Fitness and fur colouration. Testing the camouflage and thermoregulation hypotheses in an Arctic mammal

Selection for crypsis has been recognized as an important ecological driver of animal colouration, whereas the relative importance of thermoregulation is more contentious with mixed empirical support. A potential thermal advantage of darker individuals has been observed in a wide range of animal species. Arctic animals that exhibit colour polymorphisms and undergo seasonal colour moults are interesting study subjects for testing the two alternative hypotheses: demographic performance of different colour morphs might be differentially affected by snow cover with a cryptic advantage for lighter morphs, or conversely by winter temperature with a thermal advantage for darker morphs. In this study, we explored whether camouflage and thermoregulation might explain differences in reproduction and survival between the white and blue colour morphs of the Arctic fox Vulpes lagopus under natural conditions. Juvenile and adult survival, breeding propensity and litter size were measured for 798 captive-bred and released or wild-born Arctic foxes monitored during an 11-year period (2007–2017) in two subpopulations in south-central Norway. We investigated the proportion of the two colour morphs and compared their demographic performance in relation to spatial variation in duration of snow cover, onset of snow season and winter temperatures. After population re-establishment, a higher proportion of blue individuals was observed among wild-born Arctic foxes compared to the proportion of blue foxes released from the captive population. Our field study provides the first evidence for an effect of colour morph on the reproductive performance of Arctic foxes under natural conditions, with a higher breeding propensity of the blue morph compared to the white one. Performance of the two colour morphs was not differentially affected by the climatic variables, except for juvenile survival. Blue morph juveniles showed a tendency for higher survival under colder winter temperatures but lower survival under warmer temperatures compared to white morph juveniles. Overall, our findings do not consistently support predictions of the camouflage or the thermoregulation hypotheses. The higher success of blue foxes suggests an advantage of the dark morph not directly related to disruptive selection by crypsis or thermoregulation. Our results rather point to physiological adaptations and behavioural traits not necessarily connected to thermoregulation, such as stress response, immune function, sexual behaviour and aggressiveness. Our findings highlight the need to explore the potential role of genetic linkage or pleiotropy in influencing the fitness of white and blue Arctic foxes as well as other species with colour polymorphisms

Design of 280 GHz feedhorn-coupled TES arrays for the balloon-borne polarimeter SPIDER

We describe 280 GHz bolometric detector arrays that instrument the balloon-borne polarimeter SPIDER. A primary science goal of SPIDER is to measure the large-scale B-mode polarization of the cosmic microwave background in search of the cosmic-inflation, gravitational-wave signature. 280 GHz channels aid this science goal by constraining the level of B-mode contamination from galactic dust emission. We present the focal plane unit design, which consists of a 16$\times$16 array of conical, corrugated feedhorns coupled to a monolithic detector array fabricated on a 150 mm diameter silicon wafer. Detector arrays are capable of polarimetric sensing via waveguide probe-coupling to a multiplexed array of transition-edge-sensor (TES) bolometers. The SPIDER receiver has three focal plane units at 280 GHz, which in total contains 765 spatial pixels and 1,530 polarization sensitive bolometers. By fabrication and measurement of single feedhorns, we demonstrate 14.7$^{\circ}$ FHWM Gaussian-shaped beams with $<$1% ellipticity in a 30% fractional bandwidth centered at 280 GHz. We present electromagnetic simulations of the detection circuit, which show 94% band-averaged, single-polarization coupling efficiency, 3% reflection and 3% radiative loss. Lastly, we demonstrate a low thermal conductance bolometer, which is well-described by a simple TES model and exhibits an electrical noise equivalent power (NEP) = 2.6 $\times$ 10$^{-17}$ W/$\sqrt{\mathrm{Hz}}$, consistent with the phonon noise prediction.Comment: Proceedings of SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation 201

Risk of heart failure among individuals tested for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato antibodies, and serum Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato seropositive individuals; a nationwide population-based, registry-based matched cohort study

BACKGROUND: Lyme borreliosis is a tick-borne disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) sensu lato complex. Previous studies have suggested an association between Lyme borreliosis and heart failure, which have been suggested to be a possible manifestation of Lyme carditis. We aimed to investigate the risk of heart failure among individuals tested for serum Bb antibodies, and serum Bb seropositive individuals.METHODS: We performed a matched nationwide cohort study (Denmark, 1993-2020) and included 52,200 Bb seropositive individuals, and two age- and sex-matched comparison cohorts: 1) 104,400 Bb seronegative comparison cohort members, and 2) 261,000 population controls. We investigated the risk associated with 1) being tested for serum Bb antibodies, and 2) being Bb seropositive. Outcomes were: 1) a composite of heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and/or myocarditis diagnosis, and 2) redemption of cardiovascular medicine used for treatment of heart failure. We calculated short-term odds ratios (aOR) (within 1 month) and long-term hazard rates (aHR) (after 1 month) adjusted for age, sex, diabetes, pre-existing heart failure, and kidney disease.RESULTS: Compared with the population controls, individuals tested for Bb antibodies, regardless of the test result, had increased short-term risk of heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and myocarditis (aOR 8.3, 95 %CI: 6.7-10.2), and both increased short- and long-term risk of redemption of cardiovascular medicine (aOR 4.3, 95 %CI: 3.8-4.8, aHR 1.13, 95 % CI: 1.11-1.15). The Bb seropositive individuals had no increased short- or long-term risk of any outcome compared with Bb seronegative comparison cohort members.CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, Bb antibody tests seemed to be performed in the diagnostic work-up of heart failure, but Bb seropositivity was not associated with heart failure.</p

SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence among homeless people and shelter workers in Denmark:a nationwide cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: People experiencing homelessness (PEH) and associated shelter workers may be at higher risk of infection with “Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2” (SARS-CoV-2). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among PEH and shelter workers in Denmark. DESIGN AND METHODS: In November 2020, we conducted a nationwide cross-sectional seroprevalence study among PEH and shelter workers at 21 recruitment sites in Denmark. The assessment included a point-of-care test for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, followed by a questionnaire. The seroprevalence was compared to that of geographically matched blood donors considered as a proxy for the background population, tested using a total Ig ELISA assay. RESULTS: We included 827 participants in the study, of whom 819 provided their SARS-CoV-2 antibody results. Of those, 628 were PEH (median age 50.8 (IQR 40.9–59.1) years, 35.5% female) and 191 were shelter workers (median age 46.6 (IQR 36.1–55.0) years and 74.5% female). The overall seroprevalence was 6.7% and was similar among PEH and shelter workers (6.8% vs 6.3%, p = 0.87); and 12.2% among all participants who engaged in sex work. The overall participant seroprevalence was significantly higher than that of the background population (2.9%, p < 0.001). When combining all participants who reported sex work or were recruited at designated safe havens, we found a significantly increased risk of seropositivity compared to other participants (OR 2.23, 95%CI 1.06–4.43, p = 0.02). Seropositive and seronegative participants reported a similar presence of at least one SARS-CoV-2 associated symptom (49% and 54%, respectively). INTERPRETATIONS: The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was more than twice as high among PEH and associated shelter workers, compared to the background population. These results could be taken into consideration when deciding in which phase PEH are eligible for a vaccine, as part of the Danish national SARS-CoV-2 vaccination program rollout. FUNDING: TrygFonden and HelseFonden. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13642-7

Structural and functional analyses of Rubisco from arctic diatom species reveal unusual posttranslational modifications

The catalytic performance of the major CO2-assimilating enzyme, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), restricts photosynthetic productivity. Natural diversity in the catalytic properties of Rubisco indicates possibilities for improvement. Oceanic phytoplankton contain some of the most efficient Rubisco enzymes, and diatoms in particular are responsible for a significant proportion of total marine primary production as well as being a major source of CO2 sequestration in polar cold waters. Until now, the biochemical properties and three-dimensional structures of Rubisco from diatoms were unknown. Here, diatoms from Arctic waters were collected, cultivated and analyzed for their CO2 fixing capability. We characterized the kinetic properties of five, and determined the crystal structures of four Rubiscos selected for their high CO2-fixing efficiency. The DNA sequences of the rbcL and rbcS genes of the selected diatoms were similar, reflecting their close phylogenetic relationship. The Vmax and KM for the oxygenase and carboxylase activities at 25°C and the specificity factors (Sc/o) at 15, 25 and 35°C, were determined. The Sc/o values were high, approaching those of mono- and dicot plants, thus exhibiting good selectivity for CO2 relative to O2 Structurally, diatom Rubiscos belong to Form I C/D, containing small subunits characterised by a short βA-βB loop and a carboxy-terminal extension that forms a β-hairpin structure (βE-βF loop). Of note, the diatom Rubiscos featured a number of posttranslational modifications of the large subunit, including 4-hydroxy-proline, betahydroxyleucine, hydroxylated, and nitrosylated cysteine, mono-, and di-hydroxylated lysine, and tri-methylated lysine. Our studies suggest adaptation toward achieving efficient CO2-fixation in Arctic diatom Rubiscos

Plasma concentration of 36 (poly)phenols and prospective body weight change in participants from the EPIC cohort.

Introduction: Dietary intake of (poly)phenols has been linked to reduced adiposity and body weight (BW) in several epidemiological studies. However, epidemiological evidence on (poly)phenol biomarkers, particularly plasma concentrations, is scarce. We aimed to investigate the associations between plasma (poly)phenols and prospective BW change in participants from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort. Methods: This study included 761 participants with data on BW at baseline and after 5 years of follow-up. Plasma concentrations of 36 (poly)phenols were measured at baseline using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Associations were assessed through general linear mixed models and multinomial logistic regression models, using change in BW as a continuous or as a categorical variable (BW loss, maintenance, gain), respectively. Plasma (poly)phenols were assessed as log2-transformed continuous variables. The false discovery rate (FDR) was used to control for multiple comparisons. Results: Doubling plasma (poly)phenol concentrations showed a borderline trend towards a positive association with BW loss. Plasma vanillic acid showed the strongest association (-0.53 kg/5 years; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.99, -0.07). Similar results were observed for plasma naringenin comparing BW loss versus BW maintenance (odds ratio: 1.1; 95% CI: 1.0, 1.2). These results did not remain significant after FDR correction. Conclusion: Higher concentrations of plasma (poly)phenols suggested a tendency towards 5-year BW maintenance or loss. While certain associations seemed promising, they did not withstand FDR correction, indicating the need for caution in interpreting these results. Further studies using (poly)phenol biomarkers are needed to confirm these suggestive protective trends. Keywords: Body weight; Cohort; EPIC; Nutritional biomarker; Plasma (poly)phenol

Dietary Intake of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) and Mortality among Individuals with Colorectal Cancer

Funding [WCRF 2015/1391, PI: M. Jenab] was obtained from Wereld Kanker Onderzoek Fonds (WKOF), as part of the World Cancer Research Fund International grant program. The coordination of EPIC is financially supported by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and also by the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, which has additional infrastructure support provided by the NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). The national cohorts are supported by: Danish Cancer Society (Denmark); Ligue Contre le Cancer, Institut Gustave Roussy, Mutuelle Generale de lEducation Nationale, Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (INSERM) (France); German Cancer Aid, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke (DIfE), Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) (Germany); Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro-AIRC-Italy, Compagnia di SanPaolo and National Research Council (Italy); Dutch Ministry of Public Health, Welfare and Sports (VWS), Netherlands Cancer Registry (NKR), LK Research Funds, Dutch Prevention Funds, Dutch ZON (Zorg Onderzoek Nederland), World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), Statistics Netherlands (The Netherlands); Health Research Fund (FIS) - Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Regional Governments of Andalucia, Asturias, Basque Country, Murcia and Navarra, the Catalan Institute of OncologyICO (Spain); Swedish Cancer Society, Swedish Research Council and County Councils of Skane and Vaesterbotten (Sweden); Cancer Research UK (14136 to EPIC-Norfolk; C8221/A29017 to EPIC-Oxford), Medical Research Council (1000143 to EPIC-Norfolk; MR/M012190/1 to EPIC-Oxford) (United Kingdom). The EPIC-Norfolk study (DOI 10.22025/2019.10.105.00004) received funding from the Medical Research Council (MR/N003284/1 and MC-UU_12015/1) and Cancer Research UK (C864/A14136). V. Fedirko is supported by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) Rising Stars Award (Grant ID RR200056). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) may promote oxidative stress and inflammation and have been linked to multiple chronic diseases, including cancer. However, the association of AGEs with mortality after colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis has not been previously investigated. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals for associations between dietary intake of AGEs with CRC-specific and all-cause mortality among 5801 participant cases diagnosed with CRC in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study between 1993 and 2013. Dietary intakes of AGEs were estimated using country-specific dietary questionnaires, linked to an AGE database, that accounted for food preparation and processing. During a median of 58 months of follow-up, 2421 cases died (1841 from CRC). Individually or combined, dietary intakes of AGEs were not associated with all-cause and CRC-specific mortality among cases. However, there was a suggestion for a positive association between AGEs and all-cause or CRC-specific mortality among CRC cases without type II diabetes (all-cause, P-interaction = 0.05) and CRC cases with the longest follow-up between recruitment and cancer diagnosis (CRC-specific, P-interaction = 0.003; all-cause, P-interaction = 0.01). Our study suggests that pre-diagnostic dietary intakes of AGEs were not associated with CRC-specific or all-cause mortality among CRC patients. Further investigations using biomarkers of AGEs and stratifying by sex, diabetes status, and timing of exposure to AGEs are warranted.Wereld Kanker Onderzoek Fonds (WKOF), World Cancer Research Fund International grant program WCRF 2015/1391World Health OrganizationDepartment of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College LondonDanish Cancer SocietyLigue Contre le Cancer (France) Institut Gustave Roussy (France) Mutuelle Generale de lEducation Nationale (France)Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (Inserm)Deutsche Krebshilfe German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Germany) German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke (DIfE) (Germany)Federal Ministry of Education & Research (BMBF)Fondazione AIRC per la ricerca sul cancro Compagnia di San Paolo Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR)Netherlands GovernmentWorld Cancer Research Fund International (WCRF)Health Research Fund (FIS) - Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII)Junta de Andalucia Regional Government of Asturias (Spain) Regional Government of Basque Country (Spain) Regional Government of Murcia (Spain) Regional Government of Navarra (Spain) Catalan Institute of OncologyICO (Spain)Swedish Cancer Society Swedish Research Council County Council of Skane (Sweden) County Council of Vaesterbotten (Sweden)Cancer Research UK 14136 C8221/A29017UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) Medical Research Council UK (MRC) 1000143 MR/M012190/1 UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) Medical Research Council UK (MRC)European Commission MR/N003284/1 MC-UU_12015/1Cancer Research UK C864/A14136Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) Rising Stars Award RR20005

Grains - a major source of sustainable protein for health

Cereal grains are the main dietary source of energy, carbohydrates, and plant proteins world-wide. Currently, only 41% of grains are used for human consumption, and up to 35% are used for animal feed. Cereals have been overlooked as a source of environmentally sustainable and healthy plant proteins and could play a major role in transitioning towards a more sustainable food system for healthy diets. Cereal plant proteins are of good nutritional quality, but lysine is often the limiting amino acid. When consumed as whole grains, cereals provide health-protecting components such as dietary fiber and phytochemicals. Shifting grain use from feed to traditional foods and conceptually new foods and ingredients could improve protein security and alleviate climate change. Rapid development of new grain-based food ingredients and use of grains in new food contexts, such as dairy replacements and meat analogues, could accelerate the transition. This review discusses recent developments and outlines future perspectives for cereal grain use