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Sediment contamination can be elevated in ports, harbours, and estuaries with legacies of exploitation, negatively impacting infaunal invertebrate communities. Saint John Harbour (45.25° N, 66.05° W), New Brunswick, Canada, is an active harbour with strong tides and a long history of human activity. To examine spatial patterns of sediment contamination, samples were collected between 2011 and 2021 from subtidal sites near potential contaminant sources. Invertebrate data from the same samples were used to investigate potential effects on biological communities. Contaminant concentrations in the inner parts of the harbour were elevated compared to reference sites, but generally did not reach levels comparable to other highly contaminated harbours in the region. Effects on invertebrates were detectable, particularly at sites with higher contamination, although physical factors (depth, sediment grain size) were more important. Dynamic tidal conditions in the harbour may reduce the accumulation of contaminants in subtidal sediments and their impacts on infaunal communities. • Communities of sediment-dwelling marine invertebrates can be affected by sediment quality. • Monitoring of a highly tidal and active harbour found spatial patterns in sediment contaminants. • Communities were less diverse, with more pollution-tolerant species, in areas with higher metals. • Sediment depth, grain size and presence of some metals best predicted invertebrate composition. • Most sites in this active, coastal port had communities that were similar to reference locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Haskap derived C3G feeding blunts weight gain and ectopic liver fat accumulation. • Haskap derived C3G feeding downregulate hepatic lipogenic gene expression in DIO. • Haskap derived C3G feeding remodel gut microbiome composition. Haskap (Lonicera caerulea L.) berry is enriched in anthocyanins, primarily cyanidin-3- O -β-glucoside (C3G). It remains unknown whether C3G counteracts metabolic alterations of the pathogenesis of obesity. In this study, mice were fed high-fat high-sucrose (HFHS) diet supplemented either with C3G-rich extract (HFHS + CE) or berry powder with low C3G (HFHS + BP). Mice fed HFHS + CE displayed short-term protection against weight gain, independent of food intake. HFHS + CE mice had lower hepatic diacylglycerols and triacylglycerols content and reduced expression of key lipogenic transcription factors. These metabolic changes also translated into improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed altered gut microbiota composition in the HFHS + CE group. In summary, we demonstrate that C3G enrichment in the HFHS diet attenuates short-term weight gain, decreases hepatic lipid content by suppressing key lipogenic gene expression and improves glucose homeostasis during obesity development, supporting the therapeutic utility of C3G as a bioactive phytonutrient to manage obesity-related complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the concentrations and compositions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contaminants in the surficial sediments of the Saint John Harbour (SJH) and assessed PAH exposure to local aquatic biota. Our findings suggest that sedimentary PAH contamination is heterogeneous and widespread in the SJH, with several sites exceeding the Canadian and NOAA recommended guidelines for the protection of aquatic life. Despite high concentrations of PAHs at some sites, there was no indication that local nekton was affected. Lack of a biological response may be due in part to a low bioavailability of sedimentary PAHs, presence of confounding factors (e.g., trace metals), and/or adaptation of local wildlife to the historic PAH contamination in this region. Overall, although no indication of effects to wildlife was observed with the data collected in the present study, continued efforts should be made to remediate highly contaminated areas and reduce the prevalence of these compounds. • Mean total sediment PAH concentration exceeded CCME ISQGs in 6/13 sampled sites. • There was no significant change in overall sediment PAH concentration (2018–2022). • There is no immediate threat of sediment PAH contamination to sampled nekton. • There may be limited bioavailability of PAHs, decreasing their exposure to biota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]