Search

Intertidal groundwater springs provide thermally stable, nutrient‐rich freshwater that causes fine‐scale variability in water temperature and salinity and promotes biodiversity in coastal estuaries and lagoons. In this study, we combined three thermal sensing techniques to elucidate summer water temperature patterns at the mouths of intertidal groundwater springs and the ambient coastal lagoon in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Thermal infrared imagery captured the spatiotemporal variability in relative temperatures of the lagoon channel and cold‐water plumes from the springs. Thermal anomalies due to the springs were detected at the surface throughout a tidal cycle, suggesting that the thermal plumes were buoyant. Fiber‐optic distributed temperature sensing paired with temperature loggers near the spring outlets recorded groundwater temperatures at low tide (~ 7°C) but ambient lagoon temperatures (up to 26°C) at high tide due to the vertical thermal gradient in the stratified water column. Calculated estuarine Richardson numbers throughout the study confirm intertidal spring buoyancy due to salinity differences. The fiber‐optic distributed temperature sensing results revealed pronounced variations in temperature as evidenced by spatial (3.7°C) and temporal (5.5°C) standard deviations over the cable length during the study and lower mean lagoon bed water temperatures at high tide (22.5°C) than low tide (24.3°C) due to heat advection from tidal pumping. Lagoon temperatures fluctuate at diurnal (solar) and semi‐diurnal (tidal) frequencies. The findings emphasize the efficacy of a multi‐technology approach to reveal fine‐scale and dynamic thermal processes that drive temperature patterns and habitat distribution in coastal lagoon ecosystems and highlight the thermal influence of intertidal springs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study assessed the ecological validity of the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS 2.0) with ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and explored the internal consistency and convergent validity of a momentary food addiction scale. Method: Adults (N = 49) who met criteria for binge-eating disorder and/or food addiction (age = 34.9 ± 12.1 years; 77.1% cisgender female; 55.1% non-Hispanic White) completed online questionnaires and a 10-day EMA protocol. Analyses examined (a) associations between the YFAS 2.0 and EMA-measured variables corresponding to food addiction criteria, (b) reliability of a momentary food addiction scale (EMA-FA), and (c) concurrent associations between EMA-FA and EMA-measured negative affect, impulsivity, eating expectancies, body satisfaction, consumption of palatable food, and taste response to palatable food. Results: YFAS scores were associated with EMA-reported variables corresponding to food addiction criteria (ps <.045). The multilevel reliability for EMA-FA was adequate (ω =.75–.94). Individuals with higher EMA-FA scores reported greater negative affect, impulsivity, appetite, palatable food consumption, taste response to palatable food, and contrary to expectations, greater body satisfaction (ps <.01). Within-person effects emerged for EMA-FA predicting higher negative affect, impulsivity, likelihood of palatable food consumption, more pleasurable taste responses after consuming palatable foods, yet lower body satisfaction, appetite, and eating expectancies (ps <.01). Conclusions: Results support the ecological validity of the YFAS 2.0, and additional evidence of convergent validity and internal consistency was demonstrated for a momentary food addiction scale. This assessment of the psychometric properties of the YFAS will ultimately further its utility and relevance in the study and diagnosis of food addiction. Public Health Significance Statement: By examining the ecological validity of the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS 2.0), this study contributes to the growing body of literature on food addiction, a condition that has been linked to binge eating, psychosocial impairment, as well as obesity, a continually rising public health problem (Gearhardt et al., 2011, 2012). This topic is especially important given that obesity and dysregulated eating behaviors such as binge eating disproportionately affect those with food insecurity and individuals of lower socioeconomic status (Christensen et al., 2021). Further, by evaluating the psychometric properties of YFAS 2.0, this study provided further support for the YFAS 2.0 to be used more broadly in clinical settings to detect symptoms of food addiction in these disadvantaged populations. Finally, this study recruited a diverse sample, and we were able to explore eating behaviors that are prevalent in racial minorities and women, both subsets of people that persistently experienced social disadvantage, discrimination, and health disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disordered eating behaviors consistently associated with emotion regulation difficulties. However, most studies have focused on affect intensity without considering dynamic affective patterns. We examined these patterns in relation to daily overeating, loss of control eating (LOCE), dietary restraint, and food craving in young adults using ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Adults (N = 24) completed a 10-day EMA protocol during which they reported momentary affect and eating patterns. Generalized linear mixed-models examined each index in relation to eating variable. Higher PA instability (within-person) was associated with higher ratings of binge-eating symptoms (B = 0.15, SE = 0.06, p = 0.007). Lower NA differentiation (within-person) was associated with higher levels of food craving (B = −10.11, SE = 4.74, p = 0.033). Our results support previous findings suggesting that acute fluctuations in PA may increase risk of binge-eating symptoms. Further, inability to differentiate between momentary states of NA was associated with cravings. This study highlights the importance of examining multiple facets of NA and PA in relation to eating regulation. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02945475. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With increasingly intense marine heatwaves affecting nearshore regions, foundation species are coming under increasing stress. To better understand their impacts, we examine responses of critical, habitat-forming foundation species (macroalgae, seagrass, corals) to marine heatwaves in 1322 shallow coastal areas located across 85 marine ecoregions. We find compelling evidence that intense, summer marine heatwaves play a significant role in the decline of foundation species globally. Critically, detrimental effects increase towards species warm-range edges and over time. We also identify several ecoregions where foundation species don't respond to marine heatwaves, suggestive of some resilience to warming events. Cumulative marine heatwave intensity, absolute temperature, and location within a species' range are key factors mediating impacts. Our results suggest many coastal ecosystems are losing foundation species, potentially impacting associated biodiversity, ecological function, and ecosystem services provision. Understanding relationships between marine heatwaves and foundation species offers the potential to predict impacts that are critical for developing management and adaptation approaches. To better understand the impacts of marine heatwaves in coastal ecosystems, this study examined the responses of habitat-forming species (macroalgae, seagrass, and corals) to heatwave events in 1322 areas across 85 marine ecoregions. The results suggest marine heatwaves play a key role in the decline of habitat-forming species globally, although some areas exhibit a level of resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: National and international guidelines on frailty assessment and management recommend frailty screening in older people. This study aimed to determine how Brazilian healthcare professionals (HCPs) identify and manage frailty in practice. Methods: An anonymous online survey on the assessment and management of frailty was circulated virtually through HCPs across Brazil. Results: Most of the respondants used non-specific criteria such as gait speed (45%), handgrip strength (37.6%), and comprehensive geriatric assessment (33.2%). The use of frailty-specific criteria was lower than 50%. The most frequently used criteria were the Frailty Index (19.1%), Frailty Phenotype (13.2%), and FRAIL (12.5%). Only 43.5% felt confident, and 40% had a plan to manage frailty. In the multivariate-adjusted models, training was the most crucial factor associated with assessing frailty, confidence, and having a management plan (p < 0.001 for all). Those with fewer years of experience were more likely to evaluate frailty (p = 0.009). Being a doctor increased the chance of using a specific tool; the opposite was true for dietitians (p = 0.03). Those who assisted more older people had a higher likelihood of having a plan (p = 0.011). Conclusion: Frailty assessment was heterogeneous among healthcare professions groups, predominantly using non-specific criteria. Training contributed to frailty assessment, use of specific criteria, confidence, and having a management plan. This data informs the need for standardized screening criteria and management plans for frailty, in association with increasing training at the national level for all the HCPs who assist older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium channels of the Two-Pore Domain (K2P) subfamily, KCNK1-KCNK18, play crucial roles in controlling the electrical activity of many different cell types and represent attractive therapeutic targets. However, the identification of highly selective small molecule drugs against these channels has been challenging due to the high degree of structural and functional conservation that exists not only between K2P channels, but across the whole K+ channel superfamily. To address the issue of selectivity, here we generate camelid antibody fragments (nanobodies) against the TREK-2 (KCNK10) K2P K+ channel and identify selective binders including several that directly modulate channel activity. X-ray crystallography and CryoEM data of these nanobodies in complex with TREK-2 also reveal insights into their mechanisms of activation and inhibition via binding to the extracellular loops and Cap domain, as well as their suitability for immunodetection. These structures facilitate design of a biparatropic inhibitory nanobody with markedly improved sensitivity. Together, these results provide important insights into TREK channel gating and provide an alternative, more selective approach to modulation of K2P channel activity via their extracellular domains. K2P channels are important regulators of cellular electrical activity. Here the authors show how nanobody fragments can be used to detect and modulate TREK2 K2P channel activity to provide insight into the mechanism of gating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frailty is a common condition that leads to multiple adverse outcomes. Frailty should be identified and managed in a holistic, evidence-based and patient-centered way. We aimed to understand how UK healthcare professionals (HCPs) identify and manage frailty in comparison with UK Fit for Frailty guidelines, their frailty training, their confidence in providing support and organizational pathways for this. An online mixed-methods survey was distributed to UK HCPs supporting older people through professional bodies, special interest groups, key contacts, and social media. From 137 responses, HCPs valued frailty assessment but used a mixture of tools that varied by profession. HCPs felt confident managing frailty and referred older people to a wide range of supportive services, but acknowledged a lack of formalized training opportunities, systems, and pathways for frailty management. Clearer pathways, more training, and stronger interprofessional communication, appropriate to each setting, may further support HCPs in frailty management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Greater perceived social support (PSS) is associated with more favorable changes in weight loss, activity behaviors, and eating regulation after metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). However, studies have relied on generic, retrospective PSS measures, and stability of PSS levels and relations with weight loss and weight‐related behaviors over time is unknown. Using smartphone‐based Ecological Momentary Assessment, this study evaluated pre‐to 1‐year post‐MBS changes in daily weight management‐focused PSS and associations with weight loss, device‐measured activity behaviors, and eating regulation before and during the initial year after MBS. Method: Adult MBS patients (n = 71) received (1) an accelerometer to measure daily moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time (ST) minutes/day, and (2) a smartphone to complete morning weight‐focused PSS ratings and eating regulation (dietary restraint/disinhibition) ratings at four semi‐random times daily for 10 days at pre‐ and 3, 6, and 12‐month postoperative. Generalized linear mixed models analyzed the associations of PSS with total weight loss (%TWL) and activity/eating outcomes. Results: Participants on average reported relatively stable moderate‐to‐high PSS (3.98 on one to five scale) across assessments. Perceived social support was not related to %TWL, MVPA, or ST. Participants with higher PSS reported lower disinhibition and higher restraint than those with lower PSS (ps < 0.05); however, participants reported higher restraint on days that PSS was lower than their usual levels (p = 0.009). Conclusions: MBS patients on average had stable PSS levels across time. Higher PSS levels were associated with greater resistance to overeating cues (disinhibition) and cognitive control to restrict food intake (restraint) over time. Additionally, participants reported higher restraint when PSS levels were lower than usual. Overall, weight‐focused PSS appeared to hold greater importance in relation to regulating eating behavior than engaging in activity behaviors or weight loss among MBS patients during the initial postoperative year. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT02777177. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change, land degradation and inadequate soil nutrients pose significant threats to food security and agricultural sustainability. This study aims to examine the effects of planting basins with farmyard manure on soil total carbon (C), nitrogen (N), isotopic C (d13C) and N (d15N) compositions within smallholder-managed farms in Makueni County, Kenya. The study involved two management practices: planting basins with manure (PM) and conventional farming practices (FP) in 12 experimental sites. Soil samples were taken at three depths (0-10, 10-20 and 20-40 cm), with three replicates for each treatment. Significant interactions were observed between land management practices and sites as well as land management practices and soil depth on soil total C and N. At each of the 12 sites, soil total C was higher under PM (ranging from 0.44% to 1.86%, p < .05) than FP management (ranging from 0.35% to 1.37%), across all soil depths. Soil total N concentrations ranged from 0.027% to 0.100% under FP and (0.060% to 0.190%, p < .05) under PM management. Across soil depths, higher (less negative) soil d13C values were observed under conventional farmer practice (range - 22.5? to -17.1?) compared with PM management range (-24.3? to -18.1?). Soil d15N was significantly enriched under PM management (range: 7.4? to 12.6?, p < .05) compared with the conventional farmer practices (range: 6.1? to 9.8?, p < .05). The findings show that planting basins with farmyard manure offers both climate mitigation and adaptation benefits by increasing soil C contents and improving soil fertility. The study provides insights into the real-world implications of these practices, emphasizing the potential of planting basins with manure in enhancing soil quality and climate resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine foundation species underpin some of the world's most diverse ecosystems but they are increasingly threatened by intensification of marine heatwaves (MHWs). Where MHWs exceed critical thermal maxima (CTmax), increased mortality and population declines can occur. CTmax is increasingly used to assess MHW population vulnerability but studies estimating CTmax across species, range edges and thermal histories in a comparable manner remain lacking. We determined the impact of MHWs on subsequent CTmax estimates of matched cool/warm affinity pairs of marine foundation species (kelp, seagrass and bivalves) in the Western English Channel. Following a 4‐week MHW simulation, individuals were subjected to a CTmax trial, where temperatures were raised by 2°C day−1 until physiological end points were reached. We found no positive effect of MHWs on CTmax but clear negative impacts were observed for some groups of foundation species. Increased MHW intensity had a stepwise negative impact on the physiology of both warm (Laminaria ochroleuca) and cool water (L. digitata) kelp species that manifested in significant reductions in CTmax. Surprisingly, this was most marked in the warm water species, which runs opposite to the assumed safety of leading‐edge populations. The physiology of warm (Zostera noltii) and cool (Z. marina) seagrasses was negatively impacted by increasing MHW intensity but no significant decrease in CTmax was observed. Both bivalve species (Mytilus edulis and Magallana gigas) showed marked resistance to exposure to MHWs, which was unexpected given the observed vulnerability of these species to stressful summertime conditions. Our results show pre‐exposure to realistic MHWs can influence CTmax values but generalities are difficult to make across groups or based on assumed thermal safety margins. We show CTmax is a labile trait and exposure to MHWs, can erode the resilience of an individual or population to subsequent thermal challenges. This leaves uncertainty within frameworks built to understand where and when MHWs will be most impactful. Further experimentation across a wider range of species and thermal challenges is needed to better understand the dynamic nature of CTmax and field validation is needed to determine the responses of individuals and populations within complex natural systems. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore anticipated and unanticipated outcomes of Leadership Circles (LC), a multi-institutional leadership development program that moves beyond traditional workshops and enables participants to tackle real-world academic leadership challenges., Methods: LC goals included addressing leadership challenges, applying leadership frameworks, providing feedback, seeking advice, and expanding networks. LC participants were recruited from the AACP Leadership Development Special Interest Group and were convened by faculty who had previously participated in an LC. Virtual small group consultations involved rotating assigned roles for each session. To gather observations on the mechanisms that supported LC functioning and outcomes, a case study approach was used, and a formal evaluation was conducted, including two focus groups with six LC Advisors. Focus group transcripts were analyzed using deductive coding with an established taxonomy to identify outcomes and thematic analysis was used to develop themes., Results: Six LCs totaling 37 members from 33 institutions met during the 2022-2023 academic year. Sessions involved applying concepts in real, complex, emotionally charged situations, enabling members to share challenges, seek advice, and see immediate effects, increasing their investment and the practical application of leadership frameworks (Theme 1). The virtual format fostered relationship building and rapid learning in a cost-effective environment (Theme 2). Members demonstrated vulnerability and sustained commitment at a level that surprised LC Advisors (Theme 3). Cognitive, environment, relationship and affect outcomes were identified., Conclusion: LCs were reported as an accessible, engaging, and flexible approach to leadership development. Unanticipated outcomes included the development of supportive and enduring relationships., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Research participants value learning how their data contributions are advancing health research (ie, data stories). The All of Us Research Program gathered insights from program staff to learn what research topics they think are of interest to participants, what support staff need to communicate data stories, and how staff use data story dissemination tools., Materials and Methods: Using an online 25-item assessment, we collected information from All of Us staff at 7 Federally Qualified Health Centers., Results: Topics of greatest interest or relevance included income insecurity (83%), diabetes (78%), and mental health (78%). Respondents prioritized in-person outreach in the community (70%) as a preferred setting to share data stories. Familiarity with available dissemination tools varied., Discussion: Responses support prioritizing materials for in-person outreach and training staff how to use dissemination tools., Conclusion: The findings will inform All of Us communication strategy, content, materials, and staff training resources to effectively deliver data stories as return of value to participants., (Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Medical Informatics Association 2024.)

Background: Obesity prevalence in youth with spina bifida is higher than in their typically developing peers. Obesity is associated with lifelong medical, psychological, and economic burdens. Successful prevention or treatment of obesity in individuals with spina bifida is compromised by (1) the lack of valid and reliable methods to identify body fat in a clinical setting and (2) limited data on energy expenditure that are necessary to provide daily caloric recommendations., Objective: The objectives of this study will be to develop 2 algorithms for use in youth with spina bifida in a clinical setting, one to model body fat and one to predict total daily energy expenditure. In addition, physical activity and dietary intake will be described for the sample., Methods: This multisite, prospective, national clinical study will enroll 232 youth with myelomeningocele aged 5 to 18 years (stratified by age and mobility). Participants will be enrolled for 1 week. Data obtained include 4 measures of body composition, up to 5 height measures, a ramped activity protocol, and a nutrition and physical activity screener. Participants will wear an accelerometer for the week. On the final study day, 2 samples of urine or saliva, which complete the doubly labeled water protocol, will be obtained. The analysis will include descriptive statistics, Bland-Altman plots, concordance correlation, and regression analysis., Results: The study received extramural federal funding in July 2019. Data collection was initiated in March 2020. As of April 2024, a total of 143 (female participants: n=76, 53.1%; male participants: n=67, 46.9%) out of 232 participants have been enrolled. Data collection is expected to continue throughout 2024. A no-cost extension until November 2025 will be requested for data analysis and dissemination of findings., Conclusions: This study furthers previous pilot work that confirmed the acceptability and feasibility of obtaining alternate height, body composition, and energy expenditure measures. The findings from this study will enhance screening, prevention, and treatment of abnormal weight status by facilitating the accurate identification of youths' weight status category and recommendations of daily caloric needs for this population that is at higher risk of obesity. Furthermore, the findings have the potential to impact outcomes for youth diagnosed with disabilities other than spina bifida who experience similar challenges related to alterations in body composition or fat distribution or measurement challenges secondary to mobility issues or musculoskeletal problems., International Registered Report Identifier (irrid): DERR1-10.2196/52779., (©Michele Polfuss, Kathryn Smith, Betsy Hopson, Andrea Moosreiner, Chiang-Ching Huang, Michele N Ravelli, Dan Ding, Zijian Huang, Brandon G Rocque, Rosemary White-Traut, Alexander Van Speybroeck, Kathleen J Sawin. Originally published in JMIR Research Protocols (https://www.researchprotocols.org), 02.07.2024.)

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) of binge-eating symptoms has deepened our understanding of eating disorders. However, there has been a lack of attention on the psychometrics of EMA binge-eating symptom measures. This paper focused on evaluating the psychometric properties of a four-item binge-eating symptom measure, including multilevel factor structure, reliability, and convergent validity. Forty-nine adults with binge-eating disorder and/or food addiction completed baseline questionnaires and a 10-day EMA protocol. During EMA, participants completed assessments of eating episodes, including four binge-eating symptom items. Analyses included multilevel exploratory factor analysis, computation of omega and intraclass correlation coefficients, and multilevel structural equation models of associations between contextual factors and binge-eating symptoms. A one within-subject factor solution fit the data and showed good multilevel reliability and adequate within-subjects variability. EMA binge-eating symptoms were associated with baseline binge-eating measures as well as relevant EMA eating characteristics: including greater unhealthful food and drink intake; higher perceived taste of food; lower likelihood to be planned eating; and lower likelihood of eating to occur at work/school and other locations and greater likelihood to occur at restaurants compared to home. In conclusion, the study findings support the psychometrics of a 4-item one-factor EMA measure of binge-eating symptoms., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Study Objectives: Advances in prenatal repair of myelomeningocele (MMC) have improved outcomes involving different organ systems. There is limited data on respiratory outcomes following prenatal surgical repair. We hypothesize there is no difference in respiratory outcomes between spina bifida (SB) patients who have undergone prenatal versus postnatal repair., Methods: We performed a retrospective study of 46 infants <1 year with SB seen at Children's Hospital Los Angeles from 2004-2022. Demographic data, timing of closure, neonatal course, Chiari II malformation (CIIM), ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS), polysomnography (PSG) results, and need for supplemental oxygen were collected. Unpaired t-test and Chi-square Test were used to analyze results., Results: 31/46 had prenatal repair of MMC; average age at repair was 27 weeks post-conception (PCA). Average age at postnatal repair was 37 PCA. There was no difference in age at PSG. There was no difference in CIIM presence (p=0.61). 60% of patients with postnatal repair and 23% in the prenatal group underwent VPS placement (p=0.01)., There was no difference in PSG findings between the two groups: CAI (p=0.11), OAHI (p=0.64), average SpO 2 baseline (p=0.91), average SpO 2 nadir (p=0.17), average P ET CO 2 baseline (p=0.87), and average P ET CO 2 maximum (p=0.54). There were no significant differences in the proportion of patients on supplemental O 2 (p=0.25), CSA or OSA between groups., Conclusions: Patients with SB who've undergone closure of neural tube defect have persistent central apneas, obstructive apneas, and significant hypoxemia. There were no differences in the frequency or severity of sleep-disordered breathing in those with prenatal repair versus postnatal repair., (© 2024 American Academy of Sleep Medicine.)