Southwest Ireland Research Articles

Palynological investigation of a later Bronze Age copper mine at Derrycarhoon in south-west Ireland

This paper presents the results of a recent palynological analysis at a prehistoric mine in the Mizen Peninsula of West Cork. Archaeological survey and excavation confirm Derrycarhoon is the first copper mine in Ireland dated to the later Bronze Age, c. 1400–1000 BC. The production there represents the end of a mining tradition in the south-west region that began a millennium or so earlier at Ross Island, Co. Kerry. The palynological study at Derrycarhoon examines the contemporary environment of the early mine, to understand its effect on local vegetation during the later second millennium BC. This environmental impact was reduced by the small scale of ore extraction over several centuries, and by a mining technology that did not significantly impact local woodland at a location where contamination from surface ore-processing was both short-lived and localised. The results add to information on the variability of environmental impacts caused by mining and metal production in prehistoric Europe. Finally, this study contributes to a wider understanding of vegetation history and anthropogenic influences during the Holocene in the West Cork region.

Palynological investigation of a later Bronze Age copper mine at Derrycarhoon in south-west Ireland

Palynological investigation of a later Bronze Age copper mine at Derrycarhoon in south-west Ireland

Abundance and seasonal growth of epiphytic ferns at three sites along a rainfall gradient in Western Europe

Vascular epiphytes in temperate zones are allegedly rare due to climatic constraints, such as drought and freezing temperatures during winter. Here, we investigate how abundance and seasonal growth of epiphytic polypod ferns in Western Europe are influenced by annual rainfall and temperature. We recorded abundances and growth of epiphytic polypod ferns over two years at three sites along a rainfall gradient from Southwest Ireland to Northwest Germany, spanning a two-fold difference in annual rainfall. We also investigated plant maturation and recorded key climate characteristics (rainfall and temperature). Abundance of epiphytic polypod ferns strongly decreased from the wetter end of the rainfall gradient in Ireland towards the drier end in Germany. Yet, frond turnover was equally high at all study sites during summer months, and equally low during winter. Plants showed only little to no expansive growth during the study period, except for the study site in France in the middle of the gradient, where the total number of fronds strongly increased. Similarly, we found an increase in the proportion of spore-bearing fronds at the French study site, whereas there was hardly any change between years at the other two sites. The observed growth patterns are inconsistent with the current differences in abundance of epiphytic ferns. We suggest that these differences are due to poor germination of spores under drier conditions and that small differences in annual growth have contributed to the current abundances over an extended time period. Surprisingly, seasonal frond productivity appeared to be unaffected by the amount of annual rainfall and average temperatures, although it seems likely that these factors do play a role during gametophyte establishment.

Effect of environmental factors on size and fecundity of field populations of Impatiens glandulifera

ABSTRACT Background Impatiens glandulifera, an annual species native to the Himalayas, is the tallest annual plant in Europe, where it has become invasive and destabilises riverbanks. Aims This study explored between- and within-site trait variation in the invasive range of I. glandulifera to identify trait relationships that underlie the large size and local invasion success of this species. Methods Leaf chlorophyll content, vegetative growth traits (plant height, leaf length, leaf width, number of side branches, leaves and nodes), the number of reproductive units (sum of flower buds, flowers and seed pods) and seed pod length were determined for five I. glandulifera stands in the south-west of Ireland. Results Plant vegetative growth traits and the number of reproductive units were positively correlated, with the highest trait values observed at a shaded site with high disturbance. Chlorophyll content in the upper leaves declined with an increasing number of reproductive units at sites with low soil nitrogen, suggesting that nutrient allocation to the reproductive sinks is prioritised over photosynthetic capacity of the upper leaves. Conclusions The ability to grow to a remarkably large size under shaded, disturbed conditions contributes to the invasion success of I. glandulifera.

Characterisation of Seasonal Mytilus edulis By-Products and Generation of Bioactive Hydrolysates

Mussel cultivation results in tons of by-product, with 27% of the harvest considered as reject material. In this study, mussel by-products considered to be undersized (mussels with a cooked meat yield <30%), mussels with broken shells and barnacle-fouled mussels were collected from three different locations in the west, north-west and south-west of Ireland. Samples were hydrolysed using controlled temperatures and agitation, and the proteolytic enzyme Protamex® was added at an enzyme:substrate ratio of 1:50 (w:v). The hydrolysates were freeze-dried and analysed for protein content and amino acid composition, lipid content and fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) composition, ash and techno-functional and bioactive activities. The degree of hydrolysis was determined using the Adler-Nissen pH stat method and was found to be between 2.41% ± 0% and 7.55% ± 0.6%. Mussel by-products harvested between February and May 2019 had protein contents ranging from 36.76% ± 0.41% to 52.19% ± 1.78%. The protein content of mussels collected from July to October (the spawning season) ranged from 59.07% ± 1.375% to 68.31% ± 3.42%. The ratio of essential to nonessential amino acids varied from 0.68–0.96 and it was highest for a sample collected in November from the west of Ireland. All the hydrolysate samples contained omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are known anti-inflammatory agents. Selected hydrolysates which had angiotensin-converting enzyme I (ACE-I; EC 3.4.15.1) and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV; EC 3.4.14.5) inhibitory activities were filtered using 3-kDa membrane filtration and the permeate fraction was sequenced using mass spectrometry (MS). Identified peptides were >7 amino acids in length. Following BIOPEP database mining, 91% of the by-product mussel peptides identified were found to be previously identified DPP-IV and ACE-I inhibitory peptides, and this was confirmed using in vitro bioassays. The ACE-I inhibitory activity of the by-product mussel hydrolysates ranged from 22.23% ± 1.79% to 86.08% ± 1.59% and the most active hydrolysate had an ACE-I inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 0.2944 mg/mL compared to the positive control, captopril. This work demonstrates that by-product mussel hydrolysates have potential for use as health-promoting ingredients.

Stenogrammitis myosuroides (Polypodiaceae): a new addition to the European flora from southwest Ireland

The occurrence of the fern Stenogrammitis myosuroides (Sw.) Labiak in Europe is reported for the first time. A small population was discovered on two boulders beside a stream in Atlantic oak woodland in the Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry, in southwest Ireland. The main identification features of this taxa and features that distinguish it from other similar taxa are laid out and discussed. S. myosuroides is elsewhere known to occur in the Neotropics, in Cuba, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, and is thought to have colonised its Irish site through long-distance spore dispersal. Two Grammitid species of similar ecology have been discovered in the Azores in the past five decades and a number of bryophyte species share a similar disjunct distribution between Ireland and the Neotropics, all of which supports the theory that long-distance dispersal is the most plausible explanation for the occurrence of S. myosuroides in Ireland. It is not clear how long S. myosuroides has been present in Ireland, although morphological differences suggest that it may have been separated from the Neotropical populations for a long period. However, molecular analysis is required to elucidate this.

Thermodynamics of soil organic matter decomposition in semi‐natural oak (Quercus) woodland in southwest Ireland

The evolution of soil terrestrial ecosystems is a subject with difficulties to define their maturity and evolutionary state. In the last century, thermodynamics was one of the options considered by ecologists for that goal. Difficulties in quantifying the thermodynamic parameters needed by the evolutionary theories caused that this subject has been practically locked since the end of the last century. Application of thermodynamics needs reactions and one of the main reactions in soil ecosystems are those involved in the decomposition of the soil organic matter. This paper aims to provide an initial step to study those reactions from a thermodynamic perspective. With that goal in mind, thermal analysis and isothermal calorespirometric measurements were made on soil samples collected at three depths in semi‐natural oak woodlands at three different sites in southwest Ireland. It is assumed that the organic matter evolves from a less to a higher mature state as soil depth increases. The maturity state could be chemically defined by the redox state. The proposed methods yield the enthalpy change, Gibbs energy change and entropy change for the microbial catabolism and combustion reactions of the soil organic matter. The degree of reduction was calculated by the enthalpy changes. Results show the soil organic matter becomes more reduced from the soil organic surface to mineral soils. The top layer is characterized by high carbon content, organic materials with low energy content per Cmole, and fast biodegradation rates. Mineral soils are characterized by low carbon content, organic materials with high energy content per Cmole, and slow biodegradation rates. Values obtained for the entropy change were sensitive to these differences among the different soil layers. These results contribute to unlock the thermodynamics of the soil reactions and to develop the bioenergetics of soil ecosystems.

‘This is your golden time. You enjoy it and you’ve plenty time for crying after’: How dysphagia impacts family caregivers of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – A qualitative study

Background: Dysphagia (swallowing impairments) is a well-recognised symptom of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Caring for a person with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis has been recognised as a complex and demanding task. No study to date investigated the impact of dysphagia on the lives of caregivers of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Aim: To investigate the experiences of dysphagia from the perspective of family caregivers of people diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Design: Interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed. Individual interviews (n = 15) plus observations of mealtime preparation were conducted, where possible (seven or n). Setting/participants: Participants comprised family caregivers of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and dysphagia living in the South West of Ireland (n = 10). Findings: Dysphagia transformed the mealtime experiences of the caregivers and changed their approaches to food. Frustration related to the inability to stabilise the weight of the person with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and the fear of choking emerged strongly. The caregivers strived to ensure the safety of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis during meals by providing constant supervision. Despite the challenges precipitated by dysphagia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the caregivers wished to maintain normality for as long as they perceived it to be possible. Conclusion: This study provides a unique contribution in advancing our understanding of the impact of dysphagia on the caregivers of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Professionals must explore and recognise the needs of the caregivers and provide them with appropriate support, especially how to manage choking.

Long-term variation of trochid populations in an Irish sea lough

Abstract Snapshot assessments of species, which live for a number of years, are often misleading if they are conducted at an inappropriately short temporal scale. Densities of the trochid gastropods Steromphala umbilicalis (da Costa, 1778) and S. cineraria (Linnaeus, 1758) fluctuated widely between 1996 and 2014 at ten rocky-shore sites within Lough Hyne, southwest Ireland. Between 2014 and 2019, the abundance of S. cineraria decreased to levels not seen in the previous two decades. This significant reduction was possibly in response to extreme dissolved oxygen fluctuations related to eutrophication of the semi-enclosed lough. Steromphala umbilicalis showed low density in 2018 and 2019, but this was within the limits of interannual fluctuations. The Lusitanian trochid Phorcus lineatus (da Costa, 1778) was first recorded by us in the lough in the early 2000s, just as it was establishing a flourishing population with densities of c. 6 snails/0.25 m2. Although this native trochid survived the cold winters of 2009–2012, the population suffered high adult mortality and little recruitment. Between 2013 and 2019, the population increased and the population density stabilized. The increase in P. lineatus reflects its position high on the shore, where air temperatures have risen over the last two decades. It may, therefore, be a sentinel species to detect the effects of climate change. By contrast, the decrease in S. cineraria was related to its shallow subtidal habitat where hypoxia and superoxia have recently become marked in the lough. This trochid, therefore, offers potential as an indicator of eutrophication-associated stress. These temporal variations in trochid species emphasize the need for longer term assessments when estimating the importance of any one species to the ecosystem.

Spatio-temporal genetic tagging of a cosmopolitan planktivorous shark provides insight to gene flow, temporal variation and site-specific re-encounters

Migratory movements in response to seasonal resources often influence population structure and dynamics. Yet in mobile marine predators, population genetic consequences of such repetitious behaviour remain inaccessible without comprehensive sampling strategies. Temporal genetic sampling of seasonally recurring aggregations of planktivorous basking sharks, Cetorhinus maximus, in the Northeast Atlantic (NEA) affords an opportunity to resolve individual re-encounters at key sites with population connectivity and patterns of relatedness. Genetic tagging (19 microsatellites) revealed 18% of re-sampled individuals in the NEA demonstrated inter/multi-annual site-specific re-encounters. High genetic connectivity and migration between aggregation sites indicate the Irish Sea as an important movement corridor, with a contemporary effective population estimate (Ne) of 382 (CI = 241–830). We contrast the prevailing view of high gene flow across oceanic regions with evidence of population structure within the NEA, with early-season sharks off southwest Ireland possibly representing genetically distinct migrants. Finally, we found basking sharks surfacing together in the NEA are on average more related than expected by chance, suggesting a genetic consequence of, or a potential mechanism maintaining, site-specific re-encounters. Long-term temporal genetic monitoring is paramount in determining future viability of cosmopolitan marine species, identifying genetic units for conservation management, and for understanding aggregation structure and dynamics.

Vegetation impacts and early Neolithic monumentality: A palaeoenvironmental case study from south-west Ireland

New insights into prehistoric vegetation and human activities around a megalithic monument were inferred from a palaeoecological study at Arderrawinny, south-west Ireland. An early Neolithic portal tomb located c.500 m north-east of a small mire was investigated for pollen and loss on ignition analyses. This investigation provides a detailed reconstruction of the local vegetation development for the area surrounding the megalithic tomb, supported by 12 AMS 14C measurements and Bayesian modelling of palaeoecological and archaeological data. The palaeoecological record indicates a degree of ‘openness’ which was unusual in pre-Neolithic contexts in Ireland. Bayesian modelling of palaeoecological and archaeological chronologies intimates that evidence for woodland clearings preceded the construction of the megalith and suggests spatial separation between settlement, cultivation and ‘ritual’ activity in the early Neolithic. Despite low evidence for Neolithic agricultural, a potential correlation between human activity, as indicated by the presence of the nearby early Neolithic portal tomb, and the onset of the mid-Holocene ‘Elm Decline’ in the region is suggested.

Natural Variation in TBP-ASSOCIATED FACTOR 4b Controls Meiotic Crossover and Germline Transcription in Arabidopsis

Meiotic crossover frequency varies within genomes, which influences genetic diversity and adaptation. In turn, genetic variation within populations can act to modify crossover frequency in cis and trans. To identify genetic variation that controls meiotic crossover frequency, we screened Arabidopsis accessions using fluorescent recombination reporters. We mapped a genetic modifier of crossover frequency in Col× Bur populations of Arabidopsis to a premature stop codon within TBP-ASSOCIATED FACTOR 4b (TAF4b), which encodes a subunit of the RNA polymerase II general transcription factor TFIID. The Arabidopsis taf4b mutation is a rare variant found in the British Isles, originating in South-West Ireland. Using genetics, genomics, and immunocytology, we demonstrate a genome-wide decrease in taf4b crossovers, with strongest reduction in the sub-telomeric regions. Using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) from purified meiocytes, we show that TAF4b expression is meiocyte enriched, whereas its paralog TAF4 is broadly expressed. Consistent with the role of TFIID in promoting gene expression, RNA-seq of wild-type and taf4b meiocytes identified widespread transcriptional changes, including in genes that regulate the meiotic cell cycle and recombination. Therefore, TAF4b duplication is associated with acquisition of meiocyte-specific expression and promotion of germline transcription, which act directly or indirectly to elevate crossovers. This identifies a novel mode of meiotic recombination control via a general transcription factor.

Touching the sacred: sensing spirituality at Irish holy wells

ABSTRACTThis paper explores the links between touch – as a physical sensation and as a metaphorical connection – and spiritual encounters at Irish holy wells. Building on embodied examinations of the sacred by cultural geographers, my emphasis on the haptic aspects of the micro-pilgrimages at these fluid locations presents new insight into spiritual experiences as practiced and felt processes. Touch serves both as an analytical lens and a sensed understanding to consider these ethereal spaces. An ethnographic exploration of two holy wells in the southwest of Ireland, including detailed field observations and participant interviews, illustrates how the sacred and material intertwine through ritualised tactile performances and numinous registers. The findings demonstrate how a focus on touch provides a fresh avenue to consider the creation of located spiritual experiences.

Impact of BCG vaccination on incidence of tuberculosis disease in southern Ireland

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is the ninth leading cause of death worldwide and the leading cause from a single infectious agent. Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is the only licensed vaccine for TB, yet its efficacy remains debated with variations in vaccine sub-strains, policies, and practices observed across the world. Three BCG vaccination policies were implemented across adjoining regions in the South West of Ireland from 1972; neonatal vaccination (vaccinated Region-A), vaccination of children aged 10–12 years (vaccinated Region-B) and no vaccination (unvaccinated Region-C). The aim of this study is to examine the impact of different BCG vaccination policies on incidence of TB disease in the South of Ireland over a 13-year period.MethodsCases of active TB disease from 2003 to 2016 were identified through surveillance data. Residential addresses for each case were geocoded using the Google Maps API. Addresses were linked to 2011 census population data and to Local Health Offices BCG coverage data for study regions A-C. A steady-state population was assumed to calculate the 13-year incidence of TB disease. Using SatScan (v9.4.4), spatial clusters were identified at a small area level with the spatial scan statistic based on the discrete Poisson probability distribution.ResultsOf 621 TB disease cases identified, 510 could be linked to the study area based on the reported addresses. The median age was 42 years (range 4 months - 94 years), 65% male and 66% Irish born. The incidence of TB disease was higher in the unvaccinated population, region-C 132/100,000 (95% CI 116–150) versus vaccinated region-A 56/100,000 (95%CI 45–69) and region-B 44/100,000 (95%CI 29–63). A spatial cluster analysis identified a single high-risk cluster in region -C where the relative risk (vs. the areas outside of the cluster) was 4.94 (95% CI 4.03 to 5.96).ConclusionOur study demonstrates significant regional variation in the incidence of TB in demographically similar populations based on BCG vaccination policy. This observation is particularly noteworthy in a country with low TB disease incidence such as Ireland. These findings strengthen existing data demonstrating efficacy of BCG vaccination for primary prevention of TB disease.

The challenges to public health nurse practice in rural Ireland.

The primary objective was to understand the contemporary public health nurse's (PHN) role and the issues that they face working in rural Ireland. This study was based on an ethnographic approach with 13 PHNs working in rural areas in the South West of Ireland. A combination of solicited diaries and semi-structured interviews referred to as the diary/interview method were employed. Diaries were used by the PHNs to record their working day on a staggered basis from February to April 2017 with the subsequent interviews carried out in June and July 2017. Working as a PHN in a rural area presented a number of issues such as time spent on traveling as a result of geographical disparity & poor road networks; client transport issues; a sense of working in isolation; communication issues with respect to computer/tablet hardware availability, mobile phone and broadband connectivity and the availability of, and the physical access to services. PHNs operating in rural communities face a distinct set of challenges that they have a limited ability to address. Legislators, health care providers and policymakers need to create a supportive environment that helps address these challenges in Ireland.

Abstract P4-16-08: A regional audit of 6-hour monitoring for administration related reactions during the first administration of subcutaneous trastuzumab

Abstract Introduction In 2012, Subcutaneous Trastuzumab (TSC) was introduced as an alternative to Intravenous Trastuzumab (TIV) for HER2+ breast cancer. The pivotal HannaH study demonstrated that TSC was non-inferior to TIV, was preferred by patients, and serious administration related reactions (ARRs) were not reported. However, the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) advises that patients be observed for ARRs for 6 hours post-first administration (and 2 hours post-subsequent administrations), similar to TIV. Aim To assess the frequency and tolerability of ARRs during the 6-hour observation period post first administration of TSC in patients with HER2+ breast cancer. Method: A retrospective audit of TSC was conducted in Southwest Ireland across five centers from 2014-2016. Patient charts were reviewed to record ARRs reported on the first-administration or at subsequent visit. In addition a subset of patients were interviewed regarding their recollection of ARRs with first or subsequent injections. Results: The study is ongoing having identified 192 patients. These centers have administered 2111 TSC injections in total, associated with 4998 hours of observation as per SPC. From the 385 injections given over the first two TSC administrations, 13 injections (3.4%) were associated with ARRs within 24 hours. Nine patients (2.3%) experienced injection site reactions immediately post injection, one injection site pain (0.3%), and one experienced petechiae on subsequent exposure (0.3%). Three patients experienced pyrexia and dry cough 24 hours post-injection and were hospitalized for respiratory tract infection. There were no reactions experienced between 2 and 6 hours post-first injection. There were no serious ARRs. Telephone interviews are ongoing and these results will be reported. Conclusion: ARRs related to TSC are usually immediate, mild and self-limiting. Observing patients for 6 hours post-first injection and 2 hours post-subsequent injections represents an inefficient use of healthcare resources. Citation Format: Karmali S, Hughes N, Kinneally A, Kroes J, Cook J, Killian M, Shafiq T, O'Mahony D, Bird B, O'Connor M, O'Reilly S, Galiauskas R, Murphy CG. A regional audit of 6-hour monitoring for administration related reactions during the first administration of subcutaneous trastuzumab [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-16-08.

Diatremes Act as Fluid Conduits for Zn-Pb Mineralization in the SW Irish Ore Field

Irish-type mineralization is commonly attributed to fault-controlled mixing of a seawater-derived, sulfur-rich fluid and basement-derived, metal-rich fluid. However, maar-diatreme volcanoes discovered in close spatial and temporal association with Zn-Pb mineralization at Stonepark in the Limerick basin (southwest Ireland) bring a new dimension to established geologic models and may increase the deposit-scale prospectivity in one of the world’s greatest Zn-Pb districts. Stonepark exhibits many incidences of dolomitic black matrix breccias with associated Zn-Pb mineralization, the latter typically occurring within 150 m of the diatremes. Highly negative δ 34 S pyrite values within country rock-dominated black matrix breccias (–12 to –34) are consistent with sulfide precipitation from bacteriogenic sulfur reduction in seawater-derived brines. However, δ 34 S values of Zn-Pb sulfides replacing black matrix breccias (–10 to 1) reflect multiple sulfur sources. Diatreme emplacement both greatly enhanced country rock fracture permeability and produced conduits that are filled with porous volcaniclastic material and extend down to basement rock types. Our δ 34 S data suggest that diatremes provide more efficient fluid pathways for basement-derived fluids. The diatremes introduce another potential sulfur source and facilitate a greater input of metal-rich basement-derived hydrothermal fluid into the system compared to other Irish-type deposits such as Navan and Lisheen, evidenced by Stonepark’s more positive modal δ34S value of –4. Irish-type deposits are traditionally thought to form in association with extensional basement faults and are considered unrelated to extensive Carboniferous magmatism. Our results indicate that a direct link exists between diatreme volcanism and Zn-Pb mineralization at Limerick, prompting a reevaluation of the traditional Irish-type ore formation model, in regions where mineralization is spatially associated with volcanic pipes.

Investigation of an Elevated Sands Unit at Tralispean Bay, South-West Ireland – Potential High Energy Marine Event

A sequence of high elevation sands containing both broken and whole marine shells, as well as many mega-sized, raft-shaped boulders (1-3m across) has been discovered at Tralispean Bay, West Cork, Ireland. Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR), ground surveying and differential GPS (dGPS) show that the sediments cover an area of c.0.75ha, reaching a maximum height of c.+18.5m ODM, with interconnected pockets of sand varying in thickness of up to 1m. Coring, lithostratigraphic study, granulometry, organics loss-on-ignition and carbonate content analyses, together with examination of micro- and macrofossils, indicate that the shelly sands were deposited rapidly, under high energy conditions. Informal interviews with local residents, as well as the extent of the sands, suggest that the deposit is not the result of human actions. Elevations reached by the sediments, the presence of mega-boulders, and other indicators make it unlikely that these sediments arose from storm activity. It is possible that they have been deposited as the result of a tsunami. The radiocarbon (AMS) date obtained places the age of such an event at 1465 AD (Cal BP 485). At present, no clear historical record has been identified of any tsunami impacts affecting the south coast of Ireland other than the Lisbon earthquake of 1755.

A Late-glacial protalus rampart in Macgillycuddy's Reeks, south-west Ireland

A Late-glacial protalus rampart in Macgillycuddy's Reeks, south-west Ireland

A Late-glacial protalus rampart in Macgillycuddy's Reeks, south-west Ireland

A Late-glacial protalus rampart in Macgillycuddy's Reeks, south-west Ireland