Spatial and temporal analysis of the risks posed by metal contamination in coastal and marine sediments of Bahrain.

Nine metals including Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were analysed from sediment samples collected from 29 stations since 2007 from Bahraini waters. Within this study, it was investigated whether concentrations of these determinants are at concentrations above internationally established Assessment Criteria (AC). The majority of sites were considered not to pose a toxicological risk in terms of metal contamination. Where breaches occurred, they were mainly from historic samples related to Cr, Cu and Ni contamination. A trend assessment revealed that out of 59 significant trends, 36 were downwards and 23 upwards, indicating that some determinants like Al, Zn and Ni are improving strongly across some sites, whilst areas associated with industrial activity still see some increasing trends for Al, Cd, Pb and Zn.

Large-aperture wide-bandwidth antireflection-coated silicon lenses for millimeter wavelengths.

The increasing scale of cryogenic detector arrays for submillimeter and millimeter wavelength astrophysics has led to the need for large aperture, high index of refraction, low loss, cryogenic refracting optics. Silicon with n=3.4, low loss, and high thermal conductivity is a nearly optimal material for these purposes but requires an antireflection (AR) coating with broad bandwidth, low loss, low reflectance, and a matched coefficient of thermal expansion. We present an AR coating for curved silicon optics comprised of subwavelength features cut into the lens surface with a custom three-axis silicon dicing saw. These features constitute a metamaterial that behaves as a simple dielectric coating. We have fabricated silicon lenses as large as 33.4 cm in diameter with micromachined layers optimized for use between 125 and 165 GHz. Our design reduces average reflections to a few tenths of a percent for angles of incidence up to 30° with low cross polarization. We describe the design, tolerance, manufacture, and measurements of these coatings and present measurements of the optical properties of silicon at millimeter wavelengths at cryogenic and room temperatures. This coating and lens fabrication approach is applicable from centimeter to submillimeter wavelengths and can be used to fabricate coatings with greater than octave bandwidth.

A seafood risk tool for assessing and mitigating chemical and pathogen hazards in the aquaculture supply chain.

Intricate links between aquatic animals and their environment expose them to chemical and pathogenic hazards, which can disrupt seafood supply. Here we outline a risk schema for assessing potential impacts of chemical and microbial hazards on discrete subsectors of aquaculture-and control measures that may protect supply. As national governments develop strategies to achieve volumetric expansion in seafood production from aquaculture to meet increasing demand, we propose an urgent need for simultaneous focus on controlling those hazards that limit its production, harvesting, processing, trade and safe consumption. Policies aligning national and international water quality control measures for minimizing interaction with, and impact of, hazards on seafood supply will be critical as consumers increasingly rely on the aquaculture sector to supply safe, nutritious and healthy diets.

Aquatic contaminants in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu: Evidence from passive samplers and Microtox toxicity assessment.

Water Quality issues in many Pacific countries are rising, with the increase in coastal populations and associated urban runoff but management requires contamination issues in the aquatic environment to be identified and prioritised. In Vanuatu and Solomon Islands there are few laboratories and resources to assess for the presence or impact of complex chemical contaminants. The extent and impact of chemical contamination of the marine and coastal environment is poorly described. Passive chemical samplers were used to measure a range of aquatic pollutants around the capital cities, Honiara (Solomon Islands) and Port Vila (Vanuatu). We detected a range of chemicals indicative of agricultural and industrial contamination and a few sites had concerning concentrations of specific hydrocarbons and pesticides. The rapid ecotoxicology test, Microtox, indicated toxic impacts in rivers, coastal sites and urban drains This work provides new data on chemical contamination and possible impacts of that contamination for both countries. The techniques could be applied widely across the region to generate critical data for environmental management, guide monitoring efforts and measure the impact of policy or land-use changes.

Kuwait's marine biodiversity: Qualitative assessment of indicator habitats and species.

The tropical waters of the Northern Arabian Gulf have a long history of maritime resource richness. High levels of biodiversity result from the complex matrix of coastal habitats, coral reefs and sea grass beds that characterise the region. Insight into the ongoing health of such habitats and the broader Kuwait maritime environment can be gauged by the status of indicator species found within these habitats. Here we review information on the occurrence, distribution and threats to key marine habitats and associated indicator species to provide an updated assessment of the state of the Kuwait's marine biodiversity. Critical evaluation of historic data highlights knowledge gaps needed inform the focus of future monitoring and conservation efforts. This assessment is designed to evaluate performance against environmental policy commitments, while providing a solid foundation for the design of comprehensive marine ecosystem management strategies.

Peripubertal estrogen levels and physical activity affect femur geometry in young adult women.

UNLABELLED: The growing skeleton is particularly responsive to exercise around the time of puberty, suggesting a possible role for estrogen in mechanical adaptation in young women. We assessed femoral neck strength index at age 17 in young women with varying adolescent physical activity levels and E2 levels in the first 3 years after menarche. The results indicate that both E2 levels in the first year after menarche and adolescent physical activity are positively associated with bone strength in young adulthood, such that hormone levels may modify human osteogenic responses to exercise. INTRODUCTION: It is well established that physical activity contributes to bone strength in young females, but less is known about how peripubertal estrogen affects skeletal responses to exercise. METHODS: We used data from 84 participants in the Penn State Young Women's Health Study to test the prediction that young women who (1) had higher E2 levels during the first year after menarche or (2) were more physically active in adolescence will have greater bone strength at the end of adolescence. Subjects were divided into tertiles of physical activity and of E2 level in the first, second, and third postmenarchal years, and femoral strength was calculated from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans of the proximal femur using hip structure analysis. RESULTS: At age 17, subjects with the highest E2 levels in year 1 after menarche had 5-14% greater strength in the narrow neck and intertrochanteric region, and the most active subjects had 10-11% greater strength in the femoral narrow neck vs. less active girls. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that both physical activity and peripubertal estrogen have important influences on young adult bone strength and that hormone levels may be mediators of human osteogenic responses to exercise.

Seagrass habitat in Tarawa Lagoon, Kiribati: Service benefits and links to national priority issues.

This paper presents a review around seagrass habitat in Tarawa Lagoon, Kiribati and explores the links between seagrass occurrence and the national priority issues of climate change, urban development, human health, nearshore fisheries, threatened species, ocean policy, research capacity and awareness. The contribution of healthy seagrass habitats to many aspects of these national issues is often overlooked and there is need to establish the knowledge gaps and priority actions that can enable mitigation of issues that impact on valuable seagrass resources and their management. Research data on seagrass habitats in Kiribati, and the wider Pacific Island region, is limited and this hinders informed decisions at local, national and regional levels. We present a comprehensive review on seagrass within a national context to aid prioritisation and uptake of information for resource owners, and wider stakeholders, in Kiribati while acknowledging local expertise. The paper highlights data and knowledge gaps that if addressed, will provide information useful to Kiribati nationals, communities and government stakeholders. Recommendations for actions that fill these gaps and build understanding of seagrass resources in Kiribati are provided.

Sustainable aquaculture through the One Health lens.

Aquaculture is predicted to supply the majority of aquatic dietary protein by 2050. For aquaculture to deliver significantly enhanced volumes of food in a sustainable manner, appropriate account needs to be taken of its impacts on environmental integrity, farmed organism health and welfare, and human health. Here, we explore increased aquaculture production through the One Health lens and define a set of success metrics - underpinned by evidence, policy and legislation - that must be embedded into aquaculture sustainability. We provide a framework for defining, monitoring and averting potential negative impacts of enhanced production - and consider interactions with land-based food systems. These metrics will inform national and international science and policy strategies to support improved aquatic food system design.

Mice lacking beta-adrenergic receptors have increased bone mass but are not protected from deleterious skeletal effects of ovariectomy.

Activation of beta2-adrenergic receptors inhibits osteoblastic bone formation and enhances osteoclastic bone resorption. Whether beta-blockers inhibit ovariectomy-induced bone loss and decrease fracture risk remains controversial. To further explore the role of beta-adrenergic signaling in skeletal acquisition and response to estrogen deficiency, we evaluated mice lacking the three known beta-adrenergic receptors (beta-less). Body weight, percent fat, and bone mineral density were significantly higher in male beta-less than wild-type (WT) mice, more so with increasing age. Consistent with their greater fat mass, serum leptin was significantly higher in beta-less than WT mice. Mid-femoral cross-sectional area and cortical thickness were significantly higher in adult beta-less than WT mice, as were femoral biomechanical properties (+28 to +49%, P < 0.01). Young male beta-less had higher vertebral (1.3-fold) and distal femoral (3.5-fold) trabecular bone volume than WT (P < 0.001 for both) and lower osteoclast surface. With aging, these differences lessened, with histological evidence of increased osteoclast surface and decreased bone formation rate at the distal femur in beta-less vs. WT mice. Serum tartrate-resistance alkaline phosphatase-5B was elevated in beta-less compared with WT mice from 8-16 wk of age (P < 0.01). Ovariectomy inhibited bone mass gain and decreased trabecular bone volume/total volume similarly in beta-less and WT mice. Altogether, these data indicate that absence of beta-adrenergic signaling results in obesity and increased cortical bone mass in males but does not prevent deleterious effects of estrogen deficiency on trabecular bone microarchitecture. Our findings also suggest direct positive effects of weight and/or leptin on bone turnover and cortical bone structure, independent of adrenergic signaling.

The slippery slope: prediction of successful weight maintenance in anorexia nervosa.

BACKGROUND: Previous research has found that many patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) are unable to maintain normal weight after weight restoration. The objective of this study was to identify variables that predicted successful weight maintenance among weight-restored AN patients. METHOD: Ninety-three patients with AN treated at two sites (Toronto and New York) through in-patient or partial hospitalization achieved a minimally normal weight and were then randomly assigned to receive fluoxetine or placebo along with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for 1 year. Clinical, demographic and psychometric variables were assessed after weight restoration prior to randomization and putative predictors of successful weight maintenance at 6 and 12 months were examined. RESULTS: The most powerful predictors of weight maintenance at 6 and 12 months following weight restoration were pre-randomization body mass index (BMI) and the rate of weight loss in the first 28 days following randomization. Higher BMI and lower rate of weight loss were associated with greater likelihood of maintaining a normal BMI at 6 and 12 months. An additional predictor of weight maintenance was site; patients in Toronto fared better than those in New York. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that the best predictors of weight maintenance in weight-restored AN patients over 6 and 12 months were the level of weight restoration at the conclusion of acute treatment and the avoidance of weight loss immediately following intensive treatment. These results suggest that outcome might be improved by achieving a higher BMI during structured treatment programs and on preventing weight loss immediately following discharge from such programs.

Eating disorders: progress and problems.

Recent research on Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa has yielded an increasingly detailed understanding of the range of biological and psychological abnormalities associated with these eating disorders. Inherited vulnerabilities, cultural pressures, and adverse individual and family experiences all appear to contribute to the onset of extreme dieting, binge eating, and purging. Once initiated, these behaviors give rise to multiple physiological disturbances, some of which may serve to perpetuate the illness. Although there have been substantial advances in the management of Bulimia Nervosa, the goal of offering effective treatment to all individuals with eating disorders remains elusive. This article reviews current thinking on the etiology and treatment of the two major eating disorders and a related syndrome, Binge Eating Disorder.

Differential effects of high fat diet and diet-induced obesity on skeletal acquisition in female C57BL/6J vs. FVB/NJ Mice.

The effects of obesity on bone metabolism are complex, and may be mediated by consumption of a high fat diet and/or by obesity-induced metabolic dysregulation. To test the hypothesis that both high fat (HF) diet and diet-induced metabolic disease independently decrease skeletal acquisition, we compared effects of HF diet on bone mass and microarchitecture in two mouse strains: diet-induced obesity (DIO)-susceptible C57BL/6J (B6) and DIO-resistant FVB/NJ (FVB). At 3 wks of age we weaned 120 female FVB and B6 mice onto normal (N, 10% Kcal/fat) or HF diet (45% Kcal/fat) and euthanized them at 6, 12 and 20 weeks of age (N = 10/grp). Outcomes included body mass; percent fat and whole-body bone mineral density (WBBMD, g/cm2) via DXA; cortical and trabecular bone architecture at the midshaft and distal femur via µCT; and marrow adiposity via histomorphometry. In FVB HF, body mass, percent body fat, WBBMD and marrow adiposity did not differ vs. N, but trabecular bone mass was lower at 6 wks of age only (p < 0.05), cortical bone geometric properties were lower at 12 wks only, and bone strength was lower at 20 wks of age only in HF vs. N (p < 0.05). In contrast, B6 HF had higher body mass, percent body fat, and leptin vs. N. B6 HF also had higher WBBMD (p < 0.05) at 9 and 12 wks of age but lower distal femur trabecular bone mass at 12 wks of age, and lower body mass-adjusted cortical bone properties at 20 wks of age compared to N (p < 0.05). Marrow adiposity was also markedly higher in B6 HF vs. N. Overall, HF diet negatively affected bone mass in both strains, but was more deleterious to trabecular bone microarchitecture and marrow adiposity in B6 than in FVB mice. These data suggest that in addition to fat consumption itself, the metabolic response to high fat diet independently alters skeletal acquisition in obesity.

Assessing the impact of nutrient enrichment in estuaries: susceptibility to eutrophication.

The main aim of this study was to develop a generic tool for assessing risks and impacts of nutrient enrichment in estuaries. A simple model was developed to predict the magnitude of primary production by phytoplankton in different estuaries from nutrient input (total available nitrogen and/or phosphorus) and to determine likely trophic status. In the model, primary production is strongly influenced by water residence times and relative light regimes. The model indicates that estuaries with low and moderate light levels are the least likely to show a biological response to nutrient inputs. Estuaries with a good light regime are likely to be sensitive to nutrient enrichment, and to show similar responses, mediated only by site-specific geomorphological features. Nixon's scale was used to describe the relative trophic status of estuaries, and to set nutrient and chlorophyll thresholds for assessing trophic status. Estuaries identified as being eutrophic may not show any signs of eutrophication. Additional attributes need to be considered to assess negative impacts. Here, likely detriment to the oxygen regime was considered, but is most applicable to areas of restricted exchange. Factors which limit phytoplankton growth under high nutrient conditions (water residence times and/or light availability) may favour the growth of other primary producers, such as macrophytes, which may have a negative impact on other biological communities. The assessment tool was developed for estuaries in England and Wales, based on a simple 3-category typology determined by geomorphology and relative light levels. Nixon's scale needs to be validated for estuaries in England and Wales, once more data are available on light levels and primary production.

Who seeks bariatric surgery? Psychosocial functioning among adolescent candidates, other treatment-seeking adolescents with obesity and healthy controls.

Limited data are available on the characteristics of adolescents with obesity who seek bariatric surgery. Existing data suggest that adolescent surgery candidates have a higher body mass index (BMI) than comparison adolescents with obesity, but the limited findings regarding psychosocial functioning are mixed. This study aimed to compare BMI and psychosocial functioning among adolescent bariatric surgery candidates, outpatient medical-treatment-seeking adolescents with obesity (receiving lifestyle modification), and adolescents in the normal-weight range. All adolescents completed self-report measures of impulsivity, delay discounting, depression, anxiety, stress, eating pathology, family functioning and quality of life, and had their height and weight measured. Adolescent surgical candidates had higher BMIs than both comparison groups. Surgical candidates did not differ from medical-treatment-seeking adolescents with obesity on any measure of psychosocial functioning, but both groups of adolescents with obesity reported greater anxiety and eating pathology and poorer quality of life than normal-weight adolescents. Quality of life no longer differed across groups after controlling for BMI, suggesting that it is highly related to weight status. Adolescents with obesity may experience greater anxiety, eating pathology, and quality of life impairments than their peers in the normal-weight range regardless of whether they are seeking surgery or outpatient medical treatment. Clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed.

Spatial and temporal analysis of the risks posed by total petroleum hydrocarbon and trace element contaminants in coastal waters of Kuwait.

Nine trace elements including As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Ni, Pb, V and Zn, and total petroleum hydrocarbons were analysed from water samples collected from 23 stations since 1984 from Kuwaiti coastal waters. Here it was investigated whether concentrations of these determinants are at levels above Kuwaiti and internationally established assessment criteria (AC). The results indicate that Cu and Cd had the most Kuwaiti AC breaches over time. Comparing the data of the last sampled year to the least stringent international AC, then Cu and Cd showed breaches at all stations. The trends for trace metals are significantly downwards, especially for Cd and Hg. No determinant measured showed a significant upward trend, indicating that water pollution for these contaminants is not a worsening situation. However, further sampling should be carried out to confirm these findings, especially at shoreline locations, where routine monitoring ceased in 2011 to investigate any recent changes.

On the redshift distribution and physical properties of ACT-selected DSFGs.

We present multi-wavelength detections of nine candidate gravitationally-lensed dusty star-forming galaxies (DSFGs) selected at 218GHz (1.4mm) from the ACT equatorial survey. Among the brightest ACT sources, these represent the subset of the total ACT sample lying in Herschel SPIRE fields, and all nine of the 218GHz detections were found to have bright Herschel counterparts. By fitting their spectral energy distributions (SEDs) with a modified blackbody model with power-law temperature distribution, we find the sample has a median redshift of z = 4.1 - 1.0 + 1.1 (68 per cent confidence interval), as expected for 218GHz selection, and an apparent total infrared luminosity of log 10 ( µ L IR / L ⊙ ) = 13.86 - 0.30 + 0.33 , which suggests that they are either strongly lensed sources or unresolved collections of unlensed DSFGs. The effective apparent diameter of the sample is µ d = 4.2 - 1.0 + 1.7 kpc , further evidence of strong lensing or multiplicity, since the typical diameter of dusty star-forming galaxies is 1.0-2.5 kpc. We emphasize that the effective apparent diameter derives from SED modelling without the assumption of optically thin dust (as opposed to image morphology). We find that the sources have substantial optical depth. ( τ = 4.2 - 1.9 + 3.7 ) to dust around the peak in the modified blackbody spectrum (λ obs ⩽ 500µm), a result that is robust to model choice.

Gastric compliance in bulimia nervosa.

Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a psychiatric illness characterized by eating binges followed by inappropriate behavioral attempts to compensate for the binges, usually vomiting or laxative abuse. Patients with BN have disturbances in the development of satiety during a meal as well as disturbances in functions of the upper gastrointestinal tract such as slowed gastric emptying, impaired gastric accommodation reflex and blunted cholecystokinin release. The present study examined gastric compliance and sensory responses to gastric distention in women with BN and controls. Sixteen women with BN and 13 healthy control subjects swallowed an inflatable bag that was placed in the proximal stomach. The bag was inflated to produce increasing steps of pressure against the stomach wall, before and after consumption of a 200 ml (200 Kcal) liquid meal. Pressure and volume were recorded for 2-min periods, beginning at 0 mm Hg pressure and increasing in steps of 2 mm Hg until subjects reported discomfort, gastric volume reached 600 ml, or pressure reached 20 mm Hg. At each pressure step subjects made sensory ratings. Gastric compliance was calculated as the slope of the best-fit straight line of each subject's gastric volume vs. gastric pressure. There was a significant postmeal increase in gastric compliance in both groups of subjects but there was no difference in compliance between patients with BN and controls. Patients with BN appeared to have diminished sensitivity to gastric distention. In conclusion, although other studies have described gastrointestinal abnormalities associated with BN, the current study found gastric compliance of patients with BN to be normal.

Intake, sweetness and liking during modified sham feeding of sucrose solutions.

Although sweet solids and liquids are palatable to humans and ingested frequently when readily available, the quantitative relationship between sweet taste and intake has not been reported in humans. To investigate the quantitative relationship between sweet taste and intake directly, we adapted the modified sham feeding technique, previously used in humans for the study of the orosensory control of autonomic, neuroendocrine, and metabolic mechanisms, to measure the intake of solutions both unsweetened and sweetened with four concentrations of sucrose. By limiting the sucrose stimuli to the mouth, the modified sham feeding technique measures the orosensory stimulation of intake by sucrose in the absence of inhibitory postingestive stimulation. Nine healthy women were randomly presented with two series of five solutions of cherry Kool Aid unsweetened or sweetened with one of four concentrations of sucrose (2.5%, 5%, 10%, or 20%) in a closed opaque container fitted with a straw. They were instructed to sip as much as they wanted of the liquid during 2-min trials and to spit the fluid out into another opaque container. At the end of each trial, they used Visual Analogue Scales to rate the perceived intensities of sweetness and liking of the liquid that they had just sipped and spit. Intake, liking and perceived sweetness were significantly affected by sucrose concentration (p values

An open trial of an intensive summer day treatment program for severely overweight adolescents.

This open trial examined the feasibility and usefulness of treating adolescents with a body mass index (BMI) > or =95th percentile in a 6-week day treatment program within a psychiatric outpatient setting. Sixteen adolescents, ages 12-15, attended a 6-week multidisciplinary summer day treatment program. Outcome measures include pre- and post-program assessments of BMI, body fat, laboratory measures, nutritional status, physical activity, mood and eating disorder symptoms, motivation, self-esteem and quality of life. BMI, waist/hip circumferences, blood pressure, heart rate, and body fat did not change significantly from baseline to week 6. Fasting glucose decreased significantly from baseline to week 6, but there were no significant changes in other laboratory measures. The teen-rated feelings subscale of the Peds Quality of Life Scale improved. Self-esteem, as measured by the Rosenberg Self- Esteem Scale, indicated a strong trend towards improvement, and motivation measures also showed a trend for improvement. These findings suggest that a brief, intensive intervention for overweight adolescents may yield meaningful changes in quality of life, self-esteem, and motivation, even in the absence of significant weight loss.