No abstract

Coastal populations are often connected by unidirectional current systems, but the biological effects of such asymmetric oceanographic connectivity remain relatively unstudied. We used mtDNA analysis to determine the phylogeographic origins of beach‐cast bull‐kelp (Durvillaea antarctica) adults in the Canterbury Bight, a 180 km coastal region devoid of rocky‐reef habitat in southern New Zealand. A multi‐year, quantitative analysis supports the oceanographically derived hypothesis of asymmetric dispersal mediated by the north‐flowing Southland Current. Specifically, 92% of beach‐cast specimens examined had originated south of the Bight, many drifting north for hundreds of kilometres, and some traversing at least 500 km of ocean from subantarctic sources. In contrast, only 8% of specimens had dispersed south against the prevailing current, and these counter‐current dispersers likely travelled relatively small distances (tens of kilometres). These data show that oceanographic connectivity models can provide robust estimates of passive biological dispersal, even for highly buoyant taxa. The results also indicate that there are no oceanographic barriers to kelp dispersal across the Canterbury Bight, indicating that other ecological factors explain the phylogeographic disjunction across this kelp‐free zone. The large number of long‐distance dispersal events detected suggests drifting macroalgae have potential to facilitate ongoing connectivity between otherwise isolated benthic populations.

C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin are useful for the identification of endoscopically active IBD, but normal results do not confirm endoscopic remission.

Objective To estimate the incidence of cystic fibrosis in pregnancy and to explore obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Design A population‐based descriptive study using the methodology of the UK Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS). Setting All consultant‐led maternity units in the UK. Population All pregnant women with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis who booked for antenatal care in a UK obstetric unit between March 2015 and February 2017. Methods Prospective case collection identified using UKOSS monthly notification. Main outcome measures Incidence, maternal morbidity, maternal mortality, gestation at delivery, neonatal mortality, neonatal morbidity. Results We report 71 pregnancies over a 2‐year period. There was one early miscarriage, four terminations and three sets of twins, resulting in the live birth of 69 infants. There were no maternal deaths. One infant died following spontaneous preterm birth at 29 weeks’ gestation. The mean gestation at delivery was 36.2 completed weeks. The mean birthweight centile for gestational age was the 61st centile. We report a positive correlation between both maternal lung function (FEV1) and mean gestation at delivery, and between FEV1 and mean birthweight centile for gestational age. Conclusions Pregnancy outcomes are generally good in women with cystic fibrosis. Successful pregnancy is possible even in those women with FEV1 <60% predicted, although such women have higher chance of preterm delivery and a smaller baby. Tweetable abstract Pregnant women with cystic fibrosis who have poorer lung function at the beginning of pregnancy have a higher risk of having a premature or smaller baby.