Loss of POC and DOC on seagrass sediments by hydrodynamics.

Coastal development and climate change are sparking growing concern about the vulnerability of the organic carbon (OC) stocks in marine sediments to remineralization, especially in high threaten coastal ecosystems like seagrass meadows. Uncertainties still exist regarding the role played by hydrodynamics, seagrass canopies and sediment properties in OC resuspension and remineralization. A set of laboratory experiments were conducted to assess, for the first time, the mechanisms by which the particulate and dissolved organic carbon (POC and DOC) may be released and remineralized under hydrodynamic conditions (i.e., unidirectional and oscillatory flows) in two eelgrass densities and sediments properties (i.e., grain size and OC content). After a gradually increase in hydrodynamic forces, our results demonstrated that the presence of eelgrass reduced sediment erosion and OC loss in high-density canopies, while low-density canopies promote OC resuspension (on average, 1.8-fold higher than high-density canopies). We also demonstrated that unidirectional and oscillatory flows released similar DOC from surface sediments (on average, 15.5 ± 1.4 and 18.4 ± 1.8 g m-2, respectively), whereas oscillatory flow released significantly more POC than unidirectional flows (from 10.8 ± 1.1 to 32.1 ± 5.6 g m-2 for unidirectional and oscillatory flows, respectively). POC and DOC released was strongly influenced by both seagrass meadow structure (i.e., lower eelgrass density and shoot area) and sediment properties (i.e., lower mud and higher sediment water content). We found that, although >74 % of OC in upper sediments was remineralized within 30 days, a relatively high amount of OC in high-density canopies is recalcitrant, highlighting its potential for the formation of blue carbon deposits. This study highlights the vulnerability of OC deposits in seagrass sediments to resuspension if the meadow is degraded and/or the climate change yield stronger storms, which could potentially weaken the seagrass meadows' service as blue carbon ecosystem in the future.

Carbon metabolism and bioavailability of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) fluxes in seagrass communities are altered under the presence of the tropical invasive alga Halimeda incrassata.

Seagrass beds act as blue carbon sinks globally as they enhance the trapping of recalcitrant (i.e., low biodegradability) organic carbon in their sediments. Recent studies also show that the recalcitrant fraction of the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) pool in seawater has an important role as long-term carbon sequestration in oceans. Although seagrasses are known for the large amount of DOC they export, little attention has been given to its biodegradability, which ultimately determinates its fate in the coastal carbon cycle. In turn, invasive algae are a major global concern in seagrass ecosystems since they can deeply modify their structure and functions, which may affect carbon metabolism and DOC release. This work assesses how the presence of Halimeda incrassata, an invasive tropical calcareous macroalga, modifies carbon metabolism and DOC fluxes in invaded areas dominated by the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa. Our results show that stands with the presence of this seagrass (i.e., both monospecific and mixed meadow) had the highest production values, acting as high DOC producers in both winter (mainly of labile DOC; DOCL) and summer (mainly as recalcitrant DOC; DOCR). In contrast, monospecific H. incrassata beds exhibited low production values, and the presence of this macroalga (either as monospecific beds or mixed with C. nodosa) triggered the shift from a net DOC-producing-system in summer (mainly DOCL) to a net DOC-consuming-system in winter. This work thus suggests that C. nodosa meadows have the potential to export a significant fraction of both labile and recalcitrant DOC, and that the spread of this invasive alga might decrease the C export capacity of seagrass meadows. Such shift would imply the reduction of a quick and efficient transfer of carbon and energy to higher trophic levels, and might reduce the blue carbon potential of seagrasses as dissolved form in the water column.

The morphometric acclimation to depth explains the long-term resilience of the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa in a shallow tidal lagoon.

Cadiz Bay is a shallow mesotidal lagoon with extensive populations of the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa at intertidal and shallow subtidal elevations. This work aims to understand the mechanisms behind the resilience of this species to gradual sea level rise by studying its acclimation capacity to depth along the shallow littoral, and therefore, to gradual variations in the light environment. To address this objective, these populations have been monitored seasonally over a 10 year period, representing the longest seasonal database available in the literature for this species. The monitoring included populations at 0.4, -0.08 and -0.5 m LAT. The results show that C. nodosa has a strong seasonality for demographic and shoot dynamic properties - with longer shoots and larger growth in summer (high temperature) than in winter (low temperature), but also some losses. Moreover, shoots have different leaf morphometry depending on depth, with small and dense shoots in the intertidal areas (0.4 m) and sparse large shoots in the subtidal ones (-0.08 and 0.5 m). These differences in morphometry and shoot dynamic properties, combined with the differences in shoot density, explain the lack of differences in meadow production balance (i.e. meadow growth - meadow losses) between the intertidal (0.4 m) and the deepest population (-0.5 m), supporting the long term resilience of Cymodocea nodosa in Cadiz Bay. This study contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms behind seagrass stability and resilience, which is particularly important towards predicting the effects of climate change on these key coastal ecosystems, and also highlights the value of continuous long-term monitoring efforts to evaluate seagrass trajectories.

Interactive effect of temperature, acidification and ammonium enrichment on the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa.

Global (e.g. climate change) and local factors (e.g. nutrient enrichment) act together in nature strongly hammering coastal ecosystems, where seagrasses play a critical ecological role. This experiment explores the combined effects of warming, acidification and ammonium enrichment on the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa under a full factorial mesocosm design. Warming increased plant production but at the expense of reducing carbon reserves. Meanwhile, acidification had not effects on plant production but increased slightly carbon reserves, while a slight stimulation of net production and a slight decrease on carbon reserves under ammonium supply were recorded. When all the factors were combined together improved the production and carbon reserves of Cymodocea nodosa, indicating that acidification improved ammonium assimilation and buffered the enhanced respiration promoted by temperature. Therefore, it could indicate that this temperate species may benefit under the simulated future scenarios, but indirect effects (e.g. herbivory, mechanical stress, etc.) may counteract this balance.

[Oral infections and pregnancy: knowledge of health professionals]. / Infections buccodentaires et complications de la grossesse: connaissances et attitudes des professionnels de santé.

OBJECTIVE: The abundance of recent studies on the relationship between oral diseases and complications of pregnancy leads to questions on knowledge of health professionals. This study aims to establish an inventory of knowledge and practice of health professionals in France on this issue. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A questionnaire on knowledge of the relationship between oral diseases and complications of pregnancy was referred to gynaecologists and obstetricians, midwives and dentists. This study was conducted at the University Hospital of Nantes and Le Mans General Hospital. RESULTS: Eighty-seven professionals of pregnancy and 259 dentists responded to the survey. Bleeding gums and pregnancy gingivitis are the oral manifestations most cited by all practitioners. There is however a difference concerning the epulis and caries risk. The most cited Pregnancy complications are risk of premature delivery and chorioamniotitis. Only dentists had received initial training on pregnancy complications. Finally, all health professionals point to the lack of continued education on this topic. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: There is a good knowledge of the pregnancy complications associated with oral disease despite the lack of training of pregnancy, but the attitudes of care are not still in adequacy. It appears necessary to strengthen the training of all practitioners in this field. The design and implementation of a specific questionnaire on oral health status could allow better identification of the patients at risk by the professionals of pregnancy, and optimize so the care of pregnant women.

Disfunciones sexuales femeninas en atención primaria: una realidad oculta / Female sexual dysfunction in primary health care: a hidden reality

Objetivo: Detectar la disfunción sexual femenina y su relación con las distintas etapas de la vida en atención primaria. Material y método: Estudio longitudinal, observacional, abierto y multicéntrico, utilizando el cuestionario validado sobre salud y disfunción sexual femenina (SyDSF). Resultados: Se recogieron 403 cuestionarios de los 638 entregados en los 4 centros de salud participantes en el estudio. Salud sexual: satisfacción sexual, bastante, mucho o muchísimo el 75%; interés por el sexo, algo, un poco o nada el 77,17%; sensaciones placenteras, a veces, casi nunca o nunca el 70,22%; excitación durante la relación, bastante, mucho o muchísimo el 75,7%; dolor durante la relación, nada el 89,03%; alcanza el orgasmo, casi siempre o siempre el 53,59%, dificultades sexuales en pareja, nunca o casi nunca el 84,62%; prescindirían de las relaciones sexuales, nunca o casi nunca el 33,29%, a veces o a menudo el 49,22%; deprimida y nerviosa por problemas sexuales, nunca o casi nunca el 13,15%, a veces o a menudo 82,88%. Desencadenantes de problemas sexuales: enfermedad (síndrome ansioso-depresivo) el 38,61%, embarazo el 20,79%, nacimiento de un hijo el 18,32%, anticonceptivos el 21,78%, toma de fármacos 5,94%, violencia doméstica el 3,47%, problemas de pareja el 35,15%. Más de una causa de las anteriores (17,33%). Conclusiones: Las disfunciones sexuales femeninas son frecuentes y tienen un importante impacto en el contexto sociofamiliar y de pareja de las mujeres, de manera que cuando se presenta una mujer con disfunción sexual en atención primaria se debe indagar acerca de conflictos vitales, de salud, personales o de pareja y realizar un abordaje integral (AU)

Objetive: To detect female sexual dysfunction and its association with the different phases of life in primary health care. Material and method: We performed a longitudinal, observational, open, multicenter study, using a validated questionnaire on female sexual health and dysfunction. Results: Of the 638 questionnaires delivered to the 4 participating health centers, 403 were completed. Sexual health: sexual satisfaction, fair, quite a lot, or a lot 75%; interested in sex, somewhat, a bit, or not at all 77.17%; pleasurable sensations, sometimes, hardly ever, or never 70.22%; excitement during sexual relations, quite a lot or a lot 75.7%; pain during sexual relations, no pain at all 89.03%; reaching orgasm, always or almost always 53.59%; sexual problems in the couple, never or hardly ever 84.62%; would go without sexual relations, never or hardly ever 33.29%, sometimes or often 49.22%; depressed or nervous due to sexual problems, never or hardly ever 13.15%, sometimes or often 82.88%. Causes of sexual problems: illness (anxiety-depression syndrome) 38.61%; pregnancy 20.79%; birth of a child 18.32%; contraceptives 21.78%; taking medication 5.94%; domestic violence 3.45%; problems in the relationship with the partner: 35.15%. More than one of the previous causes (17.33%). Conclusions: Female sexual dysfunction is frequent and has a deep impact on women's relation-ships. Consequently when treating women with sexual dysfunction, primary care physicians should adopt an integral approach and investigate health and personal conflicts, as well as relationship difficulties in the couple (AU)

Role of secreted glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase in the infection mechanism of enterohemorrhagic and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli: interaction of the extracellular enzyme with human plasminogen and fibrinogen.

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) (EC 1.2.1.12) is an anchorless, multifunctional protein displayed on the surface of several fungi and Gram-positive pathogens, which contributes to their adhesion and virulence. To date a role for extracellular GAPDH in the pathogenesis of Gram-negative bacteria has not been described. The aim of this study was to analyze the extracellular localization of GAPDH in enterohemorrhagic (EHEC) and enteropathogenic (EPEC) Escherichia coli strains and to examine its interaction with host components that could be related to the infection mechanism. Recombinant E. coli GAPDH was purified and polyclonal antibodies were obtained. Western blotting and immunoelectron microscopy showed that GAPDH is located on the bacterial surface and released to the culture medium of EHEC and EPEC strains. GAPDH export in these Gram-negative pathogens depends on the external medium, is not mediated by vesicles and leads to an extracellular active enzyme. Non-pathogenic E. coli strains do not secrete GAPDH. Two-dimensional electrophoresis analysis showed that in E. coli GAPDH is present at least in two major forms with different isoelectric points. Of these forms, the more basic is secreted. Purified GAPDH was found to bind human plasminogen and fibrinogen in Far-Western blot and ELISA-based assays. In addition, GAPDH remained associated with colonic Caco-2 epithelial cells after adhesion of EHEC or EPEC. These observations indicate that exported GAPDH may act as a virulence factor which could contribute to EHEC and EPEC pathogenesis. This is the first description of an extracellular localization for this enzyme, with a function other than its glycolytic role in Gram-negative pathogens.

[Leiomyoma of the bladder]. / Leiomioma vesical.

OBJECTIVE: To present an additional case of leiomyoma of the bladder, a rare tumor that is frequently discovered incidentally, and to review the few cases reported in the Spanish literature, with special reference to the clinical aspects, complementary tests and treatment. METHODS: A case of leiomyoma of the bladder in a patient who had come to deliver after a full-term pregnancy is presented. Routine physical examination on admission revealed a tumor in the anterior aspect of the vagina. Ultrasound, radiological and endoscopic studies were performed. The Spanish literature is reviewed with special reference to the clinical aspects, complementary tests and treatment. RESULTS: After the diagnosis of a bladder tumor had been confirmed and the effects on the adjacent structures determined, TUR biopsy was performed. The anatomopathological analysis demonstrated leiomyoma of the bladder. CONCLUSION: The ultrasound and radiological images of leiomyoma localized to the bladder are sufficient to suspect the nature of the lesion, but the definitive diagnosis is based on the anatomopathological findings. The choice of the type of surgery, open or endoscopic, is based on tumor localization and size.

[Incidence and risk factors for calculi formation in patients treated with augmentation cystoplasty or intestinal substitution]. / Incidencia y factores de riesgo para la formación litiásica en pacientes sometidos a cistoplastias de ampliación o sustitución con intestino.

OBJECTIVE: Bladder stones have been observed more frequently in patients undergoing bladder augmentation or substitution than in the normal population. We analyzed the etiological factors influencing bladder stone formation in patients submitted to the foregoing procedures. METHODS: Between December 1986 and October 1994, 12 augmentation cystoplasties with detubularized ileum or colon (group I) and 24 substitution ileocystoplasties (group II) were performed. None of the patients were known to have urinary stone formation. The possible causes of bladder stone formation were analyzed in both patients groups. The patients were evaluated for urinary infection, post micturition bladder residue, urinary pH, and stone forming metabolic alterations in blood or urine. The latter consisted in determining the blood levels of creatinine, calcium, uric acid and phosphorus and the 24-hr urine levels of calcium uric acid, phosphorus, creatinine, urea, oxalic acidi citric acid and magnesium. The statistical analysis consisted of an unweighted logistic regression test and a chi square test between each of the above variables and the existence of bladder stones. RESULTS: In group I, 10 patients revealed recurrent urinary infections, 0 showed a significant post-micturition bladder residue, a pathologically alkaline pH was observed in 2 and the metabolic study of blood and urine revealed alterations in 9 patients. In group II, 18 patients revealed recurrent urinary infection, 13 patients had post-micturition bladder residue, a pathologically alkaline pH was observed in 1, and the metabolic study of blood and urine revealed alterations in 13 patients. The statistical analysis using the unweighted logistic regression test showed no significant relation between any of the parameters and the presence of stones, for the substitution group pr augmentation group. However, the chi-square test to determine the relation between the different varikables and the existence of stones, showed a statistically significant relation between an elevated urinary pH, recurrent urinary infection, post-micturition bladder residue and bladder stone formation for groups I. Concerning the type of suture employed, some degree of relation between the use of non-resorbable suture and stone formation was found, although it was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: We can therefore conclude that urinary pH, recurrent urinary infection annd post-micturition bladder residue, and probably use of nonreabsorbable suture, are among the etiological factors that we should avoid and treat in order to prevent the formation of bladder stones in patients undergoing augmentation or substitution cystoplasty.

Renal vein thrombosis caused by laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

A 48-year-old woman was diagnosed with right renal vein thrombosis (RVT) 2 weeks after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patient had none of the major risk factors for RVT or deep vein thrombosis. She was treated with long-term anticoagulation. Complete dissolution of the thrombi was reached 1 month after diagnosis.

[Bromocriptine monotherapy of a prolactinoma causing erectile dysfunction]. / Monoterapia con bromocriptina de prolactinoma causante de disfunción eréctil.

OBJECTIVE: A case of erectile dysfunction in a patient with prolactinoma is described herein. METHODS/RESULTS: The literature on the incidence, diagnosis and therapeutic management of this condition is reviewed. Impotence may arise from several causes. It is widely accepted that 30-50% have an organic etiology, with vascular involvement being more prevalent than other causes (neurological, endocrinological, urological, iatrogenic, pharmacological, systemic diseases). Hyperprolactinemia, arising from a prolactinoma, is one of the endocrinological conditions causing impotence. In men, this endocrinological disorder is rarely accompanied by other clinical anomalies, such as gynecomastia, galactorrhea or signs of a pituitary tumor. The patient described herein presented with erectile dysfunction. During evaluation, he was found to be hyperprolactinemic. Subsequent assessment disclosed a pituitary adenoma. The patient was successfully treated with bromocriptine. CONCLUSION: Erectile dysfunction arising from hyperprolactinemia is uncommon. Serum prolactin levels, a lateral skull x-ray and CT/MRI are essential in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Treatment must be directed at the underlying cause. Bromocriptine has proved to be effective and carries a low risk of undesired effects.

[The clinical evaluation of kidney trauma: the practical indications for complementary examinations]. / Evaluación clínica del traumatismo renal: indicaciones para la práctica de exploraciones complementarias.

The aim of the present work is to try to know the clinical data that can provide directions on the attitude to take with patients who seek advise with a suspicion of renal traumatism, thus allowing to select those that may require complementary examination. This is a retrospective revision of 190 cases of renal trauma admitted in our hospital between 1971 and 1992. We rated 3 large syndrome groups based on the patient's major signs and symptoms. The first indication in 71 patients was haemorrhagic syndrome (shock or anaemia); 100 patients had microscopic or gross haematuria non-associated to anaemia; and 6 patients showed painful signs and symptoms. Existence of renal injury should be suspected in patients that came to the hospital with a background of trauma, microscopic or gross haematuria, shock with or without haematuria or intraabdominal lesions; the performance of complementary examinations is necessary in patients with evidence of gross haematuria, microscopic haematuria associated to shock or suspected associated extra-renal intra-abdominal lesions, or shock whether or not associated to haematuria.

[Epidemiologic study of renal parenchymal trauma. 22-year experience]. / Estudio epidemiológico de traumatismos parenquimatosos renales. Experiencia de 22 años.

OBJECTIVE: The results of an epidemiological study on kidney trauma are presented. METHODS: We reviewed the epidemiological factors in patients that had been admitted to hospital for kidney trauma from 1971 to 1992. RESULTS: Blunt trauma (96.3%) was found to be more frequent than penetrating injuries (3.7%). Road traffic accidents were the main cause of kidney trauma (50.53%), which was more prevalent in the male (male to female ratio 3.75:1) and in the younger population (76% were aged 11 to 30 years). Associated extrarenal lesions were more commonly found in patients with severe renal trauma. CONCLUSION: Renal trauma is relatively uncommon and is more prevalent in males in the second and third decades of life. The outcome depends on the degree of severity of the injury and the presence of associated extrarenal lesions.

Corino-Andrade disease (familial amyloidotic polineuropathy type I) in Spain: urological and andrological disorders.

In our hospital, we have followed a group of patients with familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP), type I. This disease is characterized by a progressive sensitive-motor and autonomic polyneuropathy. The amyloid fibrils of FAP I contain a mutant transthyretin (TTR) molecule. More than 90% of TTR production occurs in the liver. Thus, therapy with liver transplantation has proved useful. All our patients received this treatment. In this study we describe the urological and andrological disorders caused by FAP type I in 12 patients with low bladder pressure and bladder neck obstruction with micturition disorders. In some males, it was accompanied by impotence and retrograde ejaculation produced by autonomic neuropathy. We believe hepatic transplantation may be the best treatment for this disease.

[Intravesical migration of an artificial urinary sphincter AMS-800: a rare complication]. / Migración intravesical de esfínter urinario artificial AMS-800: una rara complicación.

Presentation of two cases of a patients with urinary incontinence of neurogenic origin treated by means of an artificial urinary sphincter graft AMS-800 who suffered the complication of intravesical migration of the occlusive cuff in one case, and pressure balloon and occlusive cuff in the second one. In the latter, the pressure balloon underwent a process of intravesical calcification. A review of the literature on the etiopathogeny of this complication and management of these patients is conducted.

Primary retroperitoneal tumors. Comments on 22 cases. / Tumores retroperitoneales primarios. Comentarios sobre 22 casos.

Primary retroperitoneal tumours represent a very uncommon group of neoplasias that account for 0.1%-0.6% of all tumours. Interest in these tumorations arises from the therapeutical and diagnostic concerns they rise. These tumorations are of late diagnosis due to the high insidiousness of their symptoms and, generally, are quite large in size. Widespread use of echography and CAT, however, have increased the possibilities of an occasional asymptomatic diagnosis. Treatment is basically surgical, very much depending on the prognosis of the surgery aggressiveness and the degree of radicality achieved. This paper presents our series of primary retroperitoneal tumours diagnosed between 1978 and 1994.

[Social support and perceived health status in non-institutionalized population over 60 years of age]. / Apoyo social y estado de salud percibido en población no institucionalizada de más de 60 años.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to describe the degree of social support in a sample of non-institutionalized population aged 60 and over and to explore possible relations between social support and perceived health. METHODS: We analyse data coming from Barcelona 1992 Health Survey. Sociodemographic and perceived health variables are analysed together with several social support variables based on the presence and number of available people for instrumental and emotional support necessity and perceived aid need for personal care and daily needs. RESULTS: In the study period, 1156 subjects aged 60 and over were interviewed at home. 20% of the sample (28.9% were women) lived alone and 28.2% (41.7% were women) were widowed. 43% had an extensive social support and 51% had a good emotional support. The men with less emotional support had a worse perceived health (OR = 2.7, IC 95% = 1.3-5.5). Only aid need for daily works in women was associated with worse perceived health (OR = 6.3, IC 95% = 3.2-12.4). CONCLUSIONS: Instrumental and emotional support availability weren't associated with perceived health in women in spite of they lived alone in a greatest proportion. In men, only emotional support absence was associated with worse perceived health.

[Paratesticular epithelioid hemangioendothelioma: an infrequent vascular tumor]. / Hemangioendotelioma Epitelioide paratesticular: un tumor vascular poco frecuente.

Paratesticular vascular lesions are very uncommon. One of them, the epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, is a vascular tumour which grows around a vessel and in characterized for presenting epithelioid endothelial cells. Is very rare and it has good prognosis. This paper reports one case of paratesticular epithelioid hemangioendothelioma.