Southwest Sweden Research Articles

The Complex Dynamic Evolution of Cultural Vibrancy in the Region of Halland, Sweden

This article examines the implicit space grammar of the cultural vibrancy of the region of Halland in Southwest Sweden. By using a new computational approach, we implement for the first time a methodology that allows us, on the one side, to extrapolate the complex dynamic evolution of the region’s cultural geography and, on the other side, to diagnose the structural causes of its eventual decay. The results provide a basis for a more systematic approach to evidence-based policy design at the regional scale, and for a more participatory, bottom-up public decision-making in the cultural and other policy spheres.

Interactions between a population of fallow deer (Dama dama), humans and crops in a managed composite temperate landscape in southern Sweden: Conflict or opportunity?

Landscapes composed of agricultural land mixed with forest are desirable since they provide a wide range of diversified ecosystem services, unlike specialized agricultural landscapes, but that creates a trade-off between these land uses since wildlife usually feed on crops and reduce yields. In Nordic countries, where human population density is low and game hunting can be a viable economic alternative, mixed landscape systems are particularly interesting. To evaluate the economic sustainability of such systems we need to quantify wildlife damage to crops. One important species, being popular among Swedish hunters and therefore economically valuable, is fallow deer (Dama dama). Our objective was to evaluate the economic sustainability of mixed landscape systems including cultivated fields and commercial hunting of fallow deer. We studied the effects of excluding fallow deer by using 86 exclosures and adjacent plots in winter wheat and oat fields in south-west Sweden. We analyzed yield losses and interactions between spatial and temporal grazing patterns, anthropogenic landscape features, and topological characteristics of the landscape. We found that animals avoided exposed spots, irrespective of distance from human activity. We also found a seasonal grazing pattern related to the different growing periods of winter wheat (more grazed, emerging in autumn) and spring oat (less grazed, emerging in spring). We then compared the costs of crop damage against the commercial value of fallow deer hunting. The damage amounted to 375 ±196 € ha-1 for wheat and 152 ±138 € ha-1 for oat, corresponding to a total cost per animal of 82.7 ±81.0 €, while each animal had an estimated market value of approximately 100 €. Therefore the value of fallow deer presence compensated for the associated cost of crop damage. Profit could be further improved in this case by adopting additional management strategies. In general our study confirmed the economic feasibility of this particular mixed land management.

The prehospital assessment of patients with a final hospital diagnosis of sepsis: Results of an observational study

BackgroundSepsis is a severe condition which affects 300–800/100,000 persons each year. There are indications that the prehospital identification of patients with sepsis is difficult. The aim of the study was, among patients with a final hospital diagnosis of sepsis, to compare emergency medical service (EMS) field assessments of patients in whom there was a prehospital suspicion of sepsis with those without this suspicion. MethodsThe study had a retrospective, observational design. The data used in the study were retrieved from the prehospital and hospital medical records of patients with a final hospital diagnosis of sepsis, transported to hospital by the EMS within a region in the south west of Sweden during a period of one year. ResultsAmong patients with a final diagnosis of sepsis (n=353), the EMS identified the condition in 36% of the cases. These patients were characterised by more abnormal vital signs (a higher respiratory rate and heart rate and more frequent temperature abnormalities) and were more ambitiously assessed (more lung auscultations and more assessments of the degree of consciousness). ConclusionThe EMS was already able to identify 36% of patients with a final diagnosis of sepsis in the prehospital phase. There were minor differences in the prehospital assessment between patients who were identified by the EMS nurse and those who were not.

Abstract PD8-11: Distribution of locoregional breast cancer recurrences in relation to previous radiotherapy and biological subtype

Abstract Background: Adjuvant locoregional radiotherapy (LRRT) reduces risk of locoregional failures (LRF) and improves survival for node positive breast cancer (BC) patients. However, LRRT increases the risk for toxicity as edema in the arm, lung cancer and cardiac mortality. Modern radiotherapy allows a more conform therapy which makes knowledge of LRF-patterns very important, in order not to underdose volumes with high risk for microscopic disease and simultaneously restrict dose to risk organs. In addition, BC-subtype may affect radiosensitivity and could possibly be used to individualize LRRT in the future. Methods: We investigated outcome for BC-patients receiving LRRT in the Southwest Sweden (2004-2008) in order to identify LRFs. During this period patients with >3 positive lymph nodes were given LRRT (50Gy in 2Gy fractions) to the breast/thoracic wall, axilla level II+III, supra- and infraclavicular lymph nodes according to a target definition atlas introduced in 2002. Patients with LRF as first event were identified, with distant failures and death considered as competing risks. The anatomical distribution of LRF was compared with the contouring atlas, radiotherapy given, and biological subtype based on immunohistochemistry. Results: 904 patients received LRRT. Median follow-up time was 9.8 years (0.2-14.6) for patients without an event. 59 patients (6,5%) developed a LRF, 30 of which were local failures (LF) and 31 regional failures (RF) (2 simultaneous LF/RF). Median time to LRF was 2.8 years. 37 of the 59 (63%) LRF-patients developed generalized disease within 3 months from the LRF. Of the 845 patients without LRF 316 developed distant metastases as first recurrence, 1 an isolated RF in the contralateral axilla, 64 died from other causes, and for 5 patients recurrence-status was unclear. 459 were alive at end of follow-up. Of the LF 19 developed after mastectomy (MRM) and 11 after breast conserving surgery (BCS). LF-location after MRM: 9 in-field, 6 at field margin, 2 both in/out of field, 1 out of field, and for 1 not yet determined. After BCS: 8 in-field, 1 at field margin, and for 2 not yet determined. Of the RF 28 developed after MRM and 3 after BCS. Location of RF after MRM: 11 in-field, 6 at field margin, 1 both in/out of field, 2 out of field, and for 8 not yet determined. After BCS: 1 in-field, 1 at field margin, and 1 not yet determined. The most common location for RF close to /out of field was superior to the treated area in fossa supraclavicularis. Biological approximate subtype was available for 885 of the primary tumours; luminal (ER+ and/or PR+ HER2-/?) 67% (589/885), HER2+ 19% (169/885), triple negative (ER- and PR- HER2-/?) (TN) 14% (127/885). Subtype distribution of BC later causing LRF despite LRRT was: luminal 44% (26/59), HER2+ 27% (16/59), TN 29% (17/59). Among primary tumours causing a LRF within irradiated volume 77% (24/31) were HER2+ or TN. Conclusion: In this high risk cohort of BC-patients, we found a low incidence of LRFs. The majority of LRFs developed within irradiated volume. BCs of the HER2+ and TN-subtype may be more radioresistant and have a higher risk of LRF. Updated information as well as figures mapping all recurrences in relation to previous LRRT will be presented at the symposium. Citation Format: Adra J, Karlsson P, Killander F, Lundstedt D, Alkner S. Distribution of locoregional breast cancer recurrences in relation to previous radiotherapy and biological subtype [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 PD8-11.

A family affair: Evidence of chain migration during the mass emigration from the county of Halland in Sweden to the United States in the 1890s

This paper examines the influence of individual and household factors on an individual’s propensity to emigrate from Halland, a region in south-west Sweden, to the United States during the era of mass migration in the late nineteenth century. The study has a case–control design, using individual-level longitudinal data for a group of emigrants (cases) and a group of non-emigrants (controls). Results indicate the importance of a family’s emigration history; individuals whose relatives had previously moved to the United States were more likely to emigrate themselves. In addition, the results also show how this impact varied between groups and how other factors relating to the individual’s life situation affected the migration decision. Thus, this paper shows how chain migration and migration networks play important roles during times of mass migration.

Highlights in this issue

More than a quarter of otherwise healthy six-year-old Swedish children may have metabolic risk factors that increase their risk for cardiovascular disease. This finding comes from a longitudinal study that was conducted in Halland, south-west Sweden, by Kjellberg et al. 1. They found that 26% of the 212 children in the study had abnormal metabolic profiles, including insulin resistance. Jan Gustafsson 2 comments on the findings. Caffeine has been widely used to treat apnoea of prematurity. This issue includes a systematic review by Brattström et al. 3 that compares high- versus low-dose caffeine. The authors concluded that the use of high-dose caffeine had no impact on mortality or bronchopulmonary dysplasia, but that it did result in fewer cases of extubation failure and shorter durations of mechanical ventilation. In another study, Huvanandana et al. 4 evaluated the cardiovascular impact of intravenous caffeine and found that caffeine was likely to increase the responsiveness of the autonomic nervous system. Meanwhile, Seppä-Moilanen et al. 5 report that caffeine and supplemental oxygen effectively suppressed periodic breathing in preterm infants, with only minor effects on the prevention of long episodes of apnoea. Ravichandran et al. 6 retrospectively determined the influence of cumulative dosing of caffeine citrate on the neurodevelopmental outcomes of 181 very low birthweight infants when they reached 18–22 months of age. They found that a higher average daily dose of caffeine citrate was associated with better neurodevelopmental outcomes. Meanwhile, Huvanandana et al. 7 observed a reduced correlation between mean arterial pressure and the tissue oxygenation index following caffeine administration in preterm infants. The results suggested an acute improvement in cerebral autoregulation following a loading dose of caffeine. The use of complementary and alternative medicines to treat a range of medical issues is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. Farrington et al. 8 conducted a literature review to explore the current use of alternative medicines in children and to highlight the possible risks associated with their use. Despite their perceived safety, adverse events have been documented following the use of these products and infants and children may be more susceptible to the harmful effects of these alternative approaches, due to their immature metabolism. Georgieva et al. 9 report that first-time urinary tract infections (UTIs) in girls were associated with low vitamin D levels, but not with low levels of antimicrobial peptides. In another study, Alberici et al. 10 evaluated the risk factors proposed by the Italian guidelines for the first febrile UTIs in children. They report that only the presence of pathogens other than Escheria coli significantly predicted reflux and that cystography could be postponed in children with no risk factors.

Assessing flood probability for transportation infrastructure based on catchment characteristics, sediment connectivity and remotely sensed soil moisture

Flooding may damage important transportation infrastructures, such as roads, railways and bridges, which need to be well planned and designed to be able to withstand current and possible future climate-driven increases in flood frequencies and magnitudes. This study develops a novel approach to predictive statistical modelling of the probability of flooding at major road-stream intersection sites, where water, sediment and debris can accumulate and cause failure of drainage facilities and associated road damages. Two areas in south-west Sweden, affected by severe floods in August 2014, are used in representative case studies for this development. A set of physical catchment-descriptors (PCDs), characterizing key aspects of topography, morphology, soil type, land use, hydrology (precipitation and soil moisture) and sediment connectivity in the water- and sediment-contributing catchments, are used for the predictive flood modelling. A main novel contribution to such modelling is to integrate the spatiotemporal characteristics of remotely-sensed soil moisture in indices of sediment connectivity (IC), thereby also allowing for investigation of the role of soil moisture in the flood probability for different road-stream intersections. The results suggest five categories of PCDs as especially important for flood probability quantification and identification of particularly flood-prone intersections along roads (railways, etc.) These include: channel slope at the road-stream intersection and average elevation, soil properties (mainly percentage of till), land use cover (mainly percentage of urban areas), and a sediment connectivity index that considers soil moisture in addition to morphology over the catchment.

Value stream mapping for sustainable change at a Swedish dairy farm

This case study increases our understanding of Lean implementation in which value stream mapping (VSM) is used to create an action plan at a small dairy and cattle farm in southwest Sweden. The researchers, the farmer-owner, and farm employees followed a step-by-step approach that resulted in ideas for operational improvements for the dairy activity. Data were collected in interviews with the farmer/owner, researcher participation in workshops, and researcher observations. The results reveal that VSM is an effective way to create a culture of collaboration among the farm staff and to better define their roles and responsibilities as well as improve routines, communications, and task completion. In the two-to-three year period following the VSM project, specific improvements were observed in milk production/quality and animal health. The results also reveal that while Lean principles are relevant given the repetitive nature of agriculture routines and tasks, the VSM element of lead-time reduction is less relevant owing to the unique value adding biological processes in the agriculture sector.

Seismic imaging of dyke swarms within the Sorgenfrei–Tornquist Zone (Sweden) and implications for thermal energy storage

Abstract. There is a great interest and demand for green-type energy storage in Sweden for both short- and long-term (hours, days, weeks and seasons) periods. While there are a number of approaches proposed (e.g., compressed air, geothermal and thermal), only a few have commercially been demonstrated through upscaling projects. Among these, the thermal energy storage (TES) that stores energy (excess heat or cold) in fluids is particularly interesting. The excess energy can be stored underground in excavated caverns and used for large district heating and cooling purposes as well as for balancing and regulating electrical energy in power grids. For an upscaling underground TES project within the Tornquist suture zone of Scania in the southwest of Sweden, three high-resolution seismic profiles, each approximately 1 km long, were acquired. Geologically, the site sits within the southern margin of the Romeleåsen fault zone in the Sorgenfrei–Tornquist Zone (STZ), where dolerite dyke swarms of Carboniferous–Permian age are observed striking in the SE–NW direction for hundreds of kilometers both on land and in offshore seismic and magnetic data (from Scania to Midland Valley in the UK). These dykes, 10–50 m thick, in the nearby quarries (within both Precambrian gneiss and quartzite) express themselves mostly in a subvertical manner. They can therefore act as a good water/fluid barrier, which can be an important geological factor for any TES site. For the data acquisition, combined cabled and wireless recorders were used to provide continuity on both sides of a major road running in the middle of the study area. Bedrock depressions are clearly depicted in the tomograms, suggesting the possibility of zones of weaknesses, highly fractured and/or weathered, in the bedrock and confirmed in several places by follow-up boreholes. Several steeply dipping (60–65°) reflections were imaged down to 400 m depth and interpreted to originate from dolerite dykes. This interpretation is based on their orientations, strong amplitudes, regular occurrences and correlation with downhole logging data. In addition, groundwater flow measurements within the unconsolidated sediments and in bedrock suggest steeply dipping structures are the dominant factor in directing water mainly along a SE–NW trend, which is consistent with the strike of the dyke swarm within the STZ. To provide further insight on the origin of the reflections, even the historical crustal-scale offshore BABEL (Baltic and Bothnian Echoes from the Lithosphere) lines (A-AA-AB) were revisited. Clear multiphase faults and signs of intrusions or melt source in the lower crust are observed, as well as a Moho step across the Tornquist zone. Overall, we favor that the reflections are of dolerite origin and their dip component (i.e., not subvertical) may imply a Precambrian basement (and dykes) tilting, block rotation, towards the NE as a result of the Romeleåsen reverse faulting. In terms of thermal storage, these dykes then may be encountered during the excavation of the site and can complicate underground water flow should they be used as a fluid barrier in case of leakage.

An artificial neural network based model to predict spatial soil type distribution using piezocone penetration test data (CPTu)

Soil types mapping and the spatial variation of soil classes are essential concerns in both geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering. Because conventional soil mapping systems are time-consuming and costly, alternative quick and cheap but accurate methods need to be developed. In this paper, a new optimized multi-output generalized feed forward neural network (GFNN) structure using 58 piezocone penetration test points (CPTu) for producing a digital soil types map in the southwest of Sweden is developed. The introduced GFNN architecture is supported by a generalized shunting neuron (GSN) model computing unit to increase the capability of nonlinear boundaries of classified patterns. The comparison conducted between known soil type classification charts, CPTu interpreting procedures, and the outcomes of the GFNN model indicates acceptable accuracy in estimating complex soil types. The results show that the predictability of the GFNN system offers a valuable tool for the purpose of soil type pattern classifications and providing soil profiles.

Avoiding maternal vitamin D deficiency may lower blood glucose in pregnancy

BackgroundVitamin D status is hypothesised to play a role in gestational glucose control. No studies to date have examined vitamin D in relation to changes in blood glucose in pregnancy. Thus, the aim was to examine if vitamin D in early pregnancy and vitamin D trajectory associate with blood glucose trajectory over pregnancy in a Swedish cohort. We also investigated the relation between maternal vitamin D status and excessive fetal growth. MethodsIn 2013–2014, pregnant women were recruited to the GraviD cohort study when registering at the antenatal clinics in south-west Sweden. In the present analysis, 1928 women were included. Women with preexisting diabetes and multifetal pregnancy were excluded. Random blood glucose was assessed according to routine practice, in first trimester (T1, gestational week 4–16), second trimester (T2, gestational week 17–27), early (T3a, gestational week 28–35) and late third trimester (T3b, gestational week 36–41). In T1 and T3a, serum 25-hydroxyvitamim D (25OHD) was analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Large for gestational age (LGA), as a proxy of excessive fetal growth, was defined as body weight at birth above 2 standard deviations of the gender specific population mean. Adjusted linear regression, linear mixed models analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to study 25OHD in relation to T1 blood glucose, glucose trajectory and LGA, respectively. ResultsMean blood glucose increased during pregnancy (5.21 mmol/L in T1, 5.27 mmol/L in T2, 5.31 mmol/L in T3a and 5.34 mmol/L in T3b; p = 0.003). In T1, 25OHD was negatively associated with blood glucose, i.e. 25OHD ≥ 30 nmol/L was associated with 0.25-0.35 mmol/L lower glucose. T1 25OHD was also negatively associated with blood glucose trajectory. Higher T3 25OHD was associated with higher odds of LGA (p = 0.032). ConclusionAvoiding maternal vitamin D deficiency in early pregnancy is associated with lower blood glucose in early pregnancy and throughout pregnancy. Higher 25OHD in late pregnancy was associated with higher odds of LGA at birth.

Häckningsframgång hos ormvråk Buteo buteo och kattuggla Strix aluco i Varbergs kommun 1984–2016

In 1984–2016 we studied the habitat choice, nest placement and breeding success of Common Buzzard Buteo buteo and Tawny Owl Strix aluco in the municipality of Varberg in southwest Sweden (57°10'N, 12°10'E). The analyses are based on 1,512 successful breeding attempts of Common Buzzard, and 1,387 of Tawny Owl. The average number of young per successful breeding was 1.74 and 2.86, respectively. The variation between years was highly correlated between the two species, suggesting a common food source. In both species the between-year variation in clutch size was particularly large in beech forest territories, most likely caused by the effect of beech mast years on local rodent populations. The breeding density of Common Buzzard was particularly high in 1990–1995, coinciding with large areas of farmland set-aside. In the Common Buzzard, the yearly average number of young per clutch declined significantly with yearly average hatching date.

The reconstruction of past forest dynamics over the last 13,500 years in SW Sweden

Evidence for unbroken continuity of tree taxa over the last c. 13,500 years is presented from a biodiversity ‘hotspot’ nature reserve in south-west Sweden. Forest composition, continuity, fire and disturbance events are reconstructed using palaeoecological methods. A lake record reveals that Pinus sylvestris, Betula spp., Salix spp., Populus tremula and Hippophae rhamnoides were the initial trees scattered in a semi-open, steppe environment. This developed into forest with Pinus, Betula, Corylus, Alnus, Ulmus and Populus with evidence for frequent fires. Deciduous trees became more significant as fires became less frequent and Quercus, Fraxinus and Tilia expanded. Fire frequencies increased again in the Bronze Age probably associated with anthropogenic use of the forest, and the first Fagus sylvatica pollen was recorded. Burning continued through the Iron Age, but charcoal is briefly absent for a period often referred to as the ‘Late Iron Age Lull’. The forest re-expanded with successions involving Juniperus, but with an altered composition from the earlier mixed deciduous community, to one dominated by Fagus. This is coincident with the first pollen records for Picea abies. The early Holocene mixed forest with frequent low-intensity fires is potentially associated with the greatest diversity of red-listed insect species. Forest continuity and the fragmented reservoir populations of old deciduous trees in the Fagus-dominated forest today are likely to have been critical in preserving the present-day, species-rich, rare epiphytic flora, wood-inhabiting fungi and invertebrate communities. As many of these forest fragments may become more vulnerable with future climate change, tree diversity with some disturbance may become essential for survival of the endangered saproxylic species.

Neglected children with severe obesity have a right to health: Is foster home an alternative?-A qualitative study.

To explore key person's perspectives of foster home placement or notification of risk of harm to Social Services of children with severe obesity. This case study research was performed in the southwest of Sweden and based on interviews with nine informants: a foster home youth, two foster parents, a social worker, two hospital social workers, a pediatric physician, a pediatric nurse, and a psychologist. Content analysis was used for narrative evaluations, within- and cross case analyses and displays. Positive health outcomes of the foster home placement were described as a healthy and normalized weight status, a physically and socially active life, and an optimistic outlook on the future. The foster parents made no major changes in their family routines, but applied an authoritative parenting style regarding limit setting about sweets and food portions and supporting physical activity. The professionals described children with severe obesity as having suffered parental as well as societal neglect. Their biological parents lacked the ability to undertake necessary lifestyle changes. Neglected investigations into learning disabilities and neuropsychiatric disorders were seen in the school and healthcare sector, and better collaboration with the Social Services after a report of harm might be a potential for future improvements. Rival discourses were underlying the (in) decision regarding foster home placement. A child's right to health was a strong discourse for acting when a child was at risk for harm, but parental rights are strong when relocation to a foster home is judged to be necessary.

Ectomycorrhizal community composition and function in a spruce forest transitioning between nitrogen and phosphorus limitation

Abstract Nitrogen is the main limiting nutrient in boreal ecosystems, but studies in southwest Sweden suggest that certain forests approach phosphorus (P) limitation driven by nitrogen (N) deposition. We added N, P or N + P to a Norway spruce forest in this region, to push the system to N or P limitation. Tree growth and needle nutrient concentrations indicated that the trees are P limited. EMF biomass was reduced only by N + P additions. Soil EMF communities responded more strongly to P than to N. Addition of apatite to ingrowth meshbags altered EMF community composition and enhanced the abundance of Imleria badia in the control and N plots, but not when P was added. The ecological significance of this species is discussed. Effects on tree growth, needle chemistry, and EMF communities indicate a dynamic interaction between EMF fungi and the nutrient status of trees and soils.

Contaminated landslide runout deposits in rivers – Method for estimating long-term ecological risks

The potential catastrophic event of a landslide bringing contaminants to surface waters has been highlighted in public media, but there are still few scientific studies analyzing the risk of landslides with contaminated soil. The aim of this study is to present a method to estimate the risk of potential long-term ecological effects on water bodies due to contaminated soil released into a river through a landslide. The study constitutes further development of previous work focusing on the instantaneous (short-term) release of contaminants and associated effects. Risk is here defined as the probability of surface water failing to comply with environmental quality standards (EQS). The transport model formulation is kept simple enough to allow for a probabilistic analysis as a first assessment of the impact on the river water quality from a landslide runout deposit containing contaminated soil. The model is applied at a contaminated site located adjacent to the Göta Älv River that discharges into the Gothenburg estuary, in southwest Sweden. The results from the case study show that a contaminated runout deposit will likely cause contamination levels above EQSs in the near area for a long time and that it will take several years for the deposit to erode, with the greatest erosion at the beginning when water velocities are their highest above the deposit. A contaminated landslide runout deposit will thus act as a source of contamination to the downstream water system until all the contaminated deposit has been eroded away and the contaminants have been transported from the deposit to the river, and further to the river mouth – diluted but not necessarily negligible. Therefore, it is important to prevent landslides of contaminated soil or waste, and if such events were to occur, to remove the contaminated runout deposit as soon as possible.

Spatial patterns of logistics facilities in Gothenburg, Sweden

In recent years, the location of logistics facilities, in particular with regard to “logistics sprawl,” has emerged as a topic in the literature that is, a process of spatial decentralisation of logistics facilities in large metropolitan areas. The aim of this paper is to look at logistics sprawl patterns in the Gothenburg metropolitan area, in the south-west of Sweden. Looking at a medium-size monocentric urban region that is also a major port gateway for the country, this study provides novel elements in the study of locational patterns of freight facilities in metropolitan areas. It also provides an opportunity to identify the role of freight in planning, land use and zoning policies. A literature review is carried out on the issues of freight and logistics facilities locational patterns. A quantitative analysis is proposed, using data from Swedish statistics about the number of establishments with a NACE code related to logistics, as well as an original method providing a “cleaned” and more comprehensive dataset. We look at data at two different scales, one metropolitan and one regional, for years 2000 and 2014, as to enable a comparative and diachronical analysis. Logistics sprawl is measured by the average distance of warehouses to their common centre of gravity. Finally, interviews with transport and logistics providers as well as real estate investors and public agencies in the region, add qualitative information on the relative importance of different location factors related to logistics facilities and the issues raised. Logistics sprawl in Gothenburg occurs in specific ways, and differently at the two geographical levels of analysis.

Climate and environment in southwest Sweden 15.5–11.3 cal. ka BP

Lake sedimentary records that allow documentation of the distinct climatic and environmental shifts during the early part of the Last Termination are scarce for northern Europe. This multi‐proxy study of the sediments of Atteköpsmosse, southwest Sweden, therefore fills an important gap and provides detailed information regarding past hydroclimatic conditions and local environmental responses to climatic shifts. Lake infilling started c. 15.5 cal. ka BP, but low aquatic productivity, cold summer lake water temperatures, unstable catchments, and scarce herb and shrub vegetation prevailed until c. 14.7–14.5 cal. ka BP. Inflow of warmer air masses and higher July air temperatures favoured a rise in aquatic productivity and lake water summer temperatures, and the establishment of a diverse herb, shrub and dwarf shrub vegetation, which also included tree birch c. 14.5 cal. ka BP. Freshening of the moisture source region c. 13.7–13.6 cal. ka BP does not seem to have had a large impact on the ancient lake and its catchment, as lake aquatic productivity increased further and lake water summer temperatures and minimum mean July air temperatures remained around 12–14 °C. In contrast, further freshening of the moisture source region c. 13 cal. ka BP triggered a decrease in lake productivity, drier conditions and lower lake water summer temperatures. Macroscopic finds of tree Betula and Pinus sylvestris at 13–12.8 cal. ka BP demonstrate the presence of these trees in the lake's catchment. The transition into the Holocene (11.6–11.5 cal. ka BP) is marked by a change in chironomid assemblages and by a rise in lake water summer temperatures and aquatic productivity. These changes were followed by the re‐establishment of a diverse aquatic and terrestrial vegetation, including tree birch and Pinus sylvestris at 11.4 cal. ka BP.

Survival, early growth and impact of damage by late-spring frost and winter desiccation on Douglas-fir seedlings in southern Sweden

Introduction of non-native species, such as Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco), can be a means of mitigating the effects of climate change by meeting the growing demand for biomass and high quality wood. The aim of this study was to investigate early growth, survival and damage from late-spring frost and winter desiccation. A provenance trial with four coastal and three interior provenances of Douglas-fir originating from British Columbia, Canada, was established in Southwest Sweden (56°43′N, 13°08′E). Seedling height, length of the leading shoot, and occurrence of frost damage, were measured after one, three, and six growing seasons. Timing of bud break in spring was also observed. The interior Douglas-fir were more frequently damaged by late-spring frost compared to the coastal Douglas-fir. The interior Douglas-fir still had a higher survival after six growing seasons compared to the coastal variety. All provenances were damaged by winter desiccation, but the provenances originating from the coastal area were more severely damaged. Choice of variety may reduce the risk for either late-spring frost or winter desiccation.

Trajectory of vitamin D status during pregnancy in relation to neonatal birth size and fetal survival: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundWe investigated the associations between vitamin D status in early and late pregnancy with neonatal small for gestational age (SGA), low birth weight (LBW) and preterm delivery. Furthermore, associations between vitamin D status and pregnancy loss were studied.MethodsSerum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was sampled in gestational week ≤ 16 (trimester 1 (T1), N = 2046) and > 31 (trimester 3 (T3), N = 1816) and analysed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Pregnant women were recruited at antenatal clinics in south-west Sweden at latitude 57–58°N. Gestational and neonatal data were retrieved from medical records. Multiple gestations and terminated pregnancies were excluded from the analyses. SGA was defined as weight and/or length at birth < 2 SD of the population mean and LBW as < 2500 g. Preterm delivery was defined as delivery < 37 + 0 gestational weeks and pregnancy loss as spontaneous abortion or intrauterine fetal death. Associations between neonatal outcomes and 25OHD at T1, T3 and change in 25OHD (T3-T1) were studied using logistic regression.ResultsT1 25OHD was negatively associated with pregnancy loss and 1 nmol/L increase in 25OHD was associated with 1% lower odds of pregnancy loss (OR 0.99, p = 0.046). T3 25OHD ≥ 100 nmol/L (equal to 40 ng/ml) was associated with lower odds of SGA (OR 0.3, p = 0.031) and LBW (OR 0.2, p = 0.046), compared to vitamin D deficiency (25OHD < 30 nmol/L, or 12 ng/ml). Women with a ≥ 30 nmol/L increment in 25OHD from T1 to T3 had the lowest odds of SGA, LBW and preterm delivery.ConclusionsVitamin D deficiency in late pregnancy was associated with higher odds of SGA and LBW. Lower 25OHD in early pregnancy was only associated with pregnancy loss. Vitamin D status trajectory from early to late pregnancy was inversely associated with SGA, LBW and preterm delivery with the lowest odds among women with the highest increment in 25OHD. Thus, both higher vitamin D status in late pregnancy and gestational vitamin D status trajectory can be suspected to play a role in healthy pregnancy.