Effects of sheep bone biochar on soil quality, maize growth, and fractionation and phytoavailability of Cd and Zn in a mining-contaminated soil.

Biochar prepared from various feedstock materials has been utilized in recent years as a potential stabilizing agent for heavy metals in smelter-contaminated soils. However, the effectiveness of animal bone-derived biochar and its potential for the stabilization of contaminants remains unclear. In the present study, sheep bone-derived biochar (SB) was prepared at low (500 °C; SBL) and high temperatures (800 °C; SBH) and amended a smelter-contaminated soil at 2, 5, and 10% (w/w). The effects of SB on soil properties, bioavailable Zn and Cd and their geochemical fractions, bacterial community composition and activity, and the response of plant attributes (pigments and antioxidant activity) were assessed. Results showed that the SBH added at 10% (SBH10) increased soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and phosphorus, and also increased the oxidizable and residual Zn and Cd fractions at the expense of the bioavailable fractions. The SBH10 lowered the Zn and Cd contents in maize roots (by 57 and 60%) and shoot (by 42 and 61%), respectively, compared to unamended control. Additionally, SBH10 enhanced urease (98%) and phosphates (107%) activities, but reduced dehydrogenase (58%) and ß-glucosidase (30%) activities. Regarding the effect of the pyrolysis temperature, SBH enhanced the activity of Acidobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Nitrospirae, Verrucomicrobia, Chlorobi, and Microgenomates, but reduced Actinobacteria and Parcubacteria in comparison to SBL. However, only the SBL10 reduced the Proteobacteria community (by 9%). In conclusion, SB immobilized Zn and Cd in smelter-affected soils, enhanced the bacterial abundance and microbial function (urease, phosphates), and improved plant growth. However, validation of the results, obtained from the pot experiment, under field conditions is suggested.

Diet supplementation with a specific melon concentrate improves oviduct antioxidant defenses and egg characteristics in laying hens.

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of a specific melon concentrate on oviduct antioxidant defenses and egg characteristics of laying hens.Lohmann Brown hens were assigned to 2 treatment groups (n = 16 in each). One group was supplemented with the melon concentrate (26 mg/kg of feed) during 6 wk. The other group was composed of untreated hens, which served as control. Eggs were collected, weighed (yolk, albumen, shell), and analyzed (Haugh unit and albumen pH relevant for egg freshness) at the end of the supplementation period. Antioxidant status was evaluated in the oviduct measuring antioxidant enzymes by western blotting.This study demonstrated that the melon concentrate could ameliorate egg weight, and particularly yolk contribution to egg weight and egg shell weight. An increase in endogenous antioxidant defenses in the oviduct after this melon concentrate supplementation could explain the better egg characteristics. The improvement of egg quality, due to melon concentrate, may have important economic implications for future breeding programs, particularly if these effects generalize from hens to other poultry species, or even other livestock animal species.

[Are age and urodynamic data correlated in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI)?]. / Existe-t-il une corrélation entre l'âge et les données du bilan urodynamique chez la femme présentant une incontinence urinaire d'effort (IUE)?

PURPOSE: Our aim was to evaluate the impact of age on lower urinary tract function in women by means of urodynamics and modelized analysis of the recorded free uroflow curves. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty three women (age range: [30-93 years]; 6 decades A to F) with only SUI complaint underwent a urodynamic evaluation which included initial free uroflow, urethral pressure profile, cystometry and final free uroflow at bladder functional capacity. Modelized analysis was performed using the VBN mathematical micturition model; from comparison between recorded and computerized theoretical flow curves this model allows to determine two characteristic parameters: one of urethral obstruction and one of detrusor efficiency. RESULTS: No age-related changes were found in bladder capacity, peak flow rate in the first void and post residual volume. A significant increase of peak flow rate was noted in the second void for D and older. Bladder compliance decreased only from E. As usually described a decrease with age of the maximum urethral closure pressure occurred while the functional urethral length decreased only from E. A flat distribution of the VBN parameters was observed. DISCUSSION-CONCLUSION: This study shows the absence of age-associated changes in both urodynamic data and VBN parameters in a population of women with SUI and without any other disease. These findings reinforce the idea that chronological age does not strongly correlate with the physiological status.

[Esophageal pacing in children. 38 consecutive cases]. / La stimulation oesophagienne chez l'enfant. A propos de 38 cas consécutifs.

On the occasion of a preliminary series of 38 cases, the authors review the esophageal pacing technique and its main indications. On the therapeutic level, the esophageal lead may be successfully used to decrease supraventricular tachycardias due to reentry (typical or atypical flutter, reciprocating nodal tachycardia with or without WPW). As a means of investigation, esophageal pacing is overall useful to diagnose undocumented paroxysmal tachycardia fits (palpitations), to evaluate the refractory stage of an accessory pathway (WPW) or to assess the refractory stage of antiarrhythmia medications. This investigation may also be used to assess the sinusal function, the atrioventricular conduction (Wenckebach point) and the spontaneous rhythm of atrioventricular blocks after pacemaker insertion. Due to the technical improvements achieved, esophageal pacing may be used presently in pediatric units taking care of children with arrhythmias.

Passive total respiratory system compliance and gas exchange in newborns with hyaline membrane disease.

Passive total respiratory system compliance (CRS) and gas exchange measurements were performed in nine newborns during the course of hyaline membrane disease. None of the subjects presented bronchopulmonary dysplasia at follow-up investigations. Gestational age ranged from 29 to 37 weeks. CRS was measured by the multiple occlusion technique. Gas exchange parameters were the fraction of inspired oxygen concentration (FIO2) and the arterial/alveolar ratio for oxygen (a/AO2 ratio). In each subject four tests were performed: test 1 during the first day of life; test 2 during the second day of life; test 3 between the fourth and the seventh days of life; test 4 after extubation. CRS/BW (CRS normalized for body weight) was not statistically different at tests 1-3, but it significantly increased (P less than 0.001) between tests 3 and 4. FIO2 and a/AO2 ratio presented no statistical difference at tests 1-2 but several significant differences were noted thereafter: FIO2 decreased significantly (P less than 0.001) when results from tests 2 and 3 were tabulated. The a/AO2 ratio increased significantly between tests 2 and 3 (P less than 0.001), and a further significant increase (P less than 0.01) was also noted when results obtained during tests 3 and 4 were compared. A significant relationship existed during the evolution of the disease between CRS/BW and gas exchange parameters (FIO2 and a/AO2 ratio) (P less than 0.01), but gas exchange improved earlier than lung mechanics.

[Comparison of arterial and transcutaneous oxygen partial pressure in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia]. / Comparaison des pressions partielles artérielle et transcutanée en oxygène chez des nourrissons atteints de dysplasie bronchopulmonaire.

Transcutaneous PO2 (PTCO2) (Radiometer electrode heated to 44 degrees C) was compared to arterial PO2 (PaO2) in 19 infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia: 12 infants were tested once, at the mean postnatal age of 14 weeks (range 4-43 weeks), the other 7 infants were studied longitudinally from 5 weeks (range 2-8 weeks) to 12 weeks (range 6-18 weeks) of postnatal age. The protocol was standardized: measurement during behavioral stage 1, using a peripheral arterial line. Twenty-eight comparisons between PTCO2 and PaO2 were obtained. PTCO2 was significantly related to PaO2 [PTCO2 (mmHg) = 0.81 PaO2 + 5.2, r = 0.73, p less than 0.01]. The mean difference PTCO2 - PaO2 was -7.2 mmHg (range: -34.5 to + 33); in the studied age range the PTCO2 - PaO2 was not significantly related to postnatal age (r = -0.24; p greater than 0.1).

[Clinical and anatomo-pathologic study of 59 cases of sudden infant death]. / Etude clinique et anatomo-pathologique de 59 cas de mort subite du nourrisson.

A proper organization has been set up at Antoine-Béclère's hospital in order to study the infants who died suddenly. Between July 1985 and July 1987, 69 cases (10 babies less than 1 week of age) were admitted. The purpose of this work was, for the 59 sudden deaths of infants aged more than 1 week (35 males, 24 females), to present the results of a definite protocol of investigation (past history, clinical examination, laboratory and pathological data) for determining either the etiology or the mechanism of these deaths. A thorough investigation was performed in 45/52 cases (no autopsy in 7 cases). A definite diagnosis was possible in 38/45: 13 viral infections, 5 gastro-esophageal reflux, 13 viral infections associated with reflux, 9 with an additional event (massive alimentary inhalation, slipping under blankets, major hyperthermia) to either a viral infection or a reflux, 1 cardiac malformation, 1 metabolic disorder, 2 accidents and 1 infanticide. With this protocol, 7/45 deaths remained unexplained. This medical approach of the problem of sudden deaths in infants is beneficial to the counselling of the parents and to the management of subsequent children.

[Intravenous-intramuscular bioequivalency of ceftriaxone in newborn infants]. / Etude de la bioéquivalence intraveineuse-intramusculaire de la ceftriaxone chez le nouveau-né.

In 6 neonates over 7 days of life, comparison of maximum and residual serum concentrations of ceftriaxone after intra-venous or intra-muscular administration showed the bio-equivalence of both ways. In both cases a single daily injection obtained bacterial serum levels on most of the strains responsible for secondary bacterial infections in neonates.

[Post-transfusion hemolysis in premature infants. Apropos of 8 cases of post-transfusion hemolysis in premature infants]. / Hémolyse transfusionnelle du prématuré. A propos de 8 cas d'hémolyse post-transfusionnelle chez des prématurés.

Accidents related to blood transfusion have become rare in neonates, due to the application of very strict rules. The 8 reported cases of post-transfusion hemolysis occurred in prematures less than 32 weeks gestational age. Signs consisted of hemoglobinuria and/or severe jaundice. In some patients exchange-transfusion had to be performed. Immuno-hematologic, bacteriologic and technical investigations did not show the etiology of these accidents. No similar clinical reports were found in the literature. Some authors suggest a mechanical origin.

[Maternal administration of indomethacin and neonatal tricuspid insufficiency]. / Administration maternelle d'indométacine et insuffisance tricuspide néonatale.

The authors report the case of a neonate who presented since birth with refractory hypoxemia, peripheral edemas, ascites and pleural effusions. The mother had been given indomethacin for the 10 preceding days, in order to avoid premature labour. Echocardiography showed a tricuspid valve dysfunction with important regurgitation in the neonate. Under symptomatic treatment, clinical symptoms disappeared within 10 days. Echocardiography was normal by age 3 months. The responsibility of administration of indomethacin to the mother is discussed.

[Apnea disclosing Chlamydia trachomatis infection in a premature infant]. / Apnées révélatrices d'une infection à Chlamydia trachomatis chez un prématuré.

The authors report a peculiar type of maternofetal Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection in a 34 week-premature neonate. The revealing sign was the occurrence, at age 11 days, of frequent apneas with bradycardia, needing mechanical ventilation associated with adapted antibiotic therapy for 14 days. Diagnosis was confirmed by the isolation of CT in tracheal secretions. Immediate evolution was favorable. Literature data are reviewed and a short epidemiological survey is reported.

[C-reactive protein and the diagnosis of neonatal infection. A retrospective study of 242 cases]. / C réactive protéine et diagnostic d'infection néonatale. Etude rétrospective de 242 dossiers.

Serum C Reactive Protein (CRP) levels were measured in 242 neonates in whom materno foetal infection were suspected. In the 68 neonates in whom infection was proven, CRP levels were greater than or equal to 10 mg/l in 46 cases (68%). In the 154 neonates who were not infected, CRP levels were less than 10 mg/l in 132 cases (86%). In the 20 not infected neonates with positive peripheral samples for the same organism, CRP levels were less than 10 mg/l in 20 cases (100%). From these data, sensibility and specificity of CRP test for neonatal infection were respectively 67.6% and 85.7%.

[Antenatal cerebral hemorrhage and fetomaternal platelet incompatibility]. / Hémorragie cérébrale anténatale et incompatibilité plaquettaire foeto-maternelle.

A case of neonatal porencephalia is reported. It was due to antenatal hemorrhage associated with severe thrombocytopenia. Hematologic investigations showed a feto-maternal platelet incompatibility in the PLA1 system.

[A study of the perfusion of the ventilated alveolar areas in hyaline membrane disease]. / Estimation de la perfusion des territoires alvéolaires ventilés au cours de la maladie des membranes hyalines.

Thirty-three neonates presenting with hyaline membrane disease were investigated with simultaneous measurements of PACO2 and PaCO2, in order to establish the percentage (q) of the ventilated alveolar areas with little or no perfusion. Results show that during the acute phase of the disease, mean values for q are 40%. Highest figures are related with the most severe distress. In such cases, major pulmonary hypoperfusion is associated with extrapulmonary right to left shunts, as shown by a PO2 gradient between a pulmonary vein and the aorta. Later on, q values improve progressively. The importance of the reduction of the perfusion of the ventilated alveolar areas and its hemodynamic consequences suggest that in severe cases with hyaline membrane disease a pulmonary vasodilatator treatment could be prescribed, before the stage of refractory hypoxemia.