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Abstract The field of eco-engineering has burgeoned in recent years in response to the proliferation of artificial structures. Adding water-retaining features to seawalls has been successful in increasing biodiversity relative to the surrounding structure. Artificial rock pools may not, however, completely mimic natural rock pools. Here, we compared natural colonisation, through dispersal and recruitment, of intertidal mobile species to water-retaining flowerpots on seawalls with that into rock pools. This represents the more usual 'passive' approach to eco-engineering where features are built to enhance biodiversity and are allowed to colonise naturally, as opposed to seeding or transplanting organisms to features. While flowerpots supported some mobile species not found on the seawall, other species common on natural shores did not recruit to flowerpots. Thus, in a second experiment we tested the effectiveness of an 'active' approach through transplanting mobile organisms to flowerpots to expedite the colonisation process. For the species examined, however, most individuals did not stay in the flowerpots for more than 24 h after being transplanted. Further understanding of the processes (e.g. dispersal distances, recruitment) influencing colonisation of eco-engineered habitats is needed to effectively inform management of marine infrastructure, particularly for projects targeted at restoration rather than enhancement. Highlights • Mobile invertebrates are ubiquitous in natural rock pools. • Water-retaining flowerpots were added to seawalls to enhance biodiversity. • Some mobile species found in rock pools do not colonise or recruit to flowerpots. • Seeding was tested as an active approach to increase flowerpot colonisation. • Most individuals transplanted did not stay in the flowerpots for more than 24 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Adding coir to increase effectiveness of eco-engineered rock pools was proposed. • No consistent response of benthic, epifaunal or fish assemblage to coir. • Low proportion and abundance of non-native species in rock pools. Abstract The expansion of built infrastructure in the marine environment threatens natural ecological communities at local and regional scales. An increasing interest in incorporating heterogeneity that is reflective of natural rocky shores into artificial structures through ecological engineering seeks to mitigate negative impacts. The addition of complex surfaces and novel habitats, such as water-retaining features, has been particularly successful at increasing biodiversity of marine infrastructures to date. Importantly, key habitat-forming groups, such as the complex turfing algae Corallina officinalis found on natural shores and their associated assemblages are still lacking from these eco-engineered features. Furthermore, whether observed biodiversity increases from eco-engineering are due to native or non-indigenous species remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated whether adding small-scale complexity (artificial turf) to artificial rock-pools (‘flowerpots’) on urban seawalls enhanced their effectiveness to increase native biodiversity. Responses of benthic invertebrates, algae, epifauna and fish in flowerpots with and without artificial turf (coir) were quantified. Contrary to existing literature, which reports an increase in biodiversity with an increase in complexity, no consistent effect of coir was seen on benthic, epifaunal or fish assemblages. Native species consistently occupied more than 95% of space in flowerpots while the proportion of non-indigenous species in flowerpots was small (<75% of the assemblage) regardless of treatment, and decreased over time. This result is promising, but warrants further investigation to determine if these trends reflect seasonal patterns or if non-indigenous species colonise early, but are replaced over time by native species. These are important considerations when planning large-scale deployments of eco-engineering features on seawalls to ensure that native species are targeted without increasing opportunities for non-indigenous species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capuchin monkeys ( Cebus spp. and Sapajus spp.) and coatis ( Nasua spp.) coexist in most neotropical forests, including small forest remnants. Both capuchins and coatis eat fruit and disperse seeds, but little is known about whether their roles in seed dispersal are redundant or complementary. We compiled 49 studies from the literature on feeding by capuchins and/or coatis, of which 19 were comprehensive enough for our analyses. We determined the relative importance of fruit eating to each species and compared their diets. Additionally, we analysed the structure of three fruit–frugivore networks built with both animal groups and the fruits they eat and evaluated whether fruit traits influenced the network topology. Fruits represented the largest part of capuchin and coati diets, even though coatis have been known for their opportunistic and generalist diets. Capuchins and coatis also exhibited similar general diet parameters (niche breadth and trophic diversity). The three networks exhibited high connectance values and variable niche overlap. A Multiple Correspondence Analysis, failed to detect any trait or trait combination related to food use. In conclusion, capuchins and coatis both have generalist diets; they feed on many different species of fruits and exhibit important complementarity as seed dispersers. Both are likely to be particularly important seed dispersers in disturbed and fragmented forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding keratinocyte stem cell regulation is important in understanding the pathogenesis of wound healing and nonmelanoma skin cancer. We previously used a sensitive and quantitative assay for in vitro keratinocyte colony formation and mapped the keratinocyte stem cell locus (Ksc1) on mouse chromosome 9. Examination of the candidate genes in this locus disclosed a sequence variant in the gene for bone morphogenetic protein 5 (Bmp5). In this report, we used a naturally occurring mouse with a null mutation in this gene to probe stem cell properties in mouse epidermis. We found that the mutant keratinocytes had a significant reduction in the size and number of clonogenic keratinocytes. The mutant mice had a 50% reduction in the number of label-retaining cells when compared with their littermates. Addition of exogenous Bmp5 protein increased the number and size of keratinocyte colonies in the mutant as well as their wild-type littermates. Surprisingly, the mutant mice showed at least a 2-fold increase in skin tumor susceptibility over their littermates. We conclude that a naturally occurring mutation in Bmp5 affects keratinocyte stem cell proliferation, and skin tumor susceptibility, and is a candidate stem cell regulatory gene in the Ksc1 locus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) were first studied as growth factors or morphogens of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily. These growth molecules, originally associated with bone and cartilage development, are now known to play an important role in morphogenesis and homeostasis in many other tissues. More recently, significant contributions from BMPs, their receptors, and interacting molecules have been linked to carcinogenesis and tumor progression. On the other hand, BMPs can sometimes function as a tumor suppressor. Our report highlights these new roles in the pathogenesis of cancer that may suggest novel targets for therapeutic intervention. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The culture of human natural killer (NK) cell clones has traditionally been a long, laborious process with an efficiency of only 1–2%. Recently, a stem cell growth medium (SCGM) has been described to expand preferentially polyclonal NK cells from peripheral blood. We have tested SCGM in a single cell sorting system and shown a 4–5 fold increase in the number of proliferating NK clones compared to standard RPMI media. The cloning efficiency was further enhanced by the provision of irradiated feeder cells derived from multiple donors combined with the addition of the anti-CD3 antibody, OKT3. The combination of SCGM, single cell sorting and these multiple optimisations enhanced NK cloning efficiency by more than tenfold to greater than 20% for short-term cultures when deriving 105 cells and as high as 10% for longer term cultures when deriving more than 2×106 cells. This novel system thus facilitates the generation of NK clones and allows larger scale studies of NK function that were beyond the scope of previous methodology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Investigates the hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell marker, CD34, as a potential marker of hair follicle bulge keratinocytes. Observation in the bulge region of the mouse hair follicle; Process used to select live CD34 keratinocytes; Significance of the marker in isolating live epithelial cells with stem and progenitor cell characteristics.

We have identified some unusually persistent label-retaining cells in the hair follicles of mice, and have investigated their role in hair growth. Three-dimensional reconstruction of dorsal underfur follicles from serial sections made 14 mo after complete labeling of epidermis and hair follicles in neonatal mice disclosed the presence of highly persistent label-retaining cells associated with the first-generation follicle involved in the production of the first wave of hairs, commonly called the bulge. The label-retaining cells were most often found on the ventral surface of the first-generation follicle, five cell positions from the base, near the attachment site of the arrector pilorum muscle. No label-retaining cells were found in the hair canal, sebaceous gland, or hair germ. These label-retaining cells remained in the follicle following induction of anagen by plucking of the hairs. Surprisingly, they were not part of the first wave of mitotic activity following plucking, but instead underwent mitosis beginning 42 h after plucking. Label-retaining cells or their labeled daughters were not found in the hair germs through 48 h following induction of anagen by plucking, but instead remained in their subsebaceous follicular location even upon completion of the hair growth cycle 21 d later. These label-retaining cells are, therefore, unlikely to contribute to the formation of a new anagen follicle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this investigation was to characterize the [3H]thymidine label-retaining and the "maturing" classes of basal cells from the dorsal epidermis of adult SENCAR mice and to compare their early cellular kinetic responses to topical application of the tumor promoter, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Autoradiography of epidermal whole mounts and cross sections demonstrated that injection of [3H]thymidine every 6 h for 1 week labeled 95% of the basal nuclei, including those in the central region of the epidermal proliferative units. One month later, the labeling index was reduced to 2%; 90% of the label-retaining cells were within a nuclear diameter of the central suprabasal column of the proliferative units. When mice were treated with 2 μg of TPA 1 month after labeling, mitotic label-retaining cells were found within 22 h after treatment. Seventy-five percent of the label-retaining cells remained on the basal layer through the 28-h experimental period. In contrast, the basal labeling index following a 1-h pulse of [3H]thymidine was 5%. Eighty-five percent of the labeled cells were found in the periphery of the proliferative units. By 4 days after pulse labeling, most of the originally labeled cells had divided, although vertical cross sections indicated that 92% remained on the basal layer. When mice were treated with TPA on day 4, labeled cells were rarely found in mitosis. Instead, about 60% of the labeled cells were displaced to the suprabasal layers. These observations suggest that 2 classes of epidermal basal cells have different early responses to TPA treatment: the label-retaining cells proliferate, and most of the "maturing" cells continue to differentiate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Replies to the comments of a reader concerning the authors' article on CD34 in the human hair follicle.

Many communities around the world face a pressing need to increase coastal resilience due to widespread coastal erosion and rising sea levels. Natural habitats such as mangrove forests have been increasingly recognised for their ability to protect coastlines through wave attenuation and sediment deposition and stabilisation. However, attempts to rehabilitate mangroves for coastal protection have been met with difficulties due to smaller windows of opportunity for seedling survival at sites experiencing high wave energy and erosion. In this study, we planted the mangrove Avicennia alba in planting pods (n = 348) deployed on an eroding shoreline in Singapore and compared survival to those planted in control plots. Several ecological factors that might influence A. alba survival were manipulated, such as life stage during planting, reduction of wrack accumulation, elevation, and post-planting maintenance. We found that mangrove pods significantly increased mangrove seedling survival. Planting older A. alba seedlings, reducing wrack accumulation, and deploying the pods at a higher elevation further increased survival. Additionally, pressure gauges deployed showed that the pods were able to attenuate wave energy, thus providing hydrodynamic shelter to mangroves. Hybrid living shorelines have the potential to facilitate mangrove rehabilitation through the alleviation of adverse environmental conditions, but other ecological requirements for mangrove seedling survival will need to be met to optimise rehabilitation efforts. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore how process evaluations were conducted alongside randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving motivational interviewing (MI) as an intervention to manage health conditions.Methods: A scoping review was conducted. We searched 7 databases (to May 2021) for studies that incorporated at least one aspect of process evaluation of RCTs using MI to manage a health condition. Two reviewers screened the studies for eligibility and extracted data according to Medical Research Council framework.Results: Of the 123 studies included, 85% lacked a theoretical framework for process evaluation. Most studies reported fidelity, but dose was underreported. Sixty-five studies reported mechanism of impact, but only twelve used participant experiences to understand how MI works. Only thirty used true mediation analysis. Context (n = 33) was the least reported aspect of process evaluation.Conclusion: Process evaluations of MI to manage health conditions often consist of fragmented reports of implementation, mechanisms, and context. Using validated measures of fidelity, reporting dose, and using mediation analysis alongside qualitative exploration of participant and stakeholder insights will improve our understanding of how MI works.Practice Implications: Robust and comprehensive process evaluations will inform MI researchers to design more rigorous trials and for clinicians to implement more effective interventions for their clients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing demand for novel coastal protection approaches that also provide co-benefits such as enhanced biodiversity. Rock-fillets, which are used to stabilise eroding banks in estuaries, can be colonised by mangroves, and may provide habitat for estuarine fauna. However, it is unknown whether hybrid mangrove/rock-fillet habitats are functionally equivalent to natural mangroves, for estuarine fauna. To determine whether hybrid mangrove habitats are functionally equivalent to natural mangroves, we used δ13C and δ15N stable isotope analyses to describe the isotopic niche space and overlap of estuarine species in these two habitats across three estuaries in NSW, Australia. Using a Bayesian standard ellipse analysis of isotopic niche area, over half the 12 species observed had larger isotopic niche areas in natural mangroves compared to hybrid habitats, however there were no clear patterns for species between habitats. Natural mangroves and hybrid rock-fillet habitats were isotopically distinct for all species sampled (low proportional overlap, 0–19%) suggesting they are not, at present, wholistically functionally equivalent. Estuarine communities from the two habitat types, however, had similar isotopic niches. Hybrid communities displayed a broader range of δ13C values compared to natural mangroves, suggesting mangrove/rock-fillet habitats have a more diverse range of basal food sources. These findings demonstrate the potential for defence solutions to provide unique co-benefits by supporting food webs, but also that natural habitats provide unique ecosystem services that should be protected and rehabilitated where possible. Future modelling and monitoring of habitat utilisation and species performance could provide further insight into the co-benefits and trade-offs of hybrid habitats. • Species isotopic niche size varied for natural mangrove and rock-fillet habitats. • Minimal isotopic niche overlap of natural mangrove and rock-fillet habitats. • Rock-fillet communities have broader δ13C range suggesting more basal food sources. • Natural mangroves and rock-fillet habitats are isotopically distinct. • The two habitats provide equally complex but novel and divergent niches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kelps are ecosystem engineers, which collectively form forests that provide a variety of important ecosystem services for humans and other organisms. Kelp forests are threatened by multiple local and global stressors, one of the most notable is herbivory. Overabundant sea; urchins can consume kelp, leading to a phase shift from productive forests to unproductive; rocky barrens. Reducing sea urchin densities by directly removing them can reverse this; phase shift. However, maintaining low densities of sea urchins, is logistically and financially; challenging. Following a review of herbivore exclusion methods to date, we tested the efficacy of three different methods for excluding sea urchins from kelp in the laboratory: flexible fences; electricity; and copper anti-fouling paint. The results from the laboratory; experiment showed that flexible fencing was the most successful method for excluding sea urchins. To test the efficacy of this method in the field, sea urchins were removed from 1m2 patches in barrens and intact kelp beds, and the effectiveness of flexible fences of two different heights (30 cm and 60 cm) at excluding sea urchins were tested. The results from the field study demonstrated that flexible fences of both heights were effective at maintaining low sea urchin densities in barrens but not in intact kelp beds, relative to unmanipulated; rocky barrens. These findings suggest that flexible fencing could be an important tool in restoring kelp in barrens, however the costs of fencing are likely to place limits on the scale at which this management strategy can be implemented. • In some temperate reefs, sea urchins can overgraze kelp forests and form barrens. • Hand removals alone pose logistical and financial constraints making them inefficient at controlling sea urchin densities. • We investigated the effectiveness of flexible fences, copper paint, and electrical fences at excluding sea urchins. • The effectiveness of flexible fences (30 cm, 60 cm) in excluding sea urchins from different habitats was then tested in situ. • 30 cm flexible fences were successful at excluding sea urchins in barrens but not kelp forests. • A range of solutions are required control overabundant sea urchins and restore kelp forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An innovative pervious concrete containing recycled oyster shells for artificial reef structures has been developed. The new artificial reef concrete incorporating oyster shells contained higher amounts of supplementary cementitious material and sea sand instead of river sand. Investigations on homogeneity, strength characteristics, pH levels and mussel larvae (Mytilus galloprovincialis) settlement were performed to verify the effectiveness of different constituents. The proposed concrete mixes have the potential for use in artificial reef construction representing improved characteristics with regards to weight, cost, environmental sustainability, carbon footprint and attachment of shellfish larvae to the reef, enabling nature-based coastal protection solutions, or 'living shorelines. • A pervious concrete containing recycled oyster shells for artificial reef structures developed. • The effect of using a high slag blend as well as sand type (river sand/sea sand) investigated. • Compressive strength, surface pH, carbonation and mussel larvae preferential tests performed. • Oyster shell waste can be used to create a biologically conductive substrate for artificial reefs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charruyer and colleagues (this issue) report two significant advances to the field of cutaneous keratinocyte stem cells: a pair of new selectable markers that recognize a subset of α6+CD34+ label-retaining cells, and an in vivo limiting dilution assay for keratinocyte stem cells with long-term repopulating ability. This work has important implications for keratinocyte stem cell identification and assay, as well as for the identification of target cells in non-melanoma skin cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

l -DOPA is the gold-standard pharmacotherapy for treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) but can lead to the appearance of troubling dyskinesia which are attributable to 'false neurotransmitter' release of dopamine by serotonergic neurons. Reducing the activity of these neurons diminishes l -DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID), but there are currently no clinically approved selective, high efficacy 5-HT 1A receptor agonists. Here we describe the effects of NLX-112, a highly selective and efficacious 5-HT 1A receptor agonist, on LID in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated marmosets, a non-human primate model of PD. NLX-112 exhibited modest plasma half-life (~2h) and marked plasma protein binding (96%). When administered to parkinsonian marmosets with l -DOPA (7 mg/kg p.o.), NLX-112 (0.025, 0.1 and 0.4 mg/kg p.o.) reduced LID scores at early time-points after administration, whilst only minimally interfering with the l -DOPA-induced reversal of motor disability. In contrast, the prototypical 5-HT 1A receptor agonist, (+)8-OH-DPAT (0.6 and 2 mg/kg p. o.), reduced LID but also abolished l -DOPA's anti-disability activity. Administered by itself, NLX-112 (0.1, 0.2 mg/kg p.o.) produced very little dyskinesia or locomotor activity, but reduced motor disability scores by about half the extent elicited by l -DOPA, suggesting that it may have motor facilitation effects of its own. Both NLX-112 and (+)8-OH-DPAT induced unusual and dose-limiting behaviors in marmoset that resembled 'serotonin behavioral syndrome' observed previously in rat. Overall, the present study showed that NLX-112 has anti-LID activity at the doses tested as well as reducing motor disability. The data suggest that additional investigation of NLX-112 is desirable to explore its potential as a treatment for PD and PD-LID. • l -DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID) develops in many Parkinson's disease patients. • NLX-112 is a highly selective and high efficacy serotonin 5-HT 1A receptor agonist. • In MPTP-treated marmosets NLX112 reduced LID without impairing therapeutic activity. • NLX-112 by itself exhibited antiparkinsonian activity (decreased motor disability). • NLX-112 is a promising drug candidate for treatment of Parkinson's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The provision of temporary, specially designed artificial habitat may help support populations of the Endangered Whites' seahorse Hippocampus whitei in the face of rapid coastal urbanisation and declining natural habitats. Three designs of artificial habitat (Seahorse Hotels) were installed in Port Stephens, New South Wales, Australia, where natural habitats had significantly declined. Mark recapture surveys were used to assess seahorse site fidelity and population parameters, and the effect of Seahorse Hotel design on seahorse abundance, epibiotic growth and mobile epifaunal seahorse prey was determined. The Seahorse Hotels sustained a substantial population of seahorses (64; 57–72 95% confidence intervals) in comparison to recent local population estimates. There were no significant differences in seahorse abundance, mobile epifauna or epibiotic growth among the three different hotel designs. This research demonstrated that H. whitei will inhabit Seahorse Hotels in absence of natural habitat, and additional complexity in these artificial structures was not necessary to support seahorse populations. Temporary structures such as Seahorse Hotels will be a valuable tool in supporting H. whitei and other Syngnathid populations through infrastructure maintenance or habitat modification. • Seahorse Hotels are a temporary artificial habitat for seahorses. • They are trialled here for the Endangered seahorse Hippocampus whitei. • Seahorses Hotels supported a relatively large population of seahorses. • Additional complexity was not necessary to support seahorses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive development and construction in marine and coastal systems is driving a phenomenon known as “ocean sprawl”. Ocean sprawl removes or transforms marine habitats through the addition of artificial structures and some of the most significant impacts are occurring in sedimentary environments. Marine sediments have substantial social, ecological, and economic value, as they are rich in biodiversity, crucial to fisheries productivity, and major sites of nutrient transformation. Yet the impact of ocean sprawl on sedimentary environments has largely been ignored. Here we review current knowledge of the impacts to sedimentary ecosystems arising from artificial structures. Artificial structures alter the composition and abundance of a wide variety of sediment-dependent taxa, including microbes, invertebrates, and benthic-feeding fishes. The effects vary by structure design and configuration, as well as the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the environment in which structures are placed. The mechanisms driving effects from artificial structures include placement loss, habitat degradation, modification of sound and light conditions, hydrodynamic changes, organic enrichment and material fluxes, contamination, and altered biotic interactions. Most studies have inferred mechanism based on descriptive work, comparing biological and physical processes at various distances from structures. Further experimental studies are needed to identify the relative importance of multiple mechanisms and to demonstrate causal relationships. Additionally, past studies have focused on impacts at a relatively small scale, and independently of other development that is occurring. There is need to quantify large-scale and cumulative effects on sedimentary ecosystems as artificial structures proliferate. We highlight the importance for comprehensive monitoring using robust survey designs and outline research strategies needed to understand, value, and protect marine sedimentary ecosystems in the face of a rapidly changing environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing number of artificial structures in estuarine, coastal and marine environments is causing “ocean sprawl”. Artificial structures do not only modify marine and coastal ecosystems at the sites of their placement, but may also produce larger-scale impacts through their alteration of ecological connectivity - the movement of organisms, materials and energy between habitat units within seascapes. Despite the growing awareness of the capacity of ocean sprawl to influence ecological connectivity, we lack a comprehensive understanding of how artificial structures modify ecological connectivity in near- and off-shore environments, and when and where their effects on connectivity are greatest. We review the mechanisms by which ocean sprawl may modify ecological connectivity, including trophic connectivity associated with the flow of nutrients and resources. We also review demonstrated, inferred and likely ecological impacts of such changes to connectivity, at scales from genes to ecosystems, and potential strategies of management for mitigating these effects. Ocean sprawl may alter connectivity by: (1) creating barriers to the movement of some organisms and resources - by adding physical barriers or by modifying and fragmenting habitats; (2) introducing new structural material that acts as a conduit for the movement of other organisms or resources across the landscape; and (3) altering trophic connectivity. Changes to connectivity may, in turn, influence the genetic structure and size of populations, the distribution of species, and community structure and ecological functioning. Two main approaches to the assessment of ecological connectivity have been taken: (1) measurement of structural connectivity - the configuration of the landscape and habitat patches and their dynamics; and (2) measurement of functional connectivity - the response of organisms or particles to the landscape. Our review reveals the paucity of studies directly addressing the effects of artificial structures on ecological connectivity in the marine environment, particularly at large spatial and temporal scales. With the ongoing development of estuarine and marine environments, there is a pressing need for additional studies that quantify the effects of ocean sprawl on ecological connectivity. Understanding the mechanisms by which structures modify connectivity is essential if marine spatial planning and eco-engineering are to be effectively utilised to minimise impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An implementation gap exists between policy aspirations for provision and the delivery of self-management support in primary care. An evidence based training and support package using a whole systems approach implemented as part of a randomised controlled trial was delivered to general practice staff. The trial found no effect of the intervention on patient outcomes. This paper explores why self-management support failed to become part of normal practice. We focussed on implementation of tools which capture two key aspects of self-management support - education (guidebooks for patients) and forming collaborative partnerships (a shared decision-making tool). Objectives: To evaluate the implementation and embedding of self-management support in a United Kingdom primary care setting. Design: Qualitative semi-structured interviews with primary care professionals. Settings: 12 General Practices in the Northwest of England located within a deprived inner city area. Participants: Practices were approached 3-6 months after undergoing training in a selfmanagement support approach. A pragmatic sample of 37 members of staff - General Practitioners, nurses, and practice support staff from 12 practices agreed to take part. The analysis is based on interviews with 11 practice nurses and one assistant practitioner; all were female with between 2 and 21 years' experience of working in general practice. Methods: A qualitative design involving face-to-face, semi-structured interviews audio- recorded and transcribed. Normalisation Process Theory framework allowed a systematic evaluation of the factors influencing the work required to implement the tools. Findings: The guidebooks were embedded in daily practice but the shared decision- making tools were not. Guidebooks were considered to enhance patient-centredness and were minimally disruptive. Practice nurses were reluctant to engage with behaviour change discussions. Self-management support was not formulated as a practice priority and there was minimal support for this activity within the practice: it was not auditable; [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Local people's voices need to be included in research and planning processes using inclusive and innovative methods. • We used participatory photography to capture local perspectives on resources, changes and adaptations in Papua New Guinea. • Results show that villagers are facing rapid social-ecological changes, including growing populations, more cash crop diseases and land shortages. • People have adapted by shifting to well yielding crop species, setting up small businesses and aiming to get an education. • Results can be used in future research and planning processes in Papua New Guinea. There is a need to include local people's voices in research and planning processes to better understand what they see as opportunities and challenges for their future. This is necessary because of the intrinsic importance of public participation, and because it can help produce more useful and implementable adaptation plans. We apply participatory photography in a Papua New Guinean smallholder farming community to explore local perspectives on resource management, drivers of change and adaptive strategies. Twenty-four farmers of different clans, genders and ages took photos of items important to their livelihoods, focusing separately on the past, present and future. We discussed the photos and their meanings in individual and group interviews, encouraging farmers to lead the conversations. Results show that farmers are shifting from relying mainly on natural capitals to using financial, social and physical capitals, and that this causes changes in people's well-being. Villagers see cash crop diseases, land shortages and lack of training as their main challenges. So far, people have adapted to changes by shifting to crop species that still yield well, and setting up small businesses and projects to have additional sources of income. Farmers see education as key to their future as it would allow for better land management and diversification of livelihoods. The participatory photography process provided triangulation of scientific studies, gave insights into farmers' perceptions, and highlighted adaptive strategies and the complexities of realising them. Overall, the results can be used in future research and planning processes in Papua New Guinea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal areas are especially vulnerable to habitat loss, sea-level rise, and other climate change effects. Oyster-dominated eco-engineered reefs have been promoted as integral components of engineered habitats enhancing coastal resilience through provision of numerous ecological, morphological, and socio-economic services. However, the assessed 'success' of these eco-engineered oyster reefs remains variable across projects and locations, with their general efficacy in promoting coastal resilience, along with related services, often mixed at best. Understanding factors influencing the success of these eco-engineered habitats as valuable coastal management tools could greatly inform related future efforts. Here, we review past studies incorporating reef-building oysters for coastal resilience and enhanced ecosystem services. Our aims are to better understand their utility and limitations, along with critical knowledge gaps to better advance future applicability. Success depends largely on site selection, informed by physical, chemical and biological factors, and adjacent habitats and bottom types. Better understanding of oyster metapopulation dynamics, tolerance and adaptation to changing conditions, and interactions with adjacent habitats will help to better identify suitable locations, and design more effective eco-engineered reefs. These eco-engineered reefs provide a useful tool to assist in developing coastal resilience in the face of climate change and sea level rise. • Oyster-dominated reefs have been promoted as integral components of engineered habitats for reducing coastal vulnerability. • Oyster reefs can be a useful tool in our toolkit for achieving ecological, morphological and socio-economic benefits. • Understanding the factors influencing the success of these eco-engineered habitats could greatly inform related future efforts. • Oyster reefs can support coastal resilience in the face of climate change and related rising sea-levels [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swidden agriculture (a type of small-scale agriculture) is crucial to the livelihood and food security of millions of people in tropical regions. Social-ecological changes, including population growth and anti-swidden policies, are putting pressure on the existing swidden system to increase agricultural productivity in a sustainable way. Enhancing soil fertility is a promising option for increasing crop yields and extending lifetimes of agricultural fields, thereby reducing the demand to clear new land. However, there is limited information on how swidden farmers can best maintain soil fertility. Our aim was to investigate whether using locally available fertilisers can increase soil quality, crop yields and lifetimes of swidden fields. We established experimental gardens on the land of swidden farmers in the Lowlands of Papua New Guinea, where the majority of the population depends on swidden agriculture. Gardens were set up on two types of sites; five were established on new sites that had just been prepared for gardening by cutting and burning vegetation after a fallow period, whereas another five were prepared on garden sites that were just being fallowed. We applied three treatments; i) compost consisting of decaying banana peels, ii) chicken manure, and iii) NPK fertiliser to different plots within each garden; and tracked soil quality and yields of sweet potato over 12 months (three post-intervention cropping periods). We also conducted in-depth interviews with local farmers to understand their perspective on soil management. Few farmers typically used compost, chicken manure or NPK fertiliser. Many were keen to try these fertilisers, provided they had more information. The performance of treatments depended on the type of garden with chicken manure increasing tuber yields in fallowed gardens but not new gardens, and banana peel compost also increasing tuber yields in fallowed gardens although not significantly. NPK fertiliser was the best option because it was the only fertiliser that increased yields in both new and fallowed gardens, produced tubers of similar quality and taste to control plots and was financially profitable. Treatments affected yield through increasing available nitrogen and reducing soil moisture. We also found that farmers fallow their gardens despite adequate sweet potato yields, so whether using fertilisers can enhance the lifetime of fields will depend on additional factors such as labour input needed. Our work shows how swidden agriculture can potentially be adapted so that it continues to be a sustainable way of farming and living. [Display omitted] • Locally available fertilisers improved soil quality and enhanced the yields of swidden farmers. • Fertilisers improved yield through increasing available nitrogen and reducing soil moisture. • Treatment with NPK fertiliser produced the highest yields and good quality crops. • Farmers in Papua New Guinea showed great interest in applying fertilisers provided they had more information. • Soil management practices can help swidden farmers adapt to social-ecological changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented which discusses Comprehensive Microarray Transcriptome Profiling of CD34-Enriched Mouse Keratinocyte Stem Cells.

Mouse keratinocyte stem cells originate from the bulge of hair follicle, and, according to definition, possess a clonogenic activity in vitro. We have investigated seven inbred (C57BL/6, C3H, DBA/2, BALB/c, FVB) and outbred (SENCAR, CD-1) mouse strains and found that three genetically distinct subsets of mouse strains differ significantly in the frequency of clonogenic activity in vitro. The analysis of keratinocyte colonies in two reciprocal backcross [C57BL/6 × (BALB/c × C57BL/6); BALB/c × (BALB/c × C57BL/6)] and intercross [(BALB/c × C57BL/6)F2] of BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice allowed us to identify two subpopulations of clonogenic keratinocytes able to produce small (less than 2 mm2) and large (more than 2 mm2) colonies. We conducted linkage analysis and found that small colonies associated with mouse chromosomes 1, 6, 7, 8, and 9; but large colonies—with the chromosome 4. We defined locus on the chromosome 9 that associated with small colonies as keratinocyte stem cell locus 1 ( Ksc1), and locus on the mouse chromosome 4 associated with large colonies-keratinocyte stem cell locus 2 ( Ksc2). Ksc1 and loci on chromosomes 6 and 7 are close if not equal to loci associated with sensitivity to skin carcinogenesis. We conclude that two subpopulations of stem cells able to produce small and large colonies regulated by different genes and genes regulating small colonies might be responsible for sensitivity to skin carcinogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents letters to the editor related to dermatology. Epithelialization of cells; Formation of hair follicle; Use of primary epidermal cells for the investigation.