Effects of ocean sprawl on ecological connectivity: impacts and solutions

The growing number of artificial structures in estuarine, coastal and marine environments is causing “ocean sprawl”. Artificial structures do not only modify marine and coastal ecosystems at the sites of their placement, but may also produce larger-scale impacts through their alteration of ecological connectivity - the movement of organisms, materials and energy between habitat units within seascapes. Despite the growing awareness of the capacity of ocean sprawl to influence ecological connectivity, we lack a comprehensive understanding of how artificial structures modify ecological connectivity in near- and off-shore environments, and when and where their effects on connectivity are greatest. We review the mechanisms by which ocean sprawl may modify ecological connectivity, including trophic connectivity associated with the flow of nutrients and resources. We also review demonstrated, inferred and likely ecological impacts of such changes to connectivity, at scales from genes to ecosystems, and potential strategies of management for mitigating these effects. Ocean sprawl may alter connectivity by: (1) creating barriers to the movement of some organisms and resources - by adding physical barriers or by modifying and fragmenting habitats; (2) introducing new structural material that acts as a conduit for the movement of other organisms or resources across the landscape; and (3) altering trophic connectivity. Changes to connectivity may, in turn, influence the genetic structure and size of populations, the distribution of species, and community structure and ecological functioning. Two main approaches to the assessment of ecological connectivity have been taken: (1) measurement of structural connectivity - the configuration of the landscape and habitat patches and their dynamics; and (2) measurement of functional connectivity - the response of organisms or particles to the landscape. Our review reveals the paucity of studies directly addressing the effects of artificial structures on ecological connectivity in the marine environment, particularly at large spatial and temporal scales. With the ongoing development of estuarine and marine environments, there is a pressing need for additional studies that quantify the effects of ocean sprawl on ecological connectivity. Understanding the mechanisms by which structures modify connectivity is essential if marine spatial planning and eco-engineering are to be effectively utilised to minimise impacts

How women perceive abortion care: A study focusing on healthy women and those with mental and posttraumatic stress

Objectives To identify perceived deficiencies in the quality of abortion care among healthy women and those with mental stress. Methods This multi-centre cohort study included six obstetrics and gynaecology departments in Sweden. Posttraumatic stress (PTSD/PTSS) was assessed using the Screen Questionnaire-Posttraumatic Stress Disorder; anxiety and depressive symptoms, using the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale; and abortion quality perceptions, using a modified version of the Quality from the Patients Perspective questionnaire. Pain during medical abortion was assessed in a subsample using a visual analogue scale. Results Overall, 16% of the participants assessed the abortion care as being deficient, and 22% experienced intense pain during medical abortion. Women with PTSD/PTSS more often perceived the abortion care as deficient overall and differed from healthy women in reports of deficiencies in support, respectful treatment, opportunities for privacy and rest, and availability of support from a significant person during the procedure. There was a marginally significant difference between PTSD/PTSS and the comparison group for insufficient pain alleviation. Conclusions Women with PTSD/PTSS perceived abortion care to be deficient more often than did healthy women. These women do require extra support, relatively simple efforts to provide adequate pain alleviation, support and privacy during abortion may improve abortion care.Funding Agencies|Marianne and Marcus Wallenberg Foundation; Medical Faculty of Uppsala Universities; Family Planning Foundation at Uppsala University; Regional Research Committees of Uppsala and Orebro Counties Councils; Sophiahemmet Foundation</p

Pharmacokinetics of Levetiracetam during Pregnancy, Delivery, in the Neonatal Period, and Lactation

Purpose: To study pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam (LEV) during pregnancy, delivery, lactation, and in the neonatal period. Methods: Fourteen women with epilepsy receiving LEV treatment during pregnancy and lactation contributed with 15 pregnancies to this prospective study in which LEV concentrations in plasma and breast milk were determined. Trough maternal plasma samples were collected each trimester, and at baseline after delivery. Blood samples were obtained at delivery from mothers, from the umbilical cord, and from newborns during 2 days after delivery. LEV concentration was also determined in breast milk and in plasma collected from 11 of the mothers and their suckling infants after birth. Results: The umbilical cord/maternal plasma concentration ratios ranged from 0.56-2.0 (mean 1.15, n = 13). LEV plasma concentrations in the neonates declined with an estimated half-life of 18 h (n = 13). The mean milk/maternal plasma concentration ratio was 1.05 (range, 0.78-1.55, n = 11). The infant dose of LEV was estimated to 2.4 mg/kg/day, equivalent to 7.9% of the weight-normalized maternal dose. Plasma concentrations in breastfed were approximately 13% of the mother's plasma levels. Maternal plasma concentrations during third trimester were only 40% of baseline concentrations outside pregnancy (p < 0.001, n = 7) Conclusions: Our observations suggest considerable transplacental transport of LEV and fairly slow elimination in the neonate. Plasma concentrations of LEV in nursed infants are low despite an extensive transfer of LEV into breast milk. Pregnancy appears to enhance the elimination of LEV resulting in marked decline in plasma concentration, which suggests that therapeutic monitoring may be of value

Pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam during pregnancy, delivery, in the neonatal period, and lactation

Purpose: To study pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam (LEV) during pregnancy, delivery, lactation, and in the neonatal period. Methods: Fourteen women with epilepsy receiving LEV treatment during pregnancy and lactation contributed with 15 pregnancies to this prospective study in which LEV concentrations in plasma and breast milk were determined. Trough maternal plasma samples were collected each trimester, and at baseline after delivery. Blood samples were obtained at delivery from mothers, from the umbilical cord, and from newborns during 2 days after delivery. LEV concentration was also determined in breast milk and in plasma collected from 11 of the mothers and their suckling infants after birth. Results: The umbilical cord/maternal plasma concentration ratios ranged from 0.56-2.0 (mean 1.15, n = 13). LEV plasma concentrations in the neonates declined with an estimated half-life of 18 h (n = 13). The mean milk/maternal plasma concentration ratio was 1.05 (range, 0.78-1.55, n = 11). The infant dose of LEV was estimated to 2.4 mg/kg/day, equivalent to 7.9% of the weight-normalized maternal dose. Plasma concentrations in breastfed were approximately 13% of the mother's plasma levels. Maternal plasma concentrations during third trimester were only 40% of baseline concentrations outside pregnancy (p < 0.001, n = 7) Conclusions: Our observations suggest considerable transplacental transport of LEV and fairly slow elimination in the neonate. Plasma concentrations of LEV in nursed infants are low despite an extensive transfer of LEV into breast milk. Pregnancy appears to enhance the elimination of LEV resulting in marked decline in plasma concentration, which suggests that therapeutic monitoring may be of value

The roles of Ldb2a in the specification of mesendoderm and derivatives depend on Nodal and BMP signalling.

<p>(A–C) SB431542 rescued the increased expression of <i>cyc</i> caused by <i>ldb2a</i> knockdown. (D–F) SB431542 also partially rescued the increase in expression of lateral mesodermal genes, <i>scl</i> and <i>pax2</i>.<i>1</i>, in <i>ldb2a</i> morphants (green and purple arrowheads). The <i>wildtype</i> control refers to uninjected embryos that are stage matched and treated with equal volume of DMSO. (G–I) Co-injection with a <i>bmp4</i> MO partially rescued the increased <i>scl</i> expression in <i>ldb2a</i> morphants. Embryos co-stained with <i>myoD</i> and <i>krox20</i> to define the stage and territory. (A–C): three independent experiments (the morphant phenotype of <i>cyc</i> expression was observed from seven independent experiments, whereas the rescue experiments were repeated three times); (D–F): two independent experiments; (G–I): three independent experiments. The <i>wildtype</i> control refers to uninjected embryos that are stage matched.</p

Herrenes historie, igjen?

Når noen av dagens voksne, kvinnelige historikere møtes, hender det at vi mimrer om vår egen tid som hovedfagsstudenter. Vi tenker tilbake på et historiefag som var sterkt mannsdominert. Det fantes få fast ansatte kvinnelige historikere, selv om de som var der preget historiefaget positivt og ga verdifulle bidrag til forskning og fagutvikling. Som unge kvinner var vi forundret og rystet over den skjeve kjønnsbalansen i faget. Den gangen trodde vi at vi skulle greie å forandre på det. Vi satt der på lesesalene, fulle av ungdommelig engasjement og entusiasme. Sånn skulle det ikke fortsette lenge, for vi skulle endre dette når vi selv kom i posisjoner med innflytelse. En stund på 1990- og 2000-tallet var vi også optimistiske: ting tydet på både endring og endringsvilje. I dag er vi kanskje mer forundret og mer pessimister enn noensinne. For hva har skjedd? Fint lite, dessverre

Herrenes historie, igjen?

Når noen av dagens voksne, kvinnelige historikere møtes, hender det at vi mimrer om vår egen tid som hovedfagsstudenter. Vi tenker tilbake på et historiefag som var sterkt mannsdominert. Det fantes få fast ansatte kvinnelige historikere, selv om de som var der preget historiefaget positivt og ga verdifulle bidrag til forskning og fagutvikling. Som unge kvinner var vi forundret og rystet over den skjeve kjønnsbalansen i faget. Den gangen trodde vi at vi skulle greie å forandre på det. Vi satt der på lesesalene, fulle av ungdommelig engasjement og entusiasme. Sånn skulle det ikke fortsette lenge, for vi skulle endre dette når vi selv kom i posisjoner med innflytelse. En stund på 1990- og 2000-tallet var vi også optimistiske: ting tydet på både endring og endringsvilje. I dag er vi kanskje mer forundret og mer pessimister enn noensinne. For hva har skjedd? Fint lite, dessverre

Herrenes historie, igjen?

Når noen av dagens voksne, kvinnelige historikere møtes, hender det at vi mimrer om vår egen tid som hovedfagsstudenter. Vi tenker tilbake på et historiefag som var sterkt mannsdominert. Det fantes få fast ansatte kvinnelige historikere, selv om de som var der preget historiefaget positivt og ga verdifulle bidrag til forskning og fagutvikling. Som unge kvinner var vi forundret og rystet over den skjeve kjønnsbalansen i faget. Den gangen trodde vi at vi skulle greie å forandre på det. Vi satt der på lesesalene, fulle av ungdommelig engasjement og entusiasme. Sånn skulle det ikke fortsette lenge, for vi skulle endre dette når vi selv kom i posisjoner med innflytelse. En stund på 1990- og 2000-tallet var vi også optimistiske: ting tydet på både endring og endringsvilje. I dag er vi kanskje mer forundret og mer pessimister enn noensinne. For hva har skjedd? Fint lite, dessverre.acceptedVersio