Brigida , Aristide Leandro , Allen William L. , Tolkoff Max R. , Holbrook Andrew J. , Baele Guy , Lemey Philippe , Suchard Marc A.
Published: June 2022

Biological phenotypes are products of complex evolutionary processes in which selective forces influence multiple biological trait measurements in unknown ways. Phylogenetic comparative methods seek to disentangle these relationships across the evolutionary history of a group of organisms. Unfortunately, most existing methods fail to accommodate high‐dimensional data with dozens or even thousands of observations per taxon. Phylogenetic factor analysis offers a solution to the challenge of dimensionality. However, scientists seeking to employ this modelling framework confront numerous modelling and implementation decisions, the details of which pose computational and replicability challenges.

We develop new inference techniques that increase both the computational efficiency and modelling flexibility of phylogenetic factor analysis. To facilitate adoption of these new methods, we present a practical analysis plan that guides researchers through the web of complex modelling decisions. We codify this analysis plan in an automated pipeline that distils the potentially overwhelming array of decisions into a small handful of (typically binary) choices.

We demonstrate the utility of these methods and analysis plan in four real‐world problems of varying scales. Specifically, we study floral phenotype and pollination in columbines, domestication in industrial yeast, life history in mammals and brain morphology in New World monkeys.

General and impactful community employment of these methods requires a data scientific analysis plan that balances flexibility, speed and ease of use, while minimizing model and algorithm tuning. Even in the presence of non‐trivial phylogenetic model constraints, we show that one may analytically address latent factor uncertainty in a way that (a) aids model flexibility, (b) accelerates computation (by as much as 500‐fold) and (c) decreases required tuning. These efforts coalesce to create an accessible Bayesian approach to high‐dimensional phylogenetic comparative methods on large trees.
Management of suspected and confirmedCOVID‐19 (SARS‐CoV‐2) vaccine hypersensitivity
Authors: Worm Margitta , Alexiou Aikaterina , Bauer Andrea , Treudler Regina , Wurpts Gerda , Dickel Heinrich , Buhl Timo , Müller Sabine , Jung Andreas , Brehler Randolf , Fluhr Joachim , Klimek Ludger , Mülleneisen Norbert , Pfützner Wolfgang , Raap Ulrike , Roeseler Stefani , Schuh Sandra , Timmermann Hartmut , Heine Guido , Wedi Bettina , Brockow Knut
Published: June 2022

Background

Systemic allergic reactions to vaccines are very rare. In this study we assessed the management and outcome of suspected SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine hypersensitivity.

Methods

Totally, 334 individuals underwent an allergy work up regarding SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination (group A: 115 individuals suspected to be at increased risk for vaccine‐related reactions before vaccination and group B: 219 patients with reactions after COVID vaccination). The large majority of the SPT/IDT with the vaccines were negative; however, we identified in 14.1% (n = 47) a possible sensitization to the SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine and/or its ingredients defined as one positive skin test. Of the 219 individuals (group B) who experienced symptoms suspicious for a hypersensitivity reaction after vaccination, 214 were reported after the first vaccination with a mRNA vaccine (157 mRNA (Comirnaty®, 38 Spikevax®) and 18 with a vector vaccine (Vaxzevria®), 5 cases were after the second vaccination.

Results

The symptom profile in group B was as follows: skin symptoms occurred in 115 cases (n = 59 angioedema,n = 50 generalized urticaria andn = 23 erythema/flush. Seventy individuals had cardiovascular, 53 respiratory and 17 gastrointestinal symptoms. Of the overall 334 individuals, 78 patients tolerated (re)‐vaccination (out of skin test positive/negative 7/19 from group A and 17/35 from group B).

Conclusion

Proven IgE‐mediated hypersensitivity to SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines is extremely rare and not increased in comparison with reported hypersensitivity to other vaccines. The value of skin tests is unclear and nonspecific reactions, in particular when intradermal testing is applied, should be considered.
The importance of local characteristics: An examination of Canadian cities' resilience during the 2020 economic crisis
Authors: Sutton Jesse , Arku Godwin
Published: June 2022

This paper examines the resilience of Canadian cities to the 2020 economic crisis that followed the 2019 coronavirus pandemic. It specifically investigates the resistance and recoverability (i.e., very short‐term recovery) dimensions of resilience. It reveals that Canadian cities exhibited heterogeneous resiliency to the crisis, resulting in economic restructuring. Further, the paper decomposed resilience into an industrial mix effect and local‐specific effect using a shift‐share analysis, to move away from the industrial‐structure dominated focus in the resilience literature by examining the influence of local‐specific effects. The analysis found that local‐specific effects played a dominant role in determining the resiliency of cities, while their industrial mix had a marginal influence. Moreover, the determinants of resilience are complex having different effects and functions depending on the dimension of resilience under examination. Also, the determinants of resilience may change depending on the type of shock cities experience. A key policy implication is that localities' capabilities largely determine their resilience.
Epidermal growth factor receptor activation confers resistance to lenvatinib in thyroid cancer cells
Authors: Ohno Koichi , Shibata Tomohiro , Ito Ken‐ichi
Published: June 2022

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy. A multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, lenvatinib, has been used for the treatment of advanced thyroid cancer. To elucidate the mechanism of resistance to lenvatinib in thyroid cancer cells, we established lenvatinib‐resistant sublines and analyzed the molecular mechanisms of resistance. Two thyroid cancer cell lines (TPC‐1 and FRO) were used, and resistant sublines for lenvatinib (TPC‐1/LR, FRO/LR) were established. In TPC‐1/LR, the phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), and Akt was enhanced whereas in FRO/LR, the phosphorylation of EGFR and downstream signal transduction molecules was not enhanced. The addition of epidermal growth factor decreased sensitivity to lenvatinib in TPC‐1 and FRO. The combination of EGFR inhibitors lapatinib and lenvatinib significantly inhibited the growth of TPC‐1/LR in both in vitro and mouse xenograft models. Short‐term exposure to lenvatinib enhanced the phosphorylation of EGFR in six thyroid cancer cell lines regardless of their histological origin or driver gene mutations; however, phosphorylation of ERK was enhanced in all cells except TPC‐1. A synergistic growth‐inhibitory effect was observed in three thyroid cancer cell lines, including intrinsically lenvatinib‐resistant cells. The results indicate that signal transduction via the EGFR pathway may be involved in the development of lenvatinib resistance in thyroid cancer cells. The inhibition of the EGFR pathway simultaneously by an EGFR inhibitor may have therapeutic potential for overcoming lenvatinib resistance in thyroid cancer.
Clinical and genetic characterization of CACNA1A‐related disease
Authors: Lipman Amy R. , Fan Xiao , Shen Yufeng , Chung Wendy K.
Published: June 2022

Pathogenic variants in the CACNA1A gene have been associated with episodic ataxia type 2, familial hemiplegic migraine, and spinocerebellar ataxia 6. With increasing use of clinical genetic testing, associations have expanded to include developmental delay, epilepsy, paroxysmal dystonia, and neuropsychiatric disorders. We report 47 individuals with 33 unique likely pathogenic or pathogenic CACNA1A variants. A machine learning method, funNCion, was used to predict loss‐of‐function (LoF)/gain‐of‐function (GoF) impact of genetic variants, and a heuristic severity score was designed to analyze genotype/phenotype correlations. Commonly reported phenotypes include developmental delay/intellectual disability (96%), hemiplegic migraines (36%), episodic ataxia type 2 (32%), epilepsy (55%), autism spectrum disorder (23%), and paroxysmal tonic upward gaze (36%). Severity score was significantly higher for predicted GoF variants, variants in the S5/S6 helices, and the recurrent p.Val1392Met variant. Seizures/status epilepticus were correlated with GoF and were more frequent in those with the p.Val1392Met variant. Our findings demonstrate a breadth of disease severity in CACNA1A‐related disease and suggest that the clinical phenotypic heterogeneity likely reflects diverse molecular phenotypes. A better understanding of the natural history of CACNA1A‐related disease and genotype/phenotype correlations will help inform prognosis and prepare for future clinical trials.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of robotic resections for diverticular disease
Authors: Larkins Kirsten , Mohan Helen , Apte Sameer S. , Chen Vicky , Rajkomar Amrish , Larach José Tomás , Smart Philip , Heriot Alexander , Warrier Satish
Published: June 2022

Aim

Resection of diverticular disease can be technically challenging. Tissue planes can be difficult to identify intraoperatively due to inflammation or fibrosis. Robotic surgery may improve identification of tissue planes and dissection which can facilitate difficult minimally invasive resections. This systematic review and meta‐analysis evaluates the role of robotic surgery compared to laparoscopic surgery in diverticular resection.

Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement. The search was completed using PubMed, OVID MEDLINE and EMBASE. A total of 490 articles were retrieved, and studies reporting primary outcomes for robotic diverticular resection were included in the final analysis. A meta‐analysis of studies comparing robotic and laparoscopic surgery was performed on rate of conversion to open surgery and complications.

Results

Fifteen articles (8 cohort studies and 7 case series) reporting 3711 robotic diverticular resections were analysed. In comparison to laparoscopic, robotic surgery for diverticular disease was associated with a reduced conversion to open and a longer operating time. Meta‐analysis showed robotic resection was associated with a lower conversion rate compared to laparoscopic surgery (OR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.49–0.66, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in grade III and above complications (OR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.49–1.13, p = 0.17). Operating time was longer with a robotic approach (Hedge's G: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.04–0.81, p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Robotic resection is a feasible and safe option in diverticular disease. Although associated with a longer operating time, robotic surgery may render diverticular disease resectable with a minimally invasive approach that would have otherwise necessitated a laparotomy. Randomised controlled data is required to better define the role of robotic surgery for diverticular disease resections.
Diverging effects of geographic distance and local habitat quality on the genetic characteristics of three butterfly species
Authors: Lebigre Christophe , Turlure Camille , Vandewalle Hélène , Binard Fabian , Habel Jan Christian , Schtickzelle Nicolas
Published: June 2022

The genetic characteristics of neutral loci in natural populations are shaped by the interplay between genetic drift and gene flow that themselves result from key ecological and evolutionary processes.

Because of their influence on population size, habitats characteristics may influence substantially populations' genetic characteristics. However, past studies focused primarily on variables related to habitat quantity while habitat quality was largely overlooked.

We therefore combined genetic data to detailed habitat descriptions of three sympatric butterfly species having different ecological needs to quantify the relative contribution of geographic distance and habitat quality/quantity on their genetic characteristics.

In all species, the genetic diversity was greater in larger and good quality patches. The genetic differentiation of Lycaena helle (specialist species with limited dispersal) was mostly explained by geographical distances. This effect was dampened by habitat quality as populations inhabiting low quality patches had higher genetic differentiations indicating that the constraints set by local environmental factors increased genetic drift. In Boloria eunomia (specialist species with greater dispersal), the genetic differentiation was only influenced by geographic distance. Finally, in Brenthis ino (more generalist species with greater dispersal), isolation‐by‐distance was weak and habitat characteristics were unrelated to genetic differentiation.

The different effect of habitat quality on these species' genetic characteristics suggests that fundamental ecological traits underpin their response to habitat degradation. In L. helle, a species with major conservation concerns, these results show that preserving habitat quality and connectivity among populations' are important to ensure the maintenance of fully functional metapopulations.
Invader at the edge — Genomic origins and physiological differences of round gobies across a steep urban salinity gradient
Authors: Green Leon , Faust Ellika , Hinchcliffe James , Brijs Jeroen , Holmes Andrew , Englund Örn Felix , Svensson Ola , Roques Jonathan A. C. , Leder Erica H. , Sandblom Erik , Kvarnemo Charlotta
Published: June 2022

Species invasions are a global problem of increasing concern, especially in highly connected aquatic environments. Despite this, salinity conditions can pose physiological barriers to their spread, and understanding them is important for management. In Scandinavia's largest cargo port, the invasive round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) is established across a steep salinity gradient. We used 12,937 SNPs to identify the genetic origin and diversity of three sites along the salinity gradient and round goby from western, central and northern Baltic Sea, as well as north European rivers. Fish from two sites from the extreme ends of the gradient were also acclimated to freshwater and seawater, and tested for respiratory and osmoregulatory physiology. Fish from the high‐salinity environment in the outer port showed higher genetic diversity, and closer relatedness to the other regions, compared to fish from lower salinity upstream the river. Fish from the high‐salinity site also had higher maximum metabolic rate, fewer blood cells and lower blood Ca2+. Despite these genotypic and phenotypic differences, salinity acclimation affected fish from both sites in the same way: seawater increased the blood osmolality and Na+ levels, and freshwater increased the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Our results show genotypic and phenotypic differences over short spatial scales across this steep salinity gradient. These patterns of the physiologically robust round goby are likely driven by multiple introductions into the high‐salinity site, and a process of sorting, likely based on behaviour or selection, along the gradient. This euryhaline fish risks spreading from this area, and seascape genomics and phenotypic characterization can inform management strategies even within an area as small as a coastal harbour inlet.
SET domain containing 2 (SETD2) influences metabolism and alternative splicing during myogenesis
Authors: Wiedner Hannah J. , Torres Eduardo V. , Blue R. Eric , Tsai Yi‐Hsuan , Parker Joel , Giudice Jimena
Published: June 2022

Epigenetic regulatory mechanisms are increasingly recognized as crucial determinants of cellular specification and differentiation. During muscle cell differentiation (myogenesis), extensive remodelling of histone acetylation and methylation occurs. Several of these histone modifications aid in the expression of muscle‐specific genes and the silencing of genes that block lineage commitment. Therefore, the identification of new epigenetic regulatory mechanisms is of high interest. Still, the functional relevance of numerous histone modifications during myogenesis remain completely uncertain. In this study, we focus on the function of H3K36me3 and its epigenetic writer, SET domain containing 2 (SETD2), in the context of muscle cell differentiation. We first observed that SETD2 expression increases during myogenesis. Targeted depletion of SETD2 in undifferentiated (myoblasts) and differentiated (myotubes) muscle cells reduced H3K36me3 levels and induced profound changes in gene expression and slight alterations in alternative splicing, as determined by deep RNA‐sequencing analysis. Enzymes that function in metabolic pathways were upregulated in response to SETD2 depletion. Furthermore, we demonstrated that upregulation of several glycolytic enzymes was associated with an increase in intracellular pyruvate levels in SETD2‐depleted cells, indicating a novel role for SETD2 in metabolic programming during myogenesis. Together, our results provide new insight into the signalling pathways controlled by chromatin‐modifying enzymes and their associated histone modifications during muscle cell differentiation.
Effects of land use and yak grazing on behavior and body mass of plateau pika in Tibetan plateau rangelands
Authors: Wangdwei Migmar , Foggin J. Marc
Published: June 2022

The body mass of small mammals is widely regarded as an indicator of habitat quality, with trade‐offs between anti‐predator and energy‐building behaviors noted across many species and habitat conditions as suggested by optimal foraging theory. In this study, however, grazing by domestic yak was noted to mediate this effect, affecting both the body mass and behaviors of plateau pika, Ochotona curzoniae, which deviated from expected ecological patterns. Specifically, we compared conditions of plateau pika at 16 trap sites across a range of habitats on the Tibetan plateau, each characterized by herders according to their seasonal use as winter, spring, or summer pastures, and to their vegetative conditions. Plateau pika body mass at herders' tent sites where female and young domestic yak sleep was about 6% higher than at yak foraging sites and 10% higher than fenced areas (where yak are excluded) despite the additional disturbance encountered at tent sites. Mean body mass of plateau pika also decreased with increasing slope, and adult body mass was lower in spring compared to winter and summer seasons. Furthermore, more pika burrows were found near herders' tent sites, with burrows exhibiting significantly lower vegetation cover. Pika foraging behavior was most frequent in yak bedding areas (near herders' tent sites), and pika vigilant behavior at yak foraging areas. Recalling that foraging and vigilant (predator avoidance) behaviors constitute energy trade‐offs, we speculate that these unexpected findings may result from the combined effects of soil erosion (due to surface disturbances) and fertilization (with yak dung) at yak resting sites, which could enable higher population densities and body masses of plateau pika despite lower vegetation cover at the tent sites – most likely due to critical behavioral adaptations, ecological dynamics such as predator‐prey relations and other multi‐dimensional and nonlinear reasons.
Estimation of fluid status using three multifrequency bioimpedance methods in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Wang Lin‐Chun , Raimann Jochen G. , Tao Xia , Preciado Priscila , Thwin Ohnmar , Rosales Laura , Thijssen Stephan , Kotanko Peter , Zhu Fansan
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Segmental eight‐point bioimpedance has been increasingly used in practice. However, whether changes in bioimpedance analysis components before and after hemodialysis (HD) using this technique in a standing position is comparable to traditional whole‐body wrist‐to‐ankle method is still unclear. We aimed to investigate the differences between two eight‐point devices (InBody 770 and Seca mBCA 514) and one wrist‐to‐ankle (Hydra 4200) in HD patients and healthy subjects in a standing position.

Methods

Thirteen HD patients were studied pre‐ and post‐HD, and 12 healthy subjects once. Four measurements were performed in the following order: InBody; Seca; Hydra; and InBody again. Electrical equivalent models by each bioimpedance method and the fluid volume estimates by each device were also compared.

Findings

Overall, total body water (TBW) was not different between the three devices, but InBody showed lower extracellular water (ECW) and higher intracellular water (ICW) compared to the other two devices. When intradialytic weight loss was used as a surrogate for changes in ECW (∆ECW) and changes in TBW (∆TBW), ∆ECW was underestimated by Hydra (−0.79 ± 0.89 L,p < 0.01), InBody (−1.44 ± 0.65 L,p < 0.0001), and Seca (−0.32 ± 1.34, n.s.). ∆TBW was underestimated by Hydra (−1.14 ± 2.81 L, n.s.) and InBody (−0.52 ± 0.85 L,p < 0.05) but overestimated by Seca (+0.93 ± 3.55 L, n.s.).

Discussion

Although segmental eight‐point bioimpedance techniques provided comparable TBW measurements not affected by standing over a period of 10–15 min, the ECW/TBW ratio appeared to be significantly lower in InBody compared with Seca and Hydra. Results from our study showed lack of agreement between different bioimpedance devices; direct comparison of ECW, ICW, and ECW/TBW between different devices should be avoided and clinicians should use the same device to track the fluid status in their HD population in a longitudinal direction.
Webinar satisfaction factors in the stories of participants
Authors: Radoslaw Czahajda
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study was to explore the factors that affect participants' webinar satisfaction, with special emphasis on the dissatisfaction factors. The method of empathy‐based stories was chosen for the research due to its potential to eliminate bias from other qualitative methods. The research collected 280 different factors potentially impacting training satisfaction. Some of them had not been raised in subject literature before. In contrast to previous studies, this research concluded that the length of the webinar and finding it interesting might not be critical from the participants' point of view. Moreover, participants of the study valued the depth of content more than breadth. The research also discovered a potentially disregarded important satisfaction factor of webinar description, shaping participants' expectations.
Cardiovascular risk communication strategies in primary prevention. A systematic review with narrative synthesis
Authors: Schulberg Stacey D. , Ferry Amy V. , Jin Kai , Marshall Lucy , Neubeck Lis , Strachan Fiona E. , Mills Nicholas L.
Published: June 2022

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of cardiovascular risk communication strategies to improve understanding and promote risk factor modification.

Design

Systematic review with narrative synthesis.

Data sources

A comprehensive database search for quantitative and qualitative studies was conducted in five databases, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied health Literature (CINAHL), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), EMBASE, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA) and Web of Science. The searches were conducted between 1980 and July 2019.

Review methods

The systematic review was conducted in accordance with Cochrane review methods. Data were extracted and a narrative synthesis of quantitative and qualitative results was undertaken.

Results

The abstracts of 16,613 articles were assessed and 210 underwent in‐depth review, with 31 fulfilling the inclusion criteria. We observed significant heterogeneity across study designs and outcomes. Nine communication strategies were identified including numerical formats, graphical formats, qualitative information, infographics, avatars, game interactions, timeframes, genetic risk scores and cardiovascular imaging. Strategies that used cardiovascular imaging had the biggest impact on health behaviour change and risk factor modification. Improvements were seen in diet, exercise, smoking, risk scores, cholesterol and intentions to take preventive medication.

Conclusion

A wide range of cardiovascular risk communication strategies has been evaluated, with those that employ personalized and visual evidence of current cardiovascular health status more likely to promote action to reduce risk.

Impact

Future risk communication strategies should incorporate methods to provide individuals with evidence of their current cardiovascular health status.
Further description of the Kerguelen sandpaper skate Bathyraja irrasa (Rajiformes: Arhynchobatidae) based on additional specimens, including egg cases and embryos
Authors: White William T. , O'Neill Helen L. , Cleeland Jaimie , Lamb Tim D.
Published: June 2022

Adult specimens, additional juvenile specimens, egg cases and embryos were used to provide a more detailed anatomical description of the Kerguelen sandpaper skate Bathyraja irrasa, a species of skate endemic to the Kerguelen Plateau and listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The morphological and meristic data reveal a relatively high level of intraspecific variation, mostly related to size. Egg cases are described for the first time and were shown to vary in colour and fouling depending on the length of time spent in the marine environment. Embryos removed from egg cases represent all stages of embryonic development in this species and include the largest embryo recorded for this species, i.e., 230 mm total length (LT), which increases the range of size at hatching of B. irrasa to 178–230 mm LT. A number of morphometric and meristic characters varied ontogenetically in B. irrasa, in particular relative tail length, number of tail thorns in the median row and the size of orbits. This study highlights the importance of describing intraspecific variation in species and the importance of egg cases to taxonomic and biological research on oviparous species.
Responses of coastal fishery resources to rapid environmental changes
Authors: Peltonen Heikki , Weigel Benjamin
Published: June 2022

Coastal systems experience strong impacts of ongoing environmental change, affecting fish communities and subsequently fishery yields. In the Baltic Sea, the combined effects of climate‐induced changes and eutrophication‐related pressures constitute major threats to its living resources. Although much work has been devoted to uncovering environmental impacts on the commercially most valuable fish stocks, only little is known about community‐wide responses of fished species and how environmental change may affect their yield. In this study, the authors use a joint species distribution modelling framework to disentangle environmental impacts on species‐specific fishery yields of 16 fished species along the coast of Finland over four decades. The authors show that environmental covariates substantially contributed to variations in fishery yields and are likely to have strong impacts on fished resources also in the future. Salinity and near‐bottom oxygen concentration emerged as the strongest environmental drivers of yields at the community level, whereas temperature was particularly important for cod (Gadus morhua) and sprat (Sprattus sprattus) yields. The authors found shore density to be an important predictor for fisheries resources especially for freshwater fish. The results of this study suggest that the changes in environmental conditions during the past four decades had a positive effect on the yields of freshwater and warm‐affinity species, whereas yields of marine cold‐affinity species have been mainly negatively affected by contracting favourable habitats, becoming warmer and less saline.
Mixed infection of a new begomovirus, Jatropha leaf curl Guntur virus and recombinant/chimeric jatropha leaf curl Gujarat virus in Jatropha gossypiifolia
Authors: Gireeshbai S. , Prabhudas S.K. , Sharma S.K. , Mandal B. , Roy A. , Geetanjali A.S.
Published: June 2022

The Jatropha gossypiifolia plant showing the severe leaf curl symptoms grown in the borders of chilli fields in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India was collected. The infection of begomovirus was detected using the degenerate primers followed by rolling circle amplification (RCA). The RCA products digested with KpnI and EcoRI showing the unit length of the begomovirus genome were cloned in pUC19 and sequenced to obtain the complete begomoviral genome. The sequence information of DNA-A of the two clones GuWC10 contained 2794 nt (MZ217773) and an incomplete genome GuWC3 with 2337 nt (MZ217772). The BLAST analysis of GuWC3 and GuWC10 sequence showed 85·57% identity with jatropha leaf curl Gujarat virus (JLCGV) and 82·68% identity with croton yellow vein mosaic virus (CroYVMV), respectively. The sequence analysis also showed that the GuWC10 clone had a 177 bp recombinant/chimeric sequence of JLCGV while the other region containing 2611 bp showed 92·63% identity with papaya leaf curl virus (PaLCuV/PK). However, the global alignment of the GuWC10 sequence showed a maximum of 80·60% identity with croton yellow vein virus (CroYVV) (FN645902), CroYVMV (JN817516) and PaLCuV/PK (KY978407). The second clone GuWC3 although shorter in length had recombinant sequences of JLCGV, jatropha leaf curl virus (JLCuV/ND) and okra enation leaf curl virus (OELCuV). The nucleotide sequence identity among the GuWC10 and GuWC3 was 71·9%. The phylogenetic analysis placed both the viral strains in the same clade located between PaLCuV/PK and JLCuV clades. According to the ICTV species demarcation criteria of 91% DNA-A sequence identity, the present isolate was considered as a new species of begomovirus and the name Jatropha leaf curl Guntur virus was proposed. This is the first report of a new begomovirus species infecting J. gossypiifolia and the study also reports a mixed infection of Jatropha leaf curl Guntur virus with a recombinant/chimeric JLCGV in the host J. gossypiifolia. Present study suggests the role of weed Jatropha in harbouring begomoviruses and probable source for viral recombination.
Anaemia in Indians aged 10–19 years: Prevalence, burden and associated factors at national and regional levels
Authors: Scott Samuel , Lahiri Anwesha , Sethi Vani , de Wagt Arjan , Menon Purnima , Yadav Kapil , Varghese Mini , Joe William , Vir Sheila C. , Nguyen Phuong Hong
Published: June 2022

Anaemia control programmes in India are hampered by a lack of representative evidence on anaemia prevalence, burden and associated factors for adolescents. The aim of this study was to: (1) describe the national and subnational prevalence, severity and burden of anaemia among Indian adolescents; (2) examine factors associated with anaemia at national and regional levels. Data (n = 14,673 individuals aged 10–19 years) were from India's Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS, 2016–2018). CNNS used a multistage, stratified, probability proportion to size cluster sampling design. Prevalence was estimated using globally comparable age‐ and sex‐specific cutoffs, using survey weights for biomarker sample collection. Burden analysis used prevalence estimates and projected population from 2011 Census data. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyse factors (diet, micronutrient deficiencies, haemoglobinopathies, sociodemographic factors, environment) associated with anaemia. Anaemia was present in 40% of girls and 18% of boys, equivalent to 72 million adolescents in 2018, and varied by region (girls 29%–46%; boys 11%–28%) and state (girls 7%–62%; boys 4%–32%). Iron deficiency (ferritin < 15 μg/L) was the strongest predictor of anaemia (odds ratio [OR]: 4.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [3.21,6.83]), followed by haemoglobinopathies (HbA2 > 3.5% or any HbS) (OR: 2.81, 95% CI: [1.66,4.74]), vitamin A deficiency (serum retinol <20 ng/ml) (OR: 1.86, 95% CI: [1.23,2.80]) and zinc deficiency (serum zinc < 70 μg/L) (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: [1.02,1.72]). Regional models show heterogeneity in the strength of association between factors and anaemia by region. Adolescent anaemia control programmes in India should continue to address iron deficiency, strengthen strategies to identify haemoglobinopathies and other micronutrient deficiencies, and further explore geographic variation in associated factors.
An intersectional participatory action research approach to explore and address class elitism in medical education
Authors: Foreshew Abi , Al‐Jawad Muna
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Widening participation has increasingly been implemented to address the inaccessibility of medicine as a profession. However, ‘less privileged’ students who do ‘get in’ often struggle to ‘get on’. This participatory action research project (PAR) gives space to medical students, who identify as ‘less privileged’ to express and explore their experiences.

Methods

PAR is underused in health profession education and is shown to increase marginalised communities' hope for change within historically oppressive structures. Here, participants and the researcher become partners in the process of developing research agendas and discussing themes raised in analysing marginalising experiences in medical education. Using an intersectional approach, students self‐referred to join comics‐based workshops and 1:1 interviews. Comics were used to elicit data and as a tool to analyse complex and interrelated themes raised. Participants reimagined their experiences into how they wish they had happened to develop ideas and actions for change.

Results

We present four students' detailed accounts of marginalisation where their lived experience, feelings and ideas give us a source of knowledge to challenge classist, racist and sexist degradation widespread in medical culture. In particular, class elitism negatively impacted three women of working‐class origins. Alongside other critical theorists, Bourdieu's work is used to understand how social class hierarchies are reproduced in medical culture, healthcare and society.

Conclusion

This project was an action in and of itself, creating a space to build community for marginalised students who feel ‘peripheral’ to commonly performed medical culture. Further actions were put forward for the medical school to implement as part of the decolonising and diversifying the medical curriculum movement. We also call for class to be put on the equality, diversity and inclusion agenda and for issues of financial insecurity and stress experienced by medical students of working‐class origins to be recognised and further addressed within medical education.
Clinicopathological features in two families with MARS‐related Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease
Authors: Ma Zhixing , Lv He , Zhang Hongwei , Wang Hui , Li Jingcheng , Yu Meng , Zhu Ying , Huang Diandian , Meng Lingchao , Yuan Yun
Published: June 2022

Mutations in MARS gene cause dominant Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT) 2U. The aim of this study is to investigate phenotypic heterogeneities and peripheral neuropathology of MARS‐related CMT patients. We identified a heterozygous p. R199Q mutation and an already reported heterozygous p. P800T mutation of MARS gene in two unrelated families using targeted next‐generation sequencing. The first pedigree comprised three patients over three generations and the second pedigree comprised two patients over two generations. In addition of an asymptomatic carrier in the second pedigree, all patients presented with childhood‐onset length dependent sensorimotor neuropathy with pes cavus. Nerve conduction studies revealed slowing of motor nerve conduction velocities (MNCV) of the median nerve indicating intermediate neuropathy in the patient with the p. R199Q mutation, and normal MNCV with reduced compound muscle action potential indicating axonal neuropathy in the patient with the p. P800T mutation. Magnetic resonance imaging detected a pattern of nerve changes similar to those in demyelinating polyneuropathies in intermediate type (p. R199Q mutation) patients compared with normal in the axonal type (p. P800T mutation) patients. Additionally, sural nerve biopsy revealed loss of myelinated axons with onion bulb formation in both mutations. By electron microscopy, a marked decrease of myelinated and unmyelinated fiber, neurofilaments aggregate with degenerating mitochondria and microtubule loss in axons were frequently found. Denervated Schwann cell complexes and few collagen pockets indicated involvement of unmyelinated Schwann cells. Therefore, the investigated MARS mutations cause not only the known axonal type but also intermediate type neuropathy with involvement of both axons and Schwann cells. Those findings are useful for the differential diagnosis of CMT patients with unknown MARS variants.
Exosomes derived from stem cells from apical papilla promote angiogenesis via miR‐126 under hypoxia
Authors: Lin Xinhai , Wang Haodong , Wu Tiantian , Zhu Yaqin , Jiang Long
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To explore the effect of exosomal miR‐126 derived from stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs) under hypoxia on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) angiogenesis.

Methods

miR‐126 mimics plasmids were used to upregulate miR‐126 in SCAPs. Internalization of PKH26‐labeled exosomes was examined by fluorescent microscopy. CCK‐8 assay, Transwell assay, scratch assay, tube formation assay, and Matrigel plug assay were performed to detect the effects of exosomes on the angiogenic ability of HUVECs. The luciferase reporter assay and rescue assay were performed to examine the relationship between miR‐126 and sprouty‐related, EVH1 domain‐containing protein 1 (SPRED1). The involvement of SPRED1 and the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway was evaluated by western blotting.

Results

miR‐126 expression was upregulated in SCAPs and in SCAP‐derived exosomes under hypoxia. miR‐126 expression was increased in HUVECs when cocultured with SCAP‐derived exosomes. Induced overexpression of miR‐126 in hypoxic SCAPs and secreted exosomes resulted in enhanced angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Western blot analysis revealed that miR‐126‐mediated SPRED1 downregulation induced activation of ERK signaling.

Conclusions

Under hypoxic conditions, exosomes derived from SCAPs can promote HUVEC angiogenesis through expression of miR‐126, which subsequently suppresses SPRED1 and activates the ERK signaling pathway.
Assessing children's relationships with pet dogs: A multi‐method approach
Authors: Kerns Kathryn A. , Dulmen Manfred H. M. , Kochendorfer Logan B. , Obeldobel Carli A. , Gastelle Marissa , Horowitz Alexandra
Published: June 2022

Relationships with pet dogs are thought to provide substantial benefits for children, but the study of these relationships has been hindered by a lack of validated measures. Approaches to assessing the quality of children's pet dog relationships have tended to focus on positive relationship qualities and to rely on self‐report questionnaires. The aim of this study was to develop and test multiple measures that could be used to assess both positive and negative features of children's relationships with pet dogs. In a sample of 115 children ages 9–14 years who were pet dog owners, we assessed six qualities of pet dog relationships: Affection, Nurturance of Pet, Emotional Support from Pet, Companionship, Friction with Pet, and Pets as Substitutes for People. All qualities were assessed with child questionnaires, parent questionnaires, and child daily reports of interactions with pets. We found substantial convergence in reports from different observers and across different measurement approaches. Principal components analyses and correlations suggested overlap for many of the positive qualities, which tended to be distinct from negative relationship qualities. The study provides new tools which could be used to test further how relationships with pets contribute to children's development.
Premigratory political experiences with autocracy and violence and immigrants’ willingness to vote
Authors: Okundaye Gabriela , Ishiyama John , Silva Andrea
Published: June 2022

Introduction

In this paper, we examine how premigratory experiences shape the willingness of immigrants to engage with the political system of the host country.

Methods

Using the Immigrant Citizens’ Survey, a study of over 6600 immigrants in six European countries, and building upon previous work we test whether an immigrant who comes from an authoritarian country and/or a country that has experienced significant civil conflict, will affect the extent to which they are willing to politically engage in the politics of their host country.

Results

However, we find that whether an immigrant respondent came from a democracy or an extremely repressive regime at the time of their departure from the home country had no discernible effect on the willingness to vote in an election in the host country. We find that immigrants whose home country was embroiled in major civil conflicts at the time of their departure from the country are significantly more likely to express a willingness to politically engage in the politics of the host country, and this finding is robust across multiple model specifications.

Conclusions

This suggests that immigrants who hail from conflict countries are more likely to engage politically than immigrants from countries that have less conflict.
Understanding democratic perceptions and political participation among the younger generation in China's changing society: No news is good news for the Chinese government
Authors: Yin Yue
Published: June 2022

Objective

The main objective of this article is to explore whether the current younger generation in China has different views of democracy and political behavior from those of previous generations.

Methods

Using the fourth wave of the Asian Barometer Survey (ABS IV), this study conducts systematic comparisons across the generations with respect to their attitudes toward democracy and political behaviors.

Results and Conclusion

This study indicates that Chinese youth tend to hold substance‐based democratic conceptions, show a relatively lower level of commitment to liberal democracy, and demonstrate a higher level of satisfaction with the current situation of democratization in China than do their older counterparts. The generation of youngest adults is also less likely to turn out to participate in electoral activities and other forms of political action. These results demonstrate a generational decline in support for democracy and active political participation amid the authoritarian tendencies of China, reflecting the profound effect of early‐life political socialization on political values and behaviors.