The Pyrenees National Park plan of action for the vascular plants: strategy, methods and first results

Dans le cadre de l’élaboration du programme d’aménagement du Parc National des Pyrénées pour la période 1998-2002, le plan d’action Flore vasculaire a été défini comme une priorité n° 1 des travaux à mener pour améliorer le rôle de l’Espace Parc dans la conservation de la biodiversité. L’objectif général de ce plan est d’augmenter la connaissance scientifique du Parc sur son patrimoine floristique rare ou menacé, connaissance de base indispensable à la mise en oeuvre de plans d’actions de suivis et de conservation. Cet objectif s’applique à la fois à la zone centrale (45 707 ha.) et à la zone périphérique (206 352 ha.) du Parc et porte sur une cinquantaine d’espèces, endémiques, rares ou menacées, prioritaires ou à surveiller du Livre Rouge de la flore menacée de France, protégées au niveau national et/ou relevant de textes européens. Sa mise en oeuvre, en partenariat avec diverses équipes française et espagnoles, comporte 4 volets : –Etude de la distribution spatiale de chaque taxon, par analyse de la validité des données bibliographiques disponibles et recherche systématique de nouvelles stations ; –Caractérisation des biotopes identifiés et synthèse de l’ensemble des données connues afin de mieux cerner l’autécologie des taxons étudiés sur l’Espace Parc ; –Mise au point de méthodes et critères de dénombrement des populations repérées en vue de la définition d’un état initial quantifié précis et de suivis démographiques dans le temps ; –Identification des menaces actuelles et potentielles affectant les populations décrites, synthèse et propositions de gestion conservatoire par taxon incluant la sensibilisation des acteurs locaux concernés. Le Parc dispose à ce jour d’une base de données géoréférencée de 1600 fiches d’inventaires avec localisation sur carte au 1/25 000ème. 19 taxons font désormais l’objet de suivis démographiques à long terme après une phase de mise au points de protocoles spécifiques. Des travaux complémentaires visant à caractériser l’écologie, la biologie, la démographie, la variabilité phénotypique et la diversité génétique sont également lancés afin d’élaborer les premiers plans de gestion conservatoire reposant sur des connaissances solides.the vascular plants has been defined as one of the first priorities to improve the Park’s active protection of biodiversity. This plan aims at increasing scientific knowledge of rare, threatened and endangered species present within the Park, in order to identify appropriate conservation actions. This rare vegetation plan is conducted in both the central (45,707 ha) and peripheral zones (206,352 ha) of the Park and targets 50 taxa that are either endemic, rare or threatened on a national or European level. The project is carried on in partnership with several French and Spanish scientific teams and is made up of 4 main components : –evaluate taxa distribution within the Park using both literature and field data (Inventory phase); –assess species ecological needs through habitat survey (Survey phase) ; –set-up experimental designs to assess population status and conduct monitoring over time (Monitoring phase) –write species specific management plans that address the main threats and promote community education and participation. 1,600 rare plant occurrences identified on 1/25,000 maps are already available in the PNP Flora database. Demographic monitoring has started for 19 taxa. Investigation on ecology, reproductive biology, phenotypic and genetic diversity are also carried out in order to get reliable technical information for management plans

Ecological characterisation and preliminary population study of Aster pyrenaeus DC. in the Ossau valley (Pyrenees, France)

En vallée d’Ossau (France), une importante population d’Aster pyrenaeus, espèce rare et menacée des Pyrénées françaises et des Monts Cantabriques, a été récemment découverte. La découverte de cette population de plusieurs hectares s’étageant entre 600 et 1000 mètres d’altitude, a permis de compléter la connaissance de l’écologie de cette espèce et de mener une étude préliminaire de la biologie de sa reproduction et de la structure de la population. Nous présentons la caractérisation écologique de cette station à l’aide d’un profil phytotopographique et de relevés phytosociologiques. Les communautés concernées sont des pâturages mésophiles denses appartenant à l’ordre des Brometalia erecti, soumis à différents facteurs qui perturbent périodiquement les populations (chutes de pierres, érosion du sol, feu pastoral) et qui influent sur sa structure. La biologie de la reproduction de l’Aster des Pyrénées a été étudiée. Les observations faites sur les capitules confirment le caractère gynomonoïque de l’espèce et l’existence d’une dichogamie, décalage chronologique de maturité entre le pollen et le stigmate d’une même fleur. Les expérimentations de terrain montrent que l’intervention d’insectes pollinisateurs est indispensable à la fécondation. Quatre espèces différentes ont été observées, dont un hyménoptère et trois diptères. La fréquence des visites par les insectes et le taux de fructification ont été mesurés. La population est divisée en deux sous-populations situées l’une en partie haute du versant, l’autre en partie basse. L’étude montre que la sous-population de la partie haute présente un nombre supérieur de tiges avec un pourcentage de tiges florifères plus élevé. L’hypothèse sur le fonctionnement de cette population avec notamment la possibilité d’une sous-population source, sera examinée dans le cadre du plan de restauration de cette espèce actuellement à l’étude (CAMBECÈDES & LARGIER 2002).In the valley of Ossau (France), a dense population of Aster pyrenaeus, a rare and endangered species of French Pyrenees and Cantabric Mountains, has been recently discovered. The finding of this population occupying several hectares between 600 and 1000 m high, has improved our knowledge on the ecology of this species and led us to implement a preliminary study on its reproductive biology and on the population structure. The present report is about the ecological characterisation of this locality using a phytotopographic profile and phytosociological data. The plant communities involved are dense mesophile meadows belonging to the Brometalia erecti order. Different phenomena such as stone fall, soil erosion and fire regularly disturb the populations and modify their structures. The reproductive biology of A. pyrenaeus was investigated. Observations from flower heads confirm the gynomonoecy of the species and indicate a dichogamic trait (male and female organs of a single flower are not mature at the same time). Field experiments demonstrate that flower fertility is insect dependent. Four insect species (one Hymenoptera and three Diptera) were identified. The frequency of insect visits and the flower fertility have been assessed. The population is divided in two subpopulations differently located. One is on the higher part of the slope, and the other, on the lower part. This study indicates that the subpopulation located in the higher part displays a higher percentage of flowering stems. The hypothesis of a source-sink system will be investigated in the framework of a restoration plan of the species currently in progress (CAMBECÈDES & LARGIER 2002)

Cannulation for Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Cardiac surgery has made significant progress since the advent of cardiopulmonary bypass. Arterial cannulation for bypass is a cornerstone to most cardiac procedures. Choosing an ideal cannulation site, employing peri- and intraoperative imaging, selecting an appropriate cannula, and avoiding complications are vital to success. These, along with the steps to arterial cannulation, are discussed in this chapter

Construction of Metabolically Biotinylated Adenovirus with Deleted Fiber Knob as Targeting Vector

Gene delivery vectors based on adenovirus, particularly human adenovirus serotype 5 (hAd5) have great potential for the treatment of variety of diseases. However, the tropism of hAd5 needs to be modified to achieve tissue- or cell- specific therapies for the successful application of this vector system to clinic. Here, we modified hAd5 tropism by replacing the fiber knob which contains the coxsackievirus B and adenovirus receptor (CAR)-binding sites with a biotin acceptor peptide, a truncated form of Propionibacterium shermanii 1.3 S transcarboxylase domain (PSTCD), to enable metabolically biotinylation of the virus. We demonstrate here that the new adenovirus no longer shows CAR-dependent cell uptake and transduction. When metabolically biotinylated and avidin-coated, it forms a nano-complex that can be retargeted to distinct cells using biotinylated antibodies. This vector may prove useful in the path towards achieving targeted gene delivery

Surgical Management for Advanced Heart Failure in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease

Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) have emerged as a new patient population that poses a variety of treatment and management obstacles. This chapter discusses the diagnosis of heart failure and treatment challenges faced by ACHD specifically addressing when to initiate mechanical circulatory support versus heart transplantation. It is evident that the ACHD population presents with a variety of unique challenges and considerations that still need to be explored. Addressing each of these issues will vastly change and improve how ACHD patients are approached from a treatment standpoint and ultimately provide more advantageous clinical options that can successfully handle the complexities presented by this population

Molecular Basis for Immunoglobulin M Specificity to Epitopes in <i>Cryptococcus neoformans</i> Polysaccharide That Elicit Protective and Nonprotective Antibodies

ABSTRACT The protective efficacy of antibodies (Abs) to Cryptococcus neoformans glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) is dependent on Ab fine specificity. Two clonally related immunoglobulin M monoclonal Abs (MAbs) (12A1 and 13F1) differ in fine specificity and protective efficacy, presumably due to variable (V)-region sequence differences resulting from somatic mutations. MAb 12A1 is protective and produces annular immunofluorescence (IF) on serotype D C. neoformans, while MAb 13F1 is not protective and produces punctate IF. To determine the Ab molecular determinants responsible for the IF pattern, site-directed mutagenesis of the MAb 12A1 heavy-chain V region (V H ) was followed by serological and functional studies of the various mutants. Changing two selected amino acids in the 12A1 V H binding cavity to the corresponding residues in the 13F1 V H altered the IF pattern from annular to punctate, reduced opsonic efficacy, and abolished recognition by an anti-idiotypic Ab. Analysis of the binding of the various mutants to peptide mimetics revealed that different amino acids were responsible for GXM binding and peptide specificity. The results suggest that V-region motifs associated with annular binding and opsonic activity may be predictive of Ab efficacy against C. neoformans . This has important implications for immunotherapy and vaccine design that are reinforced by the finding that GXM and peptide reactivities are determined by different amino acid residues. </jats:p

Comparison of cost-effectiveness and postoperative outcomes following integration of a stiff shaft glidewire into percutaneous nephrolithotripsy

Aims: To analyze the cost effectiveness of integrating a stiff shaft glidewire (SSGW) in percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) relative to standard technique (ST). This is prudent because healthcare providers are experiencing increased pressure to improve procedure-related cost containment. Methods: ST for PCNL at our institution involves a hydrophilic glidewire during initial percutaneous access and then two new stiff shaft wires. The SSGW is a hydrophilic wire used for initial access and the remainder of the procedure. We collected operating room (OR) costs for all primary, unilateral PCNL cases over a 5-month period during which ST for PCNL was used at a single institution with a single surgeon and compared with a 6-month period during which a SSGW was used. Mean costs for each period were then compared along with stone-free rates and complications. Results: We included 17 total cases in the ST group and 22 in the SSGW group. The average operating room supply cost for the ST group was $1937.32 and$1559.39 in the SSGW group. The net difference of $377.93 represents a nearly 20% decrease in cost. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.031). There was no difference in postoperative stone-free rates (82.4% versus 86.4%, p = 1.0, respectively) or complications (23.5% versus 13.6%, p = 0.677, respectively) between ST and SSGW groups. Conclusion: Transitioning to a SSGW has reduced OR supply cost by reducing the number of supplies required. The change in wire did not affect stone-free rates or complications

Novel Confinement Possibility for Laser Shock: Use of Flexible Polymer Confinement at 1064 nm Wavelength

Through the years, laser shock peening became a treatment of choice in the aerospace industry to prolong the life of certain critical pieces. Water flow is commonly used as a confinement to improve the process capability but some applications cannot allow for water presence in the area of interest. In a previous article, an alternative to the water confinement was presented, a flexible polymer confinement was used and demonstrated the production of pressures equivalent to the water configuration treatment. However, laser parameters have been restricted to a wavelength in the visible range at 532 nm. In this paper, the study is extended to 1064 nm which is commonly used in LSP applications and with two different pulse durations. A 1064 nm near infra-red laser is used to do pressure characterization of shots with polymer confinement through Velocity Interferometer System for Any Reflector (VISAR) measurements coupled with Finite Element Modelling on Abaqus software. The results show that the pressures produced by the confinement is slightly lower with the 1064 nm wavelength, similar to what is observed with the classic water confined regime when switching from 532 nm to a near infra-red wavelength. Nevertheless, the high level of pressure produced by laser shock under the polymer confinement configuration allows for the treatment of common types of metal alloys used in the aerospace industry. Although the use of such a confinement has yet to be applicable to peening setups, it has already uses in some single shot configurations such as LasAT where it allows the avoidance of the water flow optimization

Correlating Patient Anxiety with Urinary Symptoms Before and After Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate

Introduction and Objective: Preoperative anxiety has been shown to correlate with certain urinary symptoms in patients with certain types of voiding dysfunction, particularly overactive bladder. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if patient-reported anxiety correlates with pathologic characteristics, voiding symptoms, and objective metrics of bladder emptying in male patients undergoing holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). Patients and Methods: We began collecting patient-reported anxiety scores (generalized anxiety disorder 7-item or GAD-7) in addition to patient-reported scores of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED) starting in November 2018 for men with LUTS due to benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). We retrospectively evaluated the relationship between preoperative GAD-7 score with preoperative age, body mass index (BMI), preoperative urine flow metrics, preoperative postvoid residual (PVR), and preoperative symptom scores for LUTS (American Urological Association, BPH impact index [BII], and Michigan incontinence symptom index [MISI]) and ED (sexual health inventory for men and male sexual health questionnaire for ejaculatory dysfunction [MSHQ-EjD]). We then compared preoperative GAD-7 score with enucleated prostate weight, postoperative GAD-7 scores, postoperative urine flow metrics, postoperative PVR, and postoperative symptom scores for LUTS and ED. Results: We included 139 patients for analysis. The preoperative GAD-7 score positively correlated with preoperative BII scores (rs = 0.202, p = 0.019), MISI total (rs = 0.260, p = 0.002), and MISI bother (rs = 0.345, p < 0.001) scores. Preoperative GAD-7 negatively correlated with preoperative MSHQ-EjD (rs = −0.191, p = 0.031). Following HoLEP, all four of these correlations disappear. The GAD-7 score did not correlate with age, BMI, preoperative urine flow metrics, preoperative PVR, or other preoperative LUTS and ED symptom scores. In addition, preoperative GAD-7 score showed no correlation with enucleated prostate weight, postoperative urine flow metrics, postoperative PVR, and postoperative LUTS and ED symptom scores. Conclusions: Higher preoperative anxiety correlated with more severe preoperative urinary LUTS, particularly incontinence symptoms, in patients undergoing HoLEP. Following HoLEP, these symptoms improve regardless of patient anxiety level