Diferenças intra e interespecíficas na atividade da fosfatase alcalina em microalgas marinhas costeiras selecionadas

A incorporação de fósforo (P) foi avaliada através da técnica de marcador enzimático fluorescente a fim de determinar a atividade da fosfatase alcalina (PA) em dois clones de Phaeodactylum tricornutum (Bohlin), Ub3 e Ub7, isolados de Ubatuba (SP), em Tetraselmis aff. chui (Butcher) e Prorocentrum minimum (Pavillard) J. Schiller, isoladas da Baía de Guanabara (RJ) e na Comunidade Natural da Baía de Guanabara (RJ). A fosfatase alcalina (PA) é uma enzima extracelular associada à membrana que catalisa a hidrólise de compostos orgânicos de fósforo em resposta à limitação de fosfato. Sua análise, a partir do marcador ELF-97, proporciona uma avaliação individual e, portanto, determina as condições nutricionais de fósforo inorgânico em células fitoplanctônicas. Os clones de P. tricornutum apresentaram diferenças no desenvolvimento quando incubados no tratamento P-repleto. O clone Ub7 de P. tricornutum apresentou a maior atividade enzimática quando comparado às demais espécies testadas, em condições P-repletas. Enquanto P. minimum apresentou a maior atividade da fosfatase alcalina em condições P-limitadas. Entre as espécies T. aff. chui e P. minimum, a maior atividade enzimática ocorreu durante a fase estacionária de desenvolvimento, entretanto diferenças foram observadas somente nas menores concentrações de fosfato. P. tricornutum, T. aff. chui e P. minimum, ao longo dos experimentos, utilizaram duas estratégias para incorporação de fosfato, aumentando a atividade da fosfatase alcalina, assim como alterando o biovolume ou a máxima dimensão linear para manter a relação S/V estável. Em P. tricornutum os sítios da atividade enzimática ocorreram na membrana celular, em T. aff. chui encontrados intracelularmente, enquanto em P. minimum observados tanto nas membranas, quanto no interior das células. No experimento realizado com a comunidade natural, houve predomínio das diatomáceas entre todos os grupos e tratamentos; as espécies foram agrupadas nas estratégias adaptativas C e R e classificadas principalmente como R-estrategistas. Os dinoflagelados da Ordem Prorocentrales utilizaram a incorporação do fósforo orgânico como estratégia para obtenção de fósforo em condições limitantes. Entretanto, as diatomáceas apresentaram tal estratégia de forma mais variável. Quanto às prasinofíceas, embora Tetraselmis sp. tenha apresentado baixa atividade enzimática nos experimentos unialgais, as concentrações de fosfato ao longo do experimento não resultaram na utilização de P orgânico para o grupo. Os resultados destacaram as diferenças intra e interespecíficas na atividade da fosfatase alcalina, e, consequentemente, na incorporação de fósforo orgânico, uma vez que as espécies testadas regularam a atividade enzimática de acordo com as diferentes concentrações externas de fosfato.

克隆植物对异质性环境的生态适应对策

时空异质性是生境的基本特征。几乎所有植物都是在一定尺度的时空异质性环境中完成其生活史的。在进化过程中，植物可能形成了各种有效利用环境异质性的生态适应对策。克隆生长使得克隆植物在理论上更容易适应于异质性环境。本文以匍匐茎和根状茎型草本为材料，应用实验生态学方法研究了游击型克隆植物对异质性环境的生态适应对策。 在沙丘生境（如毛乌素沙地）中，沙埋是植物常常遭遇的事件。由于沙埋在水平空间表现出非均匀性，克隆植物的基株或克隆片断常常经历局部沙埋。通过温室和野外实验，研究了克隆整合作用对鹅绒委陵菜和沙鞭沙埋分株忍受沙埋能力的影响。结果表明，克隆整合显著提高鹅绒委陵菜和沙鞭沙埋分株的存活。进一步的耗-益分析表明，克隆整合使鹅绒委陵菜沙埋分株显著受益，而对非沙埋分株却没有显著耗损，故整个克隆片断的生长得到显著提高。因此，克隆整合是沙丘生境中克隆植物对局部沙埋胁迫的生态适应对策之一。 通过2个温室实验，研究了金戴戴对光照、基质养分和盐分的克隆可塑性。结果表明：光照强度、基质养分和盐分对金戴戴克隆生长和克隆形态均有十分显著的影响。深度遮光、低养和高盐均显著削弱金戴戴的生长，其生物量、叶面积、分株数、匍匐茎长及叶柄长和根冠比对基质盐分的可塑性大小和格局显示出基株间的差异。在低养分条件下，金戴戴匍匐茎节间显著伸长，而分枝强度显著减弱。这些结果与克隆植物觅食模型相符合，表明当生长于异质性环境，金戴戴可凭借克隆可塑性实现的觅养行为来增加对养分资源的摄取。因此，克隆可塑性是克隆植物利用环境异质性的另一条途径。 在另一温室实验中，研究了三种匍匐茎克隆草本鹅绒委陵菜、金戴戴和绢毛匍匐委陵菜对光照和养分资源交互斑块性环境的反应。当置于高光低养下的分株与低光高养下的分株相连时，高光低养分株、低光高养分株以及克隆片断的生物量均得到显著提高。同时，低光高养下分株的根冠比相对增加，而高光低养下分株的根冠比相对下降。这表明，三种克隆植物发生了环境诱导的克隆内分工行为。这种环境诱导的克隆内分工行为有利于整个基株对资源交互斑块性环境的利用，是克隆植物对异质性环境的生态适应对策。

克隆植物对异质性生境的适应对策研究

植物的生境在时间和空间上都是异质性的，即使在很小的尺度上这种异质性也是存在的。克隆生长使得克隆植物在理论上更适应利用异质性环境，本文以几种克隆植物为对象，采用实验生态学方法，着重从生理生态特性、信号物质传导方面探讨克隆植物对异质性环境的适应对策。 以匍匐茎克隆植物野草莓(Fragaria vesca)为对象，研究了不同海拔梯度种群(1800m和3900m)对光照和养分资源斑块性分布生境的响应。研究结果显示：与资源的空间同质性处理(I) 和(II) 相比, 资源的空间异质性处理(III) 和(IV) 两个种群野草莓的近端、远端和整个克隆片段的生物量和分株数均获得显著增加。经历低光高养近端分株与经历高光低养的远段分株相连时，相比与低光高养的同质生境，来自两个海拔的种群分配更多的生物量到根；经历高光低养近端分株与经历低光高养远端分株相连时，相比于高光低养的同质生境，来自两个海拔的种群分配更少的生物量到根，类似的生物量分配格局在远端分株也被观察到。相比于高光低养同质性生境，当与低光高养远端分株相连时经历高光低养近端分株有更大的叶面积；相比于高光低养同质性生境，当与低光高养近端分株相连时经历高光低养远端分株有更大叶面积。实验结果表明, 资源交互斑块性生境中野草莓发生了克隆内分工。通过克隆内分工, 克隆植物能有效的利用异质性分布的资源, 缓解资源交互斑块性分布对克隆植物生长的不利影响。 以匍匐茎克隆植物蛇莓(Duchesnea indica)为对象, 研究其在高光照低水分斑块和低光照高水分斑块组成的资源交互斑块性生境中的克隆内分工。结果显示，当生长于高光照低水分(HL)条件下近端分株(basal ramets)与生长于低光照高水分(LH)条件下的远端分株(apical ramets)之间的匍匐茎连接时，近端分株根冠比显著下降，而远端分株根冠比显著增加，近端分株叶面积和远端分株总根长显著增加；当与低光照高水分条件下的远端分株相连时，近端分株叶片光合速率和叶绿素含量也相应增加。此外，克隆分株间资源交互传输显著提高蛇莓的生长表现（生物量和分株数）。因此，在光、水资源交互斑块性环境中克隆植物蛇莓分株在生物量分配、资源获取器官形态和生理特性方面发生了环境诱导的功能特化。这种对局部丰富资源的趋富特化在一定的程度上增强了克隆分株对资源的吸收利用能力，克隆内资源共享有助于缓解资源交互性斑块生境对克隆植物生长的不利影响，有效地提高克隆植物在其生境中存活与定居能力。 一个盆栽实验被采用以便调查克隆整合对经受局部沙埋的根状茎克隆植物沙生苔草(Carex praeclara)的影响，结果显示随着沙埋深度的增加，切断分株间的根状茎连接将显著降低经受沙埋处理分株的存活。当克隆植物经历局部沙埋时，切断分株间根状茎连接对其克隆生长（生物量、分株数和叶片数量）有显著负影响。耗-益(cost-benefit)分析显示，当与经历沙埋处理的远端分株相连时，近端分株的生长表现没有遭受任何负面影响。与经历沙埋处理远端分株相连时，近端分株的光合能力随沙埋深度的增加而增加。分株间的源-汇反馈调节机制所导致的补偿性反应减缓了局部沙埋对克隆植物生长的负效应。因此，克隆整合有助于提高经历局部沙埋克隆植物的存活，克隆植物在沙化地区植被恢复与重建方面具有重要意义。 克隆植物分株间的匍匐茎或根状茎连接不仅可以传输水分、矿质养分、光合产物，而且还可以传输信号物质。以根状茎克隆植物黑褐苔草(Carex alrofusca)为对象，采用盆栽实验研究外源茉莉酸诱导克隆片段相连分株间信号物质传导。结果显示，相比中龄和老龄分株，幼年分株对1mM茉莉酸诱导有显著反应。茉莉酸引起幼年分株叶片浓缩单宁含量显著增加，同时其叶片可溶性碳水化合物和氮含量降低。茉莉酸诱导后，幼年分株被昆虫咬食叶面积比率显著下降。因此匍匐茎或根状茎传也是克隆植物分株间信号物质传导重要通道，克隆植物通过分株间的风险扩散策略增强了对幼嫩植物组织器官的保护，这对克隆植物的存活或生长具有重要意义。

克隆植物东方草莓对异质生境的适应对策

克隆植物被认为比非克隆植物更宜于利用异质性环境。在复杂的空间异质环境中，克隆植物可能形成了各种有效利用环境异质性的适应对策。对于克隆植物适应机制的研究，前人已做了大量的工作，特别是从形态和生物量分配等方面对简单异质生境下克隆植物的克隆整合和克隆分工进行了详细的研究。本研究以分布广泛的克隆植物东方草莓（Fragaria orientalis）作为研究对象，应用野外调查和实验生态学方法，采用多对比度单资源模型和不同向双资源模型，从形态和生理生态的角度，研究复杂异质生境下克隆植物的整合和分工及其耗益问题，分析不同类型的生境对克隆植物整合和分工的修饰作用，进而探讨克隆植物对异质生境的适应策略。克隆构型和分株种群特征是植物克隆生长及其生态适应对策研究的基本内容。本文通过野外调查，研究在不同光照条件下东方草莓克隆构型、分株种群特征以及点分布格局。结果表明：东方草莓的克隆构型随光照发生相应的变化，低光照下其匍匐茎节间长和分枝角度均增大而分枝强度减小；随光照减弱，东方草莓分株种群的生物量、根冠比和分株种群密度显著降低；不同光照下东方草莓分株均以随机分布为主但不同尺度下有所差异，其分布格局强度依次为旷地<林缘<林下。结合克隆植物对资源的利用对策，探讨了克隆构型和分株种群特征以及分布格局随环境条件变化的生态适应意义。不同生境斑块条件下克隆植物可能采取不同的适应对策。采用盆栽实验，研究不同水分对比度下克隆整合及其生理生态特征，并对单向和交互资源中东方草莓的克隆整合做了对比研究。结果显示：高的水分对比度能够促进东方草莓的克隆整合，并能刺激相连分株增加光合作用，东方草莓体内的氧化—抗氧化系统也II随对比度做出相应的反应。耗-益分析表明胁迫分株的受益是以供给分株的损耗为代价的，但从克隆片段总体来说是受益的。单向资源中东方草莓生长的绝对值高于交互资源，但耗-益分析表明生长于交互资源下东方草莓的克隆整合获益大于生长于单向资源下东方草莓的克隆整合获益。长期生长于特定生境的克隆植物，在进化过程中其克隆整合和克隆分工在对资源异质性的适应策略方面可能有所侧重。采用盆栽实验对来自不同海拔梯度的东方草莓的克隆整合和克隆分工对异质资源的适应对策进行了研究。实验结果表明，来自高海拔的东方草莓可塑性较差。来自两个海拔的东方草莓对切断匍匐茎的表现有所差异，总体上切断匍匐茎对来自高海拔的东方草莓影响更大些。另外，来自高海拔的东方草莓表现出更高的克隆分工。IIIClonal plants are known to be more suitable for the habitats of heterogeneousresources than nonclonal plants, perhaps due to their well developed adaptivestrategies to environmental heterogeneity. Many studies have been done on theadaptive mechanisms of clonal plants, especially on the clonal integration anddivision of labor with morphology and biomass allocation under simpleheterogeneous habitats. Based on field surveys, laboratory experiments, multi-contrastunidirectional resource model and reciprocal resource model, Fragaria orientalis, aRosaceae stoloniferous herb that widely distributes in China, was used to study thisplant’s morphological and physiological responses to complicated heterogeneoushabitats in terms of its clonal integration, division of labor and cost-benefit, as well astheir modifications by different habitats, so as to better understand the adaptivestrategies of clonal plants under heterogeneous environments.Clonal architecture and ramet population characteristics are of the major concernin the studies on growth and adaptive strategies of clonal plants. Clonal architecture,ramet population characteristics and spatial point pattern of F. orientalis underdifferent light intensity were studied with field observations. The results showed that,clonal architecture changed with light availability: Internode-lengths and branchangels of stolons were larger while branch intensities were smaller under lower lightintensity than those under higher light intensity; Biomass of ramet population,root-shoot ratio and density of ramet population decreased significantly with reduce oflight intensity; Under all light intensities, spatial pattern of ramets was mainlyrandomly distributed but it changed with different scales, with pattern intensity as:open space < forest edge < understory. Adaptation significance of the clonal architecture, the ramet population characteristics and the spatial pattern changing withdifferent environments was discussed according to these results.Clonal plants may take different adaptive strategies under different patches. Withpot culture, clonal integration and physiological parameters of F. orientalis underdifferent water contrasts were studied, and clonal integration under unilateralresources and reciprocal resources were also compared. The results suggested that,high water contrast improve the clonal integration of F. orientalis and increase thephotosynthesis of connected ramets. Oxidative and antioxidative system of F.orientalis also responded with changing water contrasts. According to cost-benefitanalysis, the drought-stressed ramets obtained benefits from the connectedwell-watered ramets, and as a whole, the clonal fragment could also get benefits.Growth of F. orientalis in homogeneous resources was better than that inheterogeneous resources, but the whole plant got more benefit through clonalintegration in heterogeneous resources than in homogeneous resources.Pot culture experiments were also used to study the adaptive strategies inutilizing heterogeneous resources by the plant populations from different altitudes.The results showed that, F. orientalis from alpine zones were shorter and lessexpanded with poorer clonal plasticity than those from middle mountains. F.orientalis from two different altitudes showed different responses to stolon severing,and as a whole, stolon severing had more influence on F. orientalis from alpine zones.In addition, F. orientalis from alpine zones exhibited higher division of labor, whichsuggested that clonal plants from different habitats develop their own adaptivemechanisms in their clonal integration and division of labor in response toenvironmental heterogeneity.

Causes and prediction of abrupt climate-driven ecosystem shifts in the North Atlantic

Warming of the global climate is now unequivocal and its impact on Earth’ functional units has become more apparent. Here, we show that marine ecosystems are not equally sensitive to climate change and reveal a critical thermal boundary where a small increase in temperature triggers abrupt ecosystem shifts seen across multiple trophic levels. This large-scale boundary is located in regions where abrupt ecosystem shifts have been reported in the North Atlantic sector and thereby allows us to link these shifts by a global common phenomenon. We show that these changes alter the biodiversity and carrying capacity of ecosystems and may, combined with fishing, precipitate the reduction of some stocks of Atlantic cod already severely impacted by exploitation. These findings offer a way to anticipate major ecosystem changes and to propose adaptive strategies for marine exploited resources such as cod in order to minimize social and economic consequences.

Impacts of Climate Change on European Marine Ecosystems: Observations, Expectations and Indicators

The Northern Hemisphere has been warmer since 1980 than at any other time during the last 2000 years. The observed increase in temperature has been generally higher in northern than in southern European seas, and higher in enclosed than in open seas. Although European marine ecosystems are influenced by many other factors, such as nutrient enrichment and overfishing, every region has shown at least some changes that were most likely attributable to recent climate change. It is expected that within open systems there will generally be (further) northward movement of species, leading to a switch from polar to more temperate species in the northern seas such as the Arctic, Barents Sea and the Nordic Seas, and subtropical species moving northward to temperate regions such as the Iberian upwelling margin. For seas that are highly influenced by river runoff, such as the Baltic Sea, an increase in freshwater due to enhanced rainfall will lead to a shift from marine to more brackish and even freshwater species. If semi-enclosed systems such as the Mediterranean and the Black Sea lose their endemic species, the associated niches will probably be filled by species originating from adjacent waters and, possibly, with species transported from one region to another via ballast water and the Suez Canal. A better understanding of potential climate change impacts (scenarios) at both regional and local levels, the development of improved methods to quantify the uncertainty of climate change projections, the construction of usable climate change indicators, and an improvement of the interface between science and policy formulation in terms of risk assessment will be essential to formulate and inform better adaptive strategies to address the inevitable consequences of climate change.

Implications of streamlining theory for microbial ecology

Whether a small cell, a small genome or a minimal set of chemical reactions with self-replicating properties, simplicity is beguiling. As Leonardo da Vinci reportedly said, 'simplicity is the ultimate sophistication'. Two diverging views of simplicity have emerged in accounts of symbiotic and commensal bacteria and cosmopolitan free-living bacteria with small genomes. The small genomes of obligate insect endosymbionts have been attributed to genetic drift caused by small effective population sizes (Ne). In contrast, streamlining theory attributes small cells and genomes to selection for efficient use of nutrients in populations where Ne is large and nutrients limit growth. Regardless of the cause of genome reduction, lost coding potential eventually dictates loss of function. Consequences of reductive evolution in streamlined organisms include atypical patterns of prototrophy and the absence of common regulatory systems, which have been linked to difficulty in culturing these cells. Recent evidence from metagenomics suggests that streamlining is commonplace, may broadly explain the phenomenon of the uncultured microbial majority, and might also explain the highly interdependent (connected) behavior of many microbial ecosystems. Streamlining theory is belied by the observation that many successful bacteria are large cells with complex genomes. To fully appreciate streamlining, we must look to the life histories and adaptive strategies of cells, which impose minimum requirements for complexity that vary with niche.

Impacts of ocean acidification in a warming Mediterranean Sea: An overview

Mediterranean Sea fisheries supply significant local and international markets, based largely on small pelagic fish, artisanal fisheries and aquaculture of finfish (mainly seabass and seabream) and shellfish (mussels and oysters). Fisheries and aquaculture contribute to the economy of countries bordering this sea and provide food and employment to coastal communities employing ca 600,000 people. Increasing temperatures and heat wave frequency are causing stress and mortality in marine organisms and ocean acidification is expected to worsen these effects, especially for bivalves and coralligenous systems. Recruitment and seed production present possible bottlenecks for shellfish aquaculture in the future since early life stages are vulnerable to acidification and warming. Although adult finfish seem able to withstand the projected increases in seawater CO2, degradation of seabed habitats and increases in harmful blooms of algae and jellyfish might adversely affect fish stocks. Ocean acidification should therefore be factored into fisheries and aquaculture management plans. Rising CO2 levels are expected to reduce coastal biodiversity, altering ecosystem functioning and possibly impacting tourism being the Mediterranean the world’s most visited region. We recommend that ocean acidification is monitored in key areas of the Mediterranean Sea, with regular assessments of the likely socio-economic impacts to build adaptive strategies for the Mediterranean countries concerned.

Characterization of nontypable Haemophilus influenzae isolates recovered from adult patients with underlying chronic lung disease reveals genotypic and phenotypic traits associated with persistent infection

Nontypable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) has emerged as an important opportunistic pathogen causing infection in adults suffering obstructive lung diseases. Existing evidence associates chronic infection by NTHi to the progression of the chronic respiratory disease, but specific features of NTHi associated with persistence have not been comprehensively addressed. To provide clues about adaptive strategies adopted by NTHi during persistent infection, we compared sequential persistent isolates with newly acquired isolates in sputa from six patients with chronic obstructive lung disease. Pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) identified three patients with consecutive persistent strains and three with new strains. Phenotypic characterisation included infection of respiratory epithelial cells, bacterial self-aggregation, biofilm formation and resistance to antimicrobial peptides (AMP). Persistent isolates differed from new strains in showing low epithelial adhesion and inability to form biofilms when grown under continuous-flow culture conditions in microfermenters. Self-aggregation clustered the strains by patient, not by persistence. Increasing resistance to AMPs was observed for each series of persistent isolates; this was not associated with lipooligosaccharide decoration with phosphorylcholine or with lipid A acylation. Variation was further analyzed for the series of three persistent isolates recovered from patient 1. These isolates displayed comparable growth rate, natural transformation frequency and murine pulmonary infection. Genome sequencing of these three isolates revealed sequential acquisition of single-nucleotide variants in the AMP permease sapC, the heme acquisition systems hgpB, hgpC, hup and hxuC, the 3-deoxy-D-manno-octulosonic acid kinase kdkA, the long-chain fatty acid transporter ompP1, and the phosphoribosylamine glycine ligase purD. Collectively, we frame a range of pathogenic traits and a repertoire of genetic variants in the context of persistent infection by NTHi.

Laterality as an indicator of emotional stress in ewes and lambs during a separation test

We assessed motor laterality in sheep to explore species-specific brain hemi-field dominance and how this could be affected by genetic or developmental factors. Further, we investigated whether directionality and strength of laterality could be linked to emotional stress in ewes and their lambs during partial separation. Forty-three ewes and their singleton lambs were scored on the (left/right) direction of turn in a y-maze to rejoin a conspecific (laterality test). Further, their behavioural response (i.e. time spent near the fence, vocalisations, and activity level) during forced separation by an open-mesh fence was assessed (separation test). Individual laterality was recorded for 44.2 % ewes (significant right bias) and 81.4 % lambs (equally biased to the left and the right). There was no significant association in side bias between dams and offspring. The Chi-squared test revealed a significant population bias for both groups (p < 0.05). Evolutionary adaptive strategies or stimuli-related visual laterality may provide explanation for this decision-making process. Absolute strength of laterality (irrespective of side) was high (Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, dams: D = 0.2; p < 0.001; lambs: D = 0.36, p < 0.0001). The Wilcoxon test showed that lateralised lambs and dams spent significantly more time near each other during separation than non-lateralised animals (p < 0.05), and that lateralised dams were also more active than non-lateralised ones. Arguably, the lateralised animals showed a greater attraction to their pair because they were more disturbed and thus required greater reassurance. The data show that measures of laterality offer a potential novel non-invasive indicator of separation stress.

L'efficacité de l'imagerie guidée sur la douleur, l'anxiété, le coping et le retour aux activités d'adolescents ayant subi une chirurgie correctrice de scoliose

De nombreuses études ont démontré que les adolescents qui subissent une chirurgie correctrice de scoliose éprouvent des douleurs postopératoires intenses et cela pendant plusieurs jours après leur chirurgie. L’originalité de cette étude de type quasi-expérimental, consistait à réaliser un DVD sur une technique d’imagerie guidée et de relaxation combinée à une intervention éducative (gestion de la douleur) sur la douleur, l’anxiété, le coping et le retour aux activités d’adolescents ayant subi une chirurgie correctrice de scoliose. Prenant appui sur la théorie du portillon (Melzack & Casey, 1968) et sur la théorie transactionnelle du stress et coping (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984), quatre hypothèses ont été retenues en vue de vérifier l’effet de cette intervention. Trente et un adolescents, âgés entre 13 et 19 ans ont été répartis en deux groupes de façon aléatoire. Les participantes du groupe expérimental devaient visionner un DVD sur une technique d’imagerie guidée et de relaxation combinée à de l’information sur la gestion de la douleur en période préopératoire, au moment du congé de l’hôpital et ce, au moins trois fois par semaine sur une période d’un mois post congé. De plus, ce groupe continuait à recevoir les soins usuels. Les participants du groupe contrôle ne recevaient que les soins usuels. Les instruments de mesure utilisés furent le questionnaire concis de la douleur (QCD) (Larue F, Colleau, Brasseur, & Cleeland, 1995), l’inventaire d’anxiété situationnelle et de trait d’anxiété (IASTA-Y) (Gauthier & Bouchard, 1993) et l’inventaire du coping face à la douleur pédiatrique (Spicher, 2003). Quatre temps de mesure ont été planifiés, soit la journée avant la chirurgie, au congé de l’hôpital, au 14ième jour post congé et lors de la visite à la clinique d’orthopédie à un mois post congé. Les résultats montraient que les deux groupes étaient équivalents en ce qui concernait les caractéristiques sociodémographiques et les variables dépendantes. Les participants du groupe expérimental présentaient une douleur générale ressentie dans le dernier 24 heures plus basse au 14ième jour (p = 0,012) et un mois après leur congé de l’hôpital (p = 0,049). Certaines activités quotidiennes ont démontré une différence significative au 14ième jour soit : les activités scolaires ou de travail (p = 0,046), et les activités de soutien vital (manger, dormir) (p = 0,024), Par contre, nous n’avons pas observé de différence significative au niveau de l’anxiété situationnelle et des stratégies adaptatives de coping entre les deux groupes. L’auteur conclut que le niveau de douleur postopératoire des adolescents qui ont subi une chirurgie correctrice de scoliose peut être réduit par un visionnement d’un DVD sur une technique d’imagerie guidée et de relaxation combinée à une intervention éducative (information sur la douleur). De plus, ceci semble avoir un effet positif sur le retour plus rapide de certaines activités quotidiennes.

L'expérience de femmes atteintes de sclérodermie et vivant avec une limitation fonctionnelle : une étude phénoménologique.

La sclérodermie est une maladie méconnue par la population en général et également par les professionnels de la santé. La méconnaissance est reliée en partie à l’aspect que la sclérodermie est une maladie rare et reçoit peu d’intérêt de la part des chercheurs, des organismes subventionnaires et des compagnies pharmaceutiques. Ainsi, à l’heure actuelle, peu d’études ont été réalisées pour comprendre la signification de l’expérience de femmes atteintes de sclérodermie et vivant avec une limitation fonctionnelle. La présente étude avait pour but de décrire et comprendre la signification de l’expérience de femmes atteintes de sclérodermie avec une limitation fonctionnelle. L’étudiante-chercheuse a utilisé la perspective infirmière de Watson, la philosophie du caring humain (1988, 1999, 2005, 2006a, 2008). La méthode qualitative de type phénoménologique de Giorgi (1997) a été choisie pour analyser les entrevues. Six femmes ont accepté de participer en partageant leur expérience lors d’un entretien individuel. L’analyse des données a fait émerger trois thèmes, soit : Urgence de vouloir vivre, Déclin de l’autonomie comme source de souffrance et Réappropriation continue du soi. Les résultats permettent de mieux comprendre l’expérience de femmes atteintes de sclérodermie et vivant avec une limitation fonctionnelle. L’incertitude de l’évolution de la sclérodermie dans la vie de ces femmes contribue grandement à l’urgence de vouloir vivre normalement avant qu’il ne soit trop tard. Les résultats évoquent les stratégies adaptatives qu’elles choisissent pour y parvenir, tout en vivant des moments de détresse accompagnés d’espoir. Cette détresse psychologique et émotionnelle est teintée par les conséquences limitantes liées aux symptômes et à l’atteinte à l’image corporelle. Au quotidien, ces femmes se réapproprient un soi qui se renouvèle avec l’évolution de la maladie, la sclérodermie.

Éthique et acculturation. Positions de Montréalais d'origine congolaise sur l'interruption de grossesse.

Avec la participation de 38 Montréalais d'origine congolaise, dont 21 femmes et 17 hommes

Assessing adaptation – Climate change and indigenous livelihood in the Andes of Bolivia

Based on a case study of Charazani – Bolivia, this article outlines the understanding of adaptive strategies to cope with climate change and its impact on environmental and socioeconomic conditions that are affecting rural livelihoods. Mainly qualitative methods were used to collect and analyze data following the framework for vulnerability assessments of a socio-ecological system. Climate data reveals an increase of precipitation and temperature during the last decades. Furthermore the occurrence of extreme weather events, particularly drought, frost, hailstorms and consequently landslides and fire are increasing. Local testimonies highlight these events as the principle reasons for agricultural losses. This climatic variability and simultaneous social changes were identified as the drivers of vulnerability. Yet, several adaptive measures were identified at household, community and external levels in order to cope with such vulnerability; e.g. traditional techniques in agriculture and risk management. Gradually, farmers complement these activities with contemporary practices in agriculture, like intensification of land use, diversification of irrigation system and use of artificial fertilizers. As part of a recent trend community members are forced to search for new off-farm alternatives beyond agriculture for subsistence. Despite there is a correspondingly large array of possible adaptation measures that families are implementing, local testimonies point out, that farmers often do not have the capacity and neither the economical resources to mitigate the risk in agricultural production. Although several actions are already considered to promote further adaptive capacity, the current target is to improve existing livelihood strategies by reducing vulnerability to hazards induced by climate change.