Identifying and protecting macroalgae detritus sinks toward climate change mitigation

Harnessing natural solutions to mitigate climate change requires an understanding of carbon 18 fixation, flux and sequestration across ocean habitats. Recent studies suggest that exported 19 seaweed particulate organic carbon is stored within soft sediment systems. However, very 20 little is known about how seaweed detritus disperses from coastlines, or where it may enter 21 seabed carbon stores, where it could become the target of conservation efforts. Here, focusing 22 on regionally dominant seaweed species, we surveyed environmental DNA (eDNA) of 23 natural coastal sediments, and studied their connectivity to seaweed habitats using a particle 24 tracking model parameterized to reproduce seaweed detritus dispersal behavior based on 25 laboratory observation of seaweed fragment degradation and sinking. Experiments showed Page 1 of 42 Ecological Applications Article 2 26 seaweed detritus density changing over time, differently across species. This, in turn, 27 modified distances travelled by released fragments until they reached the seabed for the first 28 time, during model simulations. Dispersal pathways connected detritus from the shore to the 29 open ocean but, importantly, also to coastal sediments, and this was reflected by field eDNA 30 evidence. Dispersion pathways were also affected by hydrodynamic conditions, varying in 31 space and time. Both the properties and timing of released detritus, individual to each 32 macroalgal population, and short-term near-seabed and medium-term water-column transport 33 pathways, are thus seemingly important in determining the connectivity between seaweed 34 habitats and potential sedimentary sinks. Studies such as this one, supported by further field 35 verification of sedimentary carbon sequestration rates and source partitioning, are still needed 36 to help quantify the role of seaweed in the ocean carbon cycle. Such studies will provide vital 37 evidence to inform on the potential need to develop blue carbon conservation mechanisms, 38 beyond wetlands

Evidence for the effects of decommissioning man-made structures on marine ecosystems globally: a systematic map protocol

Background: Numerous man-made structures (MMS) have been installed in various parts of the ocean (e.g. oil and gas structures, offshore wind installations). Many are now at, or nearing, the end of their intended life. Currently, we only have a limited understanding of decommissioning effects. In many locations, such as the North Sea, regulations restrict decommissioning options to complete removal, with little consideration of alternative management options might offer. To generate a reliable evidence-base to inform the decision-making processes pertaining to marine MMS management, we propose a wide-encompassing systematic map of published research on the ecosystem effects (including ecosystem services) of marine MMS while in place and following cessation of operations (i.e. including effects of alternative decommissioning options). This map is undertaken as part of the UKRI DREAMS project which aims to develop a system to show the relative effects of implementing different decommissioning strategies in the North Sea. Method: For the purpose of this map, we will keep our focus global, in order to subsequently draw comparisons between marine regions. The proposed map will aim to answer the following two primary questions: 1. What published evidence exists for the effects of marine man-made structures while in place on the marine ecosystem? 2. What published evidence exists for the effects of the decommissioning of marine man-made structures on the marine ecosystem? The map will follow the Collaboration for Environmental Evidence Guidelines and Standards for Evidence Synthesis in Environmental Management. Searches will be run primarily in English in at least 13 databases and 4 websites. Returns will be screened at title/abstract level and at full-text against pre-defined criteria. Relevant meta-data will be extracted for each study included. Results will be used to build a database of evidence, which will be made freely available. This map, expected to be large, will improve our knowledge of the available evidence for the ecosystem effects of MMS in the global marine environment. It will subsequently inform the production of multiple systematic-reviews and meta-analyses

A global meta-analysis of ecological effects from offshore marine artificial structures

AbstractMarine artificial structures (MAS), including oil and gas installations (O&amp;G) and offshore wind farms (OWFs), have a finite operational period. Selecting the most suitable decommissioning options when reaching end-of-life remains a challenge, in part because their effects are still largely undetermined. Whether decommissioned structures could act (sensu ‘function’) as artificial reefs (ARs) and provide desired ecological benefits is of particular interest. Here we use a meta-analysis approach of 531 effect sizes from 109 articles to assess the ecological effects of MAS, comparing O&amp;G and OWFs to shipwrecks and ARs, with a view to inform their decommissioning. This synthesis demonstrates that while MAS can bring ecological benefits, important idiosyncrasies exist, with differences emerging between MAS types, habitat types, taxa and ecological metrics. Notably, we find limited conclusive evidence that O&amp;G and OWFs would provide significant ecological benefits if decommissioned as ARs. We conclude that decommissioning options aimed at repurposing MAS into ARs may not provide the intended benefits.</jats:p

Cardiac safety of indacaterol in healthy subjects: a randomized, multidose, placebo- and positive-controlled, parallel-group thorough QT study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Indacaterol is a novel once-daily ultra long-acting β₂-agonist for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is known that β₂-agonists, like other adrenergic compounds, can prolong the QT-interval. This thorough QT/QTc study (as per ICH E14 guideline) evaluated the effect of indacaterol on the QT interval in healthy subjects.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In this randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo- and positive-controlled (open-label moxifloxacin) study, non-smoking healthy subjects (18-55 years, body mass index: 18.5-32.0 kg/m²) were randomized (4:4:2:4:1) to 14-day treatment with once-daily indacaterol (150 μg, 300 μg, or 600 μg), placebo, or placebo/moxifloxacin (double-blind 14-day treatment with placebo and a single open-label dose of 400 mg moxifloxacin on Day 14). The primary endpoint was the change from baseline on Day 14 in QTcF (QT interval corrected for heart rate using Fridericia's formula).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In total, 404 subjects were randomized to receive indacaterol (150 [n = 108], 300 [n = 108], 600 μg [n = 54]), placebo (n = 107), or placebo/moxifloxacin (n = 27); 388 subjects completed the study. Maximal time-matched mean (90% confidence intervals) treatment differences from placebo in QTcF change from baseline on Day 14 were 2.66 (0.55, 4.77), 2.98 (1.02, 4.93) and 3.34 (0.86, 5.82) ms for indacaterol 150 μg, 300 μg and 600 μg, respectively. Study sensitivity was confirmed with moxifloxacin demonstrating a significant maximal time-matched QTcF prolongation of 13.90 (10.58, 17.22) ms compared to placebo. All indacaterol doses were well tolerated.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Indacaterol, at doses up to 600 μg once daily (2-4 times the therapeutic dose) does not have any clinically relevant effect on the QT interval.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>ClinicalTrials.gov: <a href="http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01263808">NCT01263808</a></p

The global impact of offshore wind farms on ecosystem services

Understanding the global impact of offshore wind farms (OWF) on biodiversity and ecosystem services (ES) is crucial in developing sustainable energy transition pathways. This study takes a holistic approach, coupling a semi-systematic review with a novel analytical methodology, to consider the consequences of construction & operation of OWF deployment on biodiversity and ES. 314 pieces of evidence taken from 132 peer-reviewed studies provide the basis to determine the ecological and ES impacts. The process showed that construction impacts were predominantly negative across the ecological subject groups (52%), compared with positive im�pacts (8%) with several species of fish (e.g. brill, cod, dab, plaice) and some species of birds (e.g. common guillemot, northern fulmar, redhead) showing strongly negative trends. Operational phase impacts were more variable and could be either negative (32%) or positive (34%) depending on site specific conditions. More detailed investigations into fish, shellfish, humans and air-surface studies recorded a net positive effect of wind farm operations on these subject groups. Translation into ES outcomes identified that 14 ES are impacted by the construction and operation of OWF. The most substantially enhanced ES included effects on commercial fisheries and experiential recreation. Social acceptance toward new and hypothetical OWF was also strongly positive, irrespective of country location. Negative effects on ES, including existence values for culturally important groups, e.g., marine mammals and birds and the spread of non-native species, are potentially of most signifi�cance. Overall, this study finds more than 86% of possible offshore wind farm impacts on ES are still unknown. There was also a paucity of studies on the decommissioning of OWF and the impacts of deeper-water floating structures, with a bias in studies toward northern hemisphere and developed countries

Bright spots as climate‐smart marine spatial planning tools for conservation and blue growth

Marine spatial planning that addresses ocean climate-driven change (‘climate-smart MSP’) is a global aspiration to support economic growth, food security and ecosystem sustainability. Ocean climate change (‘CC’) modelling may become a key decision-support tool for MSP, but traditional modelling analysis and communication challenges prevent their broad uptake. We employed MSP-specific ocean climate modelling analyses to inform a real-life MSP process; addressing how nature conservation and fisheries could be adapted to CC. We found that the currently planned distribution of these activities may become unsustainable during the policy's implementation due to CC, leading to a shortfall in its sustainability and blue growth targets. Significant, climate-driven ecosystem-level shifts in ocean components underpinning designated sites and fishing activity were estimated, reflecting different magnitudes of shifts in benthic versus pelagic, and inshore versus offshore habitats. Supporting adaptation, we then identified: CC refugia (areas where the ecosystem remains within the boundaries of its present state); CC hotspots (where climate drives the ecosystem towards a new state, inconsistent with each sectors’ present use distribution); and for the first time, identified bright spots (areas where oceanographic processes drive range expansion opportunities that may support sustainable growth in the medium term). We thus create the means to: identify where sector-relevant ecosystem change is attributable to CC; incorporate resilient delivery of conservation and sustainable ecosystem management aims into MSP; and to harness opportunities for blue growth where they exist. Capturing CC bright spots alongside refugia within protected areas may present important opportunities to meet sustainability targets while helping support the fishing sector in a changing climate. By capitalizing on the natural distribution of climate resilience within ocean ecosystems, such climate-adaptive spatial management strategies could be seen as nature-based solutions to limit the impact of CC on ocean ecosystems and dependent blue economy sectors, paving the way for climate-smart MSP

Effect of Hookworm Infection on Wheat Challenge in Celiac Disease – A Randomised Double-Blinded Placebo Controlled Trial

Background and Aims: The association between hygiene and prevalence of autoimmune disease has been attributed in part to enteric helminth infection. A pilot study of experimental infection with the hookworm Necator americanus was undertaken among a group of otherwise healthy people with celiac disease to test the potential of the helminth to suppress the immunopathology induced by gluten

Mortality of HIV-Infected Patients Starting Antiretroviral Therapy in Sub-Saharan Africa: Comparison with HIV-Unrelated Mortality

Comparing mortality rates between patients starting HIV treatment and the general population in four African countries, Matthias Egger and colleagues find the gap decreases over time, especially with early treatment