Visual description and Radiolarian abundance estimates of ODP Hole 200-1223A sediments

Among the groups of oceanic microfossils, only Radiolaria occur in abundances and preservation states sufficient to provide biostratigraphic control for restricted intervals within sediments recovered in Hole 1223A. The distribution of these microfossils has been divided into four major intervals, A-D. Radiolaria distribution Interval A occupies the depth range 0-3.0 meters below seafloor (mbsf), where the abundance of specimens is very low and preservation is poor. Radiolaria distribution Interval B occupies the depth range 3.02-7.1 mbsf. Radiolaria in Interval B are locally rare to abundant and well preserved, and assemblages range in age from pure early Eocene to early Eocene admixed with late Neogene taxa. Radiolaria distribution Interval C occupies the depth range 7.1-36.99 mbsf and is characterized by sediments either barren of microfossils or containing extremely rare early Eocene specimens. Radiolaria distribution Interval D occupies the depth range 36.99-38.7 mbsf (base of the recovered sedimentary section), where early Eocene Radiolaria are present in rare to common frequencies, but opal-A to opal-CT recrystallization has degraded the preservation state. The late Neogene assemblage of Radiolaria distribution Interval B is dated at 1.55-2.0 Ma, based on occurrences of Eucyrtidium matuyamai, Lamprocyclas heteroporos, and Theocorythium trachelium trachelium. The early Eocene assemblage of Radiolaria distribution Intervals B and D is somewhat problematically assigned to the Buryella clinata Zone.

Prevalence of rectocele in young nulliparous women

Background: It is generally assumed that fascial defects in the rectovaginal septum are the result of childbirth. However, rectoceles do occur in women who have never delivered vaginally. Aims: To determine the incidence of rectocele in a cohort of asymptomatic, young nulliparous women. Methods: Observational cohort study on 178 nulliparous caucasian women (aged 18-24) recruited for a twin study of pelvic floor dysfunction. All women were interviewed and examined by translabial ultrasound, supine and after voiding. In 52 women, 3D imaging was obtained and 171 datasets were complete and available for analysis. Ultrasound findings were reviewed for rectovaginal septal integrity by an assessor blinded against interview and demographic data for rectovaginal septal integrity. Results: A discontinuity of the anterior rectal wall with extrusion of rectal mucosa or contents (depth of ! 10 mm) was observed in 21/171 (12%). The depth of this herniation ranged from 10 to 25 mm and was filled with stool (n = 10) or rectal mucosa (n = 11). Defects were associated with a higher BMI (P = 0.049), with the complaint of constipation (P = 0.049) and non-significantly with straining at stool (P = 0.09). Descent of the ampulla to beyond the level of the symphysis pubis without fascial defect, that is, significant perineal relaxation, was observed in 23/171 (13%). Conclusions: Twelve percent of 171 young nulligravid caucasian women showed a defect of the rectovaginal septum. Associations were observed with higher body mass index and a history of constipation. It is hypothesised that in some women defects of the rectovaginal septum and perineal hypermobility may be congenital in nature.

Perinatal outcomes with laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome

The aim of this tertiary hospital-based cohort study was to determine and compare perinatal outcome and neonatal morbidities of pregnancies with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) before and after the introduction of a treatment program with laser ablation of placental communicating vessels. Twenty-seven pregnancies with Stage II-IV TTTS treated with amnioreduction were identified (amnioreduction group). The data were compared with that obtained from the first 31 pregnancies with Stage II-IV TTTS managed with laser ablation of placental communicating vessels (laser group). Comparisons were made for perinatal survival and neonatal morbidities including abnormalities on brain imaging. The median gestation at therapy was similar between the two groups (20 vs. 21 weeks, p = .24), while the median gestation at delivery was significantly greater in the laser treated group (34 vs. 28 weeks, p = .002). The perinatal survival rate was higher in the laser group (77.4% vs. 59.3%, p = .03). Neonatal morbidities including acute respiratory distress, chronic lung disease, requirement for ventilatory assistance, patent ductus arteriosus, hypotension, and oliguric renal failure had a lower incidence in the laser group. On brain imaging, ischemic brain injury was seen in 12% of the amnioreduction group and none of the laser group of infants (p = .01). In conclusion, these findings indicate that perinatal outcomes are improved with less neonatal morbidity for monochorionic pregnancies with severe TTTS treated by laser ablation of communicating placental vessels when compared to treatment by amnioreduction.

El lenguaje gráfico de Eduardo Chillida como aportación conceptual para la identidad tipográfica de la Universidad del País Vasco UPV/EHU

El valor de la documentación especializada en las fases del diseño / The value of specialized documentation in the design process este proyecto de investigación financiado por la Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea UPV/EHU-PES 11/31, a través de su programa de investigación estratégica, tiene como objetivo la creación de la tipografía de identidad visual corporativa de la Universidad del País Vasco UPV/EHU, cuyo inicio conceptual para dotar de unas características de identidad visual corporativa a la UPV/EHU, ha sido planteado desde las especulaciones estéticas sobre la forma, materializadas por Eduardo Chillida. En la producción gráfica de este artista encontramos una sutil coincidencia con principios vitales para la creación tipográfica, en cuanto al planteamiento de formas dinámicas y constructivas, en las que el rigor geométrico es vencido por una suerte de organicidad que parte del núcleo mismo de la estructura "cursus", por: la fuerza vital que imprime la acción modulada del gesto "ductus"; por la dialéctica entre lo lleno y lo vacío forma/contraforma, por el impulso y la espontaneidad carácter, o por la afirmación de un lenguaje plástico en la cultura diferenciada del medio en el que se vive la identidad.

Efeitos da exposição ao chumbo no sistema reprodutivo de Chrysomus ruficapillus (AVES: Icteridae)

O chumbo é um metal pesado que constitui um dos grandes problemas ambientais em termos de poluição atmosférica, aquática e terrestre. O impacto da exposição ao chumbo tem consequências nas características morfológicas e bioquímicas deem aves, porém são escassos os estudos sobre os efeitos no sistema reprodutivo das aves. O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar os efeitos do acetato de chumbo em parâmetros de integridade, histopatologia e bioquímica emnas células espermáticas. Foram coletadas 36 aves silvestres (Chrysomus ruficapillus) adultos, machos e expostas em gaiolas. Foi administrada uma dose única de 50 e 100 mg/kg de acetato de chumbo através de uma injeção intraperitoneal e o grupo controle recebeu uma injeção de solução salina. Após sete dias da administração das doses, foi realizada a coleta dos ductos deferentes e testículos para as análises nas células espermáticas. Os resultados mostraram que houve deterioração na integridade da membrana e DNA, e diminuição da funcionalidade mitocondrial nos testículos das aves expostas ao acetato de chumbo nas duas doses do estudo (P<0,05). Na histopatologia foi observada diminuição na quantidade de células dos estágios de desenvolvimento da espermatogênese, além de patologias nas mesmas. Observou-se danos oxidativos nas aves tratadas com 100mg/kg e um aumento da peroxidação lipídica nos testículos. Portanto, o acetato de chumbo causou efeitos negativos no aparelho reprodutivo de Chrysomus ruficapillius

Imaging of thoracic aortic injury

International audience

A systematic review of trends and patterns of congenital heart disease in children in Nigeria from 1964-2015.

Background: Congenital heart diseases cause significant childhood morbidity and mortality. Several restricted studies have been conducted on the epidemiology in Nigeria. No truly nationwide data on patterns of congenital heart disease exists. Objectives: To determine the patterns of congenital heart disease in children in Nigeria and examine trends in the occurrence of individual defects across 5 decades. Method: We searched PubMed database, Google scholar, TRIP database, World Health Organisation libraries and reference lists of selected articles for studies on patterns of congenital heart disease among children in Nigeria between 1964 and 2015. Two researchers reviewed the papers independently and extracted the data. Seventeen studies were selected that included 2,953 children with congenital heart disease. Results: The commonest congenital heart diseases in Nigeria are ventricular septal defect (40.6%), patent ductus arteriosus (18.4%), atrial septal defect (11.3%) and tetralogy of Fallot (11.8%). There has been a 6% increase in the burden of VSD in every decade for the 5 decades studied and a decline in the occurrence of pulmonary stenosis. Studies conducted in Northern Nigeria demonstrated higher proportions of atrial septal defects than patent ductus arteriosus. Conclusions: Ventricular septal defects are the commonest congenital heart diseases in Nigeria with a rising burden.

Perinatal complications associated with preterm deliveries at 24 to 33 weeks and 6 days gestation (2011- 2012): A hospital-based retrospective study

Background: Morbidity and mortality of preterm babies are important issues in perinatal medicine. In developed countries, preterm delivery is the cause of about 70% of mortality and 75% of morbidity in the neonatal period, respectively. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for preterm labor and the outcomes, in terms of perinatal mortality and morbidity at the time of discharge home, among preterm infants at less than 34 weeks gestation. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted and all infants with a gestational age of 24 to 33 weeks and 6 days who were born from November 1st , 2011 to March 31, 2012 were enrolled in this study. Results: From 1185 preterm infants were born during this period, 475 (40.08%) infants with less than 34 weeks gestational age were included in the study. Our study showed the major obstetrical risk factors for preterm labor were as follows: preeclampsia (21%), premature rupture of membranes (20.3%), abruption of placenta (10%), and idiopathic cases (48.7%). The neonatal mortality rate in less than 34 weeks was 9.05%. Significant perinatal morbidity causesd in less than 34 weeks were as follows: sepsis (46.94%), respiratory distress syndrome (41.47%), patent ductus arteriosus (21.47%), retinopathy of prematurity (3.57%), necrotizing entrocolitis (1.68%), intra-ventricular hemorrhage (9%), and broncho-pulmonary dysplasia (0.84%). Conclusion: Preterm birth is associated with adverse perinatal outcome. This situation needs to be improved by directing appropriately increased resources for improving prenatal health services and providing advanced neonatal care.

Molluscan diversity caught by trawling fisheries: a case study in southern Portugal

The effects of commercial trawling on the malacological communities (except for the Cephalopoda) were examined, based on a study undertaken between 1996 and 2000 on the continental shelf and slope of southern Portugal. More than 50% of species caught by trawling in southern Portugal were discarded, with molluscs representing about 19%. Forty-four species of molluscs (15 bivalves, 28 gastropods and one polyplacophoran) were identified from the discarded specimens. Crustacean trawlers accounted for 34 molluscs species, and fish trawlers for 24. Twenty species were only caught by the crustacean trawl, compared with 10 species by the fish trawl, and 14 species were common to both trawls. The bivalve Venus nux Gmelin was the most numerous species discarded in the fish trawl, accounting for 42.0% of the total number of individuals, followed by the gastropods Ampulla priamus (Meuschen) (7.8%) and Ranella olearium (L.) (7.3%). In the crustacean trawl, the most numerous species discarded were the bivalve Anadara diluvii (Lamarck) (19.4%), the gastropod Calliostoma granulatum (Born) (15.5%), and the bivalve V. nux (15.1%). The third most discarded species from fish trawls in Algarve waters, the gastropod species R. olearium, is a species listed in Annex II of the Bern Convention. The difficulties of managing the real impact of fisheries on the molluscan populations and in defining a conservation strategy are discussed.