Predicting diversity in benthic macro-scale communities associated with mussel matrices in three Pacific ecoregions

Scottish Funding Council. Grant Number: HR09011Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Four new alien species on the coasts of Greece (Eastern Mediterranean)

This study reports four alien polychaete species new to the marine fauna of Greece. These species are -Pseudopolydora paucibranchiata (family Spionidae),Paraprionospio coora (family Spionidae), Marphysa disjuncta (family Eunicidae), and Chaetozone corona(family Cirratulidae). Another species of Chaetozone, though not an alien one, Chaetozone gibber is reported here from Greek waters. All of them have been currently reported from the coasts of Turkey (Aegean or Levantine Seas). Pseudopolydorapaucibranchiata and Marphysa disjuncta, probably introduced to the region through ballast waters, seem to have been well established in the Mediterranean Sea. Chaetozone corona and Paraprionospio coorawere considered to be cryptogenic. Pseudolydora paucibranchiata was found in great densities in a very disturbed site, confirming the opportunistic character of this species. Chaetozone corona and Chaetozonegibber showed a wider distribution pattern, though their abundance increased in disturbed sites.Marphysa disjuncta was found in disturbed as well as in undisturbed sites along the coasts of Greece.Paraprionospio coora shows a distribution pattern indicating an opportunistic character. These new findings increase the number of polychaete species from the Hellenic Seas to 777 species

Assessment of the environmental status in Hellenic coastal waters (Eastern Mediterranean): from the Water Framework Directive to the Marine Strategy Water Framework Directive.

A  methodology is presented to assess the environmental status sensu the Marine Strategy Water Framework Directive (MSFD) based on data obtained from the monitoring of water quality in the Hellenic coastal waters within the Water Framework Directive (WFD).   An adapted decision tree used for integrating the results of the WFD in the Basque country was applied. Modifications lie to the evaluation of the physicochemical status based on a eutrophication index developed for Eastern Mediterranean waters. Results on hydromorphological, physicochemical and biological elements are presented. The chemical status was evaluated based on measurements of heavy metals in water. The evaluation of the biological quality was based on the use of metrics developed for phytoplankton biomass, benthic macroinvertebrates and macroalgae updated to accommodate MSFD needs. Results on the integrative status of the water bodies were validated by correlating classification results with a pressure index and environmental indicators in water column and sediment. Following this decision tree the majority of stations expected to be at risk of achieving the good status were found in moderate status. Benthos was found to be the element with the closest agreement with the integrated final status having an increased weighting in the decision tree. The quality of benthos and in some  limited cases  the eutrophication index determined largely the final status. The highest disagreement with the integrative classification was produced by macroalgae. All indicators used correlated with water and sediment parameters but benthos correlated better with sediment factors while phytoplankton and eutrophication index with water column parameters

Evolving concepts on the age-related changes in “muscle quality”

The deterioration of skeletal muscle with advancing age has long been anecdotally recognized and has been of scientific interest for more than 150 years. Over the past several decades, the scientific and medical communities have recognized that skeletal muscle dysfunction (e.g., muscle weakness, poor muscle coordination, etc.) is a debilitating and life-threatening condition in the elderly. For example, the age-associated loss of muscle strength is highly associated with both mortality and physical disability. It is well-accepted that voluntary muscle force production is not solely dependent upon muscle size, but rather results from a combination of neurologic and skeletal muscle factors, and that biologic properties of both of these systems are altered with aging. Accordingly, numerous scientists and clinicians have used the term “muscle quality” to describe the relationship between voluntary muscle strength and muscle size. In this review article, we discuss the age-associated changes in the neuromuscular system—starting at the level of the brain and proceeding down to the subcellular level of individual muscle fibers—that are potentially influential in the etiology of dynapenia (age-related loss of muscle strength and power)

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Βιοποικιλότητα βενθικών βιοκοινοτήτων σε παράκτια οικοσυστήματα, με έμφαση στα βιογενή ενδιαιτήματα

Disentangling the complex relations between environmental conditions, biodiversity and ecosystem functions is the next challenge of ecology, amid rapid loss of habitats, biota, and services. Environmental assessment has been mainly based on taxonomic diversity, species lists and their ecological preferences. However, this approach gives few opportunities for comparisons across areas, shows low detectability upon fragmentation of the biogenic habitats, omits relation to functions, and is undermined by frequent revisions of species taxonomy (such as the recent major revamping of polychaetes diversity). In addition to the increase of uncertainty in taxonomic diversity, there is still a lack of even basic knowledge about the functioning of the Mediterranean benthic habitat types, or the role of biogenic structures, despite the widely accepted potential of functional diversity in monitoring. In this context, this thesis aims to: (a) outline limits of our knowledge and update information on the Greek polychaete species diversity and their habitat preferences, (b) study functioning on several Mediterranean benthic habitats (with a focus on biogenic structure). The outcomes may significantly aid taxonomic research, biodiversity cataloguing, environmental assessment, and implementation of European Directives. Research was based on the analysis of 145 samples from 14 habitat types (0.2 – 431m depth) and was structured in six chapters. In Chapter 1, the uncertainty level was outlined per polychaete family (over 50% in 16 families), the species inventory was updated with 13 new additions, and habitat distributions were provided for 258 species. However, evidence indicated that several taxa remain undescribed in Greece. In Chapter 2, Paucibranchia adenensis was redescribed (new addition to the Mediterranean Sea), along with two similar species (P. purcellana, P. gemmata) and their differentiating characters were renewed. Also, a compilation of their habitat occurrences revealed similar and quite specialized preferences to biogenic habitats (Posidonia sheaths, kelps, corals, shell-debris). Chapter 3 focuses on the redescription and ecology of Gallardoneris iberica (new addition to the eastern Mediterranean basin). It was frequently found in sands with phytal presence, but was also present in enriched substrates, including industrial/aquaculture waste disposals, indicating tolerance to disturbance. In Chapter 4, initial multivariate and probabilistic analyses on 20 traits showed that modalities greatly varied among species and four major functional groups were distinguished. These were mostly shaped by habitat-engineering types, possibly reflecting a large part of their life strategies. In Chapter 5, an investigation of the functional diversity in eleven habitat types revealed that presence of biogenic structure shifted dominance of the functional guilds and affected important functions. Rigid structures showed several similarities across rhodoliths, mollusc-shell debris, and Posidonia beds, whilst dissimilarities were found between seagrass beds. Posidonia beds and Bathyal Muds showed unique modalities and significantly different functional richness (higher and lower respectively). Chapter 6 focuses on the vulnerability of benthic functioning in biogenic habitats, by studying different types of Posidonia beds and piloting an indicator of habitat fragmentation impact. Plain meadows and patchy formations differentiated in functional compositions and diversity. However, overlap was found between plain meadow and dead mattes, because of the remaining below-ground structure of the latter, which indicates the need for its protection. Finally, ecosystem engineering types showed high potential of use as an ecological indicator in cases of anthropogenic modification of Posidonia oceanica structure.Η αποκρυπτογράφηση της σχέσης μεταξύ περιβαλλοντικών συνθηκών, βιοποικιλότητας και οικοσυστημικών λειτουργιών αποτελεί την επόμενη πρόκληση της οικολογίας, ενόψει της ταχείας απώλειας ενδιαιτημάτων, οργανισμών και οικοσυστημικών υπηρεσιών. Ως τώρα, η εκτίμηση της περιβαλλοντικής υποβάθμισης βασίζεται κυρίως στην ταξινομική ποικιλότητα, σε λίστες τυπικών ειδών και στα οικολογικά χαρακτηριστικά τους. Παρόλα αυτά, αυτή η προσέγγιση αφήνει λίγα περιθώρια για συγκρίσεις μεταξύ οικοπεριοχών, παρουσιάζει μικρή διακριτική ικανότητα σε περιπτώσεις κατακερματισμού ενδιαιτήματος, παραβλέπει τη σύνδεση με τις οικοσυστημικές λειτουργίες και υπομονεύεται από συχνές αναθεωρήσεις στην ταξινόμηση ειδών (όπως τις πρόσφατες σημαντικές αναθεωρήσεις στην Ταξοκοινωνία των πολύχαιτων). Παράλληλα, απουσιάζει ακόμη και η βασική γνώση για τη λειτουργικότητα των μεσογειακών βενθικών ενδιαιτημάτων, ή για τον συγκεκριμένο ρόλο της βιογενούς δομής σε αυτήν, παρόλο που η λειτουργική ποικιλότητα παρουσιάζει αδιαμφησβήτητα μεγάλες δυνατότητες στην περιβαλλοντική παρακολούθηση. Σε αυτό το πλαίσιο, η παρούσα διατριβή στοχεύει να (α) οριοθετήσει τα γνωστικά μας όρια και να επικαιροποιήσει την πληροφορία σχετικά με την ταξινομική ποικιλότητα των πολύχαιτων στις ελληνικές θάλασσες, καθώς και των οικολογικών χαρακτηριστικών τους, (β) μελετήσει τη λειτουργικότητα σε πολυάριθμα Μεσογειακά βενθικά ενδιαιτήματα (με έμφαση στη βιογενή δομή). Τα αποτελέσματα της διατριβής μπορούν να ενδυναμώσουν την ταξινομική έρευνα, την καταγραφή της βιοποικιλότητας, την περιβαλλοντική εκτίμηση και την υλοποίηση Ευρωπαϊκών Οδηγιών. Η διδακτορική έρευνα βασίστηκε στην ανάλυση 145 βενθικών δειγμάτων από 14 τύπους ενδιαιτημάτων (0,2-431 m βάθος) και δομήθηκε σε 6 κεφάλαια. Στο Κεφάλαιο 1, εκτιμήθηκε το επίπεδο της αβεβαιότητας ανά οικογένεια (άνω του 50% σε 16 οικογένειες), η λίστα ειδών επικαιροποιήθηκε με 13 νέες καταγραφές και παρουσιάστηκε η κατανομή 258 ειδών σε διαφορετικούς τύπους ενδιαιτημάτων. Παρόλα αυτά, υπάρχουν ενδείξεις ότι στις ελληνικές θάλασσες παραμένουν πολυάριθμα τάξα που δεν έχουν εντοπιστεί και περιγραφεί. Στο Κεφάλαιο 2, πραγματοποιήθηκε επαναπεριγραφή του Paucibranchia adenensis (νέα καταγραφή στη Μεσόγειο Θάλασσα), μαζί με δύο παρόμοια είδη (P. purcellana, P. gemmata), καθώς και επικαιροποιήθηκαν τα διαφοροδιαγνωστικά τους χαρακτηριστικά. Επίσης, η συλλογή των οικολογικών τους χαρακτηριστικών έδειξε ανάλογη και εξειδικευμένη προτίμηση σε βιογενή ενδιαιτήματα (Ποσειδώνια, κέλπιες, κοράλλια, βιογενή θρύμματα). Το Κεφάλαιο 3 εστιάζει στην επαναπεριγραφή και οικολογία του Gallardoneris iberica (νέα καταγραφή στην ανατολική Μεσόγειο). Βρέθηκε κυρίως σε άμμους με φυτική παρουσία, καθώς και σε υποστρώματα με υψηλό οργανικό φορτίο, συμπεριλαμβάνοντας ιχθυοκαλλιέργειες και βιομηχανικές περιοχές. Συνεπώς, η κατανομή του αποτελεί ένδειξη ανθεκτικότητας στην ρύπανση. Στο Κεφάλαιο 4, εφαρμόστηκαν προκαταρκτικές αναλύσεις σε 20 λειτουργικά χαρακτηριστικά και παρουσιάστηκε ευρεία ποικιλία μεταξύ των 258 ειδών, όπου ομαδοποιήθηκαν σε 4 κύριες λειτουργικές ομάδες. Το σημαντικότερο ρόλο στην ομαδοποίηση παρουσίασαν τα λειτουργικά χαρακτηριστικά που συνδέονται με την μηχανική οικοσυστήματος. Στο Κεφάλαιο 5 διερευνήθηκε η λειτουργική ποικιλότητα σε 11 τύπους ενδιαιτημάτων και βρέθηκε ότι τα πρότυπα κυριαρχίας των λειτουργικών ομάδων και κατ΄ επέκταση οι σημαντικές λειτουργίες, επηρεάστηκαν κυρίως από την παρουσία βιογενούς δομής. Τα λιβάδια Ποσειδωνίας και οι βαθύαλες λάσπες παρουσίασαν μοναδικά λειτουργικά χαρακτηριστικά και σημαντικά διαφορετική λειτουργική ποικιλότητα από τους άλλους τύπους ενδιαιτημάτων (υψηλότερη και χαμηλότερη αντίστοιχα). Το Κεφάλαιο 6 εστιάζει στην τρωτότητα της βενθικής λειτουργικότητας, μελετώντας διαφορετικούς τύπους λιβαδιών Ποσειδωνίας. Σημαντικές διαφορές στην λειτουργική σύνθεση και ποικιλότητα βρέθηκαν μεταξύ του αδιατάρακτου και του τροποποιημένου λιβαδιού. Αντιθέτως, ομοιότητες παρουσιάστηκαν μεταξύ του αδιατάρακτου λιβαδιού και του νεκρού πάγκου, λόγω της υπόγειας πολύπλοκης δομής που διατηρείται στο τελευταίο, γεγονός που αποτελεί ένδειξη ανάγκης προστασίας των νεκρών πάγκων. Τέλος, η κατηγοριοποίηση των ειδών σε τύπους μηχανικών οικοσυστήματος φάνηκε να διαθέτει σημαντικές δυνατότητες στην εκτίμηση επιπτώσεων κατακερματισμού ενδιαιτήματος

The rare subgroup C 1 of Marphysa (Polychaeta, Eunicidae): re-description of species and first records in the Mediterranean Sea

Katsiaras, Nikolaos, Simboura, Nomiki, Koutsoubas, Drosos (2014): The rare subgroup C 1 of Marphysa (Polychaeta, Eunicidae): re-description of species and first records in the Mediterranean Sea. Zootaxa 3873 (3): 201-217, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3873.3.

Macrobenthic molluscs from a marine - lagoonal environmental transition in Lesvos Island (Greece)

This paper describes an occurence dataset, also including numerical abundance and biomass data, pertaining to the macrobenthic molluscan assemblages from a marine - lagoonal environmental transition. The study system was the soft-substrate benthoscape of the area of the Kalloni solar saltworks (Lesvos Island, Greece). Specifically, the study area extended from the infralittoral zone of the inner Kalloni Gulf (marine habitat) to the bottoms of the first two evaporation ponds of the Kalloni solar saltworks (lagoonal habitat). Bottom sediment samples (3 replicates) were collected with a Van Veen grab sampler (0.1 m2) at four sampling sites, along a 1.5 km long line transect that spanned the marine - lagoonal environmental transition. A total of four surveys were carried out seasonally in 2004. A total of 39,345 molluscan individuals were sorted out of the sediment samples and were identified to 71 species, belonging to the Gastropoda (36), Bivalvia (34) and Scaphopoda (1) classes. Numerical abundance and wet biomass (with shells) data are included in the dataset. The dataset described in the present paper partially fills a significant gap in the scientific literature: Because ecological research of coastal lagoons has seldom explicitly considered the marine - lagoonal habitats interface, there are no openly accessible datasets pertaining to the particular structural component of the transitional waters benthoscapes of the Mediterranean Sea. Such datasets could prove valuable in the research of the structure and functioning of transitional waters benthoscapes. The present dataset is available as a supplementary file (Suppl. material 1) and can also be accessed at http://ipt.medobis.eu/resource?r=kalloni_saltworks_phd

Four new alien species on the coasts of Greece (Eastern Mediterranean)

This study reports four alien polychaete species new to the marine fauna of Greece, four of which are aliens. These species are -Pseudopolydora paucibranchiata (family Spionidae), Paraprionospio coora (family Spionidae), Marphysa disjuncta (family Eunicidae), and Chaetozone corona (family Cirratulidae). Another species of Chaetozone, though not an alien one, Chaetozone gibber is reported here from Greek waters. All of them have been currently reported from the coasts of Turkey (Aegean or Levantine Seas). Pseudopolydora paucibranchiata and Marphysa disjuncta, probably introduced to the region through ballast waters, seem to be well established in the Mediterranean Sea. Chaetozone corona and Paraprionospio coora were considered to be cryptogenic. Pseudolydora paucibranchiata was found in great densities in a very disturbed site, confirming the opportunistic character of this species. Chaetozone corona and Chaetozone gibber showed a wider distribution pattern, though their abundance increased in disturbed sites. Marphysa disjuncta was found in disturbed as well as in undisturbed sites along the coasts of Greece and Paraprionospio coora is characteristic of moderate to higher depth zones. These new findings increase the number of polychaete species from the Hellenic Seas to 777 species and the number of alien species to 33