Significant Population Research Articles

Assessing the impact of supporting facilities on the development of halal tourism: A bibliometric review

This bibliometric review evaluates the research progress and knowledge structure regarding the impact of supporting facilities on halal tourism development. Using the Scopus database and bibliometric analysis with the “bibliometrix” package in R, the study covers the period from 2016 to 2023. The search, employing keywords like “halal tourism,” “facilities,” “infrastructure,” and “local support,” identified 26 relevant publications. The findings highlight a limited body of research, with the Journal of Islamic Marketing being the most active publisher in this area, contributing six articles. Indonesia emerges as a leading contributor to halal tourism research, driven by its significant Muslim population and the economic potential of this niche market. Key facilities, such as mosques, musholla, and high-quality halal food options, are identified as crucial factors influencing Muslim travelers’ destination choices. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current research landscape on supporting facilities in halal tourism and highlights opportunities for future investigation to further enrich the field.

Discovery of inflammatory response-related proteins as candidate urinary biomarkers of allergic rhinitis

ObjectivesAllergic rhinitis (AR) is a pervasive condition, affecting a significant global population, often with lifelong implications. The objective of this study is to screen for inflammatory-related differential proteins in the urine of AR patients, aiming to analyze the correlation between these identified proteins and the severity of allergic rhinitis. Design and methodsTo diagnose AR, we utilized the sIgE test to measure the allergenic responses. Based on the total IgE levels, patients were segregated into two categories: AR1 (IgE>125IU/mL) and AR2 (IgE≤125IU/mL). The differential proteins related to inflammation in the urine of patients were screened using TMT labeling combined with LC–MS/MS. Subsequently, these proteins were validated through PRM-based proteomics quantification. ResultsWe found significant increases in FCGR3A, A1AT, KRT18, and IL18 in the AR group (P<0.001). PRM-based quantification results highlighted considerable differences in the concentrations of these four proteins across varying degrees of allergic rhinitis severity. A biomarker panel comprising FCGR3A, A1AT, KRT18, and IL18 was identified, with an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.993 for the detection of AR. ConclusionsThis study provides the first comprehensive report of combined TMT labeling LC–MS/MS quantitative proteomics and PRM analysis for discovering urinary biomarkers related to inflammatory responses in AR. These findings may be instrumental in evaluating the severity of allergic rhinitis and further our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying AR.

Asian Educators Experiencing the Bamboo Ceiling: A Canadian Case Study of Systemic Barriers in Hiring, Advancement, and Promotion

Our study amplifies the voices of Asian educators undergoing career advancement in a large district school board with a significant Asian student population in Ontario, Canada. Our data sources included survey results from 234 Asian educators and focus group transcriptions from 83 Asian educators. Grounded in Asian critical race theory (“AsianCrit”), our findings show that Asian educators faced the “bamboo ceiling,” wherein institutional barriers and inequities in relation to their Asian identity limited their career advancement when applying for leadership roles. Through a thematic analysis, we found systemic barriers: (a) pressure to conform to whiteness to advance their careers, (b) accent and name discrimination, and (c) colonial ideologies that have been normalized and embedded in leadership selection processes. Our research addresses significant gaps in the literature on Asian Canadian educators’ experiences in career advancement and contributes to the important development of AsianCrit theory.

Landscape Homogeneity May Drive the Distribution of Koala Vehicle Collisions on a Major Highway in the Clarke-Connors Range in Central Queensland, Australia

After the loss and fragmentation of habitat, vehicle collisions are one of the main threats to the long-term survival of wild koalas. Koala road strike data were analysed for a section of the Peak Downs Highway between Nebo and Spencer’s Gap, west of Mackay, Queensland, Australia. The analysis was carried out on 345 records (October 2014 to November 2023), and results suggested the spatial distribution of koala road strike followed a random pattern along this section of the highway, assuming a Poisson point pattern on a linear network. An analysis of the candidate predictors of koala vehicle collisions, including habitat and road variables, found that the amount of high-quality koala habitat (as defined by the local koalas’ tree species preference) present and the driver visibility were the only significant predictors. The relative homogeneity of landuse and vegetation across this landscape may mean that koalas do not concentrate at specific crossing points. More research, including detailed habitat mapping, is needed into this population, which currently lacks government and conservation attention, to inform mitigation efforts and reduce mortality rates for this potentially nationally significant population.

Early marriage and childbearing among Bengali women in India: Exploring the role of culture

One&amp;rsquo;s culture influences age at marriage, rules of mate selection, and fertility preferences. Language, as a component of culture, also influences culture itself. Therefore, language, as an indicator of cultural identity, is a significant, yet understudied social determinant of health in health-care settings. This study analyzes the role of cultural norms, measured through language, in early marriage and childbearing among Bengali speakers in India. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were conducted for 51,069 women aged 15 &amp;ndash; 49 years from three Indian states (Assam, Tripura, and West Bengal) using data from the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey (2019 &amp;ndash; 2021). Stata was used for the analyses, with p &lt; 5% considered significant. Among these women, 46% were married before the age of 18, 34% were married before 18 and began childbearing before 19, and 55% were native Bengali speakers. After controlling for predictors, Bengali-speaking women were significantly more likely to marry before the age of 18 (odds ratio [OR]: 1.72, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.66 &amp;ndash; 1.79) and marrying and having their first child before the age of 19 (OR: 1.55, CI: 1.49 &amp;ndash; 1.62) compared with their non-Bengali-speaking counterparts. Thus, Bengali culture appears to be associated with early marriage and motherhood. To address this, a multi-pronged strategy involving social and behavioral change communication, targeted programs delivered by grassroots health workers, and school-based campaigns that emphasize the adverse effects of early marriage and childbearing may help reduce these practices in states with significant Bengali-speaking populations.

Comparative Analysis of Rhizosphere Fungal Communities in Korean Fir Trees

The Korean fir (Abies koreana), a native coniferous species of Korea, predominantly inhabits the subalpine zone. Recently, this species has experienced a significant population decline, primarily attributed to environmental changes in the subalpine zone driven by global warming. Efforts to prevent the extinction of the Korean fir are underway, with a predominant focus on abiotic factors contributing to its decline. However, there is a notable lack of research on the complex interactions between microbial communities and Korean fir, particularly concerning how these interactions vary with the health status of the trees and their impact on population sustainability. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the rhizosphere fungal community structure associated with Korean fir trees in Jirisan National Park. We examined different habitat types, including the rhizospheres of native, cultivated, and dead Korean fir and bulk soil. Our findings revealed that the rhizosphere fungal community in the natural habitat of Korean fir predominantly comprises Agaricomycetes. Furthermore, the fungal community structure was more responsive to habitat type variations than seasonal changes. These findings provide basic information for conserving this endangered species and developing alternative habitats for the Korean fir.

Response of the Cyanobacteria Plankton Community to Anthropogenic Impact in Small Lakes of Urbanized Territory in the Permafrost Zone of Northeast Asia (Eastern Siberia, Yakutia)

In the conditions of growing anthropogenic pressure, aquatic ecosystems all over the world are subject to transformation, expressed in the growth of eutrophication, increase in acidity, changes in water exchange, etc. In the region of Eastern Siberia we studied, located in Yakutia in the middle reaches of the Lena River basin, there is a significant population growth accompanied by advancements in agriculture and public utilities. The region is rich in small lakes, which have been under pressure from human activities for the past few decades. The studied region is located in the permafrost zone and is characterized by severe climatic conditions, cold long winters, short hot summers, and a short ice-free period on reservoirs. We studied 17 lakes of various genesis, with varying degrees of anthropogenic pressure, located in the largest city of the region, small villages, and at different distances from them. Previous studies have established that cyanobacteria constitute the phytoplankton main group in these lakes during the summer period. Therefore, we selected them as the focus for our bioindication analysis. An integrated assessment of the bioindication properties of cyanobacteria, along with chemical water parameters, was undertaken using statistical mapping methods, JASP, and Redundancy Analysis (RDA). This analysis revealed the impact of urbanized areas, characterized by a decrease in pH, runoff of nitrogen compounds, and an increase in organic matter. Despite the cryolithozone harsh conditions, in small lakes of urbanized areas, cyanobacteria exhibit their competitive advantages within the plankton community. The prospect of continuing our work is associated with the need to determine the risk of cyanoHAB development since potentially toxic cyanobacteria have a mass development in a number of lakes.

Breeding season temporal and spatial trends in continental-scale migration of the monarch butterfly.

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is a vagile species that undertakes an annual, multi-generational migration across North America. The abundance of this species at both eastern and western overwintering sites in Central Mexico and California indicates a population decline. Success of continental-scale conservation programs for a migratory species depends on providing, maintaining, and protecting habitats at appropriate temporal and spatial scales. Here, dynamics of monarch continental-scale migration and gene flow were obtained by combined stable isotope, morphological, and genetic analyses. These analyses were applied to temporal monarch samples collected from May to September during 2016-2021 at locations in Iowa, USA and spatial collections from Pennsylvania, Delaware, Iowa, Ohio, Nevada, Idaho, Hawaii, 3 Australian locations during July and August 2016, and Texas in April 2021. Evidence of seasonal multi-generational migration was obtained through δ2H analyses of spatial collections, which was corroborated by decreased wing hue (a morphological marker for non-migratory individuals). In Iowa, 10-15% of monarchs represented migrants from southern areas throughout the breeding season and 6% were migrants from the North in midsummer. Limited sequence variation detected across the mitochondrial genome impacted the capability to detect significant population genetic variation in our North American samples. However, 2 novel substitutions were identified and predicted to be fixed among Australia samples, contributing to intercontinental differentiation from counterparts in North America. Our assessment of temporal and spatial population dynamics across the North American monarch breeding range provides insight into continental-scale migration and previously undetected mitochondrial DNA variation among globally distributed populations.

Association of metformin use with asthma development and adverse outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Asthma and diabetes are prevalent chronic diseases affecting a significant population globally. Research has suggested that metformin, a commonly used medication for diabetes management, may also have beneficial effects in enhancing asthma outcomes. Considering the comorbidity of asthma and diabetes, a comprehensive analysis was performed to investigate the efficacy of metformin in reducing adverse outcomes of asthma patients with diabetes. To gather relevant data, we conducted a systematic search of the PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL databases for observational studies published prior to September 2023. We specifically looked for studies involving individuals diagnosed with both asthma and diabetes, comparing the incidence and severity of asthma exacerbations in metformin users versus nonusers. The inclusion criteria encompassed studies that recruited participants aged 18 years and older. The primary outcome of interest was the risk of newly developing asthma, while secondary outcomes included the adjusted risk of asthma-induced exacerbations, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations. All data analyses and visualizations were performed using the R programming language. We identified and included 7 studies involving a total of 1,176,398 patients in our analysis. The pooled effect size indicated a potential reduction in the incidence of newly developed asthma among patients with type 2 diabetes who used metformin, although this finding did not reach statistical significance. Similar conclusions have also been observed in other outcomes, such as exacerbation, asthma-related emergency department visits, risk of systemic corticosteroid prescription. The only positive outcome is that the use of metformin can reduce the chance of patients being hospitalized due to asthma. In most outcome indicators, it cannot be assumed that the use of metformin can reduce asthma-related adverse events. However, the conclusion is not so certain, and longer observation and more evidence are still required. Metformin still shows some potential in the intervention of respiratory diseases.

SAXS of murine amelogenin identifies a persistent dimeric species from pH 5.0 to 8.0

Amelogenin is an intrinsically disordered protein essential to tooth enamel formation in mammals. Using advanced small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) capabilities at synchrotrons and computational models, we revisited measuring the quaternary structure of murine amelogenin as a function of pH and phosphorylation at serine-16. The SAXS data shows that at the pH extremes, amelogenin exists as an extended monomer at pH 3.0 (Rg = 38.4 Å) and nanospheres at pH 8.0 (Rg = 84.0 Å), consistent with multiple previous observations. At pH 5.0 and above there was no evidence for a significant population of monomeric species. Instead, at pH 5.0, ∼80 % of the population is a heterogenous dimeric species that increases to ∼100 % at pH 5.5. The dimer population was observed at all pH > 5 conditions in dynamic equilibrium with a species in the pentamer range at pH < 6.5 and nanospheres at pH 8.0. At pH 8.0, ∼40 % of the amelogenin remained in the dimeric state. In general, serine-16 phosphorylation of amelogenin appears to modestly stabilize the population of the dimeric species.

Health effects of greenspace morphology: Large, irregular-shaped, well-connected, and close-clustered greenspaces may reduce mortality risks, especially for neighborhoods with higher aging levels

The healthcare burden has intensified with urbanization and aging populations in many global cities. While the health effects of urban greenspaces have been well documented, little is known about the associations between greenspace morphological features and health, especially in a high-density city with significant aging populations. Drawing on land use data with 10-m resolution, we assessed seven greenspace morphological metrics in terms of size (the percentage of greenspace, the largest pixel index, the average greenspace area), fragmentation (the patch density), shape (the average weighted shape index), connectedness (the cohesion index), and proximity (the aggregation index). We further conducted an ecological study to examine their associations with all-cause and three cause-specific (cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and cancer) mortality. Results from the negative binomial regression models revealed protective effects of five greenspace morphology metrics, including the percentage of greenspace, the largest pixel index, the average weighted shape index, the cohesion index, and the aggregation index, on mortality. The shape index showed the greatest effects, with every 1 Standard Deviation (SD) increase in the shape index linked to a reduction of 22.1% (95% CI: 22.0%–31.0%) in all-cause mortality, 22.1% (12.2%–30.8%) in mortality from cardiovascular diseases, 25.0% (14.0%–34.6%) in mortality from respiratory diseases, and 22.0% (12.3%–30.6%) in mortality from cancers. Moreover, stratified analyses revealed that the health effects of the cohesion index and the aggregation index were significantly more pronounced in neighborhoods with higher aging levels. Our findings highlight the significance of greenspace morphology features, beyond greenspace quantity, in improving residents’ health, particularly for societies with high aging populations.

“Few people and the birds”. Negotiating tourism development and more-than-human hospitality on the margin

ABSTRACT Rural tourism is regarded as having the ability to contribute to the often much-needed socio-economic (re)vitalization of provincial regions. For that, the sector is dependent on services and sites of leisure to “sell”. While valuable research has been conducted at a variety of rural tourism sites, few have focused on tourism at potential destinations. Applying a theoretical approach of more-than-human cohabitation and hospitality, this paper discusses entanglements of tourism development in a peripheral area. The focus is on the remote Melrakkaslétta on the Icelandic northeast coast. Once the setting of wealthy farms and utilization of natural resources, the area has in recent decades faced depopulation and related challenges. The residents have proposed local tourism as one way to counteract these challenges. Melrakkaslétta, currently one of the least visited areas of Iceland, is home to significant bird populations. Indeed, Melrakkaslétta is a place of continuous comings and goings of birds and humans. Introducing findings from ethnographic research conducted in Melrakkaslétta, the paper reveals the paradoxical role of the birds in the area’s potential tourism development. For some people, the birds are something to underline and utilize while for others Melrakkaslétta should remain a tranquil place of few people and birds.

Modeling of Energy Usage Intensity Based on West Java Region Conditions Using Dynamic Systems Approach

Abstract West Java is a region in Indonesia experiencing significant population growth and economic activity, leading to a substantial increase in energy demand and presenting challenges for sustainable energy resource management. Energy is fundamental to economic and social activities, and efficient, sustainable management is essential for balancing economic growth with environmental preservation. Modeling energy usage intensity is crucial for understanding the dynamics of energy consumption and its influencing factors. This study aims to develop a model that accurately represents energy consumption patterns in West Java using a dynamic systems approach. The study utilizes Causal Loop Diagrams (CLD) and Stock Flow Diagrams (SFD) to systematically map and model the intricate dynamics of the energy system, providing a comprehensive understanding of the interactions and influences among various factors. The model was validated by comparing its outputs with historical data and calculating a Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). This enhances confidence in the analyses and recommendations derived from the model, making it a valuable tool for understanding and influencing energy usage patterns in West Java. In conclusion, this study not only provides deep insights into energy consumption in West Java but also offers practical approaches for improved energy management, supporting sustainable development and environmental protection in the region.

TOI-3568 b: A super-Neptune in the sub-Jovian desert

The sub-Jovian desert is a region in the mass-period and radius-period parameter space that typically encompasses short-period ranges between super-Earths and hot Jupiters, and exhibits an intrinsic dearth of planets. This scarcity is likely shaped by photoevaporation caused by the stellar irradiation received by giant planets that have migrated inward. We report the detection and characterization of TOI-3568 b, a transiting super-Neptune with a mass of 26.4 ± 1.0 M⊕, a radius of 5.30 ± 0.27 R⊕, a bulk density of 0.98 ± 0.15 g cm−3, and an orbital period of 4.417965 (5) d situated in the vicinity of the sub-Jovian desert. This planet orbiting a K dwarf star with solar metallicity was identified photometrically by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). It was characterized as a planet by our high-precision radial-velocity (RV) monitoring program using MAROON-X at Gemini North, supplemented with additional observations from the SPICE large program with SPIRou at CFHT. We performed a Bayesian MCMC joint analysis of the TESS and ground-based photometry, and MAROON-X and SPIRou RVs, to measure the orbit, radius, and mass of the planet, as well as a detailed analysis of the high-resolution flux and polarimetric spectra to determine the physical parameters and elemental abundances of the host star. Our results reveal TOI-3568 b to be a hot super-Neptune rich in hydrogen and helium, with a core of heavier elements of between 10 and 25 M⊕ in mass. We analyzed the photoevaporation status of TOI-3568 b and find that it experiences one of the highest extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) luminosities among planets with a mass of Mp &lt; 2 MNep, yet it has an evaporation lifetime exceeding 5 Gyr. Positioned in the transition between two significant populations of exoplanets on the mass-period and energy diagrams, this planet presents an opportunity to test theories concerning the origin of the sub-Jovian desert.

A Timeline of the M81 Group: Properties of the Extended Structures of M82 and NGC 3077

Mergers of and interactions between galaxies imprint a wide diversity of morphological, dynamical, and chemical characteristics in stellar halos and tidal streams. Measuring these characteristics elucidates aspects of the progenitors of the galaxies we observe today. The M81 group is the perfect galaxy group to understand the past, present, and future of a group of galaxies in the process of merging. Here, we measure the end of star formation (t 90) and metallicity ([M/H]) of the stellar halo of M82 and the eastern tidal stream of NGC 3077 to: (1) test the idea that M82 possesses a genuine stellar halo, formed before any interaction with M81; (2) determine if NGC 3077's tidal disruption is related to the star formation history in its tails; and (3) create a timeline of the assembly history of the central trio in the M81 group. We argue that M82 possesses a genuine, metal-poor ([M/H] ∼ −1.62 dex) stellar halo, formed from the merger of a small satellite galaxy roughly 6.6 Gyr ago. We also find that the stars present in NGC 3077's tails formed before tidal disruption with M81, and possess a roughly uniform metallicity as shown in S. Okamoto et al., implying that NGC 3077's progenitor had significant population gradients. Finally, we present a timeline of the central trio’s merger/interaction history.

Key questions and gaps in understanding adipose tissue macrophages and early-life metabolic programming.

The global obesity epidemic, with its associated comorbidities and increased risk of early mortality, underscores the urgent need for enhancing our understanding of the origins of this complex disease. It is increasingly clear that metabolism is programmed early in life and that metabolic programming can have life-long health consequences. As a critical metabolic organ sensitive to early-life stimuli, proper development of adipose tissue (AT) is crucial for life-long energy homeostasis. Early-life nutrients, especially fatty acids (FAs), significantly influence the programming of AT and shape its function and metabolism. Of growing interest are the dynamic responses during pre- and postnatal development to proinflammatory omega-6 (n6) and anti-inflammatory omega-3 (n3) FA exposures in AT. In the US maternal diet, the ratio of "pro-inflammatory" n6- to "anti-inflammatory" n3-FAs has grown dramatically due to the greater prevalence of n6-FAs. Notably, AT macrophages (ATMs) form a significant population within adipose stromal cells, playing not only an instrumental role in AT formation and maintenance but also acting as key mediators of cell-to-cell lipid and cytokine signaling. Despite rapid advances in ATM and immunometabolism fields, research has focused on responses to obesogenic diets and during adulthood. Consequently, there is a significant gap in identifying the mechanisms contributing metabolic health, especially regarding lipid exposures during the establishment of ATM physiology. Our review highlights the current understanding of ATM diversity, their critical role in AT, their potential role in early-life metabolic programming, and the broader implications for metabolism and health.

Tumor Antigen-Tethered Spiked Virus-Like- Poly(Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid)-Nanoparticle Vaccine Enhances Antitumor Ability Through Th9 Promotion in Mice.

Immunotherapy emerges as a promising frontier in cancer therapy and prevention. This study investigates the capacity of tumor-antigenic nanoparticles, specifically ovalbumin-tethered spiked virus-like poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (OVA-sVLNP), to effectively elicit humoral and cellular immune responses against tumors. OVA-sVLNP were synthesized through thiol-maleimide crosslinking using a single emulsion method. Comprehensive characterization was performed through Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), dynamic light scattering, Cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM), confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry. Immunogenicity was evaluated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for quantifying immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgG1, IgG2a) and cytokines in mouse sera. Flow cytometry profiled cellular immune responses in mouse spleens, and organ biosafety was assessed using immunohistochemistry and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. OVA-sVLNP had a mean particle size of 193.8 ± 11.9 nm, polydispersity index of 0.307 ± 0.04, and zeta potential of -39.6 ± 10.16 mV, remaining stable for one month at 4°C. In vitro studies revealed significant upregulation of CD80/CD86 in dendritic cells, indicating robust activation. In vivo, the optimal concentration (V25) induced potent IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a antibodies, significant populations of CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+, and a rare subset of CD3+CD4+CD8+ memory T cells. Notably, Th9 induction resulted in the secretion of IL-9, IL-10, and other cytokines, which are crucial for orchestrating cytotoxic T cell activity and antitumor effects. Overall, higher doses did not improve outcomes, highlighting the significance of optimal dosing. This study demonstrated potent immunogenicity of OVA-sVLNP, characterized by the induction of specific IgG antibodies and the stimulation of cellular immune responses, particularly tumor-killing Th9 cells. The simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the manufacturing process augment the potential of OVA-sVLNP as a viable candidate for antitumor vaccines, opening new avenues for cancer prevention and cell-based therapeutic strategies.

Microfluidics-A novel technique for high-quality sperm selection for greater ART outcomes.

Microfluidics represent a quality sperm selection technique. Human couples fail to conceive and this is so in a significant population of animals worldwide. Defects in male counterpart lead to failure of conception so are outcomes of assisted reproduction affected by quality of sperm. Microfluidics, deals with minute volumes (μL) of liquids run in small-scale microchannel networks in the form of laminar flow streamlines. Microfluidic sperm selection designs have been developed in chip formats, mimicking invivo situations. Here sperms are selected and analyzed based on motility and sperm behavioral properties. Compared to conventional sperm selection methods, this selection method enables to produce high-quality motile sperm cells possessing non-damaged or least damaged DNA, achieve greater success of insemination in bovines, and achieve enhanced pregnancy rates and live births in assisted reproduction-in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Besides, the concentration of sperm available to oocyte can be controlled by regulating the flow rate in microfluidic chips. The challenges in this technology are commercialization of chips, development of fully functional species-specific microfluidic tools, limited number of studies available in literature, and need of thorough understanding in reproductive physiology of domestic animals. In conclusion, incorporation of microfluidic system in assisted reproduction for sperm selection may promise a great success in IVF and ICSI outcomes. Future prospectives are to make this technology more superior and need to modify chip designs which is cost effective and species specific and ready for commercialization. Comprehensive studies in animal species are needed to be carried out for wider application of microfluidic sperm selection in invitro procedures.

Inflammatory Status as a Predictor of Perioperative Risk in Patients Undergoing Non-Cardiac Vascular Surgery

IntroductionPatients scheduled to undergo vascular surgery represent a significant population at risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE’s) post operation. This is due to a number of inflammatory mechanisms, designed to aid in post surgical recovery. A number of screening tools have been designed such as the EAGLE risk score or the Goldman and Detsky scores, to aid in identification of at-risk individuals. Recently inflammatory biomarkers have been suggested as a tool to aid in this assessment. The role of interleukins such as IL-1 and Il-6 have particularly been of interest to current research. Our hypothesis aims to test whether there is any benefit to measuring inflammatory biomarkers post operation as a tool to identify individuals at risk of MACEs. MethodWe identified 75 eligible patients scheduled to undergo vascular surgery (bypass, EVAR or open AAA repair or endarterectomy) and measured four inflammatory biomarkers (IL-1, IL-6, ICAM-1 & CRP) pre and post operatively on days 1-4 to identify correlations and identify differences in individuals who had a MACE vs those that didn't. A MACE was defined by a rise in T troponin of 0.06 or greater or ECG changes agreed upon by two clinicians or a stroke ResultsOf the 75 patients, 13 were identified to have a MACE. The result showed that both IL-1 and ICAM show a significantly positive correlation between pre and post operative levels with ICAM-1 significantly positive on all 4 days and IL-1 significantly positive on days 1, 3 & 4. When comparing the significant difference in change in inflammatory biomarkers between the MACE group and non-MACE group, a significant difference was only noted in the ICAM biomarker. ICAM was significantly different between the two groups on day 1 and day 2 (t test value 0.0455 and 0.0492 respectively) but was non-significant on days 3 and 4. All other biomarkers showed no significant difference pre and post op. DiscussionOverall, it is suggestable that measuring inflammatory biomarkers in vascular surgery patients is a valuable aid to clinicians in potentially identifying at-risk groups and should be used as an adjunct to already existing mechanisms available to the clinician.

Of Clams and Clades: Genetic Diversity and Connectivity of Small Giant Clams (Tridacna maxima) in the Southern Pacific Ocean.

Giant clams (Tridacna and Hippopus) are large marine bivalves occupying tropical and subtropical reefs in the Indo-Pacific. Giant clam populations have declined in many areas of the Indo-Pacific and continue to be threatened by harvesting and environmental change. The small giant clam (Tridacna maxima) occurs throughout the Indo-Pacific and has been subject to several phylogeographic studies across its range. However, given its broad range, there are several areas where the genetic diversity and connectivity of T. maxima populations has not been characterised. Here, we analyse the mitochondrial marker cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) to examine the genetic diversity and connectivity of T. maxima in two regions: Australia's Coral Sea Marine Park and the Cook Islands. Samples were collected from 13 reefs within the Coral Sea Marine Park and ten islands within the Cook Islands archipelago. Tridacna maxima across the sampled region of the Coral Sea did not display any population structure, whereas significant population structure was detected for T. maxima within the Cook Islands. For the Cook Islands, most pairwise comparisons involving an island in the northern group (Manihiki) were significant, as were comparisons for Palmerston (a more centrally located island) and the southern islands, Rarotonga and Mangaia. Both regions displayed high haplotype diversities (> 0.90), indicating that they are important repositories of genetic diversity. Additional CO1 data from throughout T. maxima's distribution showed that the Coral Sea clams belonged to the clade occurring in the South-Western Pacific Ocean, whilst those from the Cook Islands belonged to a unique clade found in the Central Pacific Ocean. This clade extended from Fiji in the west to French Polynesia in the east and the atolls of Palmyra and Tarawa (Kiribati) in the north. Our assessment of genetic diversity and population structure in these regions will assist with management decisions for the species.