1. |
- Jensen, Lasse, et al.
(author)
-
Disruption of the Extracellular Matrix Progressively Impairs Central Nervous System Vascular Maturation Downstream of beta-Catenin Signaling
- 2019
-
In: Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology. - : LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. - 1079-5642 .- 1524-4636. ; 39:7, s. 1432-1447
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective- The Wnt/beta-catenin pathway orchestrates development of the blood-brain barrier, but the downstream mechanisms involved at different developmental windows and in different central nervous system (CNS) tissues have remained elusive. Approach and Results- Here, we create a new mouse model allowing spatiotemporal investigations of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling by induced overexpression of Axin1, an inhibitor of beta-catenin signaling, specifically in endothelial cells (Axin1(iEC)-(OE)). AOE (Axin1 overexpression) in Axin1(iEC)-(OE) mice at stages following the initial vascular invasion of the CNS did not impair angiogenesis but led to premature vascular regression followed by progressive dilation and inhibition of vascular maturation resulting in forebrain-specific hemorrhage 4 days post-AOE. Analysis of the temporal Wnt/beta-catenin driven CNS vascular development in zebrafish also suggested that Axin1(iEC)-(OE) led to CNS vascular regression and impaired maturation but not inhibition of ongoing angiogenesis within the CNS. Transcriptomic profiling of isolated, beta-catenin signaling-deficient endothelial cells during early blood-brain barrier-development (E11.5) revealed ECM (extracellular matrix) proteins as one of the most severely deregulated clusters. Among the 20 genes constituting the forebrain endothelial cell-specific response signature, 8 (Adamtsl2, Apod, Ctsw, Htra3, Pglyrp1, Spock2, Ttyh2, and Wfdc1) encoded bona fide ECM proteins. This specific beta-catenin-responsive ECM signature was also repressed in Axin1(iEC)-(OE) and endothelial cell-specific beta-catenin-knockout mice (Ctnnb1-KOiEC) during initial blood-brain barrier maturation (E14.5), consistent with an important role of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in orchestrating the development of the forebrain vascular ECM. Conclusions- These results suggest a novel mechanism of establishing a CNS endothelium-specific ECM signature downstream of Wnt-beta-catenin that impact spatiotemporally on blood-brain barrier differentiation during forebrain vessel development.
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2. |
- Angiolini, Francesca, et al.
(author)
-
A novel L1CAM isoform with angiogenic activity generated by NOVA2-mediated alternative splicing
- 2019
-
In: eLIFE. - 2050-084X. ; 8
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The biological players involved in angiogenesis are only partially defined. Here, we report that endothelial cells (ECs) express a novel isoform of the cell-surface adhesion molecule L1CAM, termed L1-ΔTM. The splicing factor NOVA2, which binds directly to L1CAM pre-mRNA, is necessary and sufficient for the skipping of L1CAM transmembrane domain in ECs, leading to the release of soluble L1-ΔTM. The latter exerts high angiogenic function through both autocrine and paracrine activities. Mechanistically, L1-ΔTM-induced angiogenesis requires fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 signaling, implying a crosstalk between the two molecules. NOVA2 and L1-ΔTM are overexpressed in the vasculature of ovarian cancer, where L1-ΔTM levels correlate with tumor vascularization, supporting the involvement of NOVA2-mediated L1-ΔTM production in tumor angiogenesis. Finally, high NOVA2 expression is associated with poor outcome in ovarian cancer patients. Our results point to L1-ΔTM as a novel, EC-derived angiogenic factor which may represent a target for innovative antiangiogenic therapies.
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3. |
- Balan, Mirela, et al.
(author)
-
Noninvasive intravital high-resolution imaging of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours
- 2019
-
In: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 9:1, s. 14636-14636
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Preclinical trials of cancer drugs in animal models are important for drug development. The Rip1Tag2 (RT2) transgenic mouse, a model of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PNET), has provided immense knowledge about PNET biology, although tumour progression occurs in a location inaccessible for real-time monitoring. To overcome this hurdle we have developed a novel platform for intravital 3D imaging of RT2 tumours to facilitate real-time studies of cancer progression. Pre-oncogenic islets retrieved from RT2 mice were implanted into the anterior chamber of the eye (ACE) of host mice, where they engrafted on the iris, recruited blood vessels and showed continuous growth. Noninvasive confocal and two-photon laser-scanning microscopy through the transparent cornea facilitated high-resolution imaging of tumour growth and angiogenesis. RT2 tumours in the ACE expanded up to 8-fold in size and shared hallmarks with tumours developing in situ in the pancreas. Genetically encoded fluorescent reporters enabled high-resolution imaging of stromal cells and tumour cell migration. Sunitinib treatment impaired RT2 tumour angiogenesis and growth, while overexpression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-B increased tumour angiogenesis though tumour growth was impaired. In conclusion, we present a novel platform for intravital high-resolution and 3D imaging of PNET biology and cancer drug assessment.
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4. |
- Calles, Olle, 1974-, et al.
(author)
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Efficient and timely downstream passage solutions for European silver eels at hydropower dams
- 2021
-
In: Ecological Engineering. - : Elsevier. - 0925-8574 .- 1872-6992. ; 170
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The European eel population is critically endangered due to a multitude of human-induced factors such as habitat fragmentation, parasites, fishing, and climate change. In freshwater, downstream migrating silver eels encountering hydroelectric plants often suffer substantial delays and increased mortality from trash-rack impingement and turbine-induced mortality. Downstream passage problems can be ameliorated by implementing different types of downstream passage solutions that show variable but promising results for salmonids, but their performance for silver eels remains largely unknown. To address these knowledge gaps, radio telemetry was used to monitor the downstream migration of silver eels during 2 years past a hydroelectric plant recently equipped with two new fish passage solutions, consisting of an angled bar rack with a full-depth bypass, and a nature-like fishway. No tagged eels passed through the turbines, but bypassed the dam evenly between the two passage solutions, resulting in a 95% impediment passage efficiency and a median passage time of 1 h. Movement patterns and route selection were associated with variation in discharge and most individuals approached both passage solutions before passing, resulting in route-specific efficiencies of 69% for the angled rack and bypass, and 46% for the nature-like fishway. We conclude that the combination of a new bypass, paired with an angled rack, and a large nature-like fishway provided downstream migrating silver eels with a highly effective combination of passage solutions, with high impediment passage success and relatively low passage times.
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5. |
- Calles, Olle, 1974-, et al.
(author)
-
Fish Migration River Monitoring Plan
- 2014
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Fish have problems passing the Afsluitdijk Dam that separates the Wadden Sea from Lake IJsselmeer. To re-establish the connectivity and thereby allow fish to pass there is an initiative to build a fishway, the Fish Migration River (FMR), at the Konwerderzand sluice complex. This report proposes a monitoring program to evaluate the functionality of the FMR, but also to monitor passage possibilities through the existing sluices. The goals of the monitoring plan are to estimate 1) The overall passage past the Afsluitdijk dam to and from Lake IJsselmeer, 2) The attraction efficiency, 3) The passage efficiency, and 4) The use of the FMR as habitat and for acclimatization for the transition into freshwater.We present an overview of previous and ongoing monitoring in the area to establish the current state of knowledge. The report also includes a presentation of available and suitable methods for a future monitoring program considering the broad spectra of target fish species, and their abundances. The proposed program includes a description of study design and available techniques and cost-estimates of the monitoring program.The proposed program will target ten species: European eel (aal), flounder (bot), three-spined stickleback (dreidoornige stekelbaars), twait shad (fint), North Sea houting (houting), river lamprey (rieverprik), smelt (spiering), Atlantic salmon (zalm), brown trout (forel) and sea lamprey (zeeprik). The monitoring program includes plans for how to capture, tag and track the study fish using the most suitable tagging techniques. Furthermore, the most optimal sites for installation of automatic data detection stations are identified.The total cost for the proposed project is 3.5 M€ and covers both investments in equipment and costs for personnel. However, if costs for investments in techniques such as RFId-stations and fish counters are excluded, the total cost is reduced to 1 M€ for a program running two years before and four years after the completion of the FMR. The program is considered sufficient to evaluate the FMR at Kornwerederzand from the most important perspectives: the overall passage efficiency and the use of the FMR as habitat.It should be noted that this report is the first step towards a full-scale monitoring program, giving insight into possible methods, study design and associated costs. The next important step will be to develop the program in more detail and to start the initial phase of the monitoring project. We predict that such activities will identify the need for, and the relevance of, a more extensive monitoring program to study the effects of the FMR on a population level and on a large geographical scale.
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6. |
- Cross, Michael J, et al.
(author)
-
The Shb Adaptor Protein Binds to Tyrosine 766 in the FGFR-1 and Regulatesthe Ras/MEK/MAPK Pathway via FRS2 Phosphorylation in Endothelial Cells
- 2002
-
In: Molecular Biology of the Cell. - 1059-1524 .- 1939-4586. ; 13:8, s. 2881-2893
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Stimulation of fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR-1) is known to result in phosphorylation of tyrosine 766 and the recruitment and subsequent activation of phospholipase C-γ (PLC-γ). To assess the role of tyrosine 766 in endothelial cell function, we generated endothelial cells expressing a chimeric receptor, composed of the extracellular domain of the PDGF receptor-α and the intracellular domain of FGFR-1. Mutation of tyrosine 766 to phenylalanine prevented PLC-γ activation and resulted in a reduced phosphorylation of FRS2 and reduced activation of the Ras/MEK/MAPK pathway relative to the wild-type chimeric receptor. However, FGFR-1–mediated MAPK activation was not dependent on PKC activation or intracellular calcium, both downstream mediators of PLC-γ activation. We report that the adaptor protein Shb is also able to bind tyrosine 766 in the FGFR-1, via its SH2 domain, resulting in its subsequent phosphorylation. Overexpression of an SH2 domain mutant Shb caused a dramatic reduction in FGFR-1–mediated FRS2 phosphorylation with concomitant perturbment of the Ras/MEK/MAPK pathway. Expression of the chimeric receptor mutant and the Shb SH2 domain mutant resulted in a similar reduction in FGFR-1–mediated mitogenicity. We conclude, that Shb binds to tyrosine 766 in the FGFR-1 and regulates FGF-mediated mitogenicity via FRS2 phosphorylation and the subsequent activation of the Ras/MEK/MAPK pathway.
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7. |
- Hagelin, Anna, 1995-, et al.
(author)
-
The Migratory Behaviour and Fallback Rate of Landlocked Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) in a Regulated River : does Timing Matter?
- 2016
-
In: Rivers Research and Applications. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1535-1459 .- 1535-1467. ; 32:6, s. 1402-1409
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The behavior of early (June-July) and late (August-September) migrating, adult Atlantic salmon, in The River Klaralven, Sweden, was analyzed using radio telemetry. River Klaralven is a regulated river without functioning fishways, instead upstream migrating salmon are trapped and trucked past eight hydropower plants before released back to the river. We distinguished two parts of the spawning migration, that is, one part being the migration from the place where the fish was released to the spawning grounds. The other part was a holding phase on the spawning grounds with little or no movements before spawning. The late salmon spent less of their total time on holding, 36.2%, and more on migration, 63.8%, compared with early migrating salmon, which distributed their time rather evenly between migration, 47.5%, and holding, 52.5%. In total, early salmon used 30% more time migrating and 156% more time holding than late salmon. Some Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fell back over the hydropower plant after release and got excluded from spawning. The fallback rates of transported, tagged spawners were higher in the early than in the late group in both years. The fallback rate in 2012 was 42.8% of the early group and 15.1% in the late. In 2013, there were 51.7 % fallbacks in the early group and 3.4% in the late. The salmon fell back on average 9days after being released in 2012 and 16days in 2013. A high mean daily discharge on the day of release increased the probability of becoming a fallback. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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8. |
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9. |
- Lau, Joey, et al.
(author)
-
Beneficial role of pancreatic microenvironment for angiogenesis in transplanted pancreatic islets
- 2009
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In: Cell Transplantation. - : SAGE Publications. - 0963-6897 .- 1555-3892. ; 18:1, s. 23-30
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Pancreatic islets implanted heterotopically (i.e., into the kidney, spleen, or liver) become poorly revascularized following transplantation. We hypothesized that islets implanted into the pancreas Would become better revascularized. Islets isolated from transgenic mice expressing enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) in all somatic cells were Cultured before they were implanted into the pancreas or beneath the renal capsule of athymic mice. Vascular density was evaluated in histological sections 1 month posttransplantation. EYFP was used as reporter for the transgene to identify the transplanted islets. Islet endothelial cells were visualized by staining with the lectin Bandeiraea simplicifolia (BS-1). Capillary numbers in intrapancreatically implanted islets were only slightly lower than those counted in endogenous islets, whereas islets implanted beneath the renal capsule had a markedly lower vascular density. In order to determine if this high graft vascular density at the intrapancreatic site reflected expansion of remnant donor endothelial cells or increased ingrowth of blood vessels from the host. also islets from Tie2-green fluorescent protein (GFP) mice (i.e., islets with fluorescent endothelial cells) were transplanted into the pancreas or beneath the renal capsule of athymic mice. These islet grafts revealed that the new vascular structures formed in the islet grafts contained very few GFP-positive cells, and thus mainly were of recipient origin. The reason(s) for the much better ingrowth of blood vessels at the intrapancreatic site merits further studies, because this may help us form strategies to overcome the barrier for ingrowth of host vessels also into islets in heterotopic implantation sites.
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10. |
- Lau, Joey, et al.
(author)
-
Implantation site-dependent dysfunction of transplanted pancreatic islets
- 2007
-
In: Diabetes. - : American Diabetes Association. - 0012-1797 .- 1939-327X. ; 56:6, s. 1544-1550
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE—Clinical islet transplantations are performed through infusion of islets via the portal vein into the liver. This study aimed at characterizing the influence of the implantation microenvironment on islet graft metabolism and function. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Islets were transplanted into their normal environment, i.e., the pancreas, or intraportally into the liver of mice. One month posttransplantation, the transplanted islets were retrieved and investigated for changes in function and gene expression. RESULTS—Insulin content, glucose-stimulated insulin release, (pro)insulin biosynthesis, and glucose oxidation rate were markedly decreased in islets retrieved from the liver, both when compared with islets transplanted into the pancreas and endogenous islets. Islets transplanted into the pancreas showed normal insulin content, (pro)insulin biosynthesis, and glucose oxidation rate but increased basal insulin secretion and impaired glucose stimulation index. Gene expression data for retrieved islets showed downregulation of pancreatic and duodenal homeobox gene-1, GLUT-2, glucokinase, mitochondrial glycerol-phosphate dehydrogenase, and pyruvate carboxylase, preferentially in intraportally transplanted islets. CONCLUSIONS—Islets transplanted into their normal microenvironment, i.e., the pancreas, display gene expression changes when compared with endogenous islets but only moderate changes in metabolic functions. In contrast, site-specific properties of the liver markedly impaired the metabolic functions of intraportally transplanted islets.
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11. |
- Martowicz, Agnieszka, et al.
(author)
-
Endothelial beta-Catenin Signaling Supports Postnatal Brain and Retinal Angiogenesis by Promoting Sprouting, Tip Cell Formation, and VEGFR (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor) 2 Expression
- 2019
-
In: Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology. - : LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. - 1079-5642 .- 1524-4636. ; 39:11, s. 2273-2288
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: Activation of endothelial beta-catenin signaling by neural cell-derived Norrin or Wnt ligands is vital for the vascularization of the retina and brain. Mutations in members of the Norrin/beta-catenin pathway contribute to inherited blinding disorders because of defective vascular development and dysfunctional blood-retina barrier. Despite a vital role for endothelial beta-catenin signaling in central nervous system health and disease, its contribution to central nervous system angiogenesis and its interactions with downstream signaling cascades remains incompletely understood.Approach and Results: Here, using genetically modified mouse models, we show that impaired endothelial beta-catenin signaling caused hypovascularization of the postnatal retina and brain because of deficient endothelial cell proliferation and sprouting. Mosaic genetic analysis demonstrated that endothelial beta-catenin promotes but is not required for tip cell formation. In addition, pharmacological treatment revealed that angiogenesis under conditions of inhibited Notch signaling depends upon endothelial beta-catenin. Importantly, impaired endothelial beta-catenin signaling abrogated the expression of the VEGFR (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor)-2 and VEGFR3 in brain microvessels but not in the lung endothelium.Conclusions: Our study identifies molecular crosstalk between the Wnt/beta-catenin and the Notch and VEGF-A signaling pathways and strongly suggest that endothelial beta-catenin signaling supports central nervous system angiogenesis by promoting endothelial cell sprouting, tip cell formation, and VEGF-A/VEGFR2 signaling.
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12. |
- Moksnes, Per-Olav, 1965, et al.
(author)
-
Stepwise function of natural growth for Scylla serrata in East Africa : a valuable tool for assessing growth of mud crabs in aquaculture
- 2015
-
In: Aquaculture Research. - : Hindawi Limited. - 1355-557X .- 1365-2109. ; 46:12, s. 2938-2953
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Predicting growth is critical in aquaculture, but models of growth are largely missing for mud crab species. Here, we present the first model of natural growth in juvenile and adult mud crabs Scylla serrata from East Africa using a stepwise growth function based on data on intermoult periods and growth at moult from field mark-recapture, pond and laboratory studies. The results showed a sigmoid growth pattern in carapace width and suggest that S.serrata in East Africa will reach 300g and sexual maturity similar to 9.9months after settlement, and a commercial size of 500g after 12.4months. Analyses of the literature identified several issues with the common praxis to compare standard growth measures between aquaculture studies with different initial size or growing periods. Using the new growth function to estimate the proportional difference between modelled and obtained growth as an alternative method, we show that growth rates of S.serrata cultured in cage systems, which are dominant in East Africa, was <40% of the estimated natural growth and growth obtained in pond systems. The analysis also indicated that growth rates of S.serrata in Southeast Asia was over 50% higher compared with similar culture systems in East Africa, and that different species of mud crabs had large differences in growth rates. This study shows that growth in the present mud crab aquaculture systems in East Africa is below their expected potential. Further work is needed to identify the factors behind this observation.
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13. |
- Norrgård, Johnny R, 1976-, et al.
(author)
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Downstream migration of landlocked Atlantic salmon smolt in a regulated river-Effects of multiple passage at dams with programmed spill
- 2024
-
In: Rivers Research and Applications. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1535-1459 .- 1535-1467. ; 40:5, s. 821-833
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In many rivers, downstream-migrating salmonid smolts must pass multiple dams often with high losses as a result. Fish experience mortality both in dam and reservoir passage, and spilling water might allow fish to avoid turbine passage and hence increase migration survival. In River Klaralven, Sweden landlocked Atlantic salmon smolts migrate along a 180 km long reach passing eight dams. A previous telemetry study estimated an accumulated migration success of 16% under conditions with no or very little spill. Here we repeat this study, under a planned spill regime at a subset of hydropower dams. Overall passage success through the eight dams was 32%, which is greater than the 16% reported from the same river section in a year without spill. Most of this increase, however, was attributable to the situation at one dam, where spill constituted a large proportion of total discharge. In addition, we found that loss rates km-1 were similar over dammed reaches and the lentic habitats, but greater than in the free-flowing reference reaches. Results for migration speed paralleled this result with the highest speeds observed in the free-flowing reaches.
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14. |
- Nyqvist, Daniel, et al.
(author)
-
An angled rack with a bypass and a nature-like fishway pass Atlantic salmon smolts downstream at a hydropower dam
- 2018
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In: Marine and Freshwater Research. - : CSIRO Publishing. - 1323-1650 .- 1448-6059. ; 69:12, s. 1894-1904
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Hydropower dams disrupt longitudinal connectivity and cause fragmentation of river systems, which has led to declines in migratory fish species. Atlantic salmon smolts rely on intact longitudinal connectivity to move downstream from rearing habitats in freshwater to feeding grounds at sea. Smolts often suffer increased mortality and delays when they encounter hydropower plants during their downstream migration. Currently, there are few examples of downstream passage solutions that allow safe and timely passage. We assessed the performance of two passage solutions at a hydropower dam, namely, an angled 15-mm rack with a bypass and a large nature-like fishway. The performance of these new fish passage solutions was evaluated by tracking radio-tagged Atlantic salmon smolts as they encountered the facilities. The radio-tagged smolts passed the dam 9.5 h after release (median) and exhibited a dam-passage efficiency of 84%, with passage rates increasing with body length. Fish passage occurred through both the rack bypass and the nature-like fishway. The passage efficiencies were 70-95% for the rack bypass and 47% for the nature-like fisway. The new fish passage facilities resulted in improved passage conditions at the site, confirming that angled racks with bypasses as best-practise solutions for downstream passage, but also that large nature-like fishways may act as downstream passage routes for salmon.
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15. |
- Nyqvist, Daniel
(author)
-
Atlantic salmon in regulated rivers : Migration, dam passage, and fish behavior
- 2016
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Hydropower dams block migration routes and disrupt longitudinal connectivity in rivers, thereby posing a threat to migratory fish species. Various fish passage solutions have been implemented to improve connectivity with varying success. A well-functioning passage solution must ensure safe and timely passage routes that are used by a substantial portion of the migrating fish. In this thesis, I report the results from telemetry studies where the behavior and survival of migrating Atlantic salmon spawners, post-spawners and smolts have been evaluated in relation to hydropower dam passage. I evaluate downstream passage performance at dams with no passage solutions in the River Klarälven, and with simple passage solutions in in the Winooski River. In the River Ätran, I study both upstream- and downstream passage performance at a dam with sophisticated passage solutions based on the best available technology. In addition, I have studied the survival and behavior of post-spawners and hatchery-released smolts.A substantial portion of the spawners survived spawning and initiated downstream migration. Most males migrated downstream in autumn following spawning, whereas females tended to stay in the river until spring. For hatchery-reared smolts, early release was associated with faster initiation of migration and higher survival compared to late release. Multiple dam passage resulted in high mortality for both smolts and kelts. For smolts, dam passage, even with simple passage solutions, was associated with substantial delay and mortality. High spill levels were linked to high survival and short delay for downstream migrating salmon. The best available passage solution, which consisted of a nature-like fishway and a low sloping intake rack to guide fish to a bypass, resulted in rapid passage of a large portion of the adult migrants.
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16. |
- Nyqvist, Daniel, et al.
(author)
-
Behavior of trap-and-transported Atlantic salmon spawners of hatchery origin in the Daugava River system (Latvia)
- 2019
-
In: Journal of limnology. - : PAGEPress. - 1129-5767 .- 1723-8633. ; 78:2, s. 210-219
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Where migrating fish have to pass multiple dams, very high passage performance is required at the series of obstacles to avoid accumulated negative effects of multiple dam passage. In some rivers, migrating fish are trapped, transported past several obstacles, and released to continue their migration. Such trap-and-transport solutions, however, have seldom been evaluated. In the Daugava River, Latvia, several dams with no functional fishways block the river for migrating fish. A remnant Atlantic salmon population is being sustained by a sea ranching regime, where returning spawners are caught and artificially spawned, the juveniles raised in hatcheries, and smolts released in to the river in time for their seaward migration. Hatchery released fish, however, differ substantially from wild conspecifics, and in Latvia, as elsewhere throughout the range of salmon, reduced dependency on hatchery production and the re-establishment of wild salmon populations are being discussed. In the Daugava River system, suitable spawning and rearing habitat remains upstream two dams and an associated large reservoir in a mainstem tributary, the Ogre River, offering the potential to restore a wild salmon population. To explore the potential of a trap-and-transport solution to bring Atlantic salmon spawners in contact with remaining spawning grounds in the Daugava River system, spawners were caught, radio tagged, transported upstream of the two dams and the reservoir, and released to pursue their spawning migration in the tributary. Despite being unfamiliar with the river, some of the tagged spawners moved upstream, reaching areas up to 12 km from the release sites. Males were observed higher upstream in the river compared to females, and some males were tracked relatively close to potential salmon spawning habitat. Females, although displaying some movements in the lower parts of the river, were not observed close to any suitable spawning areas, highlighting potentially important sex differences in post trap-and-transport behaviour. Perhaps due to different responses to handling stress, such low post-transportation spawning success among females has the potential to negatively impact restoration efforts in the Daugava River system and elsewhere. The present study represents a first step towards the restoration of wild Daugava salmon, one of several unique Baltic Atlantic salmon populations, and a potential model for future restoration efforts.
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17. |
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18. |
- Nyqvist, Daniel, et al.
(author)
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Dispersal movements of non-native and native terrestrial slugs in an urban environment
- 2023
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In: Invertebrate biology.. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1077-8306 .- 1744-7410. ; 142:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Animal movement varies from undirected dispersal to directed migration. Movement rates may have implications for conservation and resource management, as well as pest control, and they play a key role in invasion success. In slugs, long-distance dispersal is typically passive, whereas active movement is critical for local dispersal and determines access to resources such as food and shelter. Telemetry has recently been used to study individual slug movements in the wild, whereas movement in arena tests has explored mechanisms of interspecific competition and invasiveness in slugs. Studies that relate the performance of individual slugs in arena tests to their post-release behavior in nature are lacking. We measured individual short-term movement speed of commonly occurring native and non-native slugs of the genera Arion and Limax in arena tests and tracked their post-release dispersal movements in a garden by PIT telemetry. We demonstrate clear differences in movement behavior among the species, but non-native slugs did not display higher movement rates than their native congeners. In the arena test, slugs of the genus Limax displayed a higher short-term speed than slugs of the genus Arion, whereas in the field, individuals of Limax maximus showed lower dispersal rates compared to the other slug species. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between short-term speed in the arena test and movement in the field among individuals of L. cinereoniger, indicating the possible existence of behavioral syndromes in slugs, which may link movement ecology, animal personality, and the invasion ecology of pest species.
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19. |
- Nyqvist, Daniel, et al.
(author)
-
Downstream migration and multiple dam passage by Atlantic salmon smolts
- 2017
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In: North American Journal of Fisheries Management. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0275-5947 .- 1548-8675. ; 4:37, s. 816-828
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The purpose of this study was to investigate behavior and survival of radio-tagged wild and hatchery-reared landlocked Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar smolts as they migrated past three hydropower dams equipped with fish bypass solutions in the Winooski River, Vermont. Among hatchery-reared smolts, those released early were more likely to initiate migration and did so after less delay than those released late. Once migration was initiated, however, the late-released hatchery smolts migrated at greater speeds. Throughout the river system, hatchery-reared fish performed similarly to wild fish. Dam passage rates varied between the three dams and was highest at the dam where unusually high spill levels occurred throughout the study period. Of the 50 fish that did migrate downstream, only 10% managed to reach the lake. Migration success was low despite the presence of bypass solutions, underscoring the need for evaluations of remedial measures; simply constructing a fishway is not synonymous with providing fish passage.
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20. |
- Nyqvist, Daniel
(author)
-
In vivo imaging of islet cells and islet revascularization
- 2007
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Glucose homeostasis depends on the release of insulin from the pancreatic beta-cell. Impaired insulin release is a hallmark of diabetes mellitus. The beta-cells are situated within the endocrine pancreas, the islets of Langerhans, which are structurally defined microorgans that create a unique microenvironment required for adequate beta-cell function. Pancreatic islet transplantation has emerged as a treatment of type 1 diabetes, but is currently hampered by poor long-term function of transplanted islets. Today, alternatives to monitor islet cell function after transplantation are lacking. Therefore, the aim of this thesis was to develop experimental models that facilitate functional studies of islet cells and islet revascularization after pancreatic islet transplantation under in vivo conditions using fluorescence imaging techniques. Laser-scanning microscopy (LSM) enabled fluorescence imaging in intact islet grafts and functional studies of beta-cells and the islet graft vasculature. LSM was combined with two different transplantation models; ex vivo imaging of islets transplanted under the kidney capsule, and non-invasive in vivo imaging of islets transplanted to the anterior chamber of the eye. To facilitate identification and studies of donor islets after transplantation, the fluorescent reporter expression and function of pancreatic islets were characterized in transgenic YC-3.0 mice. Pancreatic islets in YC-3.0 mice expressed the enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP), displayed normal beta-cell mass and glucose stimulated insulin release in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, YC-3.0 islets reversed diabetes and were identified by EYFP fluorescence after transplantation. Islet isolation disrupts vascular connections and thus delivery of oxygen and nutrients to islet cells. Revascularization is therefore vital for the survival and function of transplanted islets. Transgenic Tie2-green fluorescence protein (GFP) mice, characterized by endothelial cell (EC) specific expression of GFP, were used as islet donors. Living ECs were studied in intact Tie2-GFP islets after isolation and during culture. Intraislet ECs survived islet isolation, but rapidly disappeared during islet culture. After transplantation, LSM imaging revealed that donor islet ECs (DIECs) integrated with recipient ECs and formed functional blood vessels during the revascularization of Tie2-GFP islets. Since islet grafts have a deficient vasculature, we investigated if contributing DIECs improved the revascularization of transplanted islets. Freshly isolated and cultured Tie2-GFP islets were therefore transplanted and the contribution of DIECs to the vasculature was determined, as well as the degree of total vascularization and the revascularization rate of the islet grafts. DIECs contributed to the vasculature of fresh but not cultured islet grafts, and fresh islet grafts revascularized faster compared to cultured islet grafts, indicating reduced exposure to hypoxia for fresh islets. However, after completed revascularization the total vascular density was similar in the two groups. Pancreatic islets with beta-cell specific expression of GFP were transplanted to the anterior chamber of the eye. LSM facilitated non-invasive imaging of GFP fluorescent beta-cells in the engrafted islets. Repetitive imaging facilitated longitudinal studies of islet engraftment and revascularization. Furthermore, beta-cell death could be non-invasively monitored in transplanted islets during normal and diabetic conditions. The results in this thesis establish the basis for non-invasive in vivo functional investigations of islet cell physiology and islet revascularization after pancreatic islet transplantation, which can be performed longitudinally under normal and diabetic conditions.
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21. |
- Nyqvist, Daniel, et al.
(author)
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Intake Approach and Dam Passage by Downstream-migrating Atlantic Salmon Kelts
- 2017
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In: Rivers Research and Applications. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1535-1459 .- 1535-1467. ; 33:5, s. 697-706
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Studying fish behaviour at hydropower dams is needed to facilitate the design and improvement of fish passage solutions, but few studies have focused on Atlantic salmon kelts. Here, we used radio telemetry (n = 40, size range = 50–81 cm) and acoustic sonar to study kelt movements in the forebay as well as their dam passage survival and subsequent migration success past multiple dams. We also compare radio telemetry and acoustic sonar observations of fish behaviour and used acoustic sonar to measure the depth distribution of fish approaching the turbine intake zone. Passage success at the dam was 41%, and mortality was largely associated with turbine passage (62%). The two fish that passed via the spill gates survived and continued their downstream migration. At the dam, all but one radio-tagged kelt approached the intake zone shortly after arrival to the forebay, and sonar data showed that approaching fish were predominantly surface oriented (72%, 88% and 96% of the observations were less than 1, 2 and 3 m deep, respectively). Turbine passage rate from the intake zone was higher at night than at day, indicating that the lack of visual cues may reduce the barrier effect of the 70-mm conventional trash rack. Turbine passage rate also increased with increasing hydropower generation. The percentage of observed upstream movements away from the intake zone compared with the total number of observations was considerably greater in the radio telemetry data (41%) than in the sonar data (4%). Only one fish survived passage of all eight hydropower dams to reach the lake. This low-passage survival underscores the need for remedial measures to increase the survival of migrating kelts, and the fish's surface orientation as well as their rapid approach to the intake rack should be taken into account when designing such measures.
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22. |
- Nyqvist, Daniel, et al.
(author)
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Migratory delay leads to reduced passage success of Atlantic salmon smolts at a hydroelectric dam
- 2017
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In: Ecology of Freshwater Fish. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 0906-6691 .- 1600-0633. ; 26:4, s. 707-718
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Passage of fish through hydropower dams is associated with mortality, delay, increased energy expenditure and migratory failure for migrating fish and the need for remedial measures for both upstream and downstream migration is widely recognised. A functional fish passage must ensure safe and timely passage routes that a substantial portion of migrating fish will use. Passage solutions must address not only the number or percentage of fish that successfully pass a barrier, but also the time it takes to pass. Here, we used radiotelemetry to study the functionality of a fish bypass for downstream-migrating wild-caught and hatchery-released Atlantic salmon smolts. We used time-to-event analysis to model the influence of fish characteristics and environmental variables on the rates of a series of events associated with dam passage. Among the modelled events were approach rate to the bypass entry zone, retention rates in both the forebay and the entry zone and passage rates. Despite repeated attempts, only 65% of the tagged fish present in the forebay passed the dam. Fish passed via the bypass (33%), via spill (18%) and via turbines (15%). Discharge was positively related to approach, passage and retention rates. We did not detect any differences between wild and hatchery fish. Even though individual fish visited the forebay and the entry zone on multiple occasions, most fish passed during the first exposures to these zones. This study underscores the importance of timeliness to passage success and the usefulness of time-to-event analysis for understanding factors governing passage performance.
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23. |
- Nyqvist, Daniel, et al.
(author)
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Movement and Activity Patterns of Non-Native Wels Catfish (Silurus glanis Linnaeus, 1758) at the Confluence of a Large River and Its Colder Tributary
- 2022
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In: Fishes. - : MDPI. - 2410-3888. ; 7:6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The establishment and proliferation of non-native fish species can have a range of effects within the local ecosystem, including alteration of food webs, nutrient cycling, pathogen dynamics and predation, sometimes also resulting in changed behavior and distribution of native fish species. Knowledge about movements and activity patterns is important to understand the dynamics of non-native animals in their new environment. The Wels catfish (Silurus glanis Linnaeus, 1758) is considered an invasive species in many places in Western Europe, and regional control programs are in place. Here, using radiotelemetry, we study the movements and activity patterns of invasive Wels catfish at an invasion front within the Po River (Italy); namely, at the confluence between the main river, where the species is abundant, and a colder tributary, the Dora Baltea River, where it is absent. In addition, we also investigate potential spatiotemporal overlap between Wels catfish and native and endangered marble trout (Salmo marmoratus Cuvier, 1829) in the area. A total of nine Wels catfish and eight marble trout were tagged. The Wels catfish showed a very high degree of residency within the study area in the Po River, close to the mouth the colder tributary. Despite this, only one catfish entered the lower reaches of the tributary and did so only occasionally during August. No catfish moved further upstream in the tributary. It is likely that lower temperatures in combination with more challenging hydrodynamic conditions made the tributary unattractive to the catfish. The catfish were active during all times of the day but substantially more so during evenings and at nights. Some, but not all, tagged catfish moved to areas in the main stem upstream of the confluence with the tributary. A large proportion of the tagged marble trout made occasional or longer visits to the Po River, with several individuals becoming resident, but without apparent mortality, in the tagged catfish home range. The high residency of the Wels catfish suggests that removal efforts may do well to initially focus on areas close to the habitats of species under conservation concern.
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24. |
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25. |
- Nyqvist, Daniel, et al.
(author)
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PIT-tagging Italian spined loach (Cobitis bilineata) : Methodology, survival and behavioural effects
- 2023
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In: Journal of Fish Biology. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0022-1112 .- 1095-8649. ; 102:3, s. 575-580
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Italian spined loach (Cobitis bilineata) is an elongated, small-sized (< 12 cm) spined loach native to northern Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. As for loaches in general, little is known about the individual movements of this loach in nature. Passive integrated transponders (PIT-tags) are small (typically 7-32 mm), relatively cheap and allow tracking of individual fish movements and behaviour. A fundamental assumption in animal telemetry is that the performance of a tagged animal does not deviate substantially from its natural performance. Although PIT-tagged fish often display high survival and tag retention, the effect varies between species and contexts, and few studies have looked at behavioural effects of PIT-tagging. Here we demonstrate a PIT-tagging methodology for spined loaches, and compare survival, activity and provoked escape response (maximum swimming speed) between tagged and control fish. We also track tag retention in the tagged fish. Italian spined loaches tagged with 12 mm PIT-tags displayed high tag retention and no extra mortality, and no effects of tagging on activity or maximum swimming speed were observed. The tag-to-fish weight and length ratios in our study ranged from 2% to 5% and from 10% to 16%, respectively, and we conclude that PIT-tagging, within these ratios, appears suitable for Italian spined loach.
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26. |
- Nyqvist, Daniel, 1982-, et al.
(author)
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Post-Spawning Survival and Downstream Passage of Landlocked Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) in a Regulated River : Is There Potential for Repeat Spawning?
- 2016
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In: Rivers Research and Applications. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1535-1459 .- 1535-1467. ; 32:5, s. 1008-1017
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Repeat salmonid spawners may make large contributions to total recruitment and long term population stability. Despite their potential importance, relatively little is known about this phase of the life history for anadromous populations, and nothing has been reported for landlocked populations. Here, we studied post-spawning behaviour and survival of landlocked Atlantic salmon in relation to downstream dam passage in the River KlarÀlven, Sweden. Eight hydropower stations separate the feeding grounds in Lake VÀnern from the spawning grounds in the River KlarÀlven, and no measures to facilitate downstream migration are present in the river. Forty-nine percent of the salmon survived spawning and initiated downstream migration. Females and small fish had higher post-spawning survival than males and large fish. The post-spawners migrated downstream in autumn and spring and remained relatively inactive in the river during winter. Downstream migration speed in the free flowing part of the river was highly variable with a median of 9.30km/day. Most fish passed the first hydropower station via upward-opening spill gates after a median residence time in the forebay of 25min. However, no tagged fish survived passage of all eight hydropower stations to reach Lake VÀnern. This result underscores the need for remedial measures to increase the survival of downstream migrating kelts.
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27. |
- Nyqvist, Daniel, et al.
(author)
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Upstream and downstream passage of migrating adult Atlantic salmon : Remedial measures improve passage performance at a hydropower dam
- 2017
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In: Ecological Engineering. - : Elsevier BV. - 0925-8574 .- 1872-6992. ; 102, s. 331-343
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Habitat connectivity is central for life-cycle progression for migrating organisms. Passage of hydropower dams is associated with mortality, delay, and migratory failure for migrating fish, and the need for remedial measures to facilitate passage is widely recognized. Lately, nature-like fishways have been promoted for upstream migrating fish, and low-sloping turbine intake racks for downstream migrating fish, but evaluations of these remedial measures are largely lacking. At Herting hydropower dam in southern Sweden, a technical fishway for upstream migrating salmonids, and a simple bypass entrance/trash gate for downstream migrating fish have been replaced by a large nature-like fishway for up and downstream migrating fish, and a low-sloping rack, guiding downstream migrating fish to the bypass entrance, has been installed. In this study, we evaluated these remedial measures for adult Atlantic salmon, spawners and kelts, in a before/after improved remedial measures radio telemetry study. Passage performance was improved for both up- and downstream migrating adult Atlantic salmon after remedial measures. Passage rate increased for fish migrating in both directions, and overall delay as well as overall passage efficiency decreased for upstream migrating fish. After the improved passage solutions almost all tagged fish passed the dam with very little delay. Before modifications, upstream passage performance through the technical fishway was higher at higher temperatures, at day compared to night, and for males compared to females. No such effects were observed for the after-measures nature-like fishway, indicating good passage performance for both sexes under a wide range of environmental conditions. Similarly, for downstream migrating kelts, discharge positively affected passage rate before but not after the fishway modifications. Altogether, our work demonstrates the possibility of coexistence between hydropower and Atlantic salmon in a regulated river.
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28. |
- Pudelko, Linda, et al.
(author)
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An orthotopic glioblastoma animal model suitable for high-throughput screenings
- 2018
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In: Neuro-Oncology. - : Oxford University Press. - 1522-8517 .- 1523-5866. ; 20:11, s. 1475-1484
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background. Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive form of brain cancer with poor prognosis. Although murine animal models have given valuable insights into the GBM disease biology, they cannot be used in high-throughput screens to identify and profile novel therapies. The only vertebrate model suitable for large-scale screens, the zebrafish, has proven to faithfully recapitulate biology and pathology of human malignancies, and clinically relevant orthotopic zebrafish models have been developed. However, currently available GBM orthotopic zebrafish models do not support high-throughput drug discovery screens. Methods. We transplanted both GBM cell lines as well as patient-derived material into zebrafish blastulas. We followed the behavior of the transplants with time-lapse microscopy and real-time in vivo light-sheet microscopy. Results. We found that GBM material transplanted into zebrafish blastomeres robustly migrated into the developing nervous system, establishing an orthotopic intracranial tumor already 24 hours after transplantation. Detailed analysis revealed that our model faithfully recapitulates the human disease. Conclusion. We have developed a robust, fast, and automatable transplantation assay to establish orthotopic GBM tumors in zebrafish. In contrast to currently available orthotopic zebrafish models, our approach does not require technically challenging intracranial transplantation of single embryos. Our improved zebrafish model enables transplantation of thousands of embryos per hour, thus providing an orthotopic vertebrate GBM model for direct application in drug discovery screens.
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29. |
- Schiavon, Alfredo, et al.
(author)
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Navigating the drought : upstream migration of a small-sized Cypriniformes (Telestes muticellus) in response to drying in a partially intermittent mountain stream
- 2024
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In: Knowledge and Management of Aquatic Ecosystems. - : EDP Sciences. - 1961-9502. ; :425
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- River flow intermittence is a natural phenomenon intensified by human activities, such as water abstraction and the effects of climate change. A growing number of rivers are predicted to experience intermittent flows, which may impact the diversity and abundance of freshwater species. Dry riverbeds directly diminish the availability of habitats for freshwater organisms, and suitable environments can turn into ecological traps with reduced survival rates, posing a significant threat to population persistence. Even though fish movements can enable drought-affected populations to persist, little is known about individual fish movement between intermittent and perennial reaches. Here, we study the movement of individual PIT-tagged Italian riffle dace (Telestes muticellus) in an intermittent and perennial river reach before, during and after two severe drying events. A high proportion of fish from the intermittent reach survived the drying riverbed through directed upstream migration. This was manifested in fish living in the intermittent reach of the river displaying significantly higher linear ranges, and net travelled distances during the monitoring period than fish in the perennial reach, which remained resident with limited linear range and net distances travelled. This finding underscores the importance of conserving longitudinal river connectivity in the face of increased water scarcity and intermittent flow patterns.
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30. |
- Schiavon, A., et al.
(author)
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River Runs Dry : Movement Patterns of Telestes muticellus (Cypriniformes: Leuciscidae) in an Intermittent River Stretch
- 2024
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In: Advances in Hydraulic Research. - : Springer Science+Business Media B.V.. - 9783031560927 ; , s. 341-351
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Book chapter (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Intermittent flow is a natural phenomenon in many stream systems worldwide. At the same time, droughts are an increasing threat to ecosystems as a consequence of climate change and water diversion. Severe droughts can change once suitable habitats into ecological traps that cannot support fish communities. Although individual fish movements can allow populations affected by drought to persist, the knowledge about individual fish movement between intermittent and perennial stretches remains limited. Here we present Italian riffle dace (Telestes muticellus) movement patterns (n = 17) in an intermittent and a neighbouring perennial stream stretch before and after a severe summer drought. Fish initially resident in the intermittent section had similar summer survival as fish from the perennial section. The majority of fish from the intermittent river stretch survived the drought by upstream movements to perennially watered reaches (87.5%). Fish from the intermittent stretch showed an average upstream movement of about 100 m, whereas fish from the perennial stretch remained relatively stationary within the stream. Our result highlights the ability of Italian riffle dace to cope with drought by a directed migration to river reaches with the perennial flow. It also underscores the need to preserve longitudinal river connectivity in the face of increasing water scarcity and associated intermittent flows.
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31. |
- von Seth, Erik, et al.
(author)
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Distribution of intraportally implanted microspheres and fluorescent islets in mice
- 2007
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In: Cell Transplantation. - : SAGE Publications. - 0963-6897 .- 1555-3892. ; 16:6, s. 621-627
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of the study was to evaluate the distribution of intraportally transplanted islets in mice. We initially administered 2000 polystyrene microspheres with a diameter of 50 microm intraportally into normoglycemic C57BL/6 mice. In separate experiments other mice were injected similarly with 300 microspheres each with a diameter of 100 or 200 microm. One week later the animals were killed, and the lungs and livers were removed and divided into lobes. The number of microspheres in each individual liver lobe and in the lungs was counted using a stereomicroscope. In other experiments, athymic C57BL/6 mice were similarly implanted with 250 islets isolated from transgenic mice expressing the enhanced yellow fluorescent protein in the islet cells. The distribution of microspheres and islets was independent of size, and fairly homogenous within the liver, with the exception of the caudate lobe, which contained fewer microspheres and islets, respectively. Approximately one third of all microspheres and islets were present as aggregates. Eighty-five to 90% of the implanted microspheres were identified in the liver sections, whereas 60-65% of the implanted islets were recovered. Aggregates or single fluorescent cells were observed in the liver of islet-implanted mice. We conclude that islets and microspheres implanted into the liver distribute fairly homogenously and quite a few of them exist as aggregates or, with respect to islets, as fragments.
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32. |
- Watz, Johan, 1977-, et al.
(author)
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Artificial barriers against arionid slug movement
- 2021
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In: Crop Protection. - Amsterdam : Elsevier. - 0261-2194 .- 1873-6904. ; 142, s. 1-5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Arionid slugs can be serious pests on horticultural and agricultural crops. Using slug movement barriers is a potentially effective method to control slug damage. We evaluated the performance of waterglass (sodium silicate) and copper foil as barriers against Arion vulgaris movement both in a controlled experiment and in a semi-field validation under natural conditions. We used strawberry fruits as baits behind the barriers and monitored slug movement and damage to the strawberries. In the controlled experiment, copper foil barriers delayed but did not prevent passage, whereas waterglass barriers completely hindered slugs from passing. Barrier width (3, 4 or 6 cm) did not affect the passability of the barriers. In the semi-field validation, there was no difference in slug damage events between pots with and without copper foil barriers. Waterglass barriers applied to the pots reduced slug damage events by 50 % compared with pots without a barrier. Using waterglass to hinder slug movement may prove to be a cost-effective method to control slug damage in horticulture without any adverse side effects on non-targeted organisms.
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33. |
- Watz, Johan, 1977-, et al.
(author)
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Effects of fragmentation per se on slug movement
- 2021
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In: Acta Oecologica. - : Elsevier. - 1146-609X .- 1873-6238. ; 112
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To predict the effects of habitat alterations on animal populations we need insight into how the habitat configuration influences local scale movements. This relationship may be particularly important for effective management of pest species. We tracked 80 PIT-tagged Spanish slugs (Arion vulgaris) in 16 × 16 m arenas with manipulated habitat fragmentation. The arenas had habitat patches consisting of high grass residing within a matrix of short grass, and the arenas with a high degree of fragmentation had 12 large (2 × 2 m), 13 medium-sized (1 × 1 m) and 12 small (0.5 × 0.5 m) patches, whereas the arenas with low fragmentation had four 4 × 4 m patches, resulting in equal amounts of total habitat patch area in the two treatments. The measured mean distance moved per day was 3.8 m, and between 0 and 25% of the slugs left the arenas each day. Fragmentation treatment had no effect on these two measurements. In the treatment with patches of different sizes, slugs distributed themselves among the patch size classes according to the total amount of habitat area for each habitat patch class, whereas patch edge did not explain the distribution pattern. All in all, fragmentation per se seems to play a minor role in the local movement and distribution of Spanish slugs.
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34. |
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35. |
- Watz, Johan, 1977-, et al.
(author)
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Ice cover alters the behavior and stress level of brown trout Salmo trutta
- 2015
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In: Behavioral Ecology. - Oxford : Oxford University Press. - 1045-2249 .- 1465-7279. ; 26:3, s. 820-827
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Surface ice in rivers and lakes buffers the thermal environment and provides overhead cover, protecting aquatic animals from terrestrial predators. We tested if surface ice influenced the behavior (swimming activity, aggressive encounters, and number of food items eaten) and stress level (coloration of eyes and body) of stream-living brown trout Salmo trutta at temperatures of 3–4 °C in indoor experimental flumes. We hypothesized that an individual’s resting metabolic rate (RMR, as measured by resting ventilation rate) would affect winter behavior. Therefore, groups of 4 trout, consisting of individuals with high, low, or mixed (2 individuals each) RMR, were exposed to experimental conditions with or without ice cover. Ice cover reduced stress responses, as evaluated by body coloration. Also, trout in low RMR groups had a paler body color than those in both mixed and high RMR groups. Trout increased their swimming activity under ice cover, with the highest activity found in high RMR groups. Ice cover increased the number of aggressive encounters but did not influence the number of drifting food items taken by each group. In mixed RMR groups, however, single individuals were better able to monopolize food than in the other groups. As the presence of surface ice increases the activity level and reduces stress in stream-living trout, ice cover should influence their energy budgets and production. The results should be viewed in light of ongoing global warming that reduces the duration of ice cover, especially at high latitudes and altitudes.
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36. |
- Watz, Johan, 1977-, et al.
(author)
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Interspecific competition among terrestrial slugs
- 2022
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In: Journal of molluscan studies. - : Oxford University Press. - 0260-1230 .- 1464-3766. ; 88:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Interspecific competition among terrestrial gastropods has previously been considered to have little effect on population dynamics and local distribution. Recent studies, however, demonstrate several cases in which interspecific competition plays a major role in structuring terrestrial gastropod communities. To explore the general importance of interspecific competition for the ecology of slugs, we conducted a semi-systematic literature review, synthesizing available peer-reviewed literature relating interspecific interactions to the following: (1) mortality and reproduction; (2) activity, movement, feeding and growth; and (3) habitat use and geographical distribution of slugs. To support the literature on slugs, we also reviewed literature on terrestrial snails. The body of available literature is relatively limited, but the effect of interspecific competition on survival, reproduction, movement and activity has clearly been demonstrated in laboratory experiments for different slug species. The occurrence of interspecific competition seems, however, to be species specific, and no negative effects due to the presence of heterospecifics have been reported for many of the species combinations investigated to date. Most of the studies demonstrating interspecific effects between slug species involved interference from a few aggressive species (mainly Limax maximus as the aggressor). In addition, several correlative studies have indicated that in terrestrial gastropods, habitat use and geographical distribution might be mediated by interspecific competition. Further, well-designed experiments are needed to explore the general importance of interspecific competition among slugs, potentially with a focus on interactions between invasive and native species, where the lack of a shared evolutionary history and niche separation may increase the intensity of competition. Such experimental studies may produce information that has implications for the conservation of native species, as well as for management of invasive pests, because interspecific competition may result in local extinction of vulnerable species and influence the possibility of non-native species establishing invasive populations in new areas.
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37. |
- Watz, Johan, 1977-, et al.
(author)
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Wood addition in the hatchery and river environments affects post-release performance of overwintering brown trout
- 2019
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In: Freshwater Biology. - : Wiley. - 0046-5070 .- 1365-2427. ; 64:1, s. 71-80
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Habitat structural complexity affects the behaviour and physiology of individuals, and responses to the environment can be immediate or influence performance later in life through delayed effects. Here, we investigated how structural enrichment, both pre-release in the hatchery rearing environment and post-release in the wild, influenced winter growth and site fidelity of brown trout stocked into side channels of a regulated river. Experiencing structural enrichment in the rearing environment during 3 months in autumn had no pre-release effect on growth, but a delayed positive effect after release during the subsequent winter. Moreover, trout recaptured in wood-treated sections of the side channels had grown more than trout recaptured in control sections. Wood enrichment in the side channels also increased overwinter site fidelity. These results show that adding structure during a relatively short period may alter growth trajectories, and adding wood to side channels is a cost-effective method to enhance winter habitat carrying capacity for juvenile salmonids in regulated rivers.
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