ORGANIC MATTER FRACTIONS IN A QUARTZIPSAMMENT UNDER CULTIVATION OF IRRIGATED MANGO IN THE LOWER SÃO FRANCISCO VALLEY REGION, BRAZIL

Improper land use has lead to deterioration and depletion of natural resources, as well as a significant decline in agricultural production, due to decreased soil quality. Removal of native vegetation to make way for agricultural crops, often managed inadequately, results in soil disruption, decreased nutrient availability, and decomposition of soil organic matter, making sustainable agricultural production unviable. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of growing irrigated mango (over a 20 year period) on the organic carbon (OC) stocks and on the fractions of soil organic matter (SOM) in relation to the native caatinga (xeric shrubland) vegetation in the Lower São Francisco Valley region, Brazil. The study was carried out on the Boa Esperança Farm located in Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil. In areas under irrigated mango and native caatinga, soil samples were collected at the 0-10 and 10-20 cm depths. After preparing the soil samples, we determined the OC stocks, carbon of humic substances (fulvic acid fractions, humic acid fractions, and humin fractions), and the light and heavy SOM fractions. Growing irrigated mango resulted in higher OC stocks; higher C stocks in the fulvic acid, humic acid, and humin fractions; and higher C stocks in the heavy and light SOM fraction in comparison to nativecaatinga, especially in the uppermost soil layer.

Home versus in-hospital treatment of outpatients with acute deep venous thrombosis of the lower limbs.

BACKGROUND: Some physicians are still concerned about the safety of treatment at home of patients with acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT). METHODS: We used data from the RIETE (Registro Informatizado de la Enfermedad TromboEmbólica) registry to compare the outcomes in consecutive outpatients with acute lower limb DVT according to initial treatment at home or in the hospital. A propensity score-matching analysis was carried out with a logistic regression model. RESULTS: As of December 2012, 13,493 patients had been enrolled. Of these, 4456 (31%) were treated at home. Patients treated at home were more likely to be male and younger and to weigh more; they were less likely than those treated in the hospital to have chronic heart failure, lung disease, renal insufficiency, anemia, recent bleeding, immobilization, or cancer. During the first week of anticoagulation, 27 patients (0.20%) suffered pulmonary embolism (PE), 12 (0.09%) recurrent DVT, and 51 (0.38%) major bleeding; 80 (0.59%) died. When only patients treated at home were considered, 12 (0.27%) had PE, 4 (0.09%) had recurrent DVT, 6 (0.13%) bled, and 4 (0.09%) died (no fatal PE, 3 fatal bleeds). After propensity analysis, patients treated at home had a similar rate of venous thromboembolism recurrences and a lower rate of major bleeding (odds ratio, 0.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.1-1.0) or death (odds ratio, 0.2; 95% confidence interval, 0.1-0.7) within the first week compared with those treated in the hospital. CONCLUSIONS: In outpatients with DVT, home treatment was associated with a better outcome than treatment in the hospital. These data may help safely treat more DVT patients at home.

A Neanderthal Lower Incisor from Cova del Gegant (Sitges, Barcelona, Spain)

Cova del Gegant is located near the city of Sitges (Barcelona, Spain). The cave is a small karst system which contains Upper Pleistocene archaeological and paleontological material (DauRa et al., 2005). The site was first excavated in 1954 and then in 1972 and 1974- (Viñas, 1972; Viñas & Villalta, 1975) and in 1985 and 1989 (maRtínez et al., 1985; moRa, 1988; maRtínez et al., 1990). Finally, in 2007, Grup de Recerca del Quaternari has restarted the archaeological research at Cova del Gegant (DauRa, 2008; DauRa et al., 2010). A human mandible was recovered during the first field season in 1954 and was recently published by DauRa et al. (2005). In the present study, we describe a new human tooth (left I2) that appeared, like the mandible, in a revision of the faunal material recovered from the site in 1974-1975. The specimen preserves the entire crown and the cervical two thirds of the root (Figure 1). The lack of the root apex makes it difficult to determine if the tooth was fully developed at the time of death. However, CT analysis reveals a pulp cavity that could be still open, suggesting root formation was incomplete. The specimen shows only slight dental wear corresponding to stage 2 of Molnar (1971 en Hillson, 1996). Morphologically, the crown shows slight shovelling and a lingual tubercle and appears similar to Neandertal incisors. Standard crown measurements (buccolingual diameter=7.7 mm; mesiodistal diameter= 7.3 mm) (Figure 2) suggest a fairly large tooth, particularly in the BL dimension, again resembling Neandertals in this regard. Discriminant analysis classified the Gegant incisor as Neandertal with a 99.8% posterior probability (Table 2). Association of this tooth with the previously described mandible is considered unlikely given the different ages at death estimated for each. Thus, there appear to be two individuals preserved in the sediments of the Gegant cave, one adult and one subadult (around 8-10 years old).

Darker eumelanic barn owls better withstand food depletion through resistance to food deprivation and lower appetite.

The intensity of selection exerted on ornaments typically varies between environments. Reaction norms may help to identify the conditions under which ornamented individuals have a selective advantage over drab conspecifics. It has been recently hypothesized that in vertebrates eumelanin-based coloration reflects the ability to regulate the balance between energy intake and expenditure. We tested two predictions of this hypothesis in barn owl nestlings, namely that darker eumelanic individuals have a lower appetite and lose less weight when food-deprived. We found that individuals fed ad libitum during 24 h consumed less food when their plumage was marked with larger black spots. When food-deprived for 24 h nestlings displaying larger black spots lost less weight. Thus, in the barn owl the degree of eumelanin-based coloration reflects the ability to withstand periods of food depletion through lower appetite and resistance to food restriction. Eumelanic coloration may therefore be associated with adaptations to environments where the risk of food depletion is high.

Foot skin blood flow following infrainguinal revascularization for critical lower limb ischemia.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the blood flow in the feet before and after lower limb revascularization using laser Doppler imaging (LDI). METHODS: Ten patients with critical lower limb ischemia were prospectively enrolled from June to October 2004. All patients underwent successful unilateral surgical interventions including above-knee bypass, distal bypass and endarterectomy. Skin blood flow (SBF) over the plantar surface of both forefeet and heels was measured by LDI 24h before and 10 days after revascularization, expressed in perfusion units (PU), and reported as mean+/-SD. RESULTS: Measurements in the forefoot and heel were similar. Before revascularization mean SBF was significantly lower in the ischemic foot (130+/-71 PU) compared to the contralateral foot (212+/-68 PU), p<0.05. After revascularization a significant increase of the SBF in the forefoot (from 135+/-67 to 202+/-86 PU, p=0.001) and hindfoot (from 148+/-58 to 203+/-83, p=0.001) was observed on the treatment side. However, a large decrease of the SBF was seen in forefoot and hindfoot on the untreated side (from 250+/-123 PU to 176+/-83 and from 208+/-116 to 133+/-40, p=0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study confirms the benefits of revascularization in patients with nonhealing foot lesions due to critical limb ischemia. A significant increase of the SBF was observed on the treatment side. However, an unexpected decrease was observed on the untreated side.

The glutathione-deficient mutant pad2-1 accumulates lower amounts of glucosinolates and is more susceptible to the insect herbivore Spodoptera littoralis

Summary Plants often respond to pathogen or insect attack by inducing the synthesis of toxic compounds such as phytoalexins and glucosinolates (GS). The Arabidopsis mutant pad2-1 has reduced levels of the phytoalexin camalexin and is known for its increased susceptibility to fungal and bacterial pathogens. We found that pad2-1 is also more susceptible to the generalist insect Spodoptera littoralis but not to the specialist Pieris brassicae. The PAD2 gene encodes a gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase that is involved in glutathione (GSH) synthesis, and consequently the pad2-1 mutant contains about 20% of the GSH found in wild-type plants. Lower GSH levels of pad2-1 were correlated with reduced accumulation of the two major indole and aliphatic GSs of Arabidopsis, indolyl-3-methyl-GS and 4-methylsulfinylbutyl-GS, in response to insect feeding. This effect was specific to GSH, was not complemented by treatment of pad2-1 with the strong reducing agent dithiothreitol, and was not observed with the ascorbate-deficient mutant vtc1-1. In contrast to the jasmonate-insensitive mutant coi1-1, expression of insect-regulated and GS biosynthesis genes was not affected in pad2-1. Our data suggest a crucial role for GSH in GS biosynthesis and insect resistance.

Fifth-order cyclicity and organic matter contents relationship (Lower Eocene, Pyrenees)

The Upper Limestone Member of the Corones Formation of the Spanish Pyrenees consists of various units (Lower and Upper Foraminifera Units, Shale Unit, Cherty-ostracode Unit, Ostracode Unit and Chara-ostracode Unit) and offers strong facies and lateral thickness (20 to 80 m) variations. Detailed facies analyses, fifth-order cycles and organic geochemical determinations in the central domain of the Corones platform carbonates (Cherty-ostracode Unit), lower Eocene in age, were carried out to establish a case of close relationship between variations in organic matter productivity and cyclicity with annual period. The Cherty-ostracode Unit displays a continuous and pervasive fifth-order cyclicity, represented by 5 cycles. Each cycle consists of a lower part (mollusc facies) and an upper part (laminated ostracode facies). The calculated fifth-order cycle period ranges from about 17,000 to 28,000 years, which falls within the Milankovitch Band. Variations in organic matter content related to these carbonate cycles have been established. The lower mollusc facies members show a low organic carbon content and Hydrogen Index (HI) below 0.6% in weight and 261, respectively. By contrast, the upper laminated ostracode facies members show high organic carbon contents (up to 2% in weight) and high HI (between 164 and 373), and are also characterized by important silicification processes (the content in chert is up to 30%). The organic geochemistry resulting from these organic rich levels reflects a contribution of algal marine input.

Treatment of genital mycoplasma in colonized pregnant women in late pregnancy is associated with a lower rate of premature labour and neonatal complications.

Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma spp. may colonize the human genital tract and have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm labour and preterm premature rupture of membranes. However, as these bacteria can reside in the normal vaginal flora, there are controversies regarding their true role during pregnancy and so the need to treat these organisms. We therefore conducted a retrospective analysis to evaluate the treatment of genital mycoplasma in 5377 pregnant patients showing symptoms of potential obstetric complications at 25-37 weeks of gestation. Women presenting with symptoms were routinely screened by culture for the presence of these bacteria and treated with clindamycin when positive. Compared with uninfected untreated patients, women treated for genital mycoplasma demonstrated lower rates of premature labour. Indeed preterm birth rates were, respectively, 40.9% and 37.7% in women colonized with Ureaplasma spp. and M. hominis, compared with 44.1% in uncolonized women (Ureaplasma spp., p 0.024; M. hominis, p 0.001). Moreover, a reduction of neonatal complications rates was observed, with 10.9% of newborns developing respiratory diseases in case of Ureaplasma spp. colonization and 5.9% in the presence of M. hominis, compared with 12.8% in the absence of those bacteria (Ureaplasma spp., p 0.050; M. hominis, p <0.001). Microbiological screening of Ureaplasma spp. and/or M. hominis and pre-emptive antibiotic therapy of symptomatic pregnant women in late pregnancy might represent a beneficial strategy to reduce premature labour and neonatal complications.

Shorter time since inflammatory bowel disease diagnosis in children is associated with lower mental health in parents.

AIM: This study assessed the mental health of parents of children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), compared their mental health with age-matched and gender-matched references and examined parental and child predictors for mental health problems. METHODS: A total of 125 mothers and 106 fathers of 125 children with active and inactive IBD from the Swiss IBD multicentre cohort study were included. Parental mental health was assessed by the Symptom Checklist 27 and child behaviour problems by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Child medical data were extracted from hospital records. RESULTS: While the mothers reported lower mental health, the fathers' mental health was similar, or even better, than in age-matched and gender-matched community controls. In both parents, shorter time since the child's diagnosis was associated with poorer mental health. In addition, the presence of their own IBD diagnosis and child behaviour problems predicted maternal mental health problems. CONCLUSIONS: Parents of children with IBD may need professional support when their child is diagnosed, to mitigate distress. This, in turn, may help the child to adjust better to IBD. Particular attention should be paid to mothers who have their own IBD diagnosis and whose children display behaviour problems.

Lower Triassic bryozoan beds from Ellesmere Island, High Arctic, Canada

In the Sverdrup Basin (Canadian Arctic), the Lower Triassic Blind Fiord Formation, comprising siltstone and shale, overlies various Middle to Late Permian (post-Wordian) sedimentary units. This formation is subdivided into three members: the Confederation Point, Smith Creek and Svartfjeld members of, respectively, Griesbachian-Dienerian, Smithian-Spathian and Spathian ages. Lower Triassic bryozoan beds are known from many sections of Ellesmere Island, but have never been studied in detail. During the Early Triassic biotic recovery interval, immediately following the Permian/Triassic extinction event, only one new bryozoan genus evolved in the Boreal region: Arcticopora. The first lower Triassic bryozoan bed appears in the upper part of the Confederation Point Member, and is dated as late Dienerian. Succeeding bryozoan levels occur in the upper Smith Creek Member, and are late Smithian-early Spathian in age. Bryozoan beds occupy a similar stratigraphic position in Spitsbergen. There, they occur scattered in silt to coarse sandstone beds, but also in bryozoan-dominated packstone beds resembling the packstone units in the uppermost part of the Confederation Point Member of Ellesmere Island. Previously, bryozoan-rich beds of Triassic age have not been reported, and the present work fills an important time gap in the bryozoan carbonate database

Lower limb high arterial flow induced by tenofovir and emtricitabine treatment.

Here, we describe a case of an HIV-infected patient with right lower limb oedema that appeared after initiation of tenofovir and emtricitabine treatment. The patient was fully investigated by serial heart and vessel echo-Doppler examination. Oedema of the lower limb was attributed to a transient drug-induced fivefold increase in peripheral artery flow, which was induced by a reduction in peripheral arterial resistance. The possible mechanisms of disease are discussed.