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The mapmixture R package and interactive web app are tools to aid visualisation of admixture and population structure in geographic space. The purpose of mapmixture is to enable and encourage molecular ecologists, and in particular population geneticists and phylogeneticists, to plot their admixture, ancestry or assignment results on a map when location information is available. mapmixture accepts data in the format typically generated by admixture analyses and visualises proportions to each genetic cluster per site as pie charts on a projected (optional) map. Combining this site‐based map presentation approach with the routine individual‐based presentation of admixture (structure) barplots will enhance interpretation of genetic‐geographic patterns. Additionally, in the context of science communication, this enables clearer transfer of spatial genetic information to readers or listeners, and especially to audiences that do not have a background in genetics but who are able to use the genetic information as evidence in conservation management. The latest version of mapmixture is available on GitHub (https://github.com/tom‐jenkins/mapmixture), which details installation instructions and examples of how to use the package and interactive web app. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterizing patterns of genetic connectivity in marine species is of critical importance given the anthropogenic pressures placed on the marine environment. For sessile species, population connectivity can be shaped by many processes, such as pelagic larval duration, oceanographic boundaries and currents. This study combines restriction‐site associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) and passive particle dispersal modelling to delineate patterns of population connectivity in the pink sea fan, Eunicella verrucosa, a temperate octocoral. Individuals were sampled from 20 sites covering most of the species' northeast Atlantic range, and a site in the northwest Mediterranean Sea to inform on connectivity across the Atlantic‐Mediterranean transition. Using 7510 neutral SNPs, a geographic cline of genetic clusters was detected, partitioning into Ireland, Britain, France, Spain (Atlantic), and Portugal and Spain (Mediterranean). Evidence of significant inbreeding was detected at all sites, a finding not detected in a previous study of this species based on microsatellite loci. Genetic connectivity was characterized by an isolation by distance pattern (IBD) (r2 = 0.78, p < 0.001), which persisted across the Mediterranean‐Atlantic boundary. In contrast, exploration of ancestral population assignment using the program ADMIXTURE indicated genetic partitioning across the Bay of Biscay, which we suggest represents a natural break in the species' range, possibly linked to a lack of suitable habitat. As the pelagic larval duration (PLD) is unknown, passive particle dispersal simulations were run for 14 and 21 days. For both modelled PLDs, inter‐annual variations in particle trajectories suggested that in a long‐lived, sessile species, range‐wide IBD is driven by rare, longer dispersal events that act to maintain gene flow. These results suggest that oceanographic patterns may facilitate range‐wide stepping‐stone genetic connectivity in E. verrucosa and highlight that both oceanography and natural breaks in a species' range should be considered in the designation of ecologically coherent MPA networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maerl beds are vital habitats for a diverse array of marine species across trophic levels, but they are increasingly threatened by human activities and climate change. Furthermore, little is known about the genetic diversity of maerl‐forming species and the population structure of maerl beds, both of which are important for understanding the ability of these species to adapt to changing environments and for informing marine reserve planning. In this study, we used a whole genome genotyping approach to explore the population genomics of Phymatolithon calcareum, a maerl‐forming red algal species, whose geographical distribution spans the north‐east Atlantic, from Norway to Portugal. Our results, using 14,150 genome‐wide SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms), showed that P. calcareum maerl beds across the north‐east Atlantic are generally structured geographically, a pattern likely explained by low dispersal potential and limited connectivity between regions. Additionally, we found that P. calcareum from the Fal Estuary, south‐west England, is genetically distinct from all other P. calcareum sampled, even from The Manacles, a site located only 13 km away. Further analysis revealed that this finding is not the result of introgression from two closely related species, Phymatolithon purpureum or Lithothamnion corallioides. Instead, this unique diversity may have been shaped over time by geographical isolation of the Fal Estuary maerl bed and a lack of gene flow with other P. calcareum populations. The genomic data presented in this study suggest that P. calcareum genetic diversity has accumulated over large temporal and spatial scales, the preservation of which will be important for maximizing the resilience of this species to changes in climate and the environment. Moreover, our findings underline the importance of managing the conservation of maerl beds across western Europe as distinct units, at a site‐by‐site level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stocking is often used to supplement wild populations that are overexploited or have collapsed, yet it is unclear how this affects the genetic diversity of marine invertebrate populations. During the 1970s, a lobster stock enhancement program was carried out around the island of Corsica in the Mediterranean using individuals translocated from the Atlantic coast of France. This included the release of thousands of hatchery‐reared postlarval lobsters and several adult individuals, but no monitoring plan was established to assess whether these animals survived and recruited to the population. In this study, we sampled European lobster (Homarus gammarus) individuals caught around Corsica and tested whether they showed Atlantic ancestry. Due to a natural marked phylogeographic break between Atlantic and Mediterranean lobsters, we hypothesized that lobsters with dominant (>0.50) Atlantic ancestry were descended from historical stocking releases. Twenty Corsican lobsters were genotyped at 79 single nucleotide polymorphisms, and assignment analysis showed that the majority (13) had dominant Atlantic ancestry. This suggests that the hatchery stocking program carried out in Corsica during the 1970s, using individuals translocated from the Atlantic coast of France, has likely augmented local recruitment but at a cost of altering the genetic structure of the Corsican lobster population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

American lobsters (Homarus americanus) imported live into Europe as a seafood commodity have occasionally been released or escaped into the wild, within the range of an allopatric congener, the European lobster (H. gammarus). In addition to disease and competition, introduced lobsters threaten native populations through hybridisation, but morphological discriminants used for species identification are unable to discern hybrids, so molecular methods are required. We tested an array of 79 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for their utility to distinguish 1,308 H. gammarus from 38 H. americanus and 30 hybrid offspring from an American female captured in Sweden. These loci provide powerful species assignment in Homarus, enabling the robust identification of hybrid and American individuals among a survey of European stock. Moreover, a subset panel of the 12 most powerful SNPs is sufficient to separate the two pure species, even when tissues have been cooked, and can detect the introduced component of hybrids. We conclude that these SNP loci can unambiguously identify hybrid lobsters that may be undetectable via basic morphology, and offer a valuable tool to investigate the prevalence of cryptic hybridisation in the wild. Such investigations are required to properly evaluate the potential for introgression of alien genes into European lobster populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resolving stock structure is crucial for fisheries conservation to ensure that the spatial implementation of management is commensurate with that of biological population units. To address this in the economically important European lobster (Homarus gammarus), genetic structure was explored across the species' range using a small panel of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously isolated from restriction‐site‐associated DNA sequencing; these SNPs were selected to maximize differentiation at a range of both broad and fine scales. After quality control and filtering, 1,278 lobsters from 38 sampling sites were genotyped at 79 SNPs. The results revealed a pronounced phylogeographic break between the Atlantic and Mediterranean basins, while structure within the Mediterranean was also apparent, partitioned between lobsters from the central Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea. In addition, a genetic cline across the north‐east Atlantic was revealed using both putatively neutral and outlier SNPs, but the precise driver(s) of this clinal pattern—isolation by distance, secondary contact, selection across an environmental gradient, or a combination of these factors—remains undetermined. Putatively neutral markers differentiated lobsters from Oosterschelde, an estuary on the Dutch coast, a finding likely explained by past bottlenecks and limited gene flow with adjacent North Sea populations. Building on the findings of our spatial genetic analysis, we were able to test the accuracy of assigning lobsters at various spatial scales, including to basin of origin (Atlantic or Mediterranean), region of origin and sampling location. The predictive model assembled using 79 SNPs correctly assigned 99.7% of lobsters not used to build the model to their basin of origin, but accuracy decreased to region of origin and again to sampling location. These results are of direct relevance to managers of lobster fisheries and hatcheries, and provide the basis for a genetic tool for tracing the origin of European lobsters in the food supply chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Delayed discharge is problematic. It is financially costly and can create barriers to delivering best patient care, by preventing return to usual functioning and delaying admissions of others in need. This systematic review aimed to collate existing evidence on delayed discharge in psychiatric inpatient settings and to develop understanding of factors and outcomes of delays in these services. Methods: A search of relevant literature published between 2002 and 2022 was conducted on Pubmed, PsycInfo and Embase. Studies of any design, which published data on delayed discharge from psychiatric inpatient care in high income countries were included. Studies examining child and adolescent, general medical or forensic settings were excluded. A narrative synthesis method was utilised. Quality of research was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Results: Eighteen studies from England, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and Norway met the inclusion criteria. Six main reasons for delayed discharge were identified: (1) accommodation needs, (2) challenges securing community or rehabilitation support, (3) funding difficulties, (4) family/carer factors, (5) forensic considerations and (6) person being out of area. Some demographic and clinical factors were also found to relate to delays, such as having a diagnosis of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder, cognitive impairment, and increased service input prior to admission. Being unemployed and socially isolated were also linked to delays. Only one study commented on consequences of delays for patients, finding they experienced feelings of lack of choice and control. Four studies examined consequences on services, identifying high financial costs. Conclusion: Overall, the findings suggest there are multiple interlinked factors relevant in delayed discharge that should be considered in practice and policy. Suggestions for future research are discussed, including investigating delayed discharge in other high-income countries, examining delayed discharge from child and forensic psychiatric settings, and exploring consequences of delays on patients and staff. We suggest that future research be consistent in terms used to define delayed discharge, to enhance the clarity of the evidence base. Review registration number on PROSPERO: 292515. Date of registration: 9th December 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the effects of directly manipulating response style to simulated voice hearing on emotional and cognitive outcomes in a non‐clinical population. Design: A between‐subjects design with one independent variable, response style (with two levels: mindful acceptance vs attentional avoidance). The dependent variables were subjective distress and anxiety (primary outcomes) and performance on a sustained attention task (secondary outcomes). Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to one of two response styles (mindful acceptance vs. attentional avoidance). They completed a computerised attention task (continuous performance task) whilst listening to a simulation of voice hearing. Participants rated their experience of anxiety and distress before and after completing the sustained attention task which was used to measure their accuracy and response times. Results: One hundred and one participants took part (mindful acceptance (n = 54); attentional avoidance (n = 47)). There were no statistically significant group differences on post‐test distress and anxiety scores, correct response rate or response times on the computerised attention task. Participants reported a range of different response styles along the spectrum of avoidance to acceptance, but this had no association with their assigned experimental condition. Adherence to task instructions was therefore low. Conclusions: We are unable to conclude from this study whether experimentally inducing people to respond to voices under cognitively demanding conditions in an avoidant or accepting way has an impact on their emotional or cognitive outcomes. Further research should focus on the development of more robust and reliable procedures for inducing differences in response style under experimental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Comparing genetic structure in species with shared spatial ranges and ecological niches can help identify how dissimilar aspects of biology can shape differences in population connectivity. Similarly, where species are widely distributed across heterogeneous environments and major topographic barriers, knowledge of the structuring of populations can help reveal the impacts of factors which limit dispersal and/or drive divergence, aiding conservation management. Location: European seas of the northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean. Taxa: European clawed lobster (Homarus gammarus) and European crawfish (Palinurus elephas), two sympatric, heavily fished decapods with extensive dispersal potential. Methods: By RAD‐sequencing 214 H. gammarus from 32 locations and 349 P. elephas from 15 locations, we isolated 6340 and 7681 SNP loci, respectively. Using these data to characterise contemporary population structuring, we investigate potential spatial and environmental drivers of genomic heterogeneity. Results: We found higher levels of differentiation among clawed lobsters than crawfish, both globally and within basins, and demonstrate where known hydrographic and topographic barriers generate shared patterns of divergence, such as a genetic break between the Atlantic and Mediterranean basins. Genetic structure not common to both species is principally apparent in the Atlantic portions of their range, where clawed lobster exhibits a genetic cline and increased differentiation towards range margins, while crawfish appear effectively panmictic throughout this region. Main Conclusions: We attribute the comparative lack of crawfish population structuring to their greater dispersal tendencies via a longer pelagic larval duration and sporadic adult movements. In contrast, genetic connectivity in clawed lobster is relatively restricted, with the correlation of site of origin and temperature to geographical heterogeneity at many divergent loci indicative of both neutral and adaptive processes. Our results help inform how contemporary management can account for likely demographic connectivity and marry the conservation of genomic variation with sustainable fisheries in these ecologically and economically important crustaceans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold-water corals form an important part of temperate benthic ecosystems by increasing three-dimensionality and providing an important ecological substrate for other benthic fauna. However, the fragile three-dimensional structure and life-history characteristics of cold-water corals can leave populations vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbance. Meanwhile, the ability of temperate octocorals, particularly shallow-water species, to respond to adjustments in their environment linked to climate change has not been studied. This study reports the first genome assembly of the pink sea fan (Eunicella verrucosa), a temperate shallow-water octocoral species. We produced an assembly of 467 Mb, comprising 4,277 contigs and an N50 of 250,417 bp. In total, 213 Mb (45.96% of the genome) comprised repetitive sequences. Annotation of the genome using RNA-seq data derived from polyp tissue and gorgonin skeleton resulted in 36,099 protein-coding genes after 90% similarity clustering, capturing 92.2% of the complete Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO) ortholog benchmark genes. Functional annotation of the proteome using orthology inference identified 25,419 annotated genes. This genome adds to the very few genomic resources currently available in the octocoral community and represents a key step in allowing scientists to investigate the genomic and transcriptomic responses of octocorals to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescent differential display (FDD) has been used to screen for cDNAs that are differentially up-regulated in male flowers of the dioecious plant Silene latifolia in which an X/Y chromosome system of sex determination operates. To adapt FDD to the cloning of large numbers of differential cDNAs, a novel method of confirming the differential expression of these has been devised. FDD gels were Southern electro-blotted and probed with mixtures of individual cDNA clones derived from different FDD product ligation reactions. These Southern blots were then stripped and re-probed with further mixtures of individual cloned FDD products to identify the maximum number of recombinant clones carrying the true differential amplification products. Of 135 differential bands identified by FDD, 56 differential amplification products were confirmed; these represent 23 unique differentially expressed genes as determined by virtual Northern analysis and two genes expressed at or below the level of detection by virtual Northern analysis. These two low expressed genes show bands of hybridization on genomic Southern blots that are specific to male plants, indicating that they are derived from, or closely related to, Y chromosome genes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Although the progressive clinical trajectory of motor neurone disease (MND) is widely understood, multiple challenges remain preventing optimal end-of-life care for this population with unique needs from the patient, carer and service provider perspectives. This paper reports on the experiences, gaps in service and unmet needs of MND patients and family carers and explores public health palliative care approaches that would facilitate coordinated and integrated care to respond to their changing needs. This is a qualitative study of responses to questions in an online consumer survey (353 respondents) in Western Australia (2020), focusing on a subset of 29 current and bereaved carers of people with MND who have used health services in the last five years. The analysis identified themes, highlighting the insufficient integration of services across health and social care; poor and unequal access to coordinated palliative care; significant gaps in the knowledge base of the workforce and a failure to meet the consumer expectations of person-centred care. For palliative care to be accessible to those living with MND and other under-served conditions, there needs to be a shift to more comprehensive, inclusive and sustainable options, such as the public health approach to palliative/end-of-life care that engages the assets of local communities in partnership with health services, one example being the "Compassionate Communities Connectors" model of care. Further considerations include advocacy for policy changes, fostering partnerships and developing indicators for evaluating the impact of the proposed models of care. The end result is not only better care but substantial savings for the health system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented about the outbreaks of psoroptic mange in cattle in south Wales.

The stable, recessive Arabidopsis variegated 3 (var3) mutant exhibits a variegated phenotype due to somatic areas lacking or containing developmentally retarded chloroplasts and greatly reduced numbers of palisade cells. The VAR3 gene, isolated by transposon tagging, encodes the 85.9 kDa VAR3 protein containing novel repeats and zinc fingers described as protein interaction domains. VAR3 interacts specifically in yeast and in vitro with NCED4, a putative polyene chain or carotenoid dioxygenase, and both VAR3 and NCED4 accumulate in the chloroplast stroma. Metabolic profiling demonstrates that pigment profiles are qualitatively similar in wild type and var3, although var3 accumulates lower levels of chlorophylls and carotenoids. These results indicate that VAR3 is a part of a protein complex required for normal chloroplast and palisade cell development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID‐19 pandemic is a global public health issue. Neurological complications have been reported in up to one‐third of affected cases, but their distribution varies significantly in terms of prevalence, incidence and phenotypical characteristics. Variability can be mostly explained by the differing sources of cases (hospital vs. community‐based), the accuracy of the diagnostic approach and the interpretation of the patients' complaints. Moreover, after recovering, patients can still experience neurological symptoms. To obtain a more precise picture of the neurological manifestations and outcome of the COVID‐19 infection, an international registry (ENERGY) has been created by the European Academy of Neurology in collaboration with European national neurological societies and the Neurocritical Care Society and Research Network. ENERGY can be implemented as a stand‐alone instrument for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID‐19 and neurological findings or as an addendum to an existing registry not targeting neurological symptoms. Data are also collected to study the impact of neurological symptoms and neurological complications on outcomes. The variables included in the registry have been selected in the interests of most countries, to favour pooling with data from other sources and to facilitate data collection even in resource‐poor countries. Included are adults with suspected or confirmed COVID‐19 infection, ascertained through neurological consultation, and providing informed consent. Key demographic and clinical findings are collected at registration. Patients are followed up to 12 months in search of incident neurological manifestations. As of 19 August, 254 centres from 69 countries and four continents have made requests to join the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The recently published complete mitogenome of the European lobster (Homarus gammarus) that was generated using long-range PCR exhibits unusual gene composition (missing nad2) and gene rearrangements among decapod crustaceans with strong implications in crustacean phylogenetics. Such atypical mitochondrial features will benefit greatly from validation with emerging long read sequencing technologies such as Oxford Nanopore that can more accurately identify structural variation. Results: We re-sequenced the H. gammarus mitogenome on an Oxford Nanopore Minion flowcell and performed a long-read only assembly, generating a complete mitogenome assembly for H. gammarus. In contrast to previous reporting, we found an intact mitochondrial nad2 gene in the H. gammarus mitogenome and showed that its gene organization is broadly similar to that of the American lobster (H. americanus) except for the presence of a large tandemly duplicated region with evidence of pseudogenization in one of each duplicated protein-coding genes. Conclusions: Using the European lobster as an example, we demonstrate the value of Oxford Nanopore long read technology in resolving problematic mitogenome assemblies. The increasing accessibility of Oxford Nanopore technology will make it an attractive and useful tool for evolutionary biologists to verify new and existing unusual mitochondrial gene rearrangements recovered using first and second generation sequencing technologies, particularly those used to make phylogenetic inferences of evolutionary scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhododendron ponticum L. is a damaging invasive alien species in Britain, favouring the moist, temperate climate, and the acidic soils of upland areas. It outshades other species and is thought to create a soil environment of low pH that may be higher in phytotoxic phenolic compounds. We investigated native vegetation restoration and R. ponticum regeneration post-clearance using heathland sites within Snowdonia National Park, Wales; one site had existing R. ponticum stands and three were restoring post-clearance. Each site also had an adjacent, uninvaded control for comparison. We assessed whether native vegetation restoration was influenced post-invasion by soil chemical properties, including pH and phytotoxic compounds, using Lactuca sativa L. (lettuce) bioassays supported by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MSn). Cleared sites had higher shrub and bare ground cover, and lower grass and herbaceous species cover relative to adjacent uninvaded control sites; regenerating R. ponticum was also observed on all cleared sites. No phenolic compounds associated with R. ponticum were identified in any soil water leachates, and soil leachates from cleared sites had no inhibitory effect in L. sativa germination assays. We therefore conclude that reportedly phytotoxic compounds do not influence restoration post R. ponticum clearance. Soil pH however was lower beneath R. ponticum and on cleared sites, relative to adjacent uninvaded sites. The lower soil pH post-clearance may have favoured shrub species, which are typically tolerant of acidic soils. The higher shrub cover on cleared sites may have greater ecological value than unaffected grass dominated sites, particularly given the recent decline in such valuable heathland habitats. The presence of regenerating R. ponticum on all cleared sites however highlights the critical importance of monitoring and re-treating sites post initial clearance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]