Related Changes Research Articles

Stakeholder relations as an asset in family firms – Performance effects of changes after PE investment

By building upon instrumental stakeholder theory, we aim to increase academic understanding of how changes in stakeholder relations affect acquisition performance outcomes in a private equity (PE) family firm buyout, during the holding period. With our sample of 134 PE-backed family firm buyouts, we find evidence to suggest that reducing social engagement during the holding period decreases medium-term performance, whereas the termination of existing supplier relationships affects this positively. Moreover, our data suggests that effects concerning the reduction of social engagement and employee downsizing are negatively moderated by increased levels of family ownership prior to the PE deal.

Loneliness in adolescence and prescription of psychotropic drugs in adulthood: 23-year longitudinal population-based and registry study.

The role of adolescent loneliness in adult mental health and prescriptions of psychotropic drugs remains underexplored. We aim to determine whether (a) experiencing loneliness in adolescence and (b) changes in loneliness from adolescence to adulthood are prospectively associated with prescriptions for a variety of psychotropic drugs in adulthood. We used data from a Norwegian population-based sample with 2602 participants, collected across four waves between 1992 and 2006. Loneliness was assessed at each wave, with survey data linked to medicinal drug prescription records from the Norwegian Prescription Database. We identified prescription histories of antipsychotics, mood stabilisers, antidepressants and benzodiazepines from 2007 to 2015, for each participant. We use latent growth curve analyses to model the relationship of adolescent loneliness and loneliness change from adolescence to adulthood, with subsequent psychotropic drugs prescription. Adolescents with heightened loneliness, and adolescents whose loneliness increased into young adulthood, had a greater likelihood of being prescribed antipsychotics, mood stabilisers and antidepressants in adulthood. These associations remained significant after adjustment for confounders such as sociodemographic characteristics, conduct problems, substance use and mental health problems. Loneliness in adolescence and its adverse development over a span of 15 years was linked to higher risk of receiving prescriptions for antipsychotics, mood stabilisers and antidepressants later in life. The findings may indicate that loneliness increases the risk for developing psychotic disorders, bipolar disorders and major depression.

Case Report: Contribution of [18F]FET PET in differential diagnosis between radionecrosis and progression in metastasis—reproducibility and superiority of dynamic acquisitions

We present the case of a 67-year-old woman with metastatic invasive ductal carcinoma of the left breast, in whom a follow-up magnetic resonance imaging, 3 months after encephalic radiotherapy, revealed a significant increase in the size of two brain metastases, potentially indicating progressive disease within the radiation field. Subsequent [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) and [18F] fluoroethyl-L-tyrosine positron emission tomography ([18F]FET PET) scans were performed to distinguish radionecrosis from tumor progression. Despite a dynamic [18F]FET time–activity curve (TAC) against progression, the exceeding of the 1.9 cutoff by mean tumor to brain ratio (TBR) and interdisciplinary considerations led to the resection of one lesion. Histopathology revealed necrosis due to radiotherapy, without viable tumor proliferation. To verify radionecrosis, a second [18F]FET PET scan was conducted, showing consistent findings. In metastasis differentiation, the mean TBR cutoff of 1.9 and TAC analysis achieved a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 91%. The discrepancy between the TAC and TBR emphasizes the need for consideration, and a time delay between radiotherapy and PET may impact TBR cutoffs. In addition, differences in radiosensitivity suggest a lower metastasis pre-test probability of progression, and it might be why a TAC analysis could be more effective in distinguishing true progression from treatment related changes in metastasis. This case demonstrates the accuracy of dynamic [18F]FET PET and suggests its utility for post-treatment metastasis evaluation, and further research on post-treatment delay could lead to improved performances of dynamic [18F]FET PET.

Association of Intrauterine Device Malposition With Previous Cesarean Delivery and Related Uterine Anatomical Changes.

We sought to determine the association between intrauterine device (IUD) malposition and previous cesarean delivery (CD) and related uterine anatomical changes. A retrospective cohort of all persons with an IUD presenting for two- and three-dimensional pelvic ultrasonography over 2 years, for any gynecologic indication, was compiled. IUD malposition was defined as IUD partially or completely positioned outside the endometrial cavity. Uterine position, uterine flexion, and cesarean scar defect (CSD) size were assessed. Patient characteristics and sonographic findings were compared between those with normally positioned and malpositioned IUD. Primary outcome was the rate of IUD malposition in persons with and without a history of CD. Logistic regression analysis was used to control for potential confounders. Two hundred ninety-six persons with an IUD had a pelvic ultrasound, 240 (81.1%) had a normally positioned IUD, and 56 (18.9%) had a malpositioned IUD. The most common location of IUD malposition was low uterine segment and cervix (67.9%). Malpositioned IUD was associated with referral for evaluation of pelvic pain (P = .001). Prior CD was significantly associated with a malpositioned IUD, after adjusting for confounders (aOR 3.50, 95% CI 1.31-9.35, P = .01). Among persons with prior CD, uterine retroflexion and a large CSD were independent risk factors for IUD malposition (aOR 4.1, 95% CI 1.1-15.9, P = .04 and aOR 5.4, 95% CI 1.4-20.9, P = .01, respectively). Prior CD is associated with significantly increased risk of IUD malposition. Among persons with previous CD, those with a retroflexed uterus and a large CSD are more likely to have a malpositioned IUD.

Opportunities and Risks for Russian Business in South Asia (Case of India)

The geopolitical changes in relations between Russia and the collective West as well as the sanctions imposed against our country have provoked a turn of Russian business towards Asia. In this regard, it seems relevant to study the prospects for international cooperation of Russian companies with friendly countries in the Asian region, with India in particular, who is a strategic partner of Russia and rates in top five in terms of GDP. The purpose of the study was to analyze trends in India’s strategic development and the experience of implementing joint Russian-Indian projects in order to identify promising sectors of the Indian economy for Russian expansion. The authors have identified the most promising areas for Russian-Indian B 2B cooperation as following: logistics, energy, chemical and petrochemical industries. The results of the study may be useful to Russian organizations when developing an expansion strategy for the Indian market.

Neural sensitivity following stress predicts anhedonia symptoms: a 2-year multi-wave, longitudinal study

Animal models of depression show that acute stress negatively impacts functioning in neural regions sensitive to reward and punishment, often manifesting as anhedonic behaviors. However, few human studies have probed stress-induced neural activation changes in relation to anhedonia, which is critical for clarifying risk for affective disorders. Participants (N = 85, 12–14 years-old, 53 female), oversampled for risk of depression, were administered clinical assessments and completed an fMRI guessing task during a baseline (no-stress) period to probe neural response to receipt of rewards and losses. After the initial task run of the fMRI guessing task, participants received an acute stressor and then, were re-administered the guessing task. Including baseline, participants provided up to 10 self-report assessments of life stress and symptoms over a 2 year period. Linear mixed-effects models estimated whether change in neural activation (post- vs. pre-acute stressor) moderated the longitudinal associations between life stress and symptoms. Primary analyses indicated that adolescents with stress-related reductions in right ventral striatum response to rewards exhibited stronger longitudinal associations between life stress and anhedonia severity (β = −0.06, 95%CI[−0.11, −0.02], p = 0.008, pFDR = 0.048). Secondary analyses showed that longitudinal positive associations between life stress and depression severity were moderated by stress-related increases in dorsal striatum response to rewards (left caudate β = 0.11, 95%CI[0.07,0.17], p < 0.001, pFDR = 0.002; right caudate β = 0.07, 95%CI[0.02,0.12], p = 0.002, pFDR = 0.003; left putamen β = 0.09, 95%CI[0.04, 0.14], p < 0.001, pFDR = 0.002; right putamen β = 0.08, 95%CI[0.03, 0.12], p < 0.001, pFDR = 0.002). Additionally, longitudinal positive associations among life stress and anxiety severity were moderated by stress-related reductions in dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (β = −0.07, 95%CI[−0.12,.02], p = 0.008, pFDR = 0.012) and right anterior insula (β = −0.07, 95%CI[−0.12,−0.02], p = 0.002, pFDR = 0.006) response to loss. All results held when adjusting for comorbid symptoms. Results show convergence with animal models, highlighting mechanisms that may facilitate stress-induced anhedonia as well as a separable pathway for the emergence of depressive and anxiety symptoms.

Fetal face shape analysis from prenatal 3D ultrasound images

3D ultrasound imaging of fetal faces has been predominantly confined to qualitative assessment. Many genetic conditions evade diagnosis and identification could assist with parental counselling, pregnancy management and neonatal care planning. We describe a methodology to build a shape model of the third trimester fetal face from 3D ultrasound and show how it can objectively describe morphological features and gestational-age related changes of normal fetal faces. 135 fetal face 3D ultrasound volumes (117 appropriately grown, 18 growth-restricted) of 24-34 weeks gestation were included. A 3D surface model of each face was obtained using a semi-automatic segmentation workflow. Size normalisation and rescaling was performed using a growth model giving the average size at every gestation. The model demonstrated a similar growth rate to standard head circumference reference charts. A landmark-free morphometry model was estimated to characterize shape differences using non-linear deformations of an idealized template face. Advancing gestation is associated with widening/fullness of the cheeks, contraction of the chin and deepening of the eyes. Fetal growth restriction is associated with a smaller average facial size but no morphological differences. This model may eventually be used as a reference to assist in the prenatal diagnosis of congenital anomalies with characteristic facial dysmorphisms.

Unveiling the green horizon: A bibliometric analysis of global foreign direct investment research and its emphasis on climate change

Foreign direct investment (FDI) promotes economic growth of a country in multiple ways by setting up industries, infrastructure, and power plants, and such activities usually accelerate climate change by raising greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions. While the research on the role of FDI in promoting economic growth has gained widespread attention, it remains largely unclear how much global FDI research focuses on climate change activities. To fill this gap, a global scale bibliometric analysis was conducted to quantify published research on FDI, including the share dedicated to climate change. Global FDI research was heavily focused on non-climate change issues contributing 85% share in publications (13,835 publications) and 78% in citations (3,70,000 citations) and minimal attention was paid to FDI research relevant to climate change (2438 publications, 1,07,478 citations). Even with less publications, the research impact (RI; citations pre document) of FDI-climate change studies was 62% higher than non-climate change studies. Global FDI research was mainly concentrated in a few countries, with only 15 countries publishing approximately 75% of FDI research. China, USA, and UK combined produced approximately half (47%) of the global FDI research. The institutions and funding agencies from China, USA, and UK contributed greatest number of FDI publications and collaborated widely with rest of the world. However, China, Pakistan and Turkey produced 57% of global publications on FDI-climate change. Though developing countries are the major recipients of FDI and are most vulnerable to climate change, but their contributions towards climate change research were minimal. The most recent (2019–2023) topic trends for FDI research were green finance, renewable energy, economic growth, trade, and FDI. However, the recent topic trends for FDI-climate change research were green finance, clean energy, FDI, carbon emission, and carbon dioxide emission. FDI and climate change activities are generally positively correlated. Therefore, global research should upsurge its focus on FDI related climate change activities in order to find ways to improve economies sustainably without damaging environment.

Dietary nutrients during gestation cause obesity and related metabolic changes by altering DNA methylation in the offspring.

Growing evidence shows that maternal nutrition from preconception until lactation has an important effect on the development of non-communicable diseases in the offspring. Biological responses to environmental stress during pregnancy, including undernutrition or overnutrition of various nutrients, are transmitted in part by DNA methylation. The aim of the present narrative review is to summarize literature data on altered DNA methylation patterns caused by maternal macronutrient or vitamin intake and its association with offspring's phenotype (obesity and related metabolic changes). With our literature search, we found evidence for the association between alterations in DNA methylation pattern of different genes caused by maternal under- or overnutrition of several nutrients (protein, fructose, fat, vitamin D, methyl-group donor nutrients) during 3 critical periods of programming (preconception, pregnancy, lactation) and the development of obesity or related metabolic changes (glucose, insulin, lipid, leptin, adiponectin levels, blood pressure, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) in offspring. The review highlights that maternal consumption of several nutrients could individually affect the development of offspring's obesity and related metabolic changes via alterations in DNA methylation.

The 'Tilt' and the 'Pacific Uplift' in 'Global Britain's' ties with the Pacific Islands

Following the 2016 vote to leave the European Union, the British government sought to construct the UK as “Global Britain” to reinvigorate its foreign policy. Subsequently, in 2019, the UK government announced a “Pacific Uplift” to facilitate greater engagement with the Pacific Island States. Alongside Australia’s “Pacific Step Up” and New Zealand’s “Pacific Reset”, this engagement is part of a wider shift in foreign relations as Western powers seek to counter perceived Chinese influence in the region. Within this article, I consider the changing relationship between the UK and the Pacific Island States. I argue that the UK’s “Pacific Uplift” was shaped by colonial legacies despite the absence of discussion of them. I contend that the UK’s re-engagement with Pacific Islanders is influenced by the announcement of the Australian-UK-US (AUKUS) security alliance and the UK’s wider military presence continues to be framed by colonial legacies. Finally, I argue that climate-ocean governance has been utilised by the UK to leverage influence as a partner rather than a former colonial power. I advocate for greater scrutiny of the UK’s changing relationship with Pacific Island States.

Change detection of wetland vegetation under contrasting water-level scenarios in coastal marshes of eastern Georgian Bay

Abstract Context Global climate change has resulted in extreme water-level (WL) fluctuations in Eastern Georgian Bay (EGB) and has affected its high-quality wetlands. Beginning in 1999, EGB experienced 14 years of extremely low water levels (Period 1), followed by 6 years of rapidly increasing water levels starting from 2014 (Period 2). During Period 1, trees and shrubs invaded the high marsh, but with inundation, they died out and transitioned into the novel Dead Tree (DT) Zone (DTZ) during Period 2. Objectives We related long-term changes in wetlands vegetation zonation to different levels of anthropogenic impacts and the Vulnerability Index (VI) scores and wetland sensitivity to WL extremes. Methods We used images acquired in 2002–2003 (IKONOS) and 2019 (KOMPSAT-3 and Pleiades-1A/1B) for four areas (19 wetlands) in EGB with varying anthropogenic impact. We used object-based classification to map land cover in two periods, followed by change detection. We related the percent areal cover of DT in wetlands to corresponding VI scores. Results We obtained &gt; 85% overall and &gt; 70% DT mapping accuracies. Wetlands with the least anthropogenic impact had the smallest DTZ. Percentage areal cover of the DTZ was significantly and positively correlated with wetland VI. Without exception, the amount of meadow marsh in wetlands was significantly reduced in Period 2. Conclusions Wetlands with higher VI scores and anthropogenic impact were associated with greater changes in wetland zonation and conversion into DTZ following extremes in water levels. This study provides important insights into how coastal marshes in EGB are responding to extreme water-level fluctuations induced by climate change.

Community partner viewpoints on forest partnership: why does it matter?

ABSTRACT Many studies that have focused on forestry partnerships have failed to examine their substantial impact on social and ecological outcomes from the perspective of community partners in Indonesia. Using Integrative Framework for Collaborative Governance Regimes (IFCGs) and qualitative methods, this study, therefore, explores community partners’ views on the quality of their collaboration in the country. The findings indicate that the viewpoints of community partners play a vital role in forestry partnership scheme, influencing substantially the quality of their collaboration. In addition, it has been observed that the viral phenomenon on social media in Indonesia has become a critical catalyst for changes in political dynamics and power relations among collaborating groups that are not well defined in the IFCG framework. The results also suggest highlighting the vital role of collaborative actions, which is even more crucial than acquiring a legal licence.

Quantitative pressure and saturation engineering values from 4D PP and PS seismic data

AbstractFor field development and drilling decisions, production assets and reservoir engineers require dynamic reservoir properties, such as saturation and pressure changes of a reservoir from the pre‐production virgin state. To date, geophysicists have produced time‐lapse (4D) seismic attributes (mostly on stacked seismic data) rather than dynamic parameters directly. In this paper, we present a new method to estimate saturation and pressure properties from time‐lapse seismic data to provide to reservoir engineers. This new three‐step method is demonstrated over the Edvard Grieg field in the North Sea. We can realize this method thanks to advanced seismic multi‐component acquisition via PP and PS seismic data and processing that allows accurate estimation of amplitude‐variation‐with‐offset parameters P‐ and S‐impedances. With time‐lapse P‐ and S‐impedances optimally resolved, we estimate a stable set of axes identifying water saturation increase (water replacing oil), gas saturation increase (gas injection or gas out of solution), pressure increase (at injectors) and pressure decrease (at producers). Once these axes are obtained, we convert every 4D P‐ and S‐impedance data points into 4D pseudo‐saturation and pseudo‐pressure using a transformation of coordinates. We next use the rock physics relationships of this field to show that a linear relationship can be used to map any 4D change in the field from impedances to saturations and pressures. Key locations in the field with largest saturation and pressure changes are used to find calibration values at these extreme points. Next, from the pseudo‐seismic 4D data, a linear mapping is used to calculate actual reservoir property changes (fractions for saturation and bars for pressure). This allows us to obtain fieldwide dynamic values for water and gas saturations and injection and production related pressure changes. The results are shown, and dynamic changes are interpreted on the Edvard Grieg field data.

Conceptual Change und sprachbezogene Konzepte – eine theoretische Annäherung

The construct of conceptual change is used in teaching-learning research to express the change in learners' specialised concepts. This profound change relates to ideas and knowledge structures. However, there is no standardised theory of conceptual change, as proposed by research in the natural sciences; rather, there are two central perspectives and various forms of interpretation. In the German didactic discourse, there is more frequent talk of ideas or pre-concepts that students have in relation to language, but this is not usually based on a comprehensive theoretical understanding of conceptual change as a mental change process. In this article, we will first introduce the two perspectives that characterise the (scientific) discourse in order to then theoretically negotiate conceptual change in relation to students' language-related concepts. This is an initial theory-based approach and at the same time a search movement with the aim of introducing conceptual change into the discourse as a possible perspective on changing cognitive-linguistic dispositions in language learning and development processes.

Relationships of change in Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) on patient outcomes and probability of progression: observational analysis

BackgroundUnderstanding the relationship among changes in Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), patient outcomes, and probability of progression is crucial for evaluating the long-term benefits of disease-modifying treatments. We examined associations among changes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) stages and outcomes that are important to patients and their care partners including activities of daily living (ADLs), geriatric depression, neuropsychiatric features, cognitive impairment, and the probabilities of being transitioned to a long-term care facility (i.e., institutionalization). We also estimated the total time spent at each stage and annual transition probabilities in AD.MethodsThe study included participants with unimpaired cognition, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD, and mild, moderate, and severe AD dementia in the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC) Uniform Data Set (UDS) database. The associations among change in AD stages and change in relevant outcomes were estimated using linear mixed models with random intercepts. The probability of transitioning to long-term care facilities was modeled using generalized estimating equations. The total length of time spent at AD stages and annual transition probabilities were estimated with multistate Markov models.ResultsThe estimated average time spent in each stage was 3.2 years in MCI due to AD and 2.2, 2.0, and 2.8 years for mild, moderate, and severe AD dementia, respectively. The annual probabilities of progressing from MCI to mild, moderate, and severe AD dementia were 20, 4, and 0.7%, respectively. The incremental change to the next stage of participants with unimpaired cognition, MCI, and mild, moderate, and severe AD dementia (to death) was 3.2, 20, 26.6, 31, and 25.3%, respectively. Changes in ADLs, neuropsychiatric features, and cognitive measures were greatest among participants who transitioned from MCI and mild AD dementia to more advanced stages. Participants with MCI and mild and moderate AD dementia had increasing odds of being transitioned to long-term care facilities over time during the follow-up period.ConclusionsThe findings demonstrated that participants with early stages AD (MCI or mild dementia) were associated with the largest changes in clinical scale scores. Early detection, diagnosis, and intervention by disease-modifying therapies are required for delaying AD progression. Additionally, estimates of transition probabilities can inform future studies and health economic modeling.

How the expert nursing role was used to facilitate the co-design of a patient interview study.

Co-design is a research method that seeks to engage service users in research. The approach fosters inclusivity and shared power by having researchers and research participants work together for some or all of a study. To describe the experience of co-designing a patient interview study from the perspective of an expert stoma nurse, using a case-study approach and reflexive methods. Valuing expert patients' experiences when conducting research about them enabled patients to be trained as participant researchers to co-design and undertake a patient interview study. The co-design process enabled the researcher to develop a greater recognition of the fact that experience of looking after people with stomas does not equate to expertise in knowing what it is like to have a stoma. This enriched her research experience and increased the authenticity of the study. Co-designing a study with service users creates challenges for nurse researchers. They must pay attention to relational changes, time, planning and organisation to ensure that they conduct their research rigorously and ethically, and safeguard the co-researchers and other participants from potential risks. Co-designing research is critical for developing effective, patient-centred bodies of evidence. Nurse researchers can play a critical role but must be prepared to shift from directive to participatory methods to identify appropriate, patient-focused improvements.

A228 RISANKIZUMAB - DRUG INDUCED LIVER INJURY; A CASE REPORT

Abstract Background Risankizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody to IL-23. It was initially used in the treatment of plaque psoriasis with recent approval to extend use to treat moderate to severe Crohn’s disease with evidence of endoscopic healing and clinical remission of disease. In the drugs safety manual, it has been reported to have transient liver enzyme elevation that is asymptomatic and not to a degree requiring drug discontinuation. No reported data on steatohepatitis. In this article we describe a 28 year old female, who had no evidence of liver disease in the past who underwent treatment with Risankizumab and within several months developed evidence of steatohepatitis with radiological evidence of significant hepatomegaly. Aims Case report details Drug induced liver injury to Risankizumab. Methods Case Report Results Drug induced liver injury with elevated liver enzyme levels and liver biopsy showing drug related liver changes likely in the setting of Risankizumab use. Conclusions Risankizumab is a newly approved drug in the setting of Crohn's disease, although described in the drug assessment report that it may cause transient hepatitis or eleveted liver enzymes in the setting of lower drug dose for Psoriasis use, the higher drug level used in the setting of Crohn's disease has not been formally evaluated and no previous known case reports of Drug induced Liver Injury to Risankizumab causing severe steatohepatitis Funding Agencies None

Do mean platelet volume and platelet count vary on a daily or gender basis?

Aims: Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a measurement based on platelet morphology. We aimed to investigate whether MPV and platelet count exhibit a daily change in relation to the days and gender. Methods: Healthy blood donors aged 18–55 years with no history of the disease and/or drug use participated in the study. MPV values and platelet counts were analyzed with respect to the date of the blood test and the gender of the participant based on a 29–day calendar. Results: A total of 14718 participants (7772 female) were included. The median age of the females and males was similar (38 [range 18–54], and 36 [18–55], p=0.254, respectively). Median platelet count was 278 × 109/L (range 152–448) in females and 244 × 109/L (range 151–439) in males, with a significant difference (p&lt;0.01). The median MPV was 8.9 (range 5.7–12.2) fL in females and 8.4 (range 5.9–12.8) fl in males (p&lt;0.01). MPV and platelet counts were higher in females on all days of the month compared to males. Decreases in MPV values were observed in both females and males on days 9th, 12th, 20th, and 26th, whereas increases in both occurred on days 5th, 15th, 23rd, and 29th. Conclusion: We demonstrated that MPV and platelet count exhibited a daily fluctuating in healthy individuals; MPV values and platelet count were overall higher in females. This study may give a different perspective on future studies of MPV and a lead for evaluating daily changes on other blood parameters.

Modulating Driver Alertness via Ambient Olfactory Stimulation: A Wearable Electroencephalography Study.

Poor alertness levels and related changes in cognitive efficiency are common when performing monotonous tasks such as extended driving. Recent studies have investigated driver alertness decrement and possible strategies for modulating alertness with the goal of improving reaction times to safety critical events. However, most studies rely on subjective measures in assessing alertness changes, while the use of olfactory stimuli, which are known to be strong modulators of cognitive states, has not been commensurately explored in driving alertness settings. To address this gap, in the present study we investigated the effectiveness of olfactory stimuli in modulating the alertness state of drivers and explored the utility of electroencephalography (EEG) in developing objective brain-based tools for assessing the resulting changes in cortical activity. Olfactory stimulation induced a significant differential effect on braking reaction time. The corresponding effect to the cortical activity was characterized using EEG-derived metrics and the devised machine learning framework yielded a high discriminating accuracy (92.1%). Furthermore, neural activity in the alpha frequency band was found to be significantly associated with the observed drivers' behavioral changes. Overall, our results demonstrate the potential of olfactory stimuli to modulate the alertness state and the efficiency of EEG in objectively assessing the resulting cognitive changes.

Salinity change evokes stress and immune responses in Atlantic salmon with microalgae showing limited potential for dietary mitigation.

Smoltification was found to impact both immune and stress responses of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), but little is known about how salinity change affects salmon months after completed smoltification. Here, we examined (1) the effect of salinity change from brackish water to seawater on the stress and immune responses in Atlantic salmon and (2) evaluated if functional diets enriched with microalgae can mitigate stress- and immune-related changes. Groups of Atlantic salmon were fed for 8weeks with different microalgae-enriched diets in brackish water and were then transferred into seawater. Samples of the head kidney, gill, liver and plasma were taken before seawater transfer (SWT), 20h after SWT, and 2weeks after SWT for gene-expression analysis, plasma biochemistry and protein quantification. The salmon showed full osmoregulatory ability upon transfer to seawater reflected by high nkaα1b levels in the gill and tight plasma ion regulation. In the gill, one-third of 44 investigated genes were reduced at either 20h or 2weeks in seawater, including genes involved in cytokine signaling (il1b) and antiviral defense (isg15, rsad2, ifit5). In contrast, an acute response after 20h in SW was apparent in the head kidney reflected by increased plasma stress indicators and induced expression of genes involved in acute-phase response (drtp1), antimicrobial defense (camp) and stress response (hspa5). However, after 2weeks in seawater, the expression of antiviral genes (isg15, rsad2, znfx1) was reduced in the head kidney. Few genes (camp, clra, c1ql2) in the gill were downregulated by a diet with 8% inclusion of Athrospira platensis. The results of the present study indicate that salinity change months after smoltification evokes molecular stress- and immune responses in Atlantic salmon. However, microalgae-enriched functional diets seem to have only limited potential to mitigate the related changes.