Summary
Biodiversity is responsible for the provision of many ecosystem services; human well‐being is based on these services, and consequently on biodiversity. In soil, earthworms represent the ...largest component of the animal biomass and are commonly termed ‘ecosystem engineers’. This review considers the contribution of earthworms to ecosystem services through pedogenesis, development of soil structure, water regulation, nutrient cycling, primary production, climate regulation, pollution remediation and cultural services. Although there has been much research into the role of earthworms in soil ecology, this review demonstrates substantial gaps in our knowledge related in particular to difficulties in identifying the effects of species, land use and climate. The review aims to assist people involved in all aspects of land management, including conservation, agriculture, mining or other industries, to obtain a broad knowledge of earthworms and ecosystem services.
Water plays an important role in power generation, fuel manufacturing, and processing. This has been valid for several decades, but lately, primarily due to climate change, the limitations and ...insecurity related to water energy connections have become more prominent. The article is a quantitative review study conducted to evaluate the water–energy nexus in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Information about the review was generated from online databases by using keywords such as water–energy nexus, MENA region, Power Generation, Fuel Manufacturing, Energy-intensive, Energy Management Decisions, and Desalination Systems. Drip irrigation in Morocco played a vital role in the water–energy nexus for resource conservation and their better utilization. From the findings, it was revealed that distorted coupling with a relatively low reliance on freshwater energy systems has a high reliance on conceptual water and energy production systems. For Saudi Arabia, extraction and desalination of groundwater are projected to be up to 9% of total annual electricity use. Policymakers should consider energy implications for water-intensive food imports and possible water demand restructuring. This would lead to more coordinated water and energy management decisions. A comprehensive evaluation in some cases promotes the reuse of water and improvements in the agricultural sector rather than the development of energy-intensive and expensive desalination systems. One of the limitations for water–energy nexus in the MENA region is its unintelligible patterns for policy and decision-makers, and this quantitative review can be a major advancement in this regard. This study also highlights the use of water as an energy production source as well as the energy that is being utilized in water treatment and processing and their interrelationship. Cohesive and strategic tactics can lead technology’s research and development to reporting local issues of water and energy issues. Improving and participating models and data will better assist scholars, decision-makers, and the community. This water–energy nexus study mounts relevant challenges and areas of improvement for future research.
Increasing commercial application of silver nanoparticles (Ag NP) and subsequent presence in wastewater and sewage sludge has raised concerns regarding their effects in the aquatic and terrestrial ...environment. Several studies have employed standardised acute and chronic earthworm-based tests to establish the toxicological effects of Ag NP within soil. These studies have relied heavily on the use of epigiec earthworm species which may have limited ecological relevance in mineral soil. This study assessed the influence of Ag NP (uncoated 80nm powder) and AgNO3 on survival, change in biomass and avoidance behaviour in a soil dwelling (endogiec) species, Allolobophora chlorotica. Earthworms were exposed for 14 days to soils spiked with Ag NP or AgNO3 at 0, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100mgkg−1 either separately for survival and biomass measurement, or combined within a linear gradient to assess avoidance. Avoidance behaviour was shown to provide the most sensitive endpoint with an observable effect at an Ag NP/AgNO3 concentration of 12.5mgkg−1 compared with 50mgkg−1 for biomass change and 100mgkg−1 for survival. Greater mortality was observed in AgNO3 (66.7%) compared with Ag NP-spiked soils (12.5%) at 100mgkg−1, attributed to increased presence of silver ions. Although comparison of results with studies employing Eisenia fetida and Eisenia andrei suggest that the A. chlorotica response to Ag NP is more sensitive, further research employing both epigeic and endogeic earthworms under similar experimental conditions is required to confirm this observation.
•Enhanced effect of AgNO3 (compared to Ag NP) on A. chlorotica mortality.•Avoidance behaviour was more sensitive than survival and biomass change.•A. chlorotica avoidance behaviour observed at 12.5mgkg−1 Ag NP / AgNO3.
Electrolytes are an important component of electrochemical energy storage systems and their optimization is critical for emerging beyond lithium ion technologies. Here, an integrated ...computational-experimental approach is used to rank-order and aid the selection of suitable electrolytes for a Na-ion battery. We present an in silico strategy based on both thermodynamic and kinetic descriptors derived from molecular dynamics simulations to rationally arrive at optimal electrolytes for Na-ion batteries. We benchmarked various electrolytes (pure and binary mixtures of cyclic and acyclic carbonates with NaClO4 salt) to identify appropriate formulations with the overarching goal of simultaneously enhancing cell performance while meeting safety norms. Fundamental insights from computationally derived thermodynamic and kinetic data considerations coupled with atomistic-level description of the solvation dynamics is used to rank order the various electrolytes. Thermodynamic considerations based on free energy evaluation indicate EC:PC as a top electrolyte formulation under equilibrium conditions. However, kinetic descriptors which are important factors dictating the rate capability and power performance suggest EC:DMC and EC:EMC to be among the best formulations. Experimental verification of these optimized formulations was carried out by examining the electrochemical performance of various electrolytes in Na/TiO2 nanotubes half cells with NaClO4 salt. Our rate capability studies confirm that EC:DMC and EC:EMC to be the best formulations. These optimized formulations have low-rate specific capacities ∼120–140 mAh/g whereas the lower ranked electrolytes (EC: DEC) have capacities ∼95 mAh/g. The various electrolytes are also evaluated from a safety perspective. Such results suggest encouraging prospects for this approach in the a priori prediction of optimal sodium ion systems with possible screening implications for novel battery formulations.
We conducted a cross‐sectional study of patients who underwent pediatric liver transplant (LT) between 1988 and 1992 to evaluate long‐term health status. Survivors completed socio‐demographic, ...medical and Health‐Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) surveys by mail including the SF‐36v2, PedsQL™4.0 Generic Core Scale, PedsQL™ Cognitive Functioning Scale and PedsQL™3.0 Transplant Module. SF‐36 scores were converted to SF6D‐based utilities and risk factors for lower outcomes were assessed.
Eighty‐five of 171 patients had survived. Fifty‐six were contacted with a response rate of 66%. Median age at LT was 0.86 years (IQR 0.58–3.0) and 64.3% had biliary atresia. Mean age at survey was 23.0 ± 4.4 years: 62% attended college, 68% lived with parents and 80% of those over 23 were employed. Patient health utilities were lower than norms (0.75 ± 0.12 vs. 0.82 ± 0.18, p < 0.01) and correlated with unemployment (p < 0.042), hospitalizations (p < 0.005) and lower education level (p < 0.016). Lower PedsQL™3.0 Transplant Module and PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scale scores correlated with unemployment (p = 0.006, p = 0.009) and hospitalizations (p = 0.006, p = 0.02). Pediatric transplant recipients who survive to adulthood have lower physical HRQOL, measurable transplant‐related disability and lower health utility. Transplantation is life saving; however, physical and psychological sequelae continue to affect health status up to two decades later.
In a survey of long‐term survivors of pediatric liver transplantation, the authors discover that despite significant comorbidities, lower physical quality of life and lower than expected health utilities, recipients' overall quality of life, employment status and attainment of higher education are comparable to their healthy peers. See editorial by McDiarmid on page 1367.
Short Rotation Forestry (SRF) practice which includes use of rapidly growing native and non-native tree species has been introduced to the UK as a method to increase woody biomass production. A ...largely unknown aspect of SRF is the quality of leaf litter, and its palatability to the soil decomposer community of which earthworms are a major component. The aims of the present study were to investigate and compare the preference of selected native British earthworms for selected SRF species litter. These were addressed through a series of controlled laboratory experiments. Choice chambers were used to quantify litter removal by Allolobophora chlorotica, Aporrectodea caliginosa, Aporrectodea longa and Lumbricus terrestris over a period up to five weeks. In addition, an infrared webcam recording technique was used to directly observe litter selection behaviour of L. terrestris under cover of darkness. Choice chamber experiments revealed that earthworms significantly preferred (p < 0.05) leaf litter of native alder (Alnus glutinosa), ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and birch (Betula pendula) over non-native eucalyptus (Eucalyptus nitens), sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) and sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus). Sweet chestnut litter was the least preferred by all selected earthworms. Webcam results revealed that L. terrestris demonstrates clear leaf litter selection behaviour and it was not a random activity. Direct webcam observation results corroborated the results of choice chamber experiments.
•Soil-mediated choice experiments showed earthworm selection of SRF leaf litter.•A webcam technique yielded useful data for Lumbricus terrestris litter selection behaviour.•Probably based on litter chemistry, a clear sequence of preference was shown.
Soil dwelling earthworms are now adopted more widely in ecotoxicology, so it is vital to establish if standardised test parameters remain applicable. The main aim of this study was to determine the ...influence of OECD artificial soil on selected soil-dwelling, endogeic earthworm species. In an initial experiment, biomass change in mature
Allolobophora chlorotica
was recorded in Standard OECD Artificial Soil (AS) and also in Kettering Loam (KL). In a second experiment, avoidance behaviour was recorded in a linear gradient with varying proportions of AS and KL (100% AS, 75% AS + 25% KL, 50% KS + 50% KL, 25% AS + 75% KL, 100% KL) with either
A. chlorotica
or
Octolasion cyaneum.
Results showed a significant decrease in
A. chlorotica
biomass in AS relative to KL, and in the linear gradient, both earthworm species preferentially occupied sections containing higher proportions of KL over AS. Soil texture and specifically % composition and particle size of sand are proposed as key factors that influenced observed results. This research suggests that more suitable substrates are required for ecotoxicology tests with soil dwelling earthworms.
Abstract
Aims
A novel irrigated radiofrequency (RF) balloon (RFB) for pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (PVI) was released in selected centres. We pooled the procedural data on efficacy and safety of ...RFB-PVI from two high volume German centres.
Methods and results
Consecutive patients with RFB procedures were enrolled. A 3D electroanatomical left atrial map guided the RFB navigation. Every RF delivery lasted 60 s, and duration was automatically reduced to 20 s for electrodes facing the posterior wall. Procedural data and post-procedural endoscopy data (<48 h) were analysed. Data from 140 patients were collected (57% male, 67 ± 11 years, 57% paroxysmal atrial fibrillation). There were 547 PVs identified, and 99.1% could be isolated using solely the RFB. Single-shot PVI was recorded in 330/547 (60%) PVs. Median time to isolation during the first application was 10 s (IQR 8–13). A total of 2.1 ± 1.8 applications per PV were delivered, with the left superior PV requiring more application compared to other PVs. Median procedure and fluoroscopy time were 77 min (61–99) and 13 min (10–17), respectively. Major safety events were recorded only in the first 25 cases at each centre and included 1/140(0.7%) cardiac tamponade, 1/140(0.7%) phrenic nerve palsy, and 2/140 strokes (1.4%). An oesophageal temperature rise was recorded in 81/547 (15%) PVs, and endoscopy detected oesophageal lesions in 7/85 (8%) patients undergoing endoscopy.
Conclusion
The RFB showed a high efficacy allowing for fast PVI procedures, and 60% of PVs could be isolated at the first application. Most safety events were recorded during the learning phase. An oesophageal temperature monitoring is suggested: oesophageal lesions were detected in 8% of patients.
Graphical Abstract
Graphical Abstract
The aquatic biota of the Arabian Gulf deals with exposure to chronic oil pollution, several constituents of which cause induction of Cytochrome P450 1A that serves as a biomarker of AhR ligand ...exposure. In this study, fluorescent aromatic compounds (FACs) in bile and 7-ethoxyresorufin-o-deethylase (EROD) catalytic activity were determined as a measure of exposure biomarkers in two fish species, yellow fin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus) and tonguesole (Cynoglossus arel) captured from Kuwait Bay and outside the Bay area. FACs in fish bile determined by using fixed-wavelength fluorescence (FF) showed high fluorescence ratios between FF290/335 and FF380/430 indicating predominant exposure to low molecular weight, naphthalene-rich petroleum products (375±91.0pgml−1). Exposures to benzo(a)pyrene-type high-molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) originating from burnt fuel were also present in appreciable concentration in the bile. The ratio of petrogenic to pyrogenic hydrocarbon was twofold higher in winter compared to summer months in both species. Seasonal effect on EROD was significant in tonguesole in Auha site (P<0.05); whereas seabream resisted seasonal change. Tonguesole is considered to be a suitable bioindicator of oil pollution in Kuwait Bay area.
•Seabream and tonguesole were collected from Kuwait Bay and outside the Bay area.•PAHs in sediment were low in the study area compared to other contaminated areas.•Seasonal effect on PAHs in sediment and PAH-metabolites in fish bile was observed.•The ratio of petrogenic to pyrogenic hydrocarbons in bile was 2-fold higher in winter.•Seasonal changes significantly affected EROD activity in demersal fish tonguesole.
•Birch and eucalyptus induced a moderate reduction in Lumbricus terrestris density.•Compared with eucalyptus, birch had a positive impact on Allolobophora chlorotica.•Earthworms increased growth and ...biomass production of rapidly growing eucalyptus.•Soil litter incorporation/nutrient loading by earthworms varied with SRF species.
Short rotation forestry (SRF) which consists of planting rapidly growing native and non-native tree species has been introduced to the UK to increase woody biomass production. A largely unknown aspect of SRF species is their interaction with soil fauna, of which the earthworm community is a major component. Earthworms have a pronounced impact on litter decomposition, nutrient cycling and tree growth. Conversely, tree litter and root chemistry can impact on the associated earthworm community development. The aim of this study was to determine direct interactions between SRF species and earthworms. A field-based mesocosm experiment was conducted using Betula pendula (birch) and Eucalyptus nitens (eucalyptus) with two earthworm species Lumbricus terrestris and Allolobophora chlorotica. The one year experiment revealed that native birch and non-native eucalyptus had a similar influence on L. terrestris population development. However, birch had a positive impact on A. chlorotica population establishment compared with eucalyptus. In the presence of earthworms, total tree biomass and leaf nitrogen concentration of eucalyptus were increased respectively by 25% and 27% compared with an earthworm-free control. In the presence of earthworms, surface litter incorporation was greater for both tree species (almost 5 times for birch and 3 times for eucalyptus) compared with controls. This work showed direct SRF-earthworm interactions which differed for tree species.
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