Clinical translational neuroscience (CTN) is positioned to generate novel discoveries for advancing treatments for mental health disorders, but it is held back today by the siloing of bioethical considerations from critical consciousness. In this article, we suggest that bioethical and critical consciousness can be paired to intersect with structures of power within which science and clinical practice are conducted. We examine barriers to the adoption of neuroscience findings in mental health from this perspective, especially in the context of current collective attention to widespread disparities in the access to and outcomes of mental health services, lack of representation of marginalized populations in the relevant sectors of the workforce, and the importance of knowledge that draws upon multicultural perspectives. We provide 10 actionable solutions to confront these barriers in CTN research, as informed by existing frameworks such as structural competency, adaptive calibration models, and community-based participatory research. By integrating critical consciousness with bioethical considerations, we believe that practitioners will be better positioned to benefit from cutting-edge research in the biological and social sciences than in the past, alert to biases and equipped to mitigate them, and poised to shepherd in a robust generation of future translational therapies and practitioners.

Under controlled flight conditions, the distance between a navigator's report of position and his actual position is a criterion of success in dead reckoning navigation. Students' logs were evaluated for five separate missions by comparing the students' entries with standards determined by experts. The reliability of this technique is indicated by the fact that mission to mission intercorrelations of error scores were low, while the intercorrelations between legs of the same mission were moderately high. The intercorrelations between the error scores for the different navigation variables were computed and analyzed by using both factor analysis and multiple regression techniques. Both analyses indicated that a major portion of all dead reckoning error could be attributed to errors made in determining magnetic deviation. As a result of these analyses, recommendations were made for changing the instruction in dead reckoning and alterations in the equipment used were suggested.

Insomnia’s impact on psychological functioning is known to increase suicide risk. The underlying mechanisms of this association are unclear. This study explored psychological factors including depression, emotion dysregulation, perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness as possible mechanisms in the association between insomnia and suicidal ideation in a nationally representative sample for age, sex and race in the United States. Participants (N = 428) completed a Qualtrics survey of demographics, Insomnia Severity Index, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, Frequency of Suicidal Ideation Inventory and PROMIS-Depression and PROMIS-Anxiety short forms. Regression analyses and structural equation modeling were used. Insomnia severity was associated with greater suicidality (p < 0.001, CI = 0.19–0.31). When accounting for depression severity, emotion dysregulation and perceived burdensomeness fully mediated insomnia–suicidal ideation frequency association (β = 0.04, p = 0.045; β = 0.24, p < 0.001). Insomnia has major implications on psychological functioning, which may serve as mechanisms through which insomnia confers risk for suicidality. Our model posits that insomnia prevents regional sleep restoration in brain regions involved in psychological functioning, thereby conferring risk for suicidality. Insomnia may be an ideal upstream target for reducing suicidality and its risk factors, including depression, emotion dysregulation and perceived burdensomeness.

We report the discovery of an ancient forest bed near Stanley, on the Falkland Islands, the second such ancient deposit identified on the South Atlantic island archipelago that is today marked by the absence of native tree species. Fossil pollen, spores and wood fragments preserved in this buried deposit at Tussac House show that the source vegetation was characterized by a floristically diverse rainforest dominated by Nothofagus-Podocarpaceae communities, similar to cool temperate Nothofagus forests/woodlands and Magellanic evergreen Nothofagus rainforests. The age limit of the deposit is inferred from the stratigraphic distribution of fossil pollen species transported by wind, birds or ocean currents from southern Patagonia, as well as similar vegetation types observed across the broader region. The deposit is suggested to be between Late Oligocene and Early Miocene, making it slightly older than the previously analysed Neogene West Point Island forest bed (200 km west of Tussac House). The combined evidence adds to our current knowledge of the role of climate change and transoceanic dispersal of plant propagules in shaping high-latitude ecosystems in the Southern Hemisphere during the late Palaeogene and Neogene.

Steatotic liver disease, defined as >5% of hepatic fat content, is a major contributor to global morbidity and mortality, in particular due to its category metabolic associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)(1). While its prevention focuses on promoting physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight and balanced diet, the associations between dietary fatty acids and liver fat remain unclear(2,3). The aim of this study was to examine the associations between dietary fatty acids and liver fat in the absence of excessive alcohol intake, independently of energy intake.

Analyses were conducted on 9,268 non-diabetic participants from the UK Biobank with no pre- existing liver chronic illness or cardiovascular disease at baseline, and without excessive alcohol consumption. Dietary intake of total fat, saturated fatty acids (SFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) was measured using the mean of ≥2 Oxford WebQ 24-hr dietary assessments, responded to between 2009 and 2012. Liver proton density fat fraction (LPDFF) was measured by magnetic resonance imaging between 2016 and 2020. Multivariable linear regression models were calculated to assess the associations between fatty acid intakes and LPDFF, adjusting for key demographic and lifestyle confounders. In addition, associations between LPDFF and 10 individual SFAs, 7 PUFAs, and 4 MUFAs were also examined. Sensitivity analyses were carried out including participants who responded ≥4 dietary assessments (N=2,828).

After fully adjusting for confounders, no significant associations between LPDFF (%) and MUFAs were found. Inverse associations with LPDFF were observed for PUFAs (−5.8% relative difference [95% confidence interval −0.6, −1.9]), per 5% increase in intake, while SFAs were positively associated with LPDFF (5.8% [3.3, 8.3]). Positive associations were observed per 1 SD increase in intake of individual fatty acids SFA stearic acid (4.20% [2.84, 5.57]) and palmitic acid (3.15% [1.78, 4.54]). Negative associations were observed for PUFAs alpha-linoleic acid (−2.32% [−3.47, −1.17]) and docosahexaenoic acid (−2.14% [−3.23, −1.0.3], and for MUFA erucic acid (−2.52% [−3.61, −1.43]). Sensitivity analyses presented similar results, and the associations between PUFAs and liver fat became slightly stronger (−10.73%, [−17.58, −3.32]).

This observational study suggests that SFAs and PUFAs are associated with liver fat in opposite directions, independently of energy intake. While total MUFAs did not present significant associations with LPDFF, erucic acid was inversely associated with liver fat, highlighting the value of studying individual fatty acids. These different associations provide valuable information for the design of dietary trials that compare interventions with different types of fatty acids. These further studies would allow a better understanding of the ideal dietary advice to prevent liver steatosis and its global health impact.

Fructose-containing sugars can exaggerate postprandial lipaemia and stimulate hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) when compared to glucose-based carbohydrates(1). Galactose has recently been shown to increase postprandial lipaemia compared to glucose(2), but mechanisms remain uncharacterised. The aim of this study was to assess the effect and mechanisms of lactose-induced lipaemia.

Twenty-four non-obese adults (12 male and 12 female) completed three trials in a randomised, crossover design (28 ± 7-day washout). During trials, participants consumed test drinks containing 50 g fat with 100 g of carbohydrate. The control carbohydrate was a glucose polymer (maltodextrin), the experimental carbohydrate was galactose-containing carbohydrate (lactose) and the active comparator was fructose-containing carbohydrate (sucrose). Hepatic DNL was assessed by the 2H2O method and [U-13C]-palmitate was added to the test drink to trace the fate of the ingested fat. Blood and breath samples were taken to determine plasma metabolite and hormone concentrations, in addition to plasma and breath 2H and 13C enrichments. Data were converted into incremental under the curve (iAUC) and were checked for normality by visual inspection of residuals. Differences between trials were assessed by one-way ANOVA. Where a main effect of trial was detected, post- hoc t-tests were performed to determine which trials differed from lactose according to the principle of closed-loop testing.

The plasma triacylglycerol iAUC (mean ± SD) in response to maltodextrin was 51 ± 68 mmol/L*360 min. Following lactose ingestion, plasma triacylglycerol iAUC increased to 98 ± 88 mmol/L*360 min (p<0.001 vs maltodextrin), which was comparable to sucrose [90 ± 95 mmol/L*360 min (p=0.41 vs lactose)]. Hepatic DNL in response to maltodextrin was 6.6 ± 3.0%. Following ingestion of lactose, hepatic DNL increased to 12.4 ± 6.9% (p=0.02 vs maltodextrin), which was comparable to sucrose [12.2 ± 6.9% (p=0.96 vs lactose)]. Exhaled 13CO2 in response to maltodextrin was 10.4 ± 4.1 mmol/kgFFM*360 min. Following ingestion of lactose, exhaled 13CO2 was 8.8 ± 4.9 mmol/kgFFM*360 min (p=0.09 vs maltodextrin), which was lower than sucrose [11.1 ± 3.9 mmol/kgFFM*360 min (p=0.01 vs lactose)].

These data are consistent with the hypothesis that hepatic de novo lipogenesis contributes to both lactose and sucrose-induced lipaemia and provide a rationale to investigate the longer-term effects of lactose and sucrose on metabolism.

Associations between obesity and mental illness have been identified, but they are complex and bidirectional(1). Weight loss interventions have been proposed as a potential strategy to improve mental health in individuals with overweight or obesity, but the evidence remains inconclusive(2). Additionally, the role of specific foods in a weight loss diet and mental health outcomes is not well understood(3). This study aimed to explore the association between weight loss (with and without almonds) and self-administered psychological and sleep assessments, including the Profile of Mood States (POMS), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZSDS), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Participants (n = 140, 47.5 ± 10.8 years) with overweight or obesity (BMI: 30.7 ± 2.3 kg/m2) were randomised to an energy-controlled almond-enriched diet (AED) or nut-free diet (NFD). Psychological and sleep assessments were conducted at baseline, after 3 months of weight loss, and after 6 months of weight maintenance. Data were analysed using mixed-effects models and linear regression. For POMS, total mood disturbance score (TMDS) (60.2%, p = 0.01), fatigue-inertia (21.2%, p = 0.003), and vigor-activity (19.9%, p<0.001) improved over time (with no different between groups), with improvements associated with the magnitude of weight loss (TMDS: β = 0.059, p = 0.02; fatigue-inertia: β = 0.268, p = 0.016; vigor-activity: β=-0.194, p = 0.048). No significant changes were observed in tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, anger-hostility, or confusion-bewilderment. A significant group x time interaction (p = 0.048) was found for the PSS, which increased in the NFD group (10.1%) and decreased in the AED (1%) during the weight maintenance phase. No significant changes were observed for the ZSDS. The PSQI demonstrated significant improvement in both groups over time for sleep quality (11.3%, p<0.001), sleep latency (24.3%, p<0.001), sleep disturbance (39.2%, p = 0.04), and daytime dysfunction (290.4%, p<0.001), but not for sleep duration or habitual sleep efficiency. Summed scores, generating the global sleep score (GSS), demonstrated an overall significant improvement in both groups over time (33.5%, p<0.001), and these improvements were associated with weight loss (GSS: β = 0.863, p<0.001). The findings emphasise the importance of evaluating mental health outcomes in weight loss interventions and highlight the potential influence of weight management on mood and sleep quality. Further research is warranted to explore the impact of diet composition on perceived stress and other mental health outcomes.

This method abstract details the Green School Program, piloted across three schools in maritime Fijian islands, addresses critical issues faced by Fijian and Pacific Island communities. These encompass malnutrition, food security, health hazards, and the urgency of integrating traditional knowledge, governance, and social-ecological systems approaches into creating healthier school environments. Non communicable diseases have emerged as a pervasive concern within Pacific Island communities, creating a challenge for public health systems, driven greatly by dietary habits(1). This complex health landscape underscores the need to safeguard traditional knowledge and agri-food practices and develop neo-traditional approaches to local food systems(2). Furthermore, the Green School Program recognizes the essential role of schools as community hubs, enabling enhancing heathy school environments by embracing traditional wisdom and sustainable farming practices and foods, ultimately empowering communities to address these multifaceted challenges(3). Developing the school environment as a sustainable setting for governance framework led by women and the school administration, rooted in traditional knowledge and practices. Additionally, it aims to design facilities that support efficient organic farming while integrating these into school activities. Economic sustainability through the sale of surplus farm products, as well as the enhancement of sustainable land-use management, health, wellbeing, and cultural identity. The program unfolds within a distinctive community-based framework with the establishment of robust governance, with a notable emphasis on the leadership of women and mothers who play a pivotal role in steering the green school initiative and ensuring community ownership. Collaborative governance spans multiple stakeholders, including school management, community-based school committees, youth groups, women groups, and traditional leaders. This inclusive engagement ensures both shared responsibility in program design and ownership during implementation phases. Sustainable facilities are strategically designed to include biodigesters, water storage and irrigation systems, composting, organic fertilizers, and seedling nurseries, enhancing the program’s capacity to create healthier school food environments while embracing traditional practices and values. The program has witnessed the active engagement of women in governance roles, promoting community unity and ownership. Traditional knowledge integration has enhanced crop diversity and sustainability. Economic sustainability has been achieved through surplus farm product sales, reducing dependency on external funding sources. Health improvements are evident, with reduced exposure to indoor air pollution from open fires. Cultural identity preservation and increased student engagement are also notable outcomes. The Green School Program’s holistic approach, rooted in traditional knowledge and sustainable practices, has yielded positive outcomes in governance, agriculture, nutritional food security, health, and cultural identity preservation. The program’s success demonstrates the potential for community-based initiatives to address critical issues and empower remote island communities. These results provide valuable insights into sustainable development approaches that prioritize community wellbeing and cultural heritage preservation in similar contexts.

Energy restricted diets improve liver function(1) and habitual nut consumption has been associated with a lower prevalence of fatty liver(2). This study examined the effect of incorporating almonds in an energy restricted diet on liver health biomarkers. One Hundred and forty adults (42M:98F, 47.5 ± 10.8 years, BMI 30.7 ± 2.3 kg/m2) enrolled in a 9-month (9M) dietary intervention comprising 3 months (3M) weight loss (30% energy restriction) followed by 6 months (6M) of weight maintenance. Participants were randomly assigned to consume almonds (n = 68, AED) or isocaloric carbohydrate-rich snacks (n = 72, CRD) which provided 15% of total daily energy. At baseline (BL), 3M and 9M, fatty liver index (FLI) scores (0-100)(3) were calculated using body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fasting serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and triglyceride (TAG) levels, and other liver health biomarkers were assessed by ultrasound (volume, visual appearance and elastography (a marker of stiffness due to fibrosis)). Intention to treat analyses were conducted using mixed effects modelling (fixed effects group and time, with participants as the random effect). Significant reductions from BL occurred over time (all p<0.001 for 3M and 9M) with no difference between groups (AED vs CRD, P>0.05) in BMI (3M: −2.44 ± 0.20 vs −2.32 ± 0.20, 9M: −2.83 ± 0.19 vs −2.81 ± 0.19 kg/m2), WC (3M: −8.04 ± 0.79 vs −7.00 ± 0.81, 9M: −8.72 ± 0.83 vs −9.14 ± 0.81 cm), TAG (3M: −0.24± 0.08 vs −0.22 ± 0.09, 9M: −0.37 ± 0.09 vs −0.21 ± 0.09 mmol/L), FLI score (3M: −23.8 ± 2.0 vs −17.6 ± 2.1, 9M: −23.8 ± 2.0 vs −17.6 ± 2.1), and liver volume (3M: −134.56 ± 38.30 vs −100.96 ± 37.25, 9M: −113.68 ± 37.42 vs −110.64 ± 35.47cm3). Significantly greater reductions occurred for AED compared to CRD at 3M and 9M in GGT (p = 0.003) (3M: −9.68 ± 1.93 vs −0.01 ± 2.00, 9M: −7.75 ± 2.06 vs −2.78 ± 2.15 IU/L) and liver visual assessment scores (p = 0.03) (3M: −0.58 ± 0.24 vs −0.45 ± 0.23, 9M: −1.33 ± 0.23 vs −0.50 ± 0.22). There were no significant changes in liver elastography over time or between groups. Energy restriction improved body composition and reduced the extent of fatty liver and liver size but did not change liver stiffness. The inclusion of almonds in an energy restricted diet demonstrated additional benefits to some liver health biomarkers providing support for almonds being incorporated into lifestyle interventions to improve liver function.

Research finds that individuals of dark complexions are more likely to face prejudice or be discriminated against in a variety of contexts. Referred to as colorism, skin-tone-based discrimination has major implications for various life outcomes. Research on social interactions suggests that lighter skin tones are associated with a higher level of physical attractiveness, which is of particular interest for this study. This study uses quantitative survey data collected from undergraduate and graduate students from across the United States to explore the relationship between colorism, gender, and perceived physical attraction via a modified version of Harvey, Tennial, and Bank’s In-Group Colorism Scale (ICS). Analyses measured the relationship between a participant’s own skin tone, which was self-assessed via comparison to images modeled after make-up swatches, and results on a subscale of the ICS which measures attraction to lighter skin tones. Our results suggest that gender has a significant impact on perceived physical attractiveness, with male-identifying participants placing more weight on the significance of skin tone when determining physical attraction. Implications for future research and translational implications are also discussed.

Large-scale geological structures have controlled the long-term development of the bed and thus the flow of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS). However, complete ice cover has obscured the age and exact positions of faults and geological boundaries beneath Thwaites Glacier and Pine Island Glacier, two major WAIS outlets in the Amundsen Sea sector. Here, we characterize the only rock outcrop between these two glaciers, which was exposed by the retreat of slow-flowing coastal ice in the early 2010s to form the new Sif Island. The island comprises granite, zircon U-Pb dated to ~177–174 Ma and characterized by initial ɛNd, 87Sr/86Sr and ɛHf isotope compositions of -2.3, 0.7061 and -1.3, respectively. These characteristics resemble Thurston Island/Antarctic Peninsula crustal block rocks, strongly suggesting that the Sif Island granite belongs to this province and placing the crustal block's boundary with the Marie Byrd Land province under Thwaites Glacier or its eastern shear margin. Low-temperature thermochronological data reveal that the granite underwent rapid cooling following emplacement, rapidly cooled again at ~100–90 Ma and then remained close to the Earth's surface until present. These data help date vertical displacement across the major tectonic structure beneath Pine Island Glacier to the Late Cretaceous.

For the Western Indian Ocean region, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding marine turtle nesting on the continental coast of East Africa. Here we present results from a long-term (2000–2020) community-based monitoring programme in and around Watamu Marine National Park, Kenya, covering 30 km of coastline (c. 6% of the national total). Conservation actions effectively protected nesting turtles and resulted in a near-total cessation of illegal egg harvesting in Watamu Marine National Park. Collected data indicate this is an important marine turtle nesting index site in Kenya and the wider region. Green turtle Chelonia mydas nests were most common (95%), followed by olive ridley turtles Lepidochelys olivacea (4%), with occasional nests of hawksbill Eretmochelys imbricata and leatherback turtles Dermochelys coriacea. Clutches per season increased significantly over the 20-year monitoring period for green turtles (50%) and showed a positive trend for olive ridley turtles. Watamu remains an area at risk from human pressures such as coastal development. Clutch distribution along the Watamu Marine National Park beach has shifted over time, probably because of coastal development and disturbance. Illegal take of adults and eggs continues in areas north and south of the Watamu Marine National Park, possibly slowing rates of recovery. Clutches deemed at risk were moved to a safe location within the National Park, and hatching success was high. Continued conservation efforts, including wider engagement with stakeholders to reduce human pressures, are needed to ensure the perpetuation of this nesting site.

Research articles in the clinical and translational science literature commonly use quantitative data to inform evaluation of interventions, learn about the etiology of disease, or develop methods for diagnostic testing or risk prediction of future events. The peer review process must evaluate the methodology used therein, including use of quantitative statistical methods. In this manuscript, we provide guidance for peer reviewers tasked with assessing quantitative methodology, intended to complement guidelines and recommendations that exist for manuscript authors. We describe components of clinical and translational science research manuscripts that require assessment including study design and hypothesis evaluation, sampling and data acquisition, interventions (for studies that include an intervention), measurement of data, statistical analysis methods, presentation of the study results, and interpretation of the study results. For each component, we describe what reviewers should look for and assess; how reviewers should provide helpful comments for fixable errors or omissions; and how reviewers should communicate uncorrectable and irreparable errors. We then discuss the critical concepts of transparency and acceptance/revision guidelines when communicating with responsible journal editors.