Pacific Populations Research Articles

Natal origin of Namibian grey whale implies new distance record for in-water migration.

We use genomics to identify the natal origin of a grey whale found in the South Atlantic, at least 20 000 km from the species core range (halfway around the world). The data indicate an origin in the North Pacific, possibly from the endangered western North Pacific population, thought to include only approximately 200 individuals. This contributes to our understanding of Atlantic sightings of this species known primarily from the North Pacific, and could have conservation implications if grey whales have the potential for essentially global dispersion. More broadly, documenting and understanding rare extreme migration events have potential implications for the understanding of how a species may be able to respond to global change.

Aquaculture mediates global transmission of a viral pathogen to wild salmon.

Global expansion of aquaculture and agriculture facilitates disease emergence and catalyzes transmission to sympatric wildlife populations. The health of wild salmon stocks critically concerns Indigenous peoples, commercial and recreational fishers, and the general public. Despite potential impact of viral pathogens such as Piscine orthoreovirus-1 (PRV-1) on endangered wild salmon populations, their epidemiology in wild fish populations remains obscure, as does the role of aquaculture in global and local spread. Our phylogeographic analyses of PRV-1 suggest that development of Atlantic salmon aquaculture facilitated spread from Europe to the North and South East Pacific. Phylogenetic analysis and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction surveillance further illuminate the circumstances of emergence of PRV-1 in the North East Pacific and provide strong evidence for Atlantic salmon aquaculture as a source of infection in wild Pacific salmon. PRV-1 is now an important infectious agent in critically endangered wild Pacific salmon populations, fueled by aquacultural transmission.

Genetic diversity and kinship relationships in one of the largest South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis) populations of the Pacific Ocean

AbstractThe genetic diversity of populations is the basis for individual fitness and potential adaptability to environmental changes. The South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis) is a pinniped species that is widely distributed along the southern cone of South America. However, two distinct populations have evolved: the Northern Pacific/Peruvian population and the Southern Pacific/Atlantic population. One of the main breeding colonies of the Southern Pacific/Atlantic population is located on Guafo Island, in southern Chilean Patagonia. This breeding colony represents the closest reproductive population to the remote Peruvian group. Therefore, our study aimed to determine whether the Guafo colony may potentially facilitate gene flow, contribute new alleles, and increase genetic variability of the Peruvian populations, thereby linking the Northern and Southern Pacific populations for the species. In this study, species‐specific microsatellite markers were developed to genetically characterize Guafo Island's South American fur seal population. Our results confirm that the Guafo colony is a panmictic population with evidence of lack of genetic structure. Further, our results indicate that most individuals are unrelated and that half‐siblings are rare, suggesting that polygyny in this species is less frequent than previously thought. Finally, based on the identification of multiple pairs of full siblings, we also present the first genetic evidence of twins in South American fur seals. These attributes suggest that the Guafo colony is a large, panmictic population, which could act as a potential genetic reservoir, and ultimately assist in linking two genetically distinct populations.

Estimation of genetic parameters for body weight in a multistage within-family selection process in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic parameters of a Pacific white shrimp population (Litopenaeus vannamei), which used within-family selection (WFS) at different stages in commercial production. The characteristics analyzed were body weight at 12 (W12), 14 (W14), and 21 (W21) weeks in family cages within tanks in a genetic nucleus and weight at harvest at 19 weeks. The WFS was carried out employing a size grading machine. Three linear mixed multivariate models were used for data analysis. The base model (Model I) considered as fixed effects for W12, W14, and W21 the tank and the population density inside the cage; and for the weight at harvest the tank and the sex, and the age covariate, as random effects, the additive and common genetic effects of siblings in all the models were considered. To correct for the effects of WFS, Model II included the initial weight at W14 and W21, while Model III included the selection intensity, respectively. The variance components estimated with Models I and III are essentially the same, while with Model II, there is a decrease in the additive variances for weight at 14 and 21 weeks. The heritabilities are between 0.22 and 0.61, while the significant genetic correlations range from 0.44 to 0.51. On the one hand, the results indicate that the multistage within-family selection processes for body weight can interfere in the estimation of the components of (co) variance. Moreover, on the other hand, the (co)variance components estimated for all weights evaluated in this study allow considering selection responses correlated to harvest weight with different degrees of efficiency; however, it is necessary to carry out studies that value responses from a cost-benefit approach in selection programs of this type in Litopenaeus vannamei.

Variability of Morphobiological Characteristics of the Pacific Herring Clupea pallasii from Arctic and Pacific Populations

Variability of Morphobiological Characteristics of the Pacific Herring Clupea pallasii from Arctic and Pacific Populations

Active learning strategies incorporating Immunology based teaching examples for Health Sciences Education

Abstract Clinically relevant Immunology based teaching examples for postgraduate Health Sciences education offer valuable opportunities to support and reinforce understanding and learning of basic principles. The appropriate reference to significant health conditions as teaching examples that are of immediate relevance to specific population groups requires care. Active learning strategies that incorporate Immunology based teaching examples and references to Māori and Pacific population groups living in Aotearoa/New Zealand and the Pacific Region, are much needed to support Health Sciences education. The autoimmune condition known as Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) resulting from untreated Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infection of the throat and skin, and subsequent cardiac damage known as Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) that occurs if repeated or severe untreated ARF episodes happen, disproportionately affect Māori and Pacific population groups living in Aotearoa/New Zealand and the Pacific Region. These conditions were incorporated into active teaching approaches to support postgraduate Health Sciences students, with appropriate cultural context. Students participating in postgraduate classes that utilised active learning strategies with appropriate incorporation and reference to the ARF/RHD setting, demonstrated high levels of engagement and in-class participation, and as evidenced by formal and informal student feedback, fostered in-depth understanding of the Immunology principles being taught. This highlights the importance of appropriate reference and context for active learning strategies that incorporate Immunology based teaching examples when relating to specific population groups.

Immunology education within an undergraduate program for Health Sciences education

Abstract Immunology education remains an essential component for undergraduate Health Sciences education across the health professions. The clinical relevance of Immunology teaching can be emphasised by utilisation and appropriate reference to pertinent health conditions affecting populations locally and across the global setting. Health issues of significance to Māori and Pacific populations groups in Aotearoa/New Zealand and in the Pacific Region include Cancer and Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) and Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD). ARF is the body’s autoimmune response to untreated Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infection of the throat or skin. If left untreated, repeated or severe ARF episodes can lead to permanent cardiac damage known as RHD. RHD is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The growing global burden of cancer remains of concern, while Pacific Peoples and Māori are disproportionately affected by specific cancers. The utilisation of two areas with strong Immunological relevance for teaching examples in undergraduate Health Sciences education were shown to support improved understanding, class participation, topical interest, and research focus for Medical students engaged within Health Sciences education platforms in Aotearoa/New Zealand. This highlights the value of supporting Immunology education efforts by incorporating appropriate reference to pertinent health conditions relevant to populations groups locally and across the global setting.

Deep-sea Ophiuroidea (Echinodermata) from the Danish Galathea II Expedition, 1950-52, with taxonomic revisions.

The brittle star samples collected by the Danish cruise 'Galathea II' (1950-52) had not been studied completely. We examined the remaining deep-sea samples (400 m) and present the species inventory, discussing taxonomic issues in relation to recent phylogenetic data. About 235 samples were examined, over 9,300 individuals, from 67 species and 74 sampling localities, at depths of 425-5340 m. The species complex Amphiophiura bullata (Thomson, 1877) is morphologically not well separated, but molecular data suggest at least two clades. We propose to apply A. bullata for Atlantic and Australian populations and A. convexa (Lyman, 1878) for the North Pacific clade. We consider A. bullata pacifica Litvinova, 1971 conspecific with A. convexa. Ophiuroglypha irrorata (Lyman, 1878) and its subspecies are a polyphyletic group with unclear morphological boundaries. We propose to transfer Ophiura ossiculata (Koehler, 1908), Ophiura plana (Lütken Mortensen, 1899) and Ophiura scomba Paterson, 1985 to Ophiuroglypha. Silax Fell, 1962, until now synonymised with Amphioplus Verrill, 1899, is proposed as a valid genus with the species S. verrilli (Lyman, 1879), S. consors (Koehler, 1908), S. daleus (Lyman, 1879), S. patulus (Lyman, 1879) and S. magnificus (Koehler, 1907). Triplodia Turner Hallen, 2011 (a replacement name for Triodia A. M. Clark, 1970, due to homonymy) is synonymised with Silax, and possible specimens of its type species Triodia abdita A. M. Clark, 1970 are analysed. The species limits of Ophiacantha cosmica Lyman, 1879 and Ophiacantha pacifica Lütken Mortensen, 1899 could not be confirmed morphologically, but published molecular data suggest two clades. We propose to apply O. pacifica to the Northern/Central Pacific population and O. cosmica to the Southern Pacific/Antarctic population.

Genomic insights into population history and biological adaptation in Oceania.

The Pacific region is of major importance for addressing questions regarding human dispersals, interactions with archaic hominins and natural selection processes1. However, the demographic and adaptive history of Oceanian populations remains largely uncharacterized. Here we report high-coverage genomes of 317 individuals from 20 populations from the Pacific region. We find that the ancestors ofPapuan-related ('Near Oceanian') groups underwent a strong bottleneck before the settlement of the region, and separated around 20,000-40,000years ago. We infer that the East Asian ancestors of Pacific populations may have diverged from Taiwanese Indigenous peoples before the Neolithic expansion, which is thought to have started from Taiwan around 5,000years ago2-4. Additionally, this dispersal was not followed by an immediate, single admixture event with Near Oceanian populations, but involved recurrent episodes of genetic interactions. Our analyses reveal marked differences in the proportion and nature of Denisovan heritage among Pacific groups, suggesting that independent interbreeding with highly structured archaic populations occurred. Furthermore, whereas introgression of Neanderthal genetic information facilitated the adaptation of modern humans related to multiple phenotypes(for example, metabolism, pigmentation andneuronal development), Denisovan introgression was primarily beneficial for immune-related functions. Finally, we report evidence of selective sweeps and polygenic adaptation associated with pathogen exposure and lipid metabolism in the Pacific region, increasing our understanding of the mechanisms of biological adaptation to island environments.

The Ami and Yami aborigines of Taiwan and their genetic relationship to East Asian and Pacific populations.

This article reports on the genetic characteristics of the Ami and Yami, two aboriginal populations of Taiwan. Y-SNP and mtDNA markers as well as autosomal SNPs were utilized to investigate the phylogenetic relationships to groups from MSEA (mainland Southeast Asia), ISEA (island Southeast Asia), and Oceania. Both the Ami and Yami have limited genetic diversity, with the Yami having even less diversity than the Ami. The partitioning of populations within the PCA plots based on autosomal SNPs, the profile constitution observed in the structure analyses demonstrating similar composition among specific populations, the average IBD (identical by descent) tract length gradients, the average total length of genome share among the populations, and the outgroup f3 results all indicate genetic affinities among populations that trace a geographical arc from Taiwan south into the Philippine Archipelago, Borneo, Indonesia, and Melanesia. Conversely, a more distant kinship between the Ami/Yami and MSEA based on all the markers examined, the total mtDNA sequences as well as the admixture f3 and f4 analyses argue against strong genetic contribution from MSEA to the Austronesian dispersal. The sharing of long IBD tracts, total genome length, and the large number of segments in common between the Ami/Yami and the Society Archipelago populations East Polynesia standout considering they are located about 10,700 km apart.

Parentage-based tagging combined with genetic stock identification is a cost-effective and viable replacement for coded-wire tagging in large-scale assessments of marine Chinook salmon fisheries in British Columbia, Canada.

Wild Pacific salmon, including Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, have been supplemented with hatchery propagation for over 50 years in support of increased ocean harvest, mitigation for hydroelectric development, and conservation of threatened populations. In Canada, the Wild Salmon Policy for Pacific salmon was established with the goal of maintaining and restoring healthy and diverse Pacific salmon populations, making conservation of wild salmon and their habitats the highest priority for resource management decision‐making. For policy implementation, a new approach to the assessment and management of Chinook salmon and the associated hatchery production and fisheries management are needed. Implementation of genetic stock identification (GSI) and parentage‐based tagging (PBT) for marine fisheries assessment may overcome problems associated with coded‐wire tag‐based (CWT) assessment and management of Chinook salmon fisheries, providing at a minimum information equivalent to that derived from the CWT program. GSI and PBT were used to identify Chinook salmon sampled in 2018 and 2019 marine fisheries (18,819 individuals genotyped) in British Columbia to specific conservation units (CU), populations, and broodyears. Individuals were genotyped at 391 single nucleotide polymorphisms via direct sequencing of amplicons. Very high accuracy of assignment to population and age (>99.5%) via PBT was observed for 1994 Chinook salmon of ages 2–4 years, with a 105,722–individual, 380–population baseline available for assignment. Application of a GSI‐PBT system of identification to individuals in 2019 fisheries provided high‐resolution estimates of stock composition, catch, and exploitation rate by CU or population, with fishery exploitation rates directly comparable to those provided by CWTs for 13 populations. GSI and PBT provide an alternate, cheaper, and more effective method in the assessment and management of Canadian‐origin Chinook salmon relative to CWTs, and an opportunity for a genetics‐based system to replace the current CWT system for salmon assessment.

The Washington January 6, 2021 Insurrection, and Racist and Ethnic Terrorism in Canada

This article demonstrates the truth of this proposition: “The strength of a nation’s rights, freedoms and rule of law lies not in its Constitution, but in its politics.” And so, a racist government is a reflection of the success of racist groups—they are parts of the same political force, in spite of such declared protections in the written constitution upon which that government stands. The riotous insurrection at the Washington capitol building on January 6, 2021, and, Canada’s 1970 FLQ October Crises caused by Quebec terrorists wanting to have Quebec separate from Canada, are compared as examples of populist domestic terrorism. Both are populist-inspired terrorist attacks upon government. Conversely, as examples of government terror imposed upon severely abused sections of a country’s population, the World War Two (WWII) internments of the Japanese Pacific coastal populations by the federal governments of Canada and the U.S are contrasted. Also described is Canada’s 19th and 20th century history of racial discrimination against its Japanese and Chinese populations. Political events reflect upon the instant strength of constitutionally-guaranteed rights, freedoms, and rule of law. And judicially provided remedies and damages obtained later for their infringement and denial, determine their protective and deterrent value. Before and even after WWII, the Canadian population and its politics were still far too racist to support truly liberal, constitutionally-entrenched rights, freedoms, and the rule of law, such as has been established since April 17, 1982, by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

‘Eating well’ in Pacific Islands countries and territories: A qualitative and normative approach to food cultures in New Caledonia

In recent decades, the food cultures of the Pacific populations have undergone a profound transition, particularly because the increasing trade exchanges with Western countries have facilitated access to a wide range of processed foods. Essentially, a new normative model of eating is now taking the place of the traditional models. The aims of this qualitative study were to explore what ‘eating well’, ‘good food’ and ‘bad food’ now mean in the New Caledonian family context and, more broadly, to categorise the current food practices and representations in adolescents' families. A double qualitative methodology was applied: 59 face-to-face interviews with 30 parents and 29 adolescents in both rural and urban areas and 15 collective structured discussions with middle-school classes (11- to 16-year-olds) of almost 25 students each. The main results showed various normative frames for nutrition, food quantities, local provenance, and personal taste. Food practices were related to food availability (having a home garden or involvement in family farming), socioeconomic status and community. In addition, access to nutritional information, temporal and financial constraints mostly in the urban area, and the role of food socialisation between parents and children had an impact on food practices and perceptions. The permanence of food cultures, mainly observed in families in rural areas, and the social inequalities in urban areas regarding food availability are highlighted. The positive perception of ‘local food’ as ‘cultural’, ‘organic’ and ‘healthy’ may help policymakers communicate clear messages to reach a sustainable food system.

Biosystematic studies on the status of Solanum chilense.

Common taxonomic practices, which condition species' descriptions on diagnostic morphological traits, may systematically lump outcrossing species and unduly split selfing species. Specifically, higher effective population sizes and genetic diversity of obligate outcrossers are expected to result less reliable phenotypic diagnoses. Wild tomatoes, members of Solanum sect. Lycopersicum, are commonly used as a source of exotic germplasm for improvement of the cultivated tomato, and are increasingly employed in basic research. Although the section experienced significant early work, which continues presently, the taxonomic status of many wild species has undergone a number of significant revisions and remains uncertain. Species in this section vary in their breeding systems, notably the expression of self-incompatibility, which determines individual propensity for outcrossing METHODS: Here, we examine the taxonomic status of obligately outcrossing Chilean wild tomato (Solanum chilense) using reduced-representation sequencing (RAD-seq), a range of phylogenetic and population genetic analyses, as well as analyses of crossing and morphological data. Overall, each of our analyses provides a considerable weight of evidence that the Pacific coastal populations and Andean inland populations of the currently described Solanum chilense represent separately evolving populations, and conceal at least one undescribed cryptic species. Despite its vast economic importance, Solanum sect. Lycopersicon still exhibits considerable taxonomic instability. A pattern of under-recognition of outcrossing species may be common, not only in tomatoes, but across flowering plants. We discuss the possible causes and implications of this observation, with a focus on macroevolutionary inference.

Asymmetric behavioural responses to divergent vocal signals in allopatric Neotropical sparrows

Birdsongs are signals that encode information for multiple behaviours such as species recognition. Species recognition is influenced by both geographical variation in song and birds' discrimination abilities, forming the basis for evolutionary processes driving reproductive isolation and speciation. Here, we assessed the behavioural responses to geographical variation in songs in olive sparrows, Arremonops rufivirgatus . We conducted a series of playback experiments in two allopatric populations (Pacific, Peninsula) to assess whether olive sparrows responded differentially to geographical variants of their song and whether such responses could be predicted by the acoustic similarity between subject and stimulus songs. Our results indicate an asymmetrical behavioural response, with the Pacific population responding strongly to both local and allopatric stimuli and weakly to the control, and the Peninsula population responding strongly to local stimuli and weakly to both allopatric stimuli and the control. Furthermore, despite the birds' lack of previous experience with the playback stimulus songs, we found that response intensity was predicted by the acoustic similarity in both populations, with stronger responses to more similar songs, suggesting that males from different population may use a similar mechanism to recognize signals, despite whether the signal comes from conspecifics or heterospecifics. Our findings support the hypothesis that song divergence could act as a premating barrier for at least one of the studies populations, and that birds' responses are dictated by the structural similarity between senders' and receivers’ signals. • Isolated populations evolved differential perception abilities. • Males from different populations respond with different signals (vocal vs physical). • Behavioural response intensity is associated with song acoustic similitude. • Males recognize potential competitors using structural characteristics of the songs.

Adaptive markers distinguish North and South Pacific Albacore amid low population differentiation.

Albacore (Thunnus alalunga) support an economically valuable global fishery, but surprisingly little is known about the population structure of this highly migratory species. Physical tagging data suggest that Albacore from the North and South Pacific Ocean are separate stocks, but results from previous genetic studies did not support this two stock hypothesis. In addition, observed biological differences among juveniles suggest that there may be population substructure in the North Pacific. We used double‐digest restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing to assess population structure among 308 Albacore caught in 12 sample areas across the Pacific Ocean (10 North, 2 South). Since Albacore are highly migratory and spawning areas are unknown, sample groups were not assumed to be equivalent to populations and the genetic data were analyzed iteratively. We tested for putatively adaptive differences among groups and for genetic variation associated with sex. Results indicated that Albacore in the North and South Pacific can be distinguished using 84 putatively adaptive loci, but not using the remaining 12,788 presumed neutral sites. However, two individuals likely represent F1 hybrids between the North and South Pacific populations, and 43 Albacore potentially exhibit lower degrees of mixed ancestry. In addition, four or five cross‐hemisphere migrants were potentially identified. No genetic evidence was found for population substructure within the North Pacific, and no loci appeared to distinguish males from females. Potential functions for the putatively adaptive loci were identified, but an annotated Albacore genome is required for further exploration. Future research should try to locate spawning areas so that life history, demography, and genetic population structure can be linked and spatiotemporal patterns can be investigated.

Bone loss markers in the earliest Pacific Islanders

Kingdom of Tonga in Polynesia is one of the most obese nations where metabolic conditions, sedentary lifestyles, and poor quality diet are widespread. These factors can lead to poor musculoskeletal health. However, whether metabolic abnormalities such as osteoporosis occurred in archaeological populations of Tonga is unknown. We employed a microscopic investigation of femur samples to establish whether bone loss afflicted humans in this Pacific region approximately 3000 years ago. Histology, laser confocal microscopy, and synchrotron Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy were used to measure bone vascular canal densities, bone porosity, and carbonate and phosphate content of bone composition in eight samples extracted from adult Talasiu males and females dated to 2650 BP. Compared to males, samples from females had fewer vascular canals, lower carbonate and phosphate content, and higher bone porosity. Although both sexes showed evidence of trabecularised cortical bone, it was more widespread in females (35.5%) than males (15.8%). Our data suggest experiences of advanced bone resorption, possibly as a result of osteoporosis. This provides first evidence for microscopic bone loss in a sample of archaeological humans from a Pacific population widely afflicted by metabolic conditions today.

Examination of Racial and Ethnic Differences in Deceased Organ Donation Ratio Over Time in the US

Historically, deceased organ donation was lower among Black compared with White populations, motivating efforts to reduce racial disparities. The overarching effect of these efforts in Black and other racial/ethnic groups remains unclear. To examine changes in deceased organ donation over time. This population-based cohort study used data from January 1, 1999, through December 31, 2017, from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients to quantify the number of actual deceased organ donors, and from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research Detailed Mortality File to quantify the number of potential donors (individuals who died under conditions consistent with organ donation). Data were analyzed from December 2, 2019, to May 14, 2020. Race and ethnicity of deceased and potential donors. For each racial/ethnic group and year, a donation ratio was calculated as the number of actual deceased donors divided by the number of potential donors. Direct age and sex standardization was used to allow for group comparisons, and Poisson regression was used to quantify changes in donation ratio over time. A total of 141 534 deceased donors and 5 268 200 potential donors were included in the analysis. Among Black individuals, the donation ratio increased 2.58-fold from 1999 to 2017 (yearly change in adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR], 1.05; 95% CI, 1.05-1.05; P < .001). This increase was significantly greater than the 1.60-fold increase seen in White individuals. Nevertheless, substantial racial differences remained, with Black individuals still donating at only 69% the rate of White individuals in 2017 (P < .001). Among other racial minority populations, changes were less drastic. Deceased organ donation increased 1.80-fold among American Indian/Alaska Native and 1.40-fold among Asian or Pacific Islander populations, with substantial racial differences remaining in 2017 (American Indian/Alaska Native population donation at 28% and Asian/Pacific Islander population donation at 85% the rate of the White population). Deceased organ donation differences between Hispanic/Latino and non-Hispanic/Latino populations increased over time (4% lower in 2017). The findings of this cohort study suggest that differences in deceased organ donation between White and some racial minority populations have attenuated over time. The greatest gains were observed among Black individuals, who have been the primary targets of study and intervention. Despite improvements, substantial differences remain, suggesting that novel approaches are needed to understand and address relatively lower rates of deceased organ donation among all racial minorities.

Reducing Ethnic and Geographic Inequities to Optimise New Zealand Stroke Care (REGIONS Care): Protocol for a Nationwide Observational Study.

BackgroundStroke systems of care differ between larger urban and smaller rural settings and it is unclear to what extent this may impact on patient outcomes. Ethnicity influences stroke risk factors and care delivery as well as patient outcomes in nonstroke settings. Little is known about the impact of ethnicity on poststroke care, especially in Māori and Pacific populations.ObjectiveOur goal is to describe the protocol for the Reducing Ethnic and Geographic Inequities to Optimise New Zealand Stroke Care (REGIONS Care) study.MethodsThis large, nationwide observational study assesses the impact of rurality and ethnicity on best practice stroke care access and outcomes involving all 28 New Zealand hospitals caring for stroke patients, by capturing every stroke patient admitted to hospital during the 2017-2018 study period. In addition, it explores current access barriers through consumer focus groups and consumer, carer, clinician, manager, and policy-maker surveys. It also assesses the economic impact of care provided at different types of hospitals and to patients of different ethnicities and explores the cost-efficacy of individual interventions and care bundles. Finally, it compares manual data collection to routine health administrative data and explores the feasibility of developing outcome models using only administrative data and the cost-efficacy of using additional manually collected registry data. Regarding sample size estimates, in Part 1, Study A, 2400 participants are needed to identify a 10% difference between up to four geographic subgroups at 90% power with an α value of .05 and 10% to 20% loss to follow-up. In Part 1, Study B, a sample of 7645 participants was expected to include an estimated 850 Māori and 419 Pacific patients and to provide over 90% and over 80% power, respectively. Regarding Part 2, 50% of the patient or carer surveys, 40 provider surveys, and 10 focus groups were needed to achieve saturation of themes. The main outcome is the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 3 months. Secondary outcomes include mRS scores; EQ-5D-3L (5-dimension, 3-level EuroQol questionnaire) scores; stroke recurrence; vascular events; death; readmission at 3, 6, and 12 months; cost of care; and themes around access barriers.ResultsThe study is underway, with national and institutional ethics approvals in place. A total of 2379 patients have been recruited for Part 1, Study A; 6837 patients have been recruited for Part 1, Study B; 10 focus groups have been conducted and 70 surveys have been completed in Part 2. Data collection has essentially been completed, including follow-up assessment; however, primary and secondary analyses, data linkage, data validation, and health economics analysis are still underway.ConclusionsThe methods of this study may provide the basis for future epidemiological studies that will guide care improvements in other countries and populations.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/25374

Evidence That Microorganisms at the Animal-Water Interface Drive Sea Star Wasting Disease.

Sea star wasting (SSW) disease describes a condition affecting asteroids that resulted in significant Northeastern Pacific population decline following a mass mortality event in 2013. The etiology of SSW is unresolved. We hypothesized that SSW is a sequela of microbial organic matter remineralization near respiratory surfaces, one consequence of which may be limited O2 availability at the animal-water interface. Microbial assemblages inhabiting tissues and at the asteroid-water interface bore signatures of copiotroph proliferation before SSW onset, followed by the appearance of putatively facultative and strictly anaerobic taxa at the time of lesion genesis and as animals died. SSW lesions were induced in Pisaster ochraceus by enrichment with a variety of organic matter (OM) sources. These results together illustrate that depleted O2 conditions at the animal-water interface may be established by heterotrophic microbial activity in response to organic matter loading. SSW was also induced by modestly (∼39%) depleted O2 conditions in aquaria, suggesting that small perturbations in dissolved O2 may exacerbate the condition. SSW susceptibility between species was significantly and positively correlated with surface rugosity, a key determinant of diffusive boundary layer thickness. Tissues of SSW-affected individuals collected in 2013–2014 bore δ15N signatures reflecting anaerobic processes, which suggests that this phenomenon may have affected asteroids during mass mortality at the time. The impacts of enhanced microbial activity and subsequent O2 diffusion limitation may be more pronounced under higher temperatures due to lower O2 solubility, in more rugose asteroid species due to restricted hydrodynamic flow, and in larger specimens due to their lower surface area to volume ratios which affects diffusive respiratory potential.