Quantifying the environmental impact of a major coal mine project on the adjacent Great Barrier Reef ecosystems.

A major coal mine project in Queensland, Australia, is currently under review. It is planned to be located about 10 km away from the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA). Sediment dispersal patterns and their impact on marine ecosystems have not been properly assessed yet. Here, we simulate the dispersal of different sediment types with a high-resolution ocean model, and derive their environmental footprint. We show that sediments finer than 32 µm could reach dense seagrass meadows and a dugong sanctuary within a few weeks. The intense tidal circulation leads to non-isotropic and long-distance sediment dispersal patterns along the coast. Our results suggest that the sediments released by this project will not be quickly mixed but rather be concentrated where the most valuable ecosystems are located. If accepted, this coal mine could therefore have a far-reaching impact on the GBRWHA and its iconic marine species.

[Pregnancy and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases]. / Schwangerschaft und chronisch-entzündliche Darmkrankheiten.

Chronic diseases have influence on fertility and course of pregnancy. Altogether 107 women who suffered from ulcerous colitis and Crohn's disease, respectively, were examined. The average weight and the size of the new-born after manifestation did not differ from those before the beginning of the disease. Low birth weight were observed after the medication of prednisolone and a manifestation of the ulcerous colitis during the gravidity. The ability for conception is not restricted when this disease is existing. An infertility rate being above the norm of the total population is to be found in Crohn's disease. There is no correlation to the localisation of the changes. It can be consented to a pregnancy in lacking Crohn's disease or in a mild activity of this disease. When there are moderately severe and severe attacks before the realization of the wish of having a child a dietetic, medicamentous or surgical therapy is to be recommended. The treatment with low-dosed azulfidine and corticosteroid has no influence on the development of the child. A prophylactic therapy is indicated in ulcerative colitis, an interruption is rarely to be proved. In an acute attack during the pregnancy, when the accurate diagnosis is imperative the fully effective dose in therapy is to be aspired to.