An historical data set, collected in 1958 by Southward and Crisp, was used as a baseline for detecting change in the abundances of species in the rocky intertidal of Ireland. In 2003, the abundances of each of 27 species was assessed using the same methodologies (ACFOR [which stands for the categories: abundant, common, frequent, occasional and rare] abundance scales) at 63 shores examined in the historical study.Comparison of the ACFOR data over a 45-year period, between the historical survey and re-survey, showed statistically signi¢cant changes in the abundances of 12 of the 27 species examined. Two species (one classed as northern and one introduced) increased signi¢cantly in abundance while ten species (¢ve classed as northern, one classed as southern and four broadly distributed) decreased in abundance. The possible reasons for the changes in species abundances were assessed not only in the context of anthropogenic e¡ects, such as climate change and commercial exploitation, but also of operator error. The error or di¡erences recorded among operators (i.e. research scientists) when assessing species abundance using ACFOR categories was quanti¢ed on four shores. Signi¢cant change detected in three of the 12 species fell within the margin of operator error. This e¡ect of operator may have also contributed to the results of no change in the other 15 species between the two census periods. It was not possible to determine the e¡ect of operator on our results, which can increase the occurrence of a false positive (Type 1) or of a false negative (Type 2) outcome.

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Background Bacterial respiratory coinfection in the setting of SARS-CoV-2 infection remains poorly described. A description of coinfection and antimicrobial usage is needed to guide ongoing antimicrobial stewardship. Objectives To assess the rate of empirical antimicrobial treatment in COVID-19 cases, assess the rate and methods of microbiological sampling, assess the rate of bacterial respiratory coinfections and evaluate the factors associated with antimicrobial therapy in this cohort. Methods Inpatients with positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR were recruited. Antibiotic prescription, choice and duration were recorded. Taking of microbiological samples (sputum culture, blood culture, urinary antigens) and culture positivity rate was also recorded. Linear regression was performed to determine factors associated with prolonged antimicrobial administration. Results A total of 117 patients were recruited; 84 (72%) were prescribed antimicrobial therapy for lower respiratory tract infections. Respiratory pathogens were identified in seven (6%) patients. The median duration of antimicrobial therapy was 7 days. C-reactive protein level, oxygen requirement and positive cultures were associated with prolonged duration of therapy. Conclusions The rate of bacterial coinfection in SARS-CoV-2 is low. Despite this, prolonged courses of antimicrobial therapy were prescribed in our cohort. We recommend active antimicrobial stewardship in COVID-19 cases to ensure appropriate antimicrobial prescribing.

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Background Fatigue and Activity Management Education (FAME) is a six-week occupational therapy-led programme focusing on fatigue and stress management, exercise, nutrition, and joint protection. Each session consists of education and goal setting. Objectives of Study To assess the impact of FAME on occupational participation and fatigue management. Methods Three programmes were facilitated with twenty-one women with SLE. A mixed methods design was used. Quantitative data were collected using self-reported questionnaires administered before, immediately after, and eight weeks after intervention. Data were analysed using descriptive and nonparametric inferential statistics. Qualitative data were collected through focus groups and interviews. Thematic analysis was carried out on the qualitative data. Findings There was a statistically significant improvement in depression as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and categories of “burden to others” and “fatigue” in the LupusQoL. There were nonsignificant improvements in fatigue, occupational participation, self-efficacy, and anxiety. Participants reported an improved understanding of fatigue and the impact of stress on fatigue. They also identified self-management strategies they were using on a daily basis.

The relative importance of recruitment and post-recruitment processes in determining adult density among marine species varies considerably between species and populations. This study aimed to investigate the relative effects of variation in recruitment and survival rates on the density dynamics of 3 spatially separated natural populations of the barnacle Semibalanus balanoides (Isle of Man, SW Ireland and west Sweden). We analysed 2 different data-based stochastic matrix models of open populations with space-limited recruitment. Assumption testing supported the application of matrix-model theory for studying and comparing population variables of open populations. Recruitment was found to be partly dependent on free space, and mortality was size-specific and independent of other vital rates. Model simulations showed that the relative importance of recruitment and survival in shaping adult density depends on the existing variation of these vital rates at each location. In the Isle of Man the variation in density was primarily caused by variability in recruitment, while in SW Ireland the variability in survival induced the most variation. In west Sweden variation was high due to variability in both recruitment and survival. A life-cycle elasticity analysis across locations indicated that the population dynamics were generally more sensitive to changes in survival than to changes in recruitment. Also, locations with high variability in vital rates seemed better able to buffer sudden changes in vital rates. In addition, differences in survival and growth produced population structures that varied between populations. In the Isle of Man and west Sweden the populations consisted of mainly Size Category 1 individuals, while the population in SW Ireland had a linear relationship between size category and the proportion of individuals.

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