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Better health and longer survival for many people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF) compels the continued evolution of the CF care model. Designed to deliver specialized care for a complex chronic condition, the model is organized around interdisciplinary healthcare teams at dedicated care centers. Introduction of CFTR modulators and the COVID-19 pandemic have catalyzed the model's evolution. Many PwCF on modulator therapies are experiencing better health and considering changes in their daily care routines. Some of the growing number of adults with CF are experiencing age-associated co-morbidities, requiring coordination with new specialists. The pandemic accelerated the use of telehealth, revealing tradeoffs from new configurations of care delivery. Herein we review the implications of these recent shifts and offer recommendations to improve the quality of care coordinated across the interdisciplinary teams and an expanding field of subspecialists, while supporting the ability of the patient to take on greater responsibility in disease management.

For Paul Molnar, “A Catholic Appraisal” unfairly holds Barth to be inconsistent in claiming that God has his being in his act of revelation, and he shows that Barth often says the opposite of this. This does not resolve the inconsistency, but simply makes it more apparent. For Paul Hinlicky, the essay unfairly assumes that Barth needs to be consistent in the first place. Reflection on the law of identity shows how unfruitful it is for theologians to think they can dispense with basic logical truths. The essay concludes with arguments on the saving significance of baptism, the human refusal of God, and what theology can accomplish, in response to Katherine Sonderegger.

At least two of Barth's main claims are incompatible with basic commitments of Catholic theology, though in neither case does seeing the problem in Barth depend on accepting uniquely Catholic beliefs. If carried through consistently (which Barth does not do) his claim that God has his being in his act of revelation proves incompatible with the insistence of Nicene trinitarianism that three distinct persons are one God, and that one divine person contingently became flesh as a free gift for our salvation. In soteriology, Barth's doctrine of election proves incompatible with the belief that we are participants in our own salvation, and not merely spectators of it.

Natural history collections worldwide contain a plethora of mollusc shells. Recent studies have detailed the sequencing of DNA extracted from shells up to thousands of years old and from various taphonomic and preservational contexts. However, previous approaches have largely addressed methodological rather than evolutionary research questions. Here, we report the generation of DNA sequence data from mollusc shells using such techniques, applied to Haliotis virginea Gmelin, 1791, a New Zealand abalone, in which morphological variation has led to the recognition of several forms and subspecies. We successfully recovered near-complete mitogenomes from 22 specimens including 12 dry-preserved shells up to 60 years old. We used a combination of palaeogenetic techniques that have not previously been applied to shell, including DNA extraction optimized for ultra-short fragments and hybridization-capture of single-stranded DNA libraries. Phylogenetic analyses revealed three major, well-supported clades comprising samples from: (1) The Three Kings Islands; (2) the Auckland, Chatham and Antipodes Islands; and (3) mainland New Zealand and Campbell Island. This phylogeographic structure does not correspond to the currently recognized forms. Critically, our nonreliance on freshly collected or ethanol-preserved samples enabled inclusion of topotypes of all recognized subspecies as well as additional difficult-to-sample populations. Broader application of these comparatively cost-effective and reliable methods to modern, historical, archaeological and palaeontological shell samples has the potential to revolutionize invertebrate genetic research.

RATIONALE: People with cystic fibrosis (CF) experience acute worsening of respiratory symptoms and lung function known as pulmonary exacerbations. Treatment with intravenous antimicrobials is common; however, there is scant evidence to support a standard treatment duration. OBJECTIVES: To test differing durations of intravenous antimicrobials for CF exacerbations. METHODS: STOP2 (Standardized Treatment of Pulmonary Exacerbations 2) was a multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial in exacerbations among adults with CF. After 7–10 days of treatment, participants exhibiting predefined lung function and symptom improvements were randomized to 10 or 14 days’ total antimicrobial duration; all others were randomized to 14 or 21 days’ duration. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome was percent predicted FEV(1) (ppFEV(1)) change from treatment initiation to 2 weeks after cessation. Among early responders, noninferiority of 10 days to 14 days was tested; superiority of 21 days compared with 14 days was compared for the others. Symptoms, weight, and adverse events were secondary. Among 982 randomized people, 277 met improvement criteria and were randomized to 10 or 14 days of treatment; the remaining 705 received 21 or 14 days of treatment. Mean ppFEV(1) change was 12.8 and 13.4 for 10 and 14 days, respectively, a ‒0.65 difference (95% CI [‒3.3 to 2.0]), excluding the predefined noninferiority margin. The 21- and 14-day arms experienced 3.3 and 3.4 mean ppFEV(1) changes, a difference of ‒0.10 (‒1.3 to 1.1). Secondary endpoints and sensitivity analyses were supportive. CONCLUSIONS: Among adults with CF with early treatment improvement during exacerbation, ppFEV(1) after 10 days of intravenous antimicrobials is not inferior to 14 days. For those with less improvement after one week, 21 days is not superior to 14 days. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02781610).

Background Understanding how health outcomes differ for patients with advanced cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease living in the United States compared with Canada has health policy implications. Research Question What are rates of lung transplant (LTx) and rates of death without LTx in the United States and Canada among individuals with FEV1 Study Design and Methods This was a retrospective population-based cohort study, 2005 to 2016, using the US CF Foundation, United Network for Organ Sharing, and Canadian CF registries. Individuals with CF and at least two FEV1 measurements Results There were 5,899 patients (53% male) and 905 patients (54% male) with CF with FEV1 Interpretation There are lower rates of LTx and an increased risk of death without LTx for US patients with CF with FEV1

Previous literature in cystic fibrosis (CF) has shown a 10-year survival gap between Canada and the United States (US). We hypothesized that differential access to and survival after lung transplantation may contribute to the observed gap. The objectives of this study were to compare CF transplant outcomes between Canada and the US and estimate the potential contribution of transplantation to the survival gap.Data from the Canadian CF Registry and the US Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry supplemented with data from United Network for Organ Sharing were used. The probability of surviving after transplantation between 2005 and 2016 was calculated using the Kaplan‒Meier method. Survival by insurance status at the time of transplantation and transplant center volume in the US were compared with those in Canada using Cox proportional hazard models. Simulations were used to estimate the contribution of transplantation to the survival gap.Between 2005 and 2016, there were 2,653 patients in the US and 470 in Canada who underwent lung transplantation for CF. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 88.3%, 71.8%, and 60.3%, respectively, in the US compared with 90.5%, 79.9%, and 69.7%, respectively, in Canada. Patients in the US were also more likely to die on the waitlist (p0.01) than patients in Canada. If the proportion of who underwent transplantation and post-transplant survival in the US were to increase to those observed in Canada, we estimate that the survival gap would decrease from 10.8 years to 7.5 years.Differences in waitlist mortality and post-transplant survival can explain up to a third of the survival gap observed between the US and Canada.

A new genus and species of the Osteopeltidae that is restricted to decaying baleen is described from 377 to 1042 m depth off mainland New Zealand, the Chatham Islands and the Auckland Islands.ZooBa...

To examine cyanide (CN-) contamination of a large river in southeastern Ecuador that has been severely impacted by the indiscriminate discharge of untreated gold processing effluents. Poor environmental stewardship of cyanide (CN-) use by 87 gold processing centers in Portovelo-Zaruma in southern Ecuador to leach residual gold from Hg-contaminated tailings has resulted in high CN- contamination of the Puyango-Tumbes River downstream from the centers. Free CN- concentrations were high in river surface waters for 50 km below the processing plants, with the highest concentration 9088 times above the CCME standard of 5 μg/L and 1136 times above the 24-h LC50 concentration of 40 μg/L free CN- for some fish species. Due to cyanidation of mercury-contaminated tailings, the formation of Hg-CN complexes is a grave concern, as these complexes have been shown to be highly bioavailable. Preliminary tests conducted in a laboratory using bioassays with Danio rerio sp. and varying concentrations of synthetic Hg(CN)2 salt have shown significant THg bioaccumulation in muscle and kidney fish tissues exposed to concentrations >0.12 mg/L. Furthermore, low MeHg results in fish tissues demonstrated little occurrence of methylation and that the bulk of the total mercury content was in the form of inorganic mercury. Although construction of a communal tailings facility (CTF) in Portovelo is a positive development to reduce riverine pollution, the requirement to truck tailings up to the CTF likely results in inadequate compliance of environmental regulations that are poorly enforced.

BACKGROUND: Although guidelines for inhaled therapies for individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) are available, recommendations for compressors/nebulizers to optimize care are lacking. The CF Foundation (CFF) convened a multidisciplinary task force to assess the use, durability, accessibility, and cost burden of compressors/nebulizers. METHODS: Online surveys were developed and distributed to 287 CFF programs and adults with CF and parents of children with CF (adults with CF/parents). RESULTS: Health care providers from 38 states completed the survey (59% response rate). Respiratory therapists were mostly responsible to coordinate ordering nebulizers and compressors. Durable medical equipment companies were the most common source of acquisition of compressors (71.8%) and nebulizers (45.9%). A majority of health care providers did not feel the compressors were durable (51.1%) or that they could get enough nebulizers to their patients (69.2%). Barriers to procure compressors were reported. The survey was completed by 734 adults with CF/parents from 48 states. Most adults with CF/parents rated their compressor as durable (65.8%); however, 85.5% of respondents reported some user-experience problem(s). “Hoses popping off” and “increased nebulization time” were most commonly reported. Almost 20% of respondents did not have access to a compressor at some point in the previous year. Most adults with CF/parents did not change compressor filters per manufacturer’s recommendation (40% never). Adults with CF/parents reported performing a median of 4 inhaled treatments per day. Median use of nebulizers was 6 months. Most adults with CF/parents thought they had enough nebulizers (53.7%). Individuals with CF doing more inhaled treatments reported more compressor malfunctions. The median out-of-pocket expense was $75–99 and $50–74 for compressors and nebulizers, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although the perceptions of health care providers and adults with CF/parents differed to a certain extent, the surveys uncovered several significant issues that may compromise quality of care. Improvement in access to devices and education are needed.

Primary artisanal mercury (Hg) mining in Mexico continues to proliferate unabated, while official Hg exports have declined in recent years amid speculation of a rising black market trade. In this paper, an assessment of primary Hg mining in Mexico was conducted, with a focus on four sites in Quer&eacute, taro State. Atmospheric Hg concentrations were measured at two of those sites. In addition, trade data was examined, including Hg exports from Mexico and imports by countries that have a large artisanal gold mining (AGM) sector. Results showed that while annual Hg production in Mexico has ramped up in recent years, official Hg exports reduced from 307 tons in 2015 to 63 tons in 2019. Since 2010, mercury exports to Colombia, Peru and Bolivia have represented 77% of Mexico&rsquo, s total Hg trade. As the large majority of Hg trade with these countries is apparently destined for the AGM sector, which is contrary to Article 3 of the Minamata Convention, there is evidence that increased international scrutiny has led to an increase in unregulated international transfers. Atmospheric Hg concentrations at the mines show dangerously high levels, raising concern over the risk of significant health impacts to miners and other community members.

Background In this study, we report clinical outcomes in COVID-19 infection in a large cohort of people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) and compare these outcomes to a propensity score matched cohort of people without CF. Methods Analysis of a multicenter research network TriNETX was performed including patients more than 16 years of age diagnosed with COVID-19. Outcomes in COVID-19 positive pwCF were compared with a propensity-matched cohort of people without CF. Results A total of 507,810 patients with COVID-19 were included (422 patients, 0.08% with CF; 507,388 patients, 99.92% without CF. Mean age at COVID-19 diagnosis in CF cohort was 46.6 ± 19.3 years, with female predominance (n = 225, 53.32%). Majority of the participants were Caucasian (n = 309, 73.22%). In the crude, unmatched analysis, mortality, hospitalization, critical care need, mechanical ventilation, acute kidney injury and composite (combination of intubation and mortality) outcome at 30 days was higher in the pwCF. Following robust propensity matching, pwCF had higher hospitalization rate (RR 1.56, 95% CI 1.20–2.04), critical care need (RR 1.78, 95% CI 1.13–2.79), and acute renal injury (RR 1.60, 95% CI 1.07–2.39) as compared to patients without CF. Conclusion People with CF are at risk of poor outcomes with COVID-19.5.2% of these patients died within one month of COVID-19 diagnosis, and more than one in 10 patients required critical care. Therefore, the relatively young median age of cystic fibrosis patients, and lower prevalence of obesity do not protect these patients from severe disease contrary to prior reports.

Tin (Sn) represents one of the most significant components in electronics, such as cellular phones. Globally, 40% of cassiterite ore (the main mineral of tin) is produced by artisanal miners, who use rudimentary techniques, resulting in frequent fatal accidents and occupational hazards. It is estimated that more than 60% of refined tin produced in Indonesia (approximately 27% of global tin production) comes from artisanal miners. Most of the production comes from two islands, Bangka and Belitung, where there are more than 50,000 cassiterite miners. This work investigated onshore cassiterite artisanal mining, which revealed low metallurgical recoveries of Sn, of approximately 12%. Zig-zag sluices and the use of carpets were suggested to improve recovery, while personal protective equipment is essential to ensure worker safety. Moreover, the use of sequential basins as an effective mining method is strongly recommended to decrease the discharge of untreated tailings to the local rivers. Although most stakeholders interviewed were aware that improvements could provide multiple benefits for the sector, including increased profits, there was resistance to change and little incentive to improve operations. The Indonesian government, together with international electronic companies, need to get more involved to improve the sustainability of this sector.

In this study, a discrete fracture network model (DFN) and groundwater flow simulation were applied to a fractured aquifer of an open-pit mine. Conditional simulation of the fracture systems was developed to quantify and evaluate the uncertainty of geological structures and to predict possible hydrogeological risks associated with these uncertainties. The method used was based on the statistical characterization and simulation of spatial distribution scenarios of fracture lengths, directions and openings, as well as their influence on water flow behavior. The spatial configuration of the structures was generated using Poisson processes, while the lengths and angles were generated by Gaussian simulation. Flow simulation was performed with Modflow software. The resulting scenarios honored field data and quantified and evaluated the uncertainty associated with fracture distribution. In addition, the study was able to demonstrate the practical aspects of the proposed simulation method, which can then be applied to increase the planning and operational effectiveness of open-pit mines.

The findings of this body of work are presented in the eight articles included in this supplement. The impact and perspectives of adult and pediatric care teams and patient/families are covered with special attention to mental health care, the financial and personnel impacts within care programs, the experiences of vulnerable and underrepresented patient populations, and implementation of remoting monitoring. Commentaries from colleagues provide a broader perspective, offering reflections on the findings and their implications regarding the future CF care model.

RationaleA previous analysis found significantly higher lung function in the US paediatric cystic fibrosis (CF) population compared with the UK with this difference apparently decreasing in adolescence and adulthood. However, the cross-sectional nature of the study makes it hard to interpret these results.ObjectivesTo compare longitudinal trajectories of lung function in children with CF between the USA and UK and to explore reasons for any differences.MethodsWe used mixed effects regression analysis to model lung function trajectories in the study populations. Using descriptive statistics, we compared early growth and nutrition (height, weight, body mass index), infections (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus) and treatments (rhDnase, hypertonic saline, inhaled antibiotics).ResultsWe included 9463 children from the USA and 3055 children from the UK with homozygous F508del genotype. Lung function was higher in the USA than in the UK when first measured at age six and remained higher throughout childhood. We did not find important differences in early growth and nutrition, or P.aeruginosa infection. Prescription of rhDNase and hypertonic saline was more common in the USA. Inhaled antibiotics were prescribed at similar levels in both countries, but Tobramycin was prescribed more in the USA and colistin in the UK. S. aureus infection was more common in the USA than the UK.ConclusionsChildren with CF and homozygous F508del genotype in the USA had better lung function than UK children. These differences do not appear to be explained by early growth or nutrition, but differences in the use of early treatments need further investigation.

The approval of aztreonam lysine for inhalation solution (AZLI) raised concerns that additional antibiotic exposure would potentially affect the susceptibility profiles of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. This 5-year, prospective, observational study tracked susceptibility changes and clinical outcomes in CF patients in the United States with chronic P. aeruginosa infection., The approval of aztreonam lysine for inhalation solution (AZLI) raised concerns that additional antibiotic exposure would potentially affect the susceptibility profiles of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. This 5-year, prospective, observational study tracked susceptibility changes and clinical outcomes in CF patients in the United States with chronic P. aeruginosa infection. Sputum cultures were collected annually (2011 to 2016). The primary study endpoint was the proportion of subjects whose least susceptible P. aeruginosa isolate had an aztreonam MIC that was >8 μg/ml (parenteral breakpoint) and increased ≥4-fold compared with the least susceptible isolate from the previous year. Annualized data for pulmonary exacerbations, hospitalizations, and percent of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1% predicted) were obtained from the CF Foundation Patient Registry and compared between subjects meeting and those not meeting the primary endpoint. A total of 510 subjects were enrolled; 334 (65%) completed the study. A consistent proportion of evaluable subjects (13 to 22%) met the primary endpoint each year, and AZLI use during the previous 12 months was not associated with meeting the primary endpoint. While the annual declines in lung function were comparable for subjects meeting and those not meeting the primary endpoint, more pulmonary exacerbations and hospitalizations were experienced by those who met it. The aztreonam susceptibility of P. aeruginosa remained consistent during the 5-year study. The relationship between P. aeruginosa isolate susceptibilities and clinical outcomes is complex; reduced susceptibility was not associated with an accelerated decline in lung function but was associated with more exacerbations and hospitalizations, likely reflecting increased overall antibiotic exposure. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT01375036.)

DISCLOSURES: No funding contributed to the writing of this commentary. Both authors are employed by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has entered into therapeutic devel...

Neon tetras (Paracheirodon spp.) are three colorful characid species with a complicated taxonomic history, and relationships among the species are poorly known. Molecular data resolved the relationships among the three neon tetras, and strongly supported monophyly of the genus and its sister taxon relationship to Brittanichthys. Additionally, the sister-taxon relationship of the rummy-nose tetras Hemigrammus bleheri and Petitella georgiae was strongly supported by molecular and morphological data. Therefore, we propose to transfer the rummy-nose tetras H. bleheri and H. rhodostomus to the genus Petitella. Furthermore, Petitella georgiae is likely to be a species complex comprised of at least two species. RESUMO Os neon tetras (Paracheirodon spp.) são três espécies de caracídeos coloridos com uma complicada história taxonômica e as relações entre suas espécies são pouco conhecidas. Dados moleculares resolveram as relações entre os três neons tetras, suportando fortemente a monofilia do gênero e a relação de grupo-irmão com Brittanichthys. Adicionalmente, a relação de grupo-irmão entre os rodóstomos Hemigrammus bleheri e Petitella georgiae foi fortemente suportada por dados moleculares e morfológicos. Portanto, nós propomos transferir os rodóstomos H. bleheri e H. rhodostomus para o gênero Petitella. Além disso, é possível que Petitella georgiae seja um complexo de espécies composto por, pelo menos, duas espécies.

Highlights • There is a need for adult and pediatric gastroenterologists with expertise in CF. • The DIGEST program was created to meet this need. • This article reports on the development, implementation and results of DIGEST., Individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) now have an increased life expectancy, due to advances in care provided by a multidisciplinary team. The care model has expanded over time to include multiple subspecialties. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation conducted a survey of Care Center Directors and identified a need for pediatric and adult gastroenterologists with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of intestinal, pancreatic and hepatic complications of CF. To address this need, the Developing Innovative GastroEnterology Specialty Training (DIGEST) program was created. The development, implementation, and early results of this training program are reported herein.

The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) in Colombia has the potential to be the most pro-active government ministry in the world to deal with the problem of formalization of an estimated 300,000 Colombian artisanal miners, extracting gold, diamonds, emeralds, coal, construction minerals, etc. However, currently, the MME has reached the basic stage of formalization of only about 7% of the total registered mining units in the country. In conjunction with the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development, local authorities and even the Army (for the use of explosives), the inherent regulations required for formalization are very difficult to manage for the artisanal miners. As a result, gold production in the country reached 61.8 tonnes in 2016, in which the formal sector only represented 13% of this total, while the informal miners produced 87% of the gold. Furthermore, apart from the Colombian Government missing out on taxes that could be garnered from the informally produced gold, it is clear that there are significant quantities of gold being smuggled out of the country illegally. In 2017, although gold production fell by 35% to a total of 40.1 tonnes, gold exports increased 17% from 48 tonnes in 2016 to 58 tonnes in 2017, which is likely due to illegal mining, mainly from illicit criminal organizations laundering money via gold exports. In order to increase the successful formalization of legitimate artisanal gold miners, major reforms of the legislation are urgently needed, including facilitation of the hurdles required to undergo the process, as well as increased presence on the ground to offer education, training and capital investment for cleaner processing techniques.

Simple and affordable pieces of equipment to concentrate gold were developed by the Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICAN) Project in Colombia using locally available materials found in junk yards and metal shops. A chain mill, shaking table and flotation cell were built in Colombia and demonstrated to micro-miners, who typically process less than 2 tonnes per day (tpd) of ore. An economic feasibility study was conducted for four different ore processing rates (0.2, 0.5, 1 and 2 tpd) and different levels of gold recovery (30, 50, 70 and 85%) that were compared with the current practice of taking ores to processing centers (entables), where the whole ore is typically amalgamated in small ball mills called cocos. For the processing rates of 0.2, 0.5 and 1 tpd, miners must sell their concentrates to cyanidation plants at 65% of the gold content. At 2 tpd, miners could further leach the concentrates with cyanide using a mill-leaching technique. Although the results show that the CICAN approach is profitable at all levels of production, gold recovery must be higher than what is normally achieved at the entables using amalgamation (∼30%). For miners processing 0.5 tpd or less of ore, their recoveries must be much higher than 50% to be more profitable than using mercury in entables. Miners using the CICAN techniques of gravity and flotation concentration to process 1 tpd of ore with a gold grade of 15 g/t and 85% recovery would generate a Net Present Value of US$315,693 with an Internal Rate of Return of 1754%. This would generate US$150,000 more profit over a 5-year period when compared with miners taking their ores to entables. Even for the micro-miners who have no capacity to leach gold from the concentrates using cyanide, the CICAN techniques are very feasible, as they can sell the concentrates afterwards for a value above 65% of the gold content. The capital cost for the CICAN equipment ranges from US$ 2,600 (0.2 tpd) to US$ 10,500 (2 tpd) and the estimated operating cost fluctuates between US$ 4,500 (0.2 tpd) and US$ 10,309 (2 tpd).

This revision addresses two Southern Hemisphere genera in the family Buccinidae. Buccipagoda kengrahami (Ponder, 1982) and B. ponderi n. sp. are recognised from off southern Australia and B. achilles n. sp. from off New Zealand. Sagenotriton n. gen. is introduced for S. ajax n. sp. from off New Zealand, and S. bathybius (Bouchet & Waren, 1986) and S. bonaespei (Barnard, 1963) from off South Africa.

We describe a new, morphologically distinct species of Penion found off the Three Kings Islands, Middlesex and King banks, and Cape Reinga, in the far north of New Zealand.http://www.zoobank.org/ur...

This data article provides genome statistics, phylogenetic networks and trees for a phylogenetic study of Southern Hemisphere Buccinulidae marine snails [1] . We present alternative phylogenetic reconstructions using mitochondrial genomic and 45S nuclear ribosomal cassette DNA sequence data, as well as trees based on short-length DNA sequence data. We also investigate the proportion of variable sites per sequence length for a set of mitochondrial and nuclear ribosomal genes, in order to examine the phylogenetic information provided by different DNA markers. Sequence alignment files used for phylogenetic reconstructions in the main text and this article are provided here.

In Portovelo in southern Ecuador, 87 gold processing centers along the Puyango-Tumbes River produce an estimated 6 tonnes of gold per annum using a combination of mercury amalgamation and/or cyanidation and processing poly-metallic ores. We analysed total Hg, Hg isotopes, total arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead and zinc in water and sediment along the Puyango in 2012-2014. The highest total mercury (THg) concentrations in sediments were found within a 40 km stretch downriver from the processing plants, with levels varying between 0.78-30.8 mg kg-1 during the dry season and 1.80-70.7 mg kg-1 during the wet season, with most concentrations above the CCME (Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment) Probable Effect Level (PEL) of 0.5 mg kg-1. Data from mercury isotopic analyses support the conclusion that mercury use during gold processing in Portovelo is the source of Hg pollution found downstream in the Tumbes Delta in Peru, 160 km away. The majority of the water and sediment samples collected from the Puyango-Tumbes River had elevated concentrations of, arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead and zinc exceeding the CCME thresholds for the Protection of Aquatic Life. At monitoring points immediately below the processing plants, total dissolved concentrations of these metals exceeded the thresholds by 156-3567 times in surface waters and by 19-740 times in sediment. The results illustrate a significant transboundary pollution problem involving Hg and other toxic metals, amplified by the fact that the Puyango-Tumbes River is the only available water source in the semi-arid region of northern Peru.

The Mediterranean Sea is increasingly under threat from invasive species that may negatively affect biodiversity and/or modify ecosystem structure and function. The bivalve mollusc Pinctada imbricata radiata is listed among the 100 worst invasive species in the Mediterranean. A first finding of an established population of P. imbricata radiata in the coastal waters of the eastern Adriatic Sea, are presented in this paper. Six and then 30 live specimens were collected in 2015 and in 2017, respectively, at depths of 5 to 15 m from the island of Mljet, Croatia. DNA sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene (COI) revealed three different haplotypes. All samples showed greatest similarity (98 to > 99%) to P. radiata COI sequence records in GenBank (= P. imbricata radiata as used in this paper). A Neighbour Joining tree placed all Croatian samples within the 100% bootstrap supported clade for P. imbricata radiata.

This article argues that poor policies are heavily responsible for the mercury pollution problem in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector. It condemns governments and the futile regulations in place to ban mercury in the sector. The emphasis should rather be on implementing educational initiatives capable of highlighting a better way forward for miners and other community members. In addition, permanent technical assistance is crucially needed to foster sustainable implementation of clean processing techniques. Humor is an effective way to engage miners, including parodies stressing the health impacts of mercury. The article shares some of these parodies.

Due to the strong price of gold, the number and capacity of gold processing centers in Portovelo-Zaruma in southern Ecuador have increased considerably in recent years. In turn, this has caused increasing environmental pollution of waterbodies with cyanide, mercury and other heavy metals. This paper provides an assessment of gold production methods at 52 processing centers in 2013 and 20 in 2015, including estimations of mercury (Hg) losses and releases, cyanide use and tailings management. Due to an increase in the price of mercury and other government initiatives to reduce and eliminate Hg use, there is evidence of a shift from amalgamation processes to increased employment of cyanidation techniques. It was estimated that the 87 processing centers released 1.9 million tonnes/a of tailings in 2015, including 2033 tonnes/a of cyanide and 222 kg/a of Hg. Furthermore, it was estimated that the burning of gold amalgams released 303 kg/a of Hg to the atmosphere. Although mercury use showed a 60% reduction from 2013 to 2015, while cyanidation processes increased 30% over the same time period, more needs to be done, as 65% of the centers still use Hg amalgamation to extract gold.