Endocrine disruption has rarely been reported in field populations of the edible
cockle and the context with the general health of the shellfish is unclear. This
study examined the reproductive state ...of two Cerastoderma edule
populations over a 6-month period to assess their reproductive condition, the
incidence of intersex and presence of parasitic infection. A further seven native
sites from south-west England were examined during the peak reproductive season to
identify the presence of intersex within the region. Laboratory exposures of
organisms collected from field populations showed a significantly female-biased sex
ratio compared with controls when exposed to the endocrine disrupting chemicals,
bisphenol-A (nominal concentration: 0.1 µg L−1) and 17β-oestradiol
(nominal concentration: 0.1 µg L−1), but none of the chemical exposures
induced intersex. Intersex was revealed in seven out of the nine native populations
of C. edule sampled at peak reproductive season. The highest
incidence and most severe case of intersex were reported at Lower Anderton on the
River Tamer which also had a significantly female-biased sex ratio. Additionally, the
dominant trematode family was the Bucephalaidae. Parasitic infection influences the
maturity of C. edule by lowering both mean gonad index and condition
index. These results suggest that endocrine disrupting chemicals could be
contributing factors towards the development of intersex in C.
edule.
The rapid growth in microplastic pollution research is influencing funding priorities, environmental policy, and public perceptions of risks to water quality and environmental and human health. ...Ensuring that environmental microplastics research data are findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) is essential to inform policy and mitigation strategies. We present a bibliographic analysis of data sharing practices in the environmental microplastics research community, highlighting the state of openness of microplastics data. A stratified (by year) random subset of 785 of 6,608 microplastics articles indexed in Web of Science indicates that, since 2006, less than a third (28.5%) contained a data sharing statement. These statements further show that most often, the data were provided in the articles’ supplementary material (38.8%) and only 13.8% via a data repository. Of the 279 microplastics datasets found in online data repositories, 20.4% presented only metadata with access to the data requiring additional approval. Although increasing, the rate of microplastic data sharing still lags behind that of publication of peer-reviewed articles on environmental microplastics. About a quarter of the repository data originated from North America (12.8%) and Europe (13.4%). Marine and estuarine environments are the most frequently sampled systems (26.2%); sediments (18.8%) and water (15.3%) are the predominant media. Of the available datasets accessible, 15.4% and 18.2% do not have adequate metadata to determine the sampling location and media type, respectively. We discuss five recommendations to strengthen data sharing practices in the environmental microplastic research community.
The diagnosis of von Willebrand disease (VWD) is complicated by issues with current laboratory testing, particularly the ristocetin cofactor activity assay (VWF:RCo). We have recently reported a ...sequence variation in the von Willebrand factor (VWF) A1 domain, p.D1472H (D1472H), associated with a decrease in the VWF:RCo/VWF antigen (VWF:Ag) ratio but not associated with bleeding in healthy control subjects. This report expands the previous study to include subjects with symptoms leading to the diagnosis of type 1 VWD. Type 1 VWD subjects with D1472H had a significant decrease in the VWF:RCo/VWF:Ag ratio compared with those without D1472H, similar to the findings in the healthy control population. No increase in bleeding score was observed, however, for VWD subjects with D1472H compared with those without D1472H. These results suggest that the presence of the D1472H sequence variation is not associated with a significant increase in bleeding symptoms, even in type 1 VWD subjects.
•D1472H sequence variation is associated with a decreased VWF:RCo/VWF:Ag ratio in type 1 VWD subjects.•D1472H sequence variation is not associated with an increase in bleeding as measured by bleeding score in type 1 VWD subjects.
A total of 8218 pelagic microplastic samples from the world’s oceans were synthesized to create a dataset composed of raw, calibrated, processed, and gridded data which are made available to the ...public. The raw microplastic abundance data were obtained by different research projects using surface net tows or continuous seawater intake. Fibrous microplastics were removed from the calibrated dataset. Microplastic abundance which fluctuates due to vertical mixing under different oceanic conditions was standardized. An optimum interpolation method was used to create the gridded data; in total, there were 24.4 trillion pieces (8.2 × 10
4
~ 57.8 × 10
4
tons) of microplastics in the world’s upper oceans.
The pollution of the environment with plastics is of growing concern worldwide, including the Arctic region. While larger plastic pieces are a visible pollution issue, smaller microplastics are not ...visible with the naked eye. These particles are available for interaction by Arctic biota and have become a concern for animal and human health. The determination of microplastic properties includes several methodological steps, i.e., sampling, extraction, quantification, and chemical identification. This review discusses suitable analytical tools for the identification, quantification, and characterization of microplastics in the context of monitoring in the Arctic. It further addresses quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), which is particularly important for the determination of microplastic in the Arctic, as both contamination and analyte losses can occur. It presents specific QA/QC measures for sampling procedures and for the handling of samples in the laboratory, either on land or on ship, and considering the small size of microplastics as well as the high risk of contamination. The review depicts which data should be mandatory to report, thereby supporting a framework for harmonized data reporting.
Norwegian fjord systems provide a host of ecosystem services and are important for recreational and industrial use. The biodiversity of Norwegian fjords has been—and still is—extensively studied ...since they are important for fishing and aquaculture industries. However, threats from plastic and microplastic pollution within the fjord systems are largely undocumented. Monitoring efforts of microplastic in Norway are limited to coastal biota monitoring, offshore sediments, and some investigations within Oslofjord. Here, we quantify anthropogenic microparticles in Norwegian fjord subsurface waters, including an analysis of distribution effects. Fifty-two samples were collected during repeated transits from Bergen to Masfjorden covering 250 km. Anthropogenic particles were identified in 89% of samples, with an average abundance within the fjord estimated to be 1.9 particles m
−3
. This report shows the ubiquitous nature of anthropogenic particles in the subsurface waters of a Norwegian Fjord system. Additionally, methods were validated for opportunistic nondisruptive sampling on-board vessels where microplastics are seldom monitored, including research vessels, commercial freight and transport, and recreational vessels. Further development and implementation of these methods in terms of sampling, chemical characterisation, and long-term monitoring will allow for microplastic quantification and can be easily adapted for worldwide implementation.
Marine litter and non-degradable plastic pollution is of global concern. Regular monitoring programs are being established to assess and understand the scale of this pollution. In Europe, the goal of ...the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) is to assess trends in Good Environmental Status and support large-scale actions at the regional level. Marine litter monitoring requires tailored sampling strategies, protocols and indicators, that align with specific objectives and are tailored for local or regional needs. In addition, the uneven spatial and temporal distributions of marine litter present a challenge when designing a statistically powerful monitoring program. In this paper, we critically review the existing marine litter monitoring programs in Europe. We discuss the main constraints, including environmental, logistical, scientific, and ethical factors. Additionally, we outline the critical gaps and shortcomings in monitoring MSFD beaches/shorelines, floating litter, seafloor litter, microplastics, and harm. Several priorities must be established to shape the future of monitoring within the MSFD. Recent developments in analytical approaches, including optimizing protocols and sampling strategies, gaining a better understanding of the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of litter and its implications for survey design and replication, and the inclusion of newly validated methodologies that have achieved sufficient technical readiness, must be considered. Although there are well-established methods for assessing beaches, floating and seafloor litter, it will be necessary to implement monitoring schemes for microplastics in sediments and invertebrates as robust analytical methods become available for targeting smaller particle size classes. Furthermore, the inclusion of indicators for entanglement and injury to marine organisms will have to be considered in the near future. Moreover, the following actions will enhance the effectiveness of monitoring efforts: (1) creating an inventory of accumulation areas and sources of specific types of litter (e.g., fishing gear), (2) monitoring riverine inputs of litter, (3) monitoring atmospheric inputs including microplastics, (4) accidental inputs during extreme weather events, and (5) studying how species at risk may be transported by litter. We provide recommendations to support long-term, effective, and well-coordinated marine litter monitoring within the MSFD to achieve a comprehensive and accurate understanding of marine litter in EU waters. This will allow the development of measures to mitigate the impacts of marine pollution and eventually to evaluate the success of the respective measures.
•Monitoring of marine litter performed in Europe within MSFD has been reviewed.•- Marine litter monitoring gaps and critical points were identified.•Recommendations for improving future monitoring of marine litter within MSFD.
The Zimmerman Program for the Molecular and Clinical Biology of VWD (ZPMCBVWD) is an NIH Program Project for the study of VWD in the USA and collaboration with ongoing studies in Canada and the ...University of Sheffield. Study subjects were recruited from 9 Primary Clinical Centers and 21 Secondary Clinical Centers across the USA and had to have the prior diagnosis of VWD on an intention to treat basis. We recruited 651 index cases, 2017 family members, and 247 normal controls. Of the index cases 152 had type 2 or 3 VWD or other variants and not part of this report. The remaining 499 represents the now completed Type 1 VWD cohort.
All 2915 study subjects underwent extensive laboratory testing including VWF:Ag, VWF:RCo, VWF multimeric analysis, FVIII activity, VWFpp, and VWF:CB (collagen binding), blood typing, and VWF linkage analysis. A detailed quantitative bleeding score (BS) was also performed on all 2915 individuals. Index cases had full length VWF sequencing with mutation confirmation and exclusion in family members. When indicated VWF:F8B (FVIII binding), VWF:PB (platelet binding to GPIb), VWF:IbCo (spontaneous binding to modified GPIb in absence of ristocetin), and repeat VWF testing in a second laboratory by different methods. When possible, historical laboratory results obtained at the time of initial diagnosis were obtained and entered into our Investig-8 Database.
Based upon clinical laboratory studies and phenotypic assignment, this cohort was found to include 232 type 1 VWD (VWF:Ag or VWF:RCo <40 IU/dL including 66 type 1C or severe type 1 VWD); 93 low-VWF (LVWF with lab studies between 40 IU/dL and the lower end of the normal range); 119 type 1H (historical levels below the normal range but not substantiated in current testing); and 55 individuals that tested within the normal range and did not have historic levels that were low. Full-length VWF sequencing was performed on all index cases and sequence variations (SVs) were identified, and where possible, compared to clinical phenotypes reported in the Sheffield Database. SVs were identified in 53% of the Type 1 VWD cohort (excluding those that were normal on testing without abnormal historic results). Of the 232 Type 1 VWD with VWF levels <40, 74% had SVs. In further analysis of this group, 100% of severe type 1, and 85% of type 1C had SVs. Looking at this in the type 1 with VWF:Ag <40 IU/dL by level of VWF:Ag, 87% of those 1 with VWF:Ag of 2-10, 93% with VWF:Ag 11-20, 71% with VWF:Ag of 21-30, 67% with VWF:Ag of 31-40, and 52% with VWF:Ag of >40 had SVs. The milder phenotypes demonstrate SVs in 39% of the LVWF subjects and 30% of the Type 1H subjects. In the individuals entered into the study as VWD subjects that on central testing had normal levels of VWF on entry into the study and did not have an abnormal historic VWF determination, only 22% had SVs.
A similar approach was undertaken to compare the quantitative BS using the ISTH Bleeding Assessment Tool. For this analysis, a score of 5 or greater was considered abnormal without regard to age or sex. Abnormal BS were identified in 63% of those with VWF:Ag of 2-10, 66% of those 11-20, 64% of those 21-30, 48% of those 31-40, and 58% of those >40. In LVWF subjects, 52% had abnormal BS and in Type 1H subjects 57% were abnormal.
Based upon a similar laboratory analysis, all 2017 family members underwent phenotypic assignment and were found to either be affected or unaffected family members. 713 were phenotyped as being an affected family member and 1296 as unaffected family members. Abnormal bleeding scores were identified in 38% of affected family members and 19% of unaffected family members.
This report summarizes some of the results on the completed Type 1 VWD cohort that was part of the ZPMCBVWD. All 2915 subjects (including index cases, family members, affected family members and normal controls) underwent extensive laboratory testing and phenotype assignment. Of the 499 subjects in the Type 1 VWD cohort, 325 had low VWF and 232 had VWF levels <40 IU/dL. Based on the drop of SV frequency, the level of VWF <40 may provide a possible demarcation to define VWD. In this study the frequency of abnormal bleeding score was not helpful in further defining this critical level for diagnosis - possibly because the bleeding score was ascertained at the entry into the study rather than at the time of diagnosis as done in earlier studies. Further analysis of this cohort can be expected to shed further understanding of the molecular and clinical biology of VWD.
No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Marine litter is a pollution problem affecting thousands of marine species in all the world's seas and oceans. Marine litter, in particular plastic, has negative impacts on marine wildlife primarily ...due to ingestion and entanglement. Since most marine mammal species negatively interact with marine litter, a first workshop under the framework of the European Cetacean Society Conference, was held in 2017 to bring together the main experts on the topic of marine mammals and marine litter from academic and research institutes, non-governmental organisations, foundations and International Agreements. The workshop was devoted to defining the impact of marine litter on marine mammals by reviewing current knowledge, methodological advances and new data available on this emerging issue. Some case studies were also presented from European waters, such as seals and cetaceans in the North, Baltic, and Mediterranean Seas. Here, we report the main findings of the workshop, including a discussion on the research needs, the main methodological gaps, an overview of new techniques for detecting the effects of marine litter (including microplastics) on marine mammals and, also, the use of citizen science to drive awareness. The final recommendations aim to establish priority research, to define harmonised methods to detect marine litter and microplastics, enforce networking among institutions and support data sharing. The information gathered will enhance awareness and communication between scientists, young people, citizens, other stakeholders and policy makers, and thereby facilitate better implementation of international directives (e.g., the Marine Strategy Framework Directive) in order to answer the question about the actual status of our oceans and finding solutions.
•Harmonised protocols are needed to define the amount of ingested debris that can cause negative effects.•Protocols to evaluate the presence and effects of micro and nanoplastics should be further developed.•Methods to evaluate the exposure to plastics and plastic additives in free-ranging organisms are required.•Communicating to scientists, citizens, stakeholders and policy makers to enhance awareness raising.•A consistent monitoring approach is required, as marine litter pollution is estimated to increase.
To understand the sources, the transfer and the effects of marine litter, and therefore their impacts on marine mammal researchers need to apply a multidisciplinary standardized protocols.
PDF
