Southwest Sweden Research Articles

Temporal trends in phosphorus concentrations and losses from agricultural catchments in the Nordic and Baltic countries

This paper in a uniform manner examines temporal trends in phosphorus (P) concentrations and losses from small and well-monitored agricultural catchments in the Nordic and Baltic countries. Thirty-four catchments (range 0.1–33 km2) in Norway (8), Denmark (5), Sweden (8), Finland (4), Estonia (3), Latvia (3) and Lithuania (3) were selected for the study. The time series ranged from 10 (2002–2011) to 21 years (1989–2009). The monthly P concentration and loss time series were tested for significant monotone trends (p < 0.05; two-sided test) using the partial Mann–Kendall test with stream discharge as an explanatory variable. The results show a large variation in concentrations and losses of total phosphorus (TP) among the 34 studied catchments, where the long-term mean annual losses varied from 0.09 to 7.5 kg TP ha−1. In addition, a large interannual variability in losses within catchments was found with up to a factor of 23 between years within the same catchment. Six catchments showed downward temporal trends in the TP loss time series. One upward trend in TP losses was detected in a catchment in south-west Sweden. Eight downward trends were detected in the TP concentration time series. Overall, our results show (1) a huge variability in mean P losses and concentrations among catchments, (2) a huge temporal variability in losses within catchments and (3) few detectable changes in P losses and concentrations over the study period. The results showcase the need for implementation of mitigation strategies towards reduced P losses from agricultural landscapes in the Nordic/Baltic Sea region in order to improve P water quality and ecology in surface waters.

Primary Care Behavioral Health Model: Perspectives of Outcome, Client Satisfaction, and Gender

We examined clients' satisfaction and gender differences in relation to the outcome parameters of the Primary Care Behavioral Health model of integrated care. The model has been shown to be effective in minimizing symptoms and increasing levels of functioning with regard to different mental health concerns. Participants were 54 clients (22 men and 32 women) who received a psychology consultation in accordance with the model, at 1 of 3 primary care centers located in southwest Sweden. Results indicated minimized symptoms and increased levels of functioning and clients felt a high degree of satisfaction with the consultations with the psychologists. There were no gender differences found regarding treatment results or satisfaction with the treatment.

Work-site wellness programmes in Sweden: a cross-sectional study of physical activity, self-efficacy, and health

In Sweden, a work-site wellness programme implies reimbursing some of the expenses for health-promoting activities. Although work-site wellness programmes are readily available in Sweden, a large number of employees elect not to participate. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the association of physical activity, self-reported general health assessment and self-efficacy with participation in a work-site wellness programme. Study designA cross-sectional study design was used. MethodsAn online questionnaire was distributed to employees of a manufacturing company with 2500 employees in southwest Sweden. ResultsThose who took advantage of the work-site wellness programme assessed their general health as better and had higher assessment of physical activity. The study showed that being enlisted also implies a higher level of physical activity and general health; however, the effect sizes of these correlations were small. Self-efficacy, i.e. perceived behavioural control, was not associated with participation in the work-site wellness programme. However, self-efficacy was correlated with both general health assessment and physical activity. A regression analysis to determine explanatory contributions to the general health assessment score showed no significant contribution from participation in a work-site wellness programme, but was instead explained by perceived behavioural control and physical activity. ConclusionsGiven the small effect size of the difference in physical activity between participators and non-participators in the work-site wellness programme, it is probable that only a small proportion of participators changed their health-promoting activities as a result of the work-site wellness programme.

Post-mortem findings and piglet mortality in relation to strategic use of straw at farrowing

Piglet survival is the outcome of complex interactions between the sow, the piglet and their environment. In order to facilitate nest-building and to provide a suitable environment for the newborn piglets, a strategic method to supply loose housed sows with large quantities of straw at farrowing has been developed by Swedish piglet-producing farmers. The objectives of this cohort study were to use post-mortem findings to assess the causes of death and to quantify the effect of a large quantity of straw provided before farrowing compared to limited small daily amounts on stillbirths, post-mortem findings in piglets dying within 5 days after birth and the pre-weaning mortality. On each of four commercial piglet-producing farms in South-West Sweden, one batch of sows was studied during two consecutive lactations. At inclusion, sows were randomly assigned to two treatment groups, and sows remaining in the batch during the next lactation switched treatment group. In the STRAW group (n=181litters) sows were provided with 15–20kg of chopped straw 2 days prior to the calculated date of farrowing. Sows in the CONTROL group (n=182 litters) received 0.5–1kg of chopped straw on a daily basis plus about 2kg for nest-building when the stockperson judged the sow to be about to farrow. After onset of farrowing, additionally 1–2kg was given. Post-mortem examination was performed in all piglets that died within 5 days after birth (n=798). The three major post-mortem findings were starvation (34%) crushing by the sow (28%), and enteritis (24%). In conclusion, strategic use of large quantities of straw reduced the number of stillborn piglets per litter by 27% (p=0.007). Under the conditions studied, the pre-weaning mortality of liveborn piglets was not affected by treatment; however, the distribution of post-mortem findings differed with fewer piglets dying due to starvation and more due to crushing and enteritis in STRAW litters.

Direct and indirect effects of climate change on herbicide leaching — A regional scale assessment in Sweden

Climate change is not only likely to improve conditions for crop production in Sweden, but also to increase weed pressure and the need for herbicides. This study aimed at assessing and contrasting the direct and indirect effects of climate change on herbicide leaching to groundwater in a major crop production region in south-west Sweden with the help of the regional pesticide fate and transport model MACRO-SE. We simulated 37 out of the 41 herbicides that are currently approved for use in Sweden on eight major crop types for the 24 most common soil types in the region. The results were aggregated accounting for the fractional coverage of the crop and the area sprayed with a particular herbicide. For simulations of the future, we used projections of five different climate models as model driving data and assessed three different future scenarios: (A) only changes in climate, (B) changes in climate and land-use (altered crop distribution), and (C) changes in climate, land-use, and an increase in herbicide use. The model successfully distinguished between leachable and non-leachable compounds (88% correctly classified) in a qualitative comparison against regional-scale monitoring data. Leaching was dominated by only a few herbicides and crops under current climate and agronomic conditions. The model simulations suggest that the direct effects of an increase in temperature, which enhances degradation, and precipitation which promotes leaching, cancel each other at a regional scale, resulting in a slight decrease in leachate concentrations in a future climate. However, the area at risk of groundwater contamination doubled when indirect effects of changes in land-use and herbicide use, were considered. We therefore concluded that it is important to consider the indirect effects of climate change alongside the direct effects and that effective mitigation strategies and strict regulation are required to secure future (drinking) water resources.

Estimating weathering rates using base cation budgets in a Norway spruce stand on podzolised soil: Analysis of fluxes and uncertainties

Since forestry is often allocated to soils with a low weathering capacity, reliable estimates of weathering rates are crucial in analyses of sustainability, e.g. of whole-tree and stump harvesting. In the present study, weathering rates (kgha−1yr−1) for base cations were estimated using cation budgets in a replicated (n=4) experimental Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) plantation situated on a nutrient-poor glacial till in south-west Sweden and aged 25–39years during the study period. Weathering rates (central values) were 2.4, 1.4, 0.3 and 2.3kgha−1yr−1 for Ca, Mg, K and Na, respectively. However, weathering was a minor flux in the overall cycling of these cations in the ecosystem, and the confidence intervals of the weathering estimates had amplitudes that generally were greater than the central values. The overall uncertainties were divided into (i) regular standard errors of the mean, expressing spatial variability, sampling errors and random method-related errors in data from measurements replicated over the experimental plots (‘Type A’ uncertainties), and (ii) estimated standard uncertainties accounting for systematic errors of methods, and of uncertainties in variables, functions and factors not replicated over the plots (‘Type B’ uncertainties). For Ca and K, bioaccumulation dominated the overall uncertainty. Most (>90 %) of this uncertainty, in turn, was of Type A (between-plot variability in measured stem diameters and cation concentrations); the remainder resulted from Type B uncertainties in allometric functions etc. Hence, regular standard errors over plots yielded a correct level of uncertainty of weathering estimates for these ions at the studied site. For Mg and Na, however, deposition and leaching were large terms in the cation budget. Whereas the uncertainty in deposition was mostly taken into account by plot-wise replicated measurements of throughfall (Type A uncertainty), Type B uncertainties were crucial to the estimates of leaching. Due to the fact that uncertainties accumulate when terms are added and subtracted in a cation budget, it is difficult to predict the sustainability of the pools of exchangeable cations from estimated weathering rates; it may be better to measure them directly in the soil. However, in the studied ecosystem these had a rapid turnover (mean residence time, 1–4years), and underwent abrupt fluctuations over only a few years. A study performed during a limited time may therefore suffer from considerable temporal uncertainties, if the results are to be generalised for a longer period.

Swedish oak, planks and panels: dendroarchaeological investigations on the 16th century Evangelistas altarpiece at Seville Cathedral (Spain)

The results of the dendroarchaeological research carried out on the 16th century altarpiece from the Evangelistas chapel at Seville Cathedral (Spain) are presented. The altarpiece consists of nine panels and was commissioned from the Flemish artist Hernando de Esturmio in AD 1553, who signed the completed work in AD 1555. The research aimed at i) registering information about the processing of the wood and panel making, ii) verifying the AD 1555 construction date, and iii) finding out the provenance of the wood.Five panels were selected for this research. The observed technological features allowed the reconstruction of the production process from borne (oak wainscots) to the final product and, based on that, two types of panels were described. Dendrochronological results showed that the wood employed in both types of panels represents a rather homogeneous group, implying that the raw material was probably transported to Seville in the same batch, and was prepared and assembled using slightly different methods to meet the requirements stipulated by the contract. Sapwood was identified in 12 of the 33 researched planks. The most recent tree-ring dates in AD 1549. Using a Bayesian approach, we obtained the combined felling date range AD 1549 to 1554 for six of the trees with a 99.7% confidence level. This would allow for a seasoning time of a couple of weeks up to four years, although we cannot discard that some of the other trees were cut earlier and had longer seasoning periods. Interestingly, our research provides evidence that the wood originated from the southwest of Sweden, representing an alternative source to the south-eastern Baltic oak commonly used for panel paintings in northern Europe in the 16th century. This is the first time that such procurement source is reported by dendrochronology in an altarpiece. Wood technological features of the planks and panels are compared to those of Baltic oak wainscots and to contemporary altarpieces in Spain and Portugal. Possible reasons for the use of this alternative procurement source are discussed.

Three-dimensional digital soil mapping of agricultural fields by integration of multiple proximal sensor data obtained from different sensing methods

The objective of the present study was to evaluate a strategy for three-dimensional (3-D) digital soil mapping on two farms in southwest Sweden. Apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) and gamma radiation data from proximal sensors and laser-scanned elevation data were used as predictors. Depth-integrated ECa measurements from a non-invasive sensor were used directly, but also calibrated against probe sensor ECa measurements to obtain layer-specific values. This allowed the predictive powers of depth-integrated and layer-specific ECa to be compared. Clay and sand fractions, and organic matter content (OM) were modelled for three depth layers by multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARSplines). Clay and sand were consistently better predicted in the topsoil than in the subsoil. MARSplines models based on layer-specific ECa data rather than on depth-integrated ECa data yielded more successful estimations of these soil properties in both subsoil layers (0.4–0.6 and 0.6–0.8 m) on both the farms but this was not always the case in the topsoil. Topsoil OM was better predicted by spatial interpolation of the calibration data than by using MARSplines models with ancillary predictors. In the two subsoil layers, the mapping procedure could not be appropriately tested, because the OM was low and homogeneous. We concluded that a 3-D soil texture map of an agricultural field could be prepared using MARSplines models based on layer-specific ECa values, gamma radiation data and a digital elevation model.

Water chemistry in 179 randomly selected Swedish headwater streams related to forest production, clear-felling and climate.

From a policy perspective, it is important to understand forestry effects on surface waters from a landscape perspective. The EU Water Framework Directive demands remedial actions if not achieving good ecological status. In Sweden, 44 % of the surface water bodies have moderate ecological status or worse. Many of these drain catchments with a mosaic of managed forests. It is important for the forestry sector and water authorities to be able to identify where, in the forested landscape, special precautions are necessary. The aim of this study was to quantify the relations between forestry parameters and headwater stream concentrations of nutrients, organic matter and acid-base chemistry. The results are put into the context of regional climate, sulphur and nitrogen deposition, as well as marine influences. Water chemistry was measured in 179 randomly selected headwater streams from two regions in southwest and central Sweden, corresponding to 10 % of the Swedish land area. Forest status was determined from satellite images and Swedish National Forest Inventory data using the probabilistic classifier method, which was used to model stream water chemistry with Bayesian model averaging. The results indicate that concentrations of e.g. nitrogen, phosphorus and organic matter are related to factors associated with forest production but that it is not forestry per se that causes the excess losses. Instead, factors simultaneously affecting forest production and stream water chemistry, such as climate, extensive soil pools and nitrogen deposition, are the most likely candidates The relationships with clear-felled and wetland areas are likely to be direct effects.

Modelling within-field variations in deoxynivalenol (DON) content in oats using proximal and remote sensing

Within-field variations in the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) in oat grain were investigated at two farms in south-west Sweden. At Sarestad farm (sampled 2012), where one of two fields studied was ploughed annually and the other was under no-till cultivation, the DON concentration varied between 28 and 1 755 ppb. The level was higher (270–5 000 ppb) at Entorp farm (sampled 2013). Within-field prediction models for DON were constructed using a data mining method (multi-variate adaptive regression splines) with satellite data, an ECa sensor and airborne laser scanning. At Sarestad, the no-till field had higher DON content, with the highest values in silty patches in the otherwise clayey soil. Sensor data related to soil and crop conditions had the potential to describe the DON variability within fields. The covariance between DON content and auxiliary data differed at Entorp farm, where high DON values (>2 000 ppb) were found in clayey parts of the field. This pattern was attributed to poor drainage with recurring waterlogging. Within these clayey parts, the highest DON contents coincided with the highest biomass density. South-west Sweden received much less rainfall in 2013 than in 2012, which may have resulted in different DON patterns in relation to soil types. In 2012, more permeable silty soils apparently promoted growth, biomass production and DON production, whereas in 2013 a poorly drained clayey soil with high water-holding capacity favoured development of high DON concentrations.

T.P.23: Search for Pompe patients in patients with undetermined myopathies in South-West Sweden

In Pompe disease glycogen accumulates in lysosomes which in a muscle biopsy is seen as a vacuolar myopathy in most but not all cases. In a Danish study of unclassified LGMD patients 3/39 were found to have Pompe disease. We therefore asked if we also had un-diagnosed Pompe patients in Vastra Gotaland Region (VGR) of Sweden. We searched the muscle biopsy registry during the time period of 1986 until 2006 including 3665 biopsies. We also included patients at our Neuromuscular Center (NMC) who in 2011 did not have a definite diagnosis (either limb-girdle muscular dystrophy or myopathy of undetermined type). Patients who accepted to participate were examined personally. A dry blood spot (DBS) test was taken according to instructions from the lab (Centre for metabolic and mitochondrial diseases, CMMS at Karolinska, Stockholm, Sweden). Of the 193 patients identified by the muscle biopsy registry, 44 were deceased, 24 were in 2011 not living in the VGR and 65 had already a definite diagnosis. Thus 60 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were invited, 46 accepted while 14 declined to come. We also identified and tested 36 patients at the NMC. Based on the laboratory test in 82 patients we did not find any patient with Pompe disease. The DBS test was low in 3 cases (11, 16 and 18% of normal) but a second blood sample showed a normal result based on GAA enzyme activity in lymphocytes. By further analyses we could diagnose 2 patients with Becker MD, 3 patients with FSHD, 2 patients with LGMD2A and one with 2I, one was shown to have OPMD, one sIBM and in 2 patients Welander distal myopathy. We did not find any Pompe patients in our survey; Thus, the prevalence of Pompe disease in adults in the VGR remains low – 3 in 1.6 million. We conclude that it is not fruitful to investigate patients with “unspecific myopathies” by DBS. However, reevaluation of the patients may reveal diagnosis of other myopathies, a finding that is important for the patients and their families.

Process-oriented training in breastfeeding for health professionals decreases women's experiences of breastfeeding challenges.

BackgroundThe World Health Organization recommends promoting exclusive breastfeeding for six months. Women often end breastfeeding earlier than planned, however women who continue to breastfeed despite problems often experience good support and counselling from health professionals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a process-oriented training in breastfeeding support counselling for midwives and child health nurses, on women’s satisfaction with breastfeeding counselling, problems with insufficient breast milk and nipple pain in relation to exclusive breastfeeding shorter or longer than 3 months.MethodsAn intervention through process-oriented training for health professionals regarding support in childbearing and breastfeeding took part in the south west of Sweden. This study was conducted in Sweden, in 2000 - 2003. Ten municipalities were paired, and within each pair, one was randomly assigned to the group of five intervention (IG) municipalities and one to the group of five control municipalities. Primiparas (n = 540) were invited to participate in a longitudinal study to evaluate the care they received. A survey was distributed at 3 days, 3 months and 9 months postpartum. Data collection for control group A (n = 162) started before the intervention was initiated. Data for control group B (n = 172) were collected simultaneously with the intervention group (IG) (n = 206). Women were also divided into two groups depending on whether they exclusive breastfed < 3 months or ≥ 3 months.ResultsWomen in IG were more satisfied with the breastfeeding counselling (p = 0.008) and felt the breastfeeding counselling was more coherent (p = 0.002) compared to control groups, when exclusive breastfeeding was < 3 months. In addition fewer women in the IG, among the group exclusively breastfeeding < 3 months, had problems with insufficient breast milk compared to the control groups (p = 0.01).ConclusionA process-oriented training for health professionals in support influenced women’s ability to solve breastfeeding problems such as the experience of insufficient breast milk production. Women with exclusive breastfeeding lasting ≥ 3 months more often had breastfeeding duration in line with their planned breastfeeding duration, compared to women who had breastfeeding duration < 3 months.Trial registrationACTRN12611000354987

Lithosphere and upper-mantle structure of the southern Baltic Sea estimated from modelling relative sea-level data with glacial isostatic adjustment

Abstract. During the last glacial maximum, a large ice sheet covered Scandinavia, which depressed the earth's surface by several 100 m. In northern central Europe, mass redistribution in the upper mantle led to the development of a peripheral bulge. It has been subsiding since the begin of deglaciation due to the viscoelastic behaviour of the mantle. We analyse relative sea-level (RSL) data of southern Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Poland and Lithuania to determine the lithospheric thickness and radial mantle viscosity structure for distinct regional RSL subsets. We load a 1-D Maxwell-viscoelastic earth model with a global ice-load history model of the last glaciation. We test two commonly used ice histories, RSES from the Australian National University and ICE-5G from the University of Toronto. Our results indicate that the lithospheric thickness varies, depending on the ice model used, between 60 and 160 km. The lowest values are found in the Oslo Graben area and the western German Baltic Sea coast. In between, thickness increases by at least 30 km tracing the Ringkøbing-Fyn High. In Poland and Lithuania, lithospheric thickness reaches up to 160 km. However, the latter values are not well constrained as the confidence regions are large. Upper-mantle viscosity is found to bracket [2–7] × 1020 Pa s when using ICE-5G. Employing RSES much higher values of 2 × 1021 Pa s are obtained for the southern Baltic Sea. Further investigations should evaluate whether this ice-model version and/or the RSL data need revision. We confirm that the lower-mantle viscosity in Fennoscandia can only be poorly resolved. The lithospheric structure inferred from RSES partly supports structural features of regional and global lithosphere models based on thermal or seismological data. While there is agreement in eastern Europe and southwest Sweden, the structure in an area from south of Norway to northern Germany shows large discrepancies for two of the tested lithosphere models. The lithospheric thickness as determined with ICE-5G does not agree with the lithosphere models. Hence, more investigations have to be undertaken to sufficiently determine structures such as the Ringkøbing-Fyn High as seen with seismics with the help of glacial isostatic adjustment modelling.

Small agricultural monitoring catchments in Sweden representing environmental impact

Nutrient losses to surface waters have been monitored at the small agricultural catchment scale (2–35km2) for 20 years in Sweden. Eight of the 21 catchments have been more intensively monitored, with flow-proportional stream water sampling, analysis of groundwater quality, yearly crop management surveys and soil characterisation. Annual losses of total nitrogen (N) at catchment stream outlet vary from 6 to 32kgha−1, with the largest losses from sandy loam soils in south-west Sweden, where precipitation is high. Losses of total phosphorus (P) vary from 0.1 to 2.0kgha−1year−1 and are largest in catchments with clay soils. Compared with surrounding agricultural areas, crop production is more intensive in most of the monitoring catchments, e.g. the production of annual crops for the market constitutes a larger share of arable land than production of ley in 15 out of 21 monitoring catchments. A more intensive crop production is a consequence of a preference for a high proportion of arable land in the monitoring area which coincides with more productive agricultural areas in the regions. Knowing how the catchments relate to other agricultural areas is important when the catchments are used as indicators of agricultural impacts on surface waters. For detection of the success of implemented mitigation measures, small monitoring catchments are suitable since the response on stream water quality is faster than in larger river catchments where the contribution from other sources is larger and retention in streams and lakes occurs to a larger extent. The catchment information also enhances validation of models used for estimating losses of nutrients from other agricultural areas where information on crops, soils and climate exist but data on agricultural management and water quality is scarce.

Low-Density LiDAR and Optical Imagery for Biomass Estimation over Boreal Forest in Sweden

Knowledge of the forest biomass and its change in time is crucial to understanding the carbon cycle and its interactions with climate change. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology, in this respect, has proven to be a valuable tool, providing reliable estimates of aboveground biomass (AGB). The overall goal of this study was to develop a method for assessing AGB using a synergy of low point density LiDAR-derived point cloud data and multi-spectral imagery in conifer-dominated forest in the southwest of Sweden. Different treetop detection algorithms were applied for forest inventory parameter extraction from a LiDAR-derived canopy height model. Estimation of AGB was based on the power functions derived from tree parameters measured in the field, while vegetation classification of a multi-spectral image (SPOT-5) was performed in order to account for dependences of AGB estimates on vegetation types. Linear regression confirmed good performance of a newly developed grid-based approach for biomass estimation (R2 = 0.80). Results showed AGB to vary from below 1 kg/m2 in very young forests to 94 kg/m2 in mature spruce forests, with RMSE of 4.7 kg/m2. These AGB estimates build a basis for further studies on carbon stocks as well as for monitoring this forest ecosystem in respect of disturbance and change in time. The methodology developed in this study can be easily adopted for assessing biomass of other conifer-dominated forests on the basis of low-density LiDAR and multispectral imagery. This methodology is hence of much wider applicability than biomass derivation based on expensive and currently still scarce high-density LiDAR data.

Prevalence of domestic violence during pregnancy and related risk factors: a cross-sectional study in southern Sweden.

BackgroundDomestic violence during pregnancy is a serious public health issue which threatens maternal and foetal health outcomes. The aim of the study was to explore prevalence of domestic violence among pregnant women in southern Sweden (Scania) and to explore associations with background factors, as symptoms of depression and sense of coherence.MethodsThis study has a cross-sectional design and is the first part of a longitudinal, cohort study. Inclusion criteria were women ≥ 18 years, registered at antenatal care when pregnant and who understand and write Swedish or English. Questionnaires were collected prospectively at seventeen antenatal care receptions situated in the two cities and six smaller municipalities in Scania. Statistical analyses were done using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, bivariate logistic regression and multiple regression with Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).ResultsStudy sample included 1939 women. History of violence was reported by 39.5% (n =761) women. Significant differences were obtained between the groups with or without history of violence regarding being single/living apart, unemployment, financial distress, smoking/snuffing, unintended pregnancy as well as history of miscarriage/legalised abortion (p < 0.001). Experience of domestic violence during pregnancy regardless of type or level of abuse was 1.0% (n = 18); history of physical abuse by actual intimate partner was 2.2% (n = 42). History of violence was the strongest risk factor associated with domestic violence during pregnancy, where all women (n = 18) exposed reported history of violence (p < 0.001). Several symptoms of depression (adjusted for low socio-economic status, miscarriage/abortion, single/living apart, lack of sleep, unemployment, age and parity) were associated with a 7.0 fold risk of domestic violence during pregnancy (OR 7.0; 95% CI: 1.9-26.3).ConclusionsThe reported prevalence of domestic violence during pregnancy in southwest Sweden is low. However, a considerable proportion of women reported history of living in a violent relationship. Both history of violence and the presence of several depressive symptoms detected in early pregnancy may indicate that the woman also is exposed to domestic violence during pregnancy. Increased attention to this vulnerable group of women is needed to improve maternal and child health.

High-resolution near-surface velocity model building using full-waveform inversion—a case study from southwest Sweden

Full-waveform inversion (FWI) is an iterative optimization technique that provides high-resolution models of subsurface properties. Frequency-domain, acoustic FWI was applied to seismic data acquired over a known quick-clay landslide scar in southwest Sweden. We inverted data from three 2-D seismic profiles, 261-572 m long, two of them shot with small charges of dynamite and one with a sledgehammer. To our best knowledge this is the first published application of FWI to sledgehammer data. Both sources provided data suitable for waveform inversion, the sledgehammer data containing even wider frequency spectrum. Inversion was performed for frequency groups between 27.5 and 43.1 Hz for the explosive data and 27.5-51.0 Hz for the sledgehammer. The lowest inverted frequency was limited by the resonance frequency of the standard 28-Hz geophones used in the survey. High-velocity granitic bedrock in the area is undulated and very shallow (15-100 m below the surface), and exhibits a large P-wave velocity contrast to the overlying normally consolidated sediments. In order to mitigate the non-linearity of the inverse problem we designed a multiscale layer-stripping inversion strategy. Obtained P-wave velocity models allowed to delineate the top of the bedrock and revealed distinct layers within the overlying sediments of clays and coarse-grained materials. Models were verified in an extensive set of validating procedures and used for pre-stack depth migration, which confirmed their robustness.

Geomorphic and stratigraphic criteria used to date the Råda Landslide, Västra Götaland, Sweden

A high-resolution digital elevation model has been used to locate a large and previously unknown landslide in glacial-marine sediments in southwest Sweden. Interpretation of the geomorphology and stratigraphy allow for bracketing of paleo-sea level to between 68 and 71 m above sea level when the landslide occurred. Existing sea-level curves suggest that this elevation would have emerged above sea level, and the landslide would have occurred, about 10 800 calendar years before the present. We suggest that the presence of a confined aquifer beneath the area that slid created a weakness in the slope upon which it eventually failed.

Symptoms and signs in interpreting Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) intoxication - an explorative study

BackgroundAcute poisoning with gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) has been a serious medical and social problem in different parts of the world including Sweden. GHB is a drug of abuse which acts primarily as central nervous system (CNS) depressants. GHB has serious toxicity, although many young users do not recognise GHB as a dangerous drug. The aim of this pilot study was to explore how symptoms with risk of failure in vital functions would be valued among professionals that encounter GHB intoxication in the emergency phase.MethodsA web-based survey focusing on the assessment of vital clinical signs for possible GHB intoxication using a numeric scale was carried out during April and May 2011. The participants, n 105, are all professionals who encounter GHB intoxicated in the emergency phase, but have different levels of training in GHB intoxication, mainly Registered Nurses (RNs) in southwest Sweden, employed in pre-hospital or emergency departments at somatic and most psychiatric health care facilities, as well as police officers who in their work come into contact with drug users. Responses in the survey were scored according to risk of GHB intoxication with serious failure of vital functions. The score value was then referred to a so-called evidence based priority (EBP) scale and analysed using descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact test.ResultsCardiac arrest, coma, hypoxia, general convulsions, slow respiratory and heart rate and pale skin are symptoms with the highest risk of serious failure in vital physical functions and were predominantly recognised as such.ConclusionDespite the professionals' different levels of training in GHB intoxication, all of them were relatively well aware of and in accordance regarding the most risky symptoms. The interpretation score for the less risky symptoms and signs of GHB intoxication varied depending on their degree of training. The results should be viewed cautiously, as the size of the professional groups and their general knowledge of critical symptoms of GHB poisoning varied.

Large quantities of straw at farrowing prevents bruising and increases weight gain in piglets

Two major welfare issues in current pig production are the lack of nesting material for farrowing sows and poor claw health in suckling piglets. Therefore, a strategic method to supply loose housed sows with large quantities of straw at farrowing has been developed by Swedish piglet-producing farmers. The objective of this cohort study was to estimate the effect of a large quantity of straw (15–20kg) supplied before farrowing compared to limited daily amounts (0.5–1kg) on bruising and growth performance in pre-weaning piglets. On each of four commercial piglet-producing farms in south-west Sweden, one batch of sows was studied during two consecutive lactations. At inclusion, sows were randomly assigned to two treatment groups, and sows remaining in the batch during the second lactation switched treatment group. In the STRAW group (n=181litters) sows were provided with 15–20kg of chopped straw 2days prior to expected farrowing. Sows in the CONTROL group (n=182litters) received 0.5–1kg of chopped straw on a daily basis plus 2kg for nest building when the stockperson judged the sow to be about to farrow. Piglets were individually weighed within 36h after birth, at 3–7 days after birth and at weaning. On day 3–7, limbs and feet were clinically examined for the presence and location of lesions. In conclusion, the provision of 15–20kg of straw 2days prior to farrowing effectively prevents the piglets from developing skin abrasions (IRR=0.38) and soft heel/sole erosions (IRR=0.08–0.35). We also conclude that the strategic use of large quantities of straw has a positive effect on weight gain, increasing the expected mean body weight at weaning by 0.33kg.