Predicting the distribution and abundance of abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) in the deep sea of the Azores (North Atlantic).

Abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG), represents a significant percentage of the global plastic pollution, currently considered one of the major sources from sea-based activities. However, there is still limited understanding of the quantities of ALDFG present on the seafloor and their impacts. In this study, data on the presence of ALDFG was obtained from a large archive of seafloor video footage (351 dives) collected by different imaging platforms in the Azores region over 15 years (2006-2020). Most ALDFG items observed in the images relate to the local bottom longline fishery operating in the region, and include longlines but also anchors, weights, cables and buoys. A generalized additive mixed model (GAMM) was used to predict the distribution and abundance of ALDFG over the seafloor within the limits of the Azores Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) using a suite of environmental and anthropogenic variables. We estimated an average of 113 ± 310 items km-2 (597 ± 756 per km-2 above 1000 m depth), which could imply that over 20 million ALDFG items are present on the deep seafloor of the Azores EEZ. The resulting model identified potential hotspots of ALDFG along the seabed, some of them located over sensitive benthic habitats, such as specific seamounts. In addition, the interactions between ALDFG and benthic organisms were also analysed. Numerous entanglements were observed with several species of large anthozoans and sponges. The use of predictive distribution modelling for ALDFG should be regarded as a useful tool to support ecosystem-based management, which can provide indirect information about fishing pressure and allow the identification of potential high-risk areas. Additional knowledge about the sources, amounts, fates and impacts of ALDFG will be key to address the global issue of plastic pollution and the effects of fishing on marine ecosystems.

Recipient and instructor perspectives of an adapted exercise-based fall prevention programme for adults aged 50+ years with vision impairment: a qualitative study nested within a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Older adults with vision impairment currently have no access to tailored fall prevention programmes. Therefore, the purpose of this study, nested within an ongoing randomised controlled trial (RCT), is to document the adaptation of an existing fall prevention programme and investigate the perspectives of instructors involved in delivery and the older adults with vision impairment receiving the programme (recipients). DESIGN: We documented programme adaptations and training requirements, and conducted semistructured, individual interviews with both the instructors and the recipients of the programme from 2017 to 2019. The content of each interview was analysed using behaviour change theory through deductive qualitative analysis. SETTING: New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: The 11 trained instructors interviewed were employees of a vision rehabilitation organisation and had delivered at least one programme session as part of the RCT. The 154 recipients interviewed were community-dwelling adults aged ≥50 years with vision impairment and no diagnosis of dementia, and had completed their participation in the programme as part of the intervention group of the RCT. RESULTS: Six key themes were identified relating to recipient (delivery aptitude, social norms, habit formation) and instructor (individualised adaptation, complimentary to scope of practice, challenges to delivery) perspectives. With initial training, instructors required minimal ongoing support to deliver the programme and made dynamic adaptations to suit the individual circumstances of each recipient, but cited challenges delivering the number of programme activities required. Recipient perspectives varied; however, most appreciated the delivery of the programme by instructors who understood the impact of vision impairment. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This novel qualitative study demonstrates that the adapted programme, delivered by instructors, who already have expertise delivering individualised programmes to older people with vision impairment, may fill the gap for a fall prevention programme in this population. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12616001186448.

First record of the opal chimaera, Chimaera opalescens (Holocephali: Chimaeridae) and revision of the occurrence of the rabbitfish Chimaera monstrosa in the Azores waters.

The presence of the opal chimaera, Chimaera opalescens, is reported for the first time in the deep waters of the Azores, with the capture of four specimens by fishermen and the video recording of an additional five individuals. Species identification was supported by the 646 bp sequenced fragment of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase subunit I. Because C. opalescens is a recently recognised species that had been recurrently misidentified as rabbitfish, Chimaera monstrosa, the historical data of C. monstrosa in the Azores were reviewed to assess the possible presence of both Chimaera species in the region. Although several authors have reported the occurrence of C. monstrosa in the Azorean waters since the 1800s, the majority of these are based on only three specimens caught during the late 1800s. The investigation performed using literature and examination of the museum specimens still available concluded that the most likely scenario is that C. monstrosa is absent from the Azores and past records of that species in the region are most likely misidentifications of C. opalescens.

New phagotrophic euglenids from deep sea and surface waters of the Atlantic Ocean (Keelungia nitschei, Petalomonas acorensis, Ploeotia costaversata).

New phagotrophic euglenoid species from marine surface waters and the deep sea were isolated and described by light and scanning electron microscopy and 18S rDNA sequencing: Keelungia nitschei, Petalomonas acorensis and Ploeotia costaversata. The morphological characteristics of Keelungia nitschei agree with Keelungia pulex besides the slightly truncated anterior front of the cell of our strain. Phylogenetic analysis indicated low sequence similarity between K. nitschei and K. pulex (87.3%). Ploeotia costaversata clustered within the Ploeotia costata clade with a sequence similarity of 96.1% to P. costata strain Tam. Ultrastructural characteristics of our strain revealed helically twisted strips towards both poles of the protoplast. 18S rDNA phylogenies showed that Petalomonas acorensis is related to the clade of Petalomonas cantuscygni/Scytomonas saepesedens with the highest sequence similarity of 81.2% to P. cantuscygni. Six pellicle strips are visible, while two of them reach only the middle of the cell and four (two longitudinal, two helically twisted) join at the posterior front of the cell. Pressure experiments showed that the deep-sea strain K. nitschei was better adapted to high hydrostatic pressures (up to 500 bar) at 4 °C than the two surface water strains. All three strains increased the database (18S rDNA) of the underrepresented group of phagotrophic euglenids.

Bioinspired dual-morphing stretchable origami.

Nature demonstrates adaptive and extreme shape morphing via unique patterns of movement. Many of them have been explained by monolithic shape-changing mechanisms, such as chemical swelling, skin stretching, origami/kirigami morphing, or geometric eversion, that were successfully mimicked in artificial analogs. However, there still remains an unexplored regime of natural morphing that cannot be reproduced in artificial systems by a "single-mode" morphing mechanism. One example is the "dual-mode" morphing of Eurypharynx pelecanoides (commonly known as the pelican eel), which first unfolds and then inflates its mouth to maximize the probability of engulfing the prey. Here, we introduce pelican eel-inspired dual-morphing architectures that embody quasi-sequential behaviors of origami unfolding and skin stretching in response to fluid pressure. In the proposed system, fluid paths were enclosed and guided by a set of entirely stretchable origami units that imitate the morphing principle of the pelican eel's stretchable and foldable frames. This geometric and elastomeric design of fluid networks, in which fluid pressure acts in the direction that the whole body deploys first, resulted in a quasi-sequential dual-morphing response. To verify the effectiveness of our design rule, we built an artificial creature mimicking a pelican eel and reproduced biomimetic dual-morphing behavior. By compositing the basic dual-morphing unit cells into conventional origami frames, we demonstrated architectures of soft machines that exhibit deployment-combined adaptive gripping, crawling, and large range of underwater motion. This design principle may provide guidance for designing bioinspired, adaptive, and extreme shape-morphing systems.

Validating the accuracy of an activity monitor in a visually impaired older population.

PURPOSE: Activity monitors have been used to objectively measure physical activity and its association with visual impairment in older adults. However, there is limited understanding of the accuracy of activity monitors in people with low vision. This study investigated the accuracy of an activity monitor compared with manual step counting in a low vision population and sought to find the most accurate placement location for the device. METHODS: We recruited 32 individuals aged 50 years and older with low vision. ActiGraph activity monitors were secured bilaterally on the wrists, ankles, and hips of each participant, who then walked a flat, linear course in their home at a comfortable pace for 4 min, using any necessary assistive device such as a long cane, support cane, or guide dog. Steps were counted using a hand-held tally counter. ActiGraph-measured step data from the 4-min period were downloaded using the standard and low frequency filters at 1 epoch s-1 through ActiLife. RESULTS: Of the 32 participants, 20 (63%) were female, median visual acuity was 1.48 logMAR (6/180 Snellen), average age was 73 (standard deviation, S.D., 9) years, average body mass index was 28.9 (S.D. 7.0) kg m-2 , and 47% of participants used an assistive device. Average distance for the test course was 10.9 (S.D. 3.4) m and participants completed an average of 368 (S.D. 68) steps during the 4 min. The number of steps recorded by the two, bilaterally-worn devices at each location were averaged. Ankle, hip, and wrist activity monitors detected 85% (interquartile range, IQR 76-94%), 56% (IQR 39-85%), and 56% (IQR 43-69%), respectively, of directly-observed steps when using the standard ActiGraph filter. Detected steps more closely matched directly observed steps for all placement sites when the low-frequency ActiGraph filter was applied: 101% (IQR 99-104%) at the ankle, 94% (IQR 85-101%) at the hip, and 83% (IQR 72-94%) at the wrist. Bland-Altman plots showed greater levels of agreement between ActiGraph-recorded and directly-observed steps at faster walking speeds. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that the most accurate location of activity monitor placement is the ankle and that when using the low-frequency filter the level of agreement becomes more acceptable on the wrist and hip, in this population. Use of the low activity filter can help minimise inaccurate calculation of steps in people with low vision, particularly those who walk slowly.

PrevenTing Falls in a high-risk, vision-impaired population through specialist ORientation and Mobility services: protocol for the PlaTFORM randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Older people with vision impairment have significant ongoing morbidity, including risk of falls, but are neglected in fall prevention programmes. PlaTFORM is a pragmatic evaluation of the Lifestyle-integrated Functional Exercise fall prevention programme for older people with vision impairment or blindness (v-LiFE). Implementation and scalability issues will also be investigated. METHODS: PlaTFORM is a single-blinded, randomised trial designed to evaluate the v-LiFE programme compared with usual care. Primary outcomes are fall rate over 12 months, measured using prospective monthly fall calendars, and function and participation assessed by the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument (Late-Life FDI) Function component. The secondary outcome is rate of falls requiring medical care. Activity-normalised fall rate will be estimated using accelerometer-measured physical activity data. EuroQol 5-dimension 5-level questionnaire will measure quality of life and impact of falls. Health record linkage will estimate resource use associated with falls. v-LiFE cost-effectiveness will be determined compared with usual care. 500 participants (250 per group) can provide 90% power to detect a significant between-group difference in fall rates; 588 will be recruited to allow for drop-out. Falls per person-year and Late-Life FDI will be compared between groups. DISCUSSION: PlaTFORM will determine if falls can be prevented among older people with vision loss through a home-based exercise programme. v-LiFE embeds balance and strength training within everyday activities with the aim of preventing falls. The study will also determine whether the programme can be effectively delivered by personnel who provide Orientation and Mobility training for people with vision impairment. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12616001186448p.

Normal tissue sparing in a phase II trial on daily adaptive plan selection in radiotherapy for urinary bladder cancer.

UNLABELLED: Background: Patients with urinary bladder cancer often display large changes in the shape and size of their bladder target during a course of radiotherapy (RT), making adaptive RT (ART) appealing for this tumour site. We are conducting a clinical phase II trial of daily plan selection-based ART for bladder cancer and here report dose-volume data from the first 20 patients treated in the trial. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients received 60 Gy in 30 fractions to the bladder; in 13 of the patients the pelvic lymph nodes were simultaneously treated to 48 Gy. Daily patient set-up was by use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) guidance. The first 5 fractions were delivered with large, population-based (non-adaptive) margins. The bladder contours from the CBCTs acquired in the first 4 fractions were used to create a patient-specific library of three plans, corresponding to a small, medium and large size bladder. From fraction 6, daily online plan selection was performed, where the smallest plan covering the bladder was selected prior to each treatment delivery. A total of 600 treatment fractions in the 20 patients were evaluated. RESULTS: Small, medium and large size plans were used almost equally often, with an average of 10, 9 and 11 fractions, respectively. The median volume ratio of the course-averaged PTV (PTV-ART) relative to the non-adaptive PTV was 0.70 (range: 0.46-0.89). A linear regression analysis showed a 183 cm(3) (CI 143-223 cm(3)) reduction in PTV-ART compared to the non-adaptive PTV (R(2) = 0.94). CONCLUSION: Daily adaptive plan selection in RT of bladder cancer results in a considerable normal tissue sparing, of a magnitude that we expect will translate into a clinically significant reduction of the treatment-related morbidity.

Protein and energy metabolism of young male Wistar rats fed conjugated linoleic acid as structured triacylglycerol.

Twelve 4-week-old male Wistar rats weighing 100 g were fed diets semi-ad libitum for 22 d containing either 1.5% conjugated linoleic acid (CLA-diet) or high oleic sunflower oil (Control-diet). The CLA was structured triacylglycerol with predominantly cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 fatty acid isomers in the inner position and oleic acid in the other positions of the glycerol molecule. The rats were kept individually in metabolic cages. From days 8-16 energy, nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) balances as well as gas exchange measurements in open-air circuit respiration chambers were performed. CLA had no significant influence on feed intake, daily gain in weight or feed conversion efficiency, but the digestibility of nutrients and energy was significantly reduced (except for fat). CLA did not affect N-balance, but reduced the level of daily retained fat (RQ-method: 0.107 vs. 0.417 g/d, p < 0.01) and consequently energy retention in fat. This was explained by increased heat production (HP, RQ-method: 224.6 vs. 214.6 kJ/d, p < 0.001) caused by a higher fat oxidation (28.9% vs. 22.3%, p < 0.001) at the expense of oxidation of carbohydrates (65.6% vs. 71.4%, p < 0.001), while there was no significant effect on the oxidation of protein (5.5% vs. 6.3%). Consequently, the non-protein respiratory quotient (RQnp) was lower in the rats fed the CLA-diet than in the rats fed the Control-diet (0.907 vs. 0.928, p < 0.001). Plasma total lipids of the CLA-fed rats had higher concentrations of the cis-9, trans-11 than the trans-10, cis-12 CLA-isomer. This study shows that young male Wistar rats respond to CLA fed as structured triacylglycerol.

Survey effect on use of eye care by older persons with correctable visual impairment.

PURPOSE: To assess changes in the pattern of eye care utilization among older Australians with correctable visual impairment, identified in an eye survey. METHODS: The Blue Mountains Eye Study (BMES) examined 3654 Australians aged >or= 49 years at baseline (BMES-I). Five-year follow-up examinations were attended by 2334 participants, 75.0% of survivors (BMES-II). Interviewers collected data on eye care utilization at each visit. Habitual (presenting) and best-corrected visual acuity were assessed using a LogMAR chart. Survey reports, including visual acuity and recommendations were sent to participants after each visit. Those with under-corrected refractive error were informed that they could benefit from a new distance prescription. Eye care utilization was compared before and after the BMES-I survey. RESULTS: Of 2152 participants with data from both examinations, 26 had non-correctable and 115 had correctable visual impairment at BMES-I. The proportion of the 115 participants with correctable visual impairment who reported seeing an eye care provider during the previous 2 years increased from 55% at BMES-I to 64% at BMES-II. Comparing the data collected at BMES-II with that at BMES-I, a higher proportion of reported optometric visits in the previous 5 years was evident for all participants regardless of their correctable visual impairment status. Among those with correctable visual impairment at BMES-I, 58% improved to no visual impairment at BMES-II, and the proportion who subsequently wore distance correction increased from 57% to 71%. CONCLUSIONS: We observed modest increases in eye care utilization by older persons after an eye survey, particularly those with correctable visual impairment.

Effect of graded levels of rapeseed oil in isonitrogenous diets on the development of the gastrointestinal tract, and utilisation of protein, fat and energy in broiler chickens.

The effect of feeding 0, 4, 8 and 16% rapeseed oil from 12-42 days of age was studied in broiler chickens on performance, digestibility of nutrients, and development of gastrointestinal tract, protein and energy metabolism. Thirty six female chickens (Ross 208) with initial body weight average 246 g were allocated to the four groups and kept pair-wise in metabolism cages. The chickens were fed similar amounts of metabolisable energy (ME) per day and similar amounts of essential amino acids relative to ME by adjusting with crystalline amino acids. The chickens were subjected to four balance periods each of five days with two 24 h measurements of gas exchange in two open-air-circuit respiration chambers inserted on the second and third day of each period. The addition of rapeseed oil increased the amount of gutfill indicating a reduced rate of passage and causing a hypertrophy of the gastrointestinal tract. There was a positive effect on feed utilisation as well as on digestibility especially of dietary fat together with higher utilisation of protein with addition of rapeseed oil. The partial fat digestibility of rapeseed oil estimated by regression was 91.1% and the partial metabolisability (ME/GE) of the rapeseed oil was estimated to 85% yielding an apparent metabolisable energy value of 34.30 MJ/kg.

HLA-G polymorphisms and HLA-G expression in sarcoidosis.

BACKGROUND: The MHC class Ib molecule Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-G may be important in induction and maintenance of immunological tolerance, and HLA-G expression may have a role in different cancers, in certain diseases with associations to HLA, and in organ transplantation. Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease with unknown etiology but at the molecular level several studies have shown HLA associations. METHODS: In the present study, HLA-G alleles/polymorphisms were studied in sarcoidosis patients (n = 47) and controls (n = 129) by PCR techniques and HLA-G protein expression was investigated in granulomas from sarcoidosis patients with the use of immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The HLA-G*010102/-G*0106 alleles were observed more often in sarcoidosis patients (39.4%) than in controls (26.4%), p = 0.025 (Fisher's exact test); however, not significant after correction (p(c) = 0.15). When HLA-G expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry in granulomas from sarcoidosis patients, weak HLA-G expression was observed in only one patient. CONCLUSIONS: HLA-G alleles that include a 14-bp sequence polymorphism in exon 8 of the HLA-G gene are observed more often in sarcoidosis patients than in controls. The sequence variation may influence HLA-G mRNA stability and influence the expression of soluble isoforms of HLA-G. Only rare and weak expression of HLA-G was observed in granulomas from sarcoidosis patients. More studies are needed to further elucidate the possible role for HLA-G in sarcoidosis.

Energy metabolism and nutrient oxidation in young pigs and rats during feeding, starvation and re-feeding.

The investigation included individual measurements of energy metabolism and oxidation of nutrients in 12 castrated male pigs (Sus scrofa) (20-40 kg) and 12 male rats (Rattus norvegicus) (65-105 g). Measurements were carried out in 5-6 days balance periods with ad libitum feeding, followed by 3-4 days of starvation and 4 days of re-feeding. O2 consumption and CO2 production were measured by open-air-circuit respiration units. In the feeding period, protein retention in relation to metabolic live mass (kg(0.75)) was identical for pigs and rats, while there was a tendency of a higher fat retention in pigs than in rats. A substantial part of digested carbohydrate was not oxidized, but transferred to fat metabolism without significant differences (P > 0.05) between pigs and rats (18% vs. 22%). During starvation, nitrogen excretion in urine decreased to 226 mg/kg(0.75) in pigs and to 429 mg/kg(0.75) in rats, indicating a lower rate of body protein degradation in pigs. Heat production was reduced to 592 and 338 kJ/kg(0.75), while the contribution of heat from oxidation of protein (OXP), carbohydrate (OXCHO) and fat (OXF) showed the same pattern for pigs and rats during all periods. Heat production during feeding and re-feeding was covered by OXP+OXCHO with no OXF and reversibly after 2 days of starvation by OXP+OXF with no OXCHO. The rat may be a suitable model for pigs regarding general patterns of quantitative nutrient partition, but any direct application of results measured with rats to pigs shall be taken cautiously, keeping in mind that modern pigs have been selected for a high growth rate and protein deposition which has not been the case for the laboratory rat.

Factors predicting severity of tinnitus: a population-based assessment.

The Blue Mountains Hearing Study (BMHS) has shown that tinnitus affects one in three older Australians with 16% of cases describing severe annoyance. Among persons describing severe symptoms, 52% have sought professional help. We aim to identify factors associated with the severity of tinnitus in 2,015 persons aged over 54 years. Comprehensive questionnaires about hearing were administered. Air- (250-8000 Hz) and bone-conduction (500-4000 Hz) audiometric thresholds of both ears, together with transient evoked and spontaneous otoacoustic emissions, were measured. Factors predicting severity of tinnitus were assessed in Cox proportional hazard models. After multivariate adjustment, factors significantly associated with severe tinnitus were hearing loss (relative risk [RR] 2.9), dizziness (RR 2.0), head injury (RR 2.0), sinus and middle ear infections (RR 1.9), and mastoiditis (RR 3.9). Associations with mild tinnitus included age (RR 0.8), hearing loss (RR 1.4) and history of dizziness (RR 1.5), meningitis (RR 2.2), and migraine (RR 1.5). Knowledge of these factors could contribute to improved tinnitus management.

Refractive status and the 5-year incidence of age-related maculopathy: the Blue Mountains Eye Study.

This study aimed to assess the longitudinal association between refraction and 5-year incident age-related maculopathy (ARM) in the Blue Mountains Eye Study population. The dataset included 3654 participants aged 49+ (82.4% of eligible) examined at baseline (1992-1994), and 2335 (75.1% of survivors) examined after 5 years. Retinal photograph grading followed the International ARM Classification. Incident ARM was assessed using a side-by-side comparison. Refraction was performed using autorefraction with subjective refinement. Spherical equivalent was calculated from spherical plus half the cylindrical power. After adjusting for age, sex and smoking, no association was found between baseline spherical equivalent and 5-year incident late or early ARM. Hyperopic right eyes had slightly higher incident rates for late (0.8%) and early (6.3%) ARM, compared with myopic (0.4% and 4.1%, respectively) or emmetropic (0.5% and 5.0%, respectively) right eyes. After multivariable adjustment, this study found no significant association between hyperopia and the 5-year incidence of late or early ARM. Left eyes or the combined data from both eyes had similar findings.

Increase in cataract surgery prevalence from 1992-1994 to 1997-2000: analysis of two population cross-sections.

BACKGROUND: Monitoring temporal changes in the demand for and provision of cataract surgery will be useful to health planners to meet resource needs and to estimate likely costs. The aim of this report was to compare the prevalence of cataract surgery in two population cross-sections of the Blue Mountains Eye Study (BMES), over an interval of around 6 years. METHODS: Cross-section I (n = 3654; mean age 66.2 years) consisted of BMES I participants (1992-1994). Cross-section II (n = 3509; mean age 66.7 years) consisted of BMES II (5-year) participants (n = 2335) plus persons who had moved into the area and age category since BMES I (n = 1174), so were newly eligible (1997-2000). Cataract surgery history was collected during interview and confirmed at examination. RESULTS: Over this 6-year period, there was a 32% increase in cataract surgery prevalence from 6.0% to 7.9%, or from 6.0% to 7.7% after age standardization. The increase in eye-specific prevalence was 43% (from 4.4% to 6.3%). It was more marked among persons aged 80+ years and for bilateral (from 12.3% to 19.9%) than unilateral surgery (from 10.7% to 11.8%). Best-corrected visual acuity (mean letters read correctly) after surgery (43 and 44 letters, respectively) was similar between cross-sections I and II. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from a representative older population confirm that prevalent cataract surgery has increased substantially over the average 6-year period, from 1992-1994 to 1997-2000.

Risk factors for tinnitus in a population of older adults: the blue mountains hearing study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify potential and modifiable risk factors for tinnitus in a population of older adults. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. Detailed questionnaires were interviewer-administered in a representative sample of 2015 persons aged 55+ yr, living in an area west of Sydney, Australia. Air- and bone-conduction audiometric thresholds were measured from 250 to 8000 Hz and from 500 to 4000 Hz, respectively. TEOAE and SOAE were measured for both ears. RESULTS: After adjusting for multiple variables in a Cox proportional hazards model, factors that significantly increased the risk of tinnitus were poorer hearing and cochlear function, self-reported work-related noise exposure, and history of middle ear or sinus infections, severe neck injury or migraine. CONCLUSION: Interventions aimed at reducing age-related hearing loss, particularly by reducing excessive work-related noise exposure, and the effective, timely treatment of ear-related infections, may all decrease the risk of tinnitus.