Histological examination of choroid plexus epithelia changes in schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: The choroid plexus (CP) produces and secretes most of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the central nervous system. The CP is suggested to be regulated by descending neurons and by circulating factors and is involved in the interaction between central and peripheral inflammation. Quantitative imaging has demonstrated volumetric CP changes in psychosis, schizophrenia and depression. This study histologically examines CP epithelial cell morphology in these illnesses to identify the biological source of such volumetric changes. METHODS: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks were obtained bilaterally from the lateral ventricles of 13 cases of sex- and age-matched brains from each of schizophrenia (SZ) with psychosis, major depressive disorder (MDD) and matched controls (NPD). FFPE blocks were sectioned at 7 µm and routinely stained for H&E. Morphological analysis of 180 CP epithelia/case was conducted blindly on digital images collected at x600 magnification. Calcification was assessed in all CP regions manually. RESULTS: Analysis with a General Linear Model demonstrated a significant effect of diagnosis on somal width (p = 0.006, R2 = 0.33 R2(adj) = 0.25) demonstrating increased somal width in SZ without psychotic medication versus controls (p = 0.032), but not in medicated SZ cases. No effects were observed in calcification. DISCUSSION: The epithelial cells that were examined were attached to the CP fibrous surface, so width expansion describes the primary methods for these cells to expand with adherence to this surface in SZ. The interaction of antipsychotic medication and diagnosis demonstrates that this is an illness-specific change mediated through the DA-system with likely neuronal origin. CP alterations were not found in MDD where they are instead generally associated with heightened allostatic load that was unknown in this cohort.

P-FLUX: A phosphorus budget dataset spanning diverse agricultural production systems in the United States and Canada.

Quantifying spatial and temporal fluxes of phosphorus (P) within and among agricultural production systems is critical for sustaining agricultural production while minimizing environmental impacts. To better understand P fluxes in agricultural landscapes, P-FLUX, a detailed and harmonized dataset of P inputs, outputs, and budgets, as well as estimated uncertainties for each P flux and budget, was developed. Data were collected from 24 research sites and 61 production systems through the Long-term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) network and partner organizations spanning 22 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces. The objectives of this paper are to (a) present and provide a description of the P-FLUX dataset, (b) provide summary analyses of the agricultural production systems included in the dataset and the variability in P inputs and outputs across systems, and (c) provide details for accessing the dataset, dataset limitations, and an example of future use. P-FLUX includes information on select site characteristics (area, soil series), crop rotation, P inputs (P application rate, source, timing, placement, P in irrigation water, atmospheric deposition), P outputs (crop removal, hydrologic losses), P budgets (agronomic budget, overall budget), uncertainties associated with each flux and budget, and data sources. Phosphorus fluxes and budgets vary across agricultural production systems and are useful resources to improve P use efficiency and develop management strategies to mitigate environmental impacts of agricultural systems. P-FLUX is available for download through the USDA Ag Data Commons (https://doi.org/10.15482/USDA.ADC/1523365).

Advancing the Sustainability of US Agriculture through Long-Term Research.

Agriculture in the United States must respond to escalating demands for productivity and efficiency, as well as pressures to improve its stewardship of natural resources. Growing global population and changing diets, combined with a greater societal awareness of agriculture's role in delivering ecosystem services beyond food, feed, fiber, and energy production, require a comprehensive perspective on where and how US agriculture can be sustainably intensified, that is, made more productive without exacerbating local and off-site environmental concerns. The USDA's Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) network is composed of 18 locations distributed across the contiguous United States working together to integrate national and local agricultural priorities and advance the sustainable intensification of US agriculture. We explore here the concept of sustainable intensification as a framework for defining strategies to enhance production, environmental, and rural prosperity outcomes from agricultural systems. We also elucidate the diversity of factors that have shaped the past and present conditions of cropland, rangeland, and pastureland agroecosystems represented by the LTAR network and identify priorities for research in the areas of production, resource conservation and environmental quality, and rural prosperity. Ultimately, integrated long-term research on sustainable intensification at the national scale is critical to developing practices and programs that can anticipate and address challenges before they become crises.

A simple, quick, validated method of recording the nasal cycle in humans using a subjective scale.

BACKGROUND: Studies on the nasal cycle can be limited by time-consuming rhinomanometric measurements. However, quantifiable subjective assessment of nasal airflow has been limited by poor correlation with rhinomanometric data, even when investigating patients with a deviated nasal septum. METHODS: Thirty healthy participants attended two study days for rhinomanometric and subjective assessment of nasal airflow (using the subjective ordinal scale). A nasal partitioning ratio was calculated for both measures. RESULTS: Objective and subjective nasal partitioning ratios were compared; strong correlations were seen, with a correlation coefficient of 0.64 (p < 0.00001) on day 1 and 0.68 (p < 0.00001) on day 2. CONCLUSION: The use of the subjective ordinal scale and nasal partitioning ratio provides a sensitive tool for assessing relative nasal airflow, with results that correlate strongly with rhinomanometric data. This finding strongly suggests that this combination could be used for future subjective assessment of the nasal cycle.

Características de la atención pediátrica ambulatoria de familias nativas y migrantes / Characteristics of pediatric outpatient care of Argentine native and immigrant families

Introducción: Los procesos migratorios han aumentado a nivel mundial por múltiples causas. En nuestro país un 4.5% de población es extranjera y el 69% proviene de países limítrofes. La ley de Migraciones N°25.871 garantiza el goce igualitario de derechos a migrantes extranjeros y argentinos. La comuna 8 (CABA) presenta 19.9% de población extranjera. Su primer Nivel de Atención está a cargo, entre otros, de los Centros de Salud y Acción Comunitaria N° 5 y 18. El Hospital Juan P. Garrahan es centro de derivación regional. El objetivo de la investigación fue describir las características de la respuesta del Sistema de Salud, específicamente, comparar el acceso al primer nivel de prevención y la satisfacción con la actividad asistencial entre familias migrantes extranjeras y nativas. Métodos: Estudio multicéntrico, observacional y de corte transversal a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas a familias migrantes extranjeras y nativas entre Julio 2014 y Junio 2015. Los resultados se expresaron en frecuencias y porcentajes en forma global y comparativa entre ambos grupos. Resultados: Se encuestaron 287 familias, 52% nativas y 48% migrantes extranjeras. Se encontró menor acceso a trabajo formal en las últimas. Ambos grupos presentaron dificultad en la obtención de turnos, percibiendo trato más amable las primeras y mayor comprensión de indicaciones las segundas. En la asistencia médica se halló menor posibilidad de cumplir con indicaciones en familias migrantes. Conclusión: Los resultados reflejan similares características de atención pediátrica ambulatoria para familias nativas y migrantes extranjeras (AU)

Introduction: Migration has increased worldwide due to multiple causes. In our country, foreigners account for 4.5% of the population of whom 69% come from neighboring countries. The Law of Migration N°25.871 guarantees equal rights for immigrants and Argentinians. In Commune 8 (City of Buenos Aires) 19.9% of the population is foreign born. Their primary care attention is covered by, among others, Health Care and Community Action Centers N° 5 and 18. Hospital Juan P. Garrahan is a regional referral center. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of the response of the Health Care System, specifically, comparing access to and satisfaction with first-level care and disease prevention among immigrant and native Argentinian families. Methods: A multicenter, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted through semi-structured interviews with immigrant and native Argentinian families between July 2014 and June 2015. Results were expressed in rates and percentages overall and comparing both groups. Results: 287 families were interviewed, 52% were native and 48% immigrants. Reduced access to formal employment was found in the latter group. Both groups reported difficulties in obtaining appointments, perceiving a more friendly treatment in the former and better understanding of the indications in the latter group. Regarding medical care, less possibilities to adhere to the indications were found in immigrant families. Conclusion: Our results show similar pediatric outpatient health-care characteristics for native and immigrant families (AU)

Implications of direct amplification for measuring antimicrobial resistance using point-of-care devices.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is recognized as a global threat to human health. Rapid detection and characterization of AMR is a critical component of most antibiotic stewardship programs. Methods based on amplification of nucleic acids for detection of AMR are generally faster than culture-based approaches but they still require several hours to more than a day due to the need for transporting the sample to a centralized laboratory, processing of sample, and sometimes DNA purification and concentration. Nucleic acids-based point-of-care (POC) devices are capable of rapidly diagnosing antibiotic-resistant infections which may help in making timely and correct treatment decisions. However, for most POC platforms, sample processing for nucleic acids extraction and purification is also generally required prior to amplification. Direct amplification, an emerging possibility for a number of polymerases, has the potential to eliminate these steps without significantly impacting diagnostic performance. This review summarizes direct amplification methods and their implication for rapid measurement of AMR. Future research directions that may further strengthen the possibility of integrating direct amplification methods with POC devices are also summarized.

Assessment and Synthesis of 50 Years of Published Drainage Phosphorus Losses.

The prevalence of anthropogenic drainage systems in intensively cropped areas across North America combined with the degradation of important freshwater resources in these regions has created a critical intersection where understanding phosphorus (P) transport in drainage waters is vital. In this study, drainage-associated nutrient load data were retrieved and quantitatively analyzed to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the P loading and crop yield impacts of agronomic management practices within drained landscapes. Using the Drain Load table in the MANAGE (Measured Annual Nutrient loads from AGricultural Environments) database, the effect of factors such as soil characteristics, tillage, and nutrient management on P loading were analyzed. Across site-years, generally less than 2% of applied P was lost in drainage water, which corroborates the order of magnitude difference between agronomic P application rates and P loadings that can cause deleterious water quality impacts. The practice of no-till significantly increased drainage dissolved P loads compared with conventional tillage (0.12 vs. 0.04 kg P ha). The timing and method of P application are both known to be important for P losses, but these conclusions could not be verified due to low site-year counts. Findings indicate there is a substantial need for additional field-scale studies documenting not only P losses in drainage water but also important cropping management, nutrient application, soil property, and drainage design impacts on such losses.

Decreasing Phosphorus Loss in Tile-Drained Landscapes Using Flue Gas Desulfurization Gypsum.

Elevated phosphorus (P) loading from agricultural nonpoint-source pollution continues to impair inland waterbodies throughout the world. The application of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum to agricultural fields has been suggested to decrease P loading because of its high calcium content and P sorbing potential. A before-after control-impact paired field experiment was used to examine the water quality effects of successive FGD gypsum applications (2.24 Mg ha; 1 ton acre each) to an Ohio field with high soil test P levels (>480 ppm Mehlich-3 P). Analysis of covariance was used to compare event discharge, dissolved reactive P (DRP), and total P (TP) concentrations and loadings in surface runoff and tile discharge between the baseline period (86 precipitation events) and Treatment Period 1 (42 precipitation events) and Treatment Period 2 (84 precipitation events). Results showed that, after the first application of FGD gypsum, event mean DRP and TP concentrations in treatment field tile water were significantly reduced by 21 and 10%, respectively, and DRP concentrations in surface runoff were significantly reduced by 14%; however, no significant reductions were noted in DRP or TP loading. After the second application, DRP and TP loads were significantly reduced in surface runoff (DRP, 41%; TP 40%), tile discharge (DRP, 35%; TP, 15%), and combined (surface + tile) discharge (DRP, 36%; TP, 38%). These findings indicate that surface application of FGD gypsum can be used as a tool to address elevated P concentrations and loadings in drainage waters.

The equine forelimb suspensory ligament exhibits a heterogeneous strain pattern under tensile load.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if regional variations in strain patterns occur within the suspensory ligament under tensile load. Local increases in strain may put certain regions of the suspensory ligament at risk and may explain the poor healing and high recurrence rates associated with suspensory branch injuries. METHODS: The suspensory ligament and its bone attachments were isolated from each of 10 adult equine cadaveric forelimbs and radiodense reference beads were inserted throughout the length of the ligament. Specimens were attached to a custom fixture secured to a materials testing system. Radiographs were acquired at 50, 445, 1112, and 2224 N of applied tensile load. Changes in distances between the beads in each region of the suspensory ligament were measured and the regional strain was calculated. Significant differences were determined using a repeated-measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: The suspensory ligament exhibited significant differences in regional strain (p <0.001). The distal branches of the suspensory ligament had significantly greater strains than the proximal (p = 0.025) and mid-body (p = 0.002) regions. The mid-body of the suspensory ligament also exhibited local strain variation, with the distal mid-body having significantly higher strains than the proximal mid-body (p = 0.038). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The equine suspensory ligament demonstrates a heterogeneous strain pattern during tensile loading, with the distal regions exhibiting significantly more strain than the proximal region. The non-homogenous strain pattern could explain the regional difference in injury and re-injury rates.

Axonal myelin increase in the callosal genu in depression but not schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: Abnormalities in the anterior inter-hemispheric connectivity have previously been implicated in major depressive disorder. Disruptions in fractional anisotropy in the callosum and fornix have been reported in schizophrenia and major depressive disorder. Oligodendrocyte density and overall size of the callosum and fornix show no alteration in either illness, suggesting that gross morphology is unchanged but more subtle organizational disruption may exist within these brain regions in mood and affective disorders. METHOD: Using high-resolution oil-immersion microscopy we examined the cross-sectional area of the nerve fibre and the axonal myelin sheath, and using standard high-resolution light microscopy we measured the density of myelinated axons. These measurements were made in the genu of the corpus callosum and the medial body of the fornix at its most dorsal point. Measures were taken in the sagittal plane in the callosal genu and in the coronal plane at the most dorsal part of the fornix body. RESULTS: Cases of major depressive disorder had significantly greater mean myelin cross-sectional area (p = 0.017) and myelin thickness (p = 0.004) per axon in the genu than in control or schizophrenia groups. There was no significant change in the density of myelinated axons, and no changes observed in the fornix. CONCLUSION: The results suggest a clear increase of myelin in the axons of the callosal genu in MDD, although this type of neuropathological study is unable to clarify whether this is caused by changes during life or has a developmental origin.

Methane sources in arctic thermokarst lake sediments on the North Slope of Alaska.

The permafrost on the North Slope of Alaska is densely populated by shallow lakes that result from thermokarst erosion. These lakes release methane (CH4 ) derived from a combination of ancient thermogenic pools and contemporary biogenic production. Despite the potential importance of CH4 as a greenhouse gas, the contribution of biogenic CH4 production in arctic thermokarst lakes in Alaska is not currently well understood. To further advance our knowledge of CH4 dynamics in these lakes, we focused our study on (i) the potential for microbial CH4 production in lake sediments, (ii) the role of sediment geochemistry in controlling biogenic CH4 production, and (iii) the temperature dependence of this process. Sediment cores were collected from one site in Siqlukaq Lake and two sites in Sukok Lake in late October to early November. Analyses of pore water geochemistry, sedimentary organic matter and lipid biomarkers, stable carbon isotopes, results from CH4 production experiments, and copy number of a methanogenic pathway-specific gene (mcrA) indicated the existence of different sources of CH4 in each of the lakes chosen for the study. Analysis of this integrated data set revealed that there is biological CH4 production in Siqlukaq at moderate levels, while the very low levels of CH4 detected in Sukok had a mixed origin, with little to no biological CH4 production. Furthermore, methanogenic archaea exhibited temperature-dependent use of in situ substrates for methanogenesis, and the amount of CH4 produced was directly related to the amount of labile organic matter in the sediments. This study constitutes an important first step in better understanding the actual contribution of biogenic CH4 from thermokarst lakes on the coastal plain of Alaska to the current CH4 budgets.

Neuropathological changes in the substantia nigra in schizophrenia but not depression.

Schizophrenia is a chronic, disabling neuropsychiatric disorder characterised by positive, negative and cognitive symptoms. The aetiology is not known, although genetic, imaging and pathological studies have implicated both neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative processes. The substantia nigra is a basal ganglia nucleus responsible for the production of dopamine and projection of dopaminergic neurons to the striatum. The substantia nigra is implicated in schizophrenia as dopamine has been heavily implicated in the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia and the prevalent psychotic symptoms and the monoamine theory of depression, and is a target for the development of new therapies. Studies into the major dopamine delivery pathways in the brain will therefore provide a strong base in improving knowledge of these psychiatric disorders. This post-mortem study examines the cytoarchitecture of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra in schizophrenia (n = 12) and depression (n = 13) compared to matched controls (n = 13). Measures of nucleolar volume, nuclear length and nuclear area were taken in patients with chronic schizophrenia and major depressive disorder against matched controls. Astrocyte density was decreased in schizophrenia compared to controls (p = 0.030), with no change in oligodendrocyte density observed. Significantly increased nuclear cross-sectional area (p = 0.017) and length (p = 0.021), and increased nucleolar volume (p = 0.037) in dopaminergic neurons were observed in schizophrenia patients compared with controls, suggesting nuclear pleomorphic changes. No changes were observed in depression cases compared to control group. These changes may reflect pathological alterations in gene expression, neuronal structure and function in schizophrenia.

Randomized clinical trial of fluid and salt restriction compared with a controlled liberal regimen in elective gastrointestinal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Excessive intravenous fluid prescription may play a causal role in postoperative complications following major gastrointestinal resectional surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate whether fluid and salt restriction would decrease postoperative complications compared with a more modern controlled liberal regimen. METHODS: In this observer-blinded single-site randomized clinical trial consecutive patients undergoing major gastrointestinal resectional surgery were randomized to receive either a liberal control fluid regimen or a restricted fluid and salt regimen. The primary outcome was postoperative complications of grade II and above (moderate to severe). RESULTS: Some 240 patients (194 colorectal resections and 46 oesophagogastric resections) were enrolled in the study; 121 patients were randomized to the restricted regimen and 119 to the control (liberal) regimen. During surgery the control group received a median (interquartile range) fluid volume of 2033 (1576-2500) ml and sodium input of 282 (213-339) mmol, compared with 1000 (690-1500) ml and 142 (93-218) mmol respectively in the restricted group. There was no significant difference in major complication rate between groups (38·0 and 39·0 per cent respectively). Median (range) hospital stay was 8 (3-101) days in the controls and 8 (range 3-76) days among those who received restricted fluids. There were four in-hospital deaths in the control group and two in the restricted group. Substantial differences in weight change, serum sodium, osmolality and urine : serum osmolality ratio were observed between the groups. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in major complication rates, length of stay and in-hospital deaths when fluid restriction was used compared with a more liberal regimen. REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN39295230 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).

Changes in cortical thickness in the frontal lobes in schizophrenia are a result of thinning of pyramidal cell layers.

Decreased cortical thickness and reduced activity as measured by fMRI in the grey matter of the subgenual cingulate cortex have been reported in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and cortical grey matter loss has been reliably reported in the frontal and temporal lobes in schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to examine the thickness of each of the six cortical layers in the subgenual cingulate cortex, five frontal lobe and four temporal lobe gyri. We examined two separate cohorts. Cohort 1 examines the subgenual cingulate cortex (SCC) in schizophrenia (n = 10), bipolar disorder (n = 15) and major depressive disorder (n = 20) against control subjects (n = 19). Cohort two examines frontal and temporal gyri in schizophrenia (n = 16), major depressive disorder (n = 6) against matched controls (n = 32). The cohorts were selected with identical clinical criteria, but underwent different tissue processing to contrast the effect of chemical treatment on tissue shrinkage. Measurements of layer I-VI thickness were taken from cresyl-violet- and haematoxylin-stained sections in cohort one and from cresyl-violet- and H&E-stained sections in cohort two. SCC cortical thickness decreased in male subjects with bipolar disorder (p = 0.048), and male schizophrenia cases showed a specific decrease in the absolute thickness of layer V (p = 0.003). Compared to controls, the relative thickness of layer V in the crown of the SCC decreased in schizophrenia (p < 0.001). A significant decrease in total cortical thickness was observed across the frontal lobe in schizophrenia (p < 0.0001), with specific pyramidal layer thinning in layers III (p = 0.0001) and V (p = 0.005). There was no effect of lateralization. No changes were noted in temporal lobe cortical thickness. This study demonstrates diminished pyramidal layer thickness resulting in decreased frontal lobe thickness in schizophrenia.

Neuropathological changes in the nucleus basalis in schizophrenia.

The nucleus basalis has not been examined in detail in severe mental illness. Several studies have demonstrated decreases in glia and glial markers in the cerebral cortex in schizophrenia, familial bipolar disorder and recurrent depression. Changes in neocortical neuron size and shape have also been reported. The nucleus basalis is a collection of large cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain receiving information from the midbrain and limbic system, projecting to the cortex and involved with attention, learning and memory, and receives regulation from serotonergic inputs. Forty-one cases aged 41-60 years with schizophrenia or major depressive disorder with age-matched controls were collected. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded coronal nucleus basalis sections were histologically stained for oligodendrocyte identification with cresyl-haematoxylin counterstain, for neuroarchitecture with differentiated cresyl violet stain and astrocytes were detected by glial fibrillary acid protein immunohistochemistry. Cell density and neuroarchitecture were measured using Image Pro Plus. There were larger NB oval neuron soma in the combined schizophrenia and major depression disorder groups (p = 0.038), with no significant change between controls and schizophrenia and major depression disorder separately. There is a significant reduction in oligodendrocyte density (p = 0.038) in the nucleus basalis in schizophrenia. The ratio of gemistocytic to fibrillary astrocytes showed a greater proportion of the former in schizophrenia (18.1 %) and major depressive disorder (39.9 %) than in controls (7.9 %). These results suggest glial cell abnormalities in the nucleus basalis in schizophrenia possibly leading to cortical-limbic disturbance and subcortical dysfunction.

Enhancing the efficacy of fouling-release coatings against fouling by Mytilus galloprovincialis using nanofillers.

Fouling-release (FR) coatings minimise the adhesion strength of fouling organisms. This study describes improved technologies to control the settlement and adhesion of the important fouling organism Mytilus galloprovincialis by incorporating the nanofillers titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrices. The incorporation of TiO(2) prevented larval settlement when photoactivated with UV light, even at the lowest concentration of the nanofiller (3.75 wt%). Notably, there was 100% mortality of pediveligers exposed to photoactivated TiO(2). However, plantigrades initially settled to photoactivated TiO(2), but their adhesion strength was significantly reduced on these surfaces in comparison to blank PDMS. In addition, plantigrades had high mortality after 6 h. In contrast to the enhanced antifouling and FR properties of PDMS incorporating TiO(2), the incorporation of CNTs had no effect on the settlement and adhesion of M. galloprovincialis.

Enhancing the settlement and attachment strength of pediveligers of Mytilus galloprovincialis by changing surface wettability and microtopography.

Surface wettability and microtopography can either enhance or deter larval settlement of many sessile marine organisms. This study quantifies the effect of these surface properties on the settlement of pediveligers of Mytilus galloprovincialis, using polymers spanning a range of wettability and microtextured polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Furthermore, the adhesion strength of settled pediveligers on microtextured PDMS surfaces was quantified using a flow chamber. Settlement was enhanced at the hydrophilic end of the wettability spectrum, where mean settlement on nylon reached 33.5 ± 13.1%. In contrast, mean settlement on the most hydrophobic polymer (PDMS) was 4.2 ± 3.2%. Microtopography had a much stronger effect compared to wettability, where 400 µm textured PDMS enhanced settlement above 90%. Settlement preferences were also positively correlated to adhesion strength at flow rates of 4 knots, with all initially settled pediveligers on smooth PDMS detaching, while 79.9 ± 5.7% of pediveligers remained on the 400 µm texture.

Optimising settlement assays of pediveligers and plantigrades of Mytilus galloprovincialis.

The mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis is a common aquaculture species, and also a major fouling organism that has negative economic impacts. There are no standard assay conditions for this important species and therefore, this study quantified the effect of key factors on the settlement of pediveligers and plantigrades. Density dependent settlement did not occur for either pediveligers or plantigrades. Settlement increased in drop assays in a 12 h light:12 h dark cycle, while bottom shade had no effect of any magnitude. In addition, settlement was significantly enhanced by storing pediveligers for between 4 and 24 days at 4 °C. Overall, these data provide the template to optimise and standardise static laboratory settlement assays for mussels in order to develop materials that either enhance settlement for the aquaculture industry, or deter settlement for antifouling applications. Furthermore, simple mechanisms such as storage at 4 °C can enhance settlement beyond current methods used in aquaculture hatcheries.