Nutrient dynamics at the sediment-water interface in a Mediterranean lagoon (Thau, France): influence of biodeposition by shellfish farming activities.

The Thau Lagoon, a French Mediterranean shallow lagoon, is a site where extensive shellfish farming occurs. The aim of the present work is to evaluate the role of this activity on nutrient exchange at the sediment-water interface in relation to organic matter (OM) sedimentation and degradation. Two stations inside (C5) and outside (C4) of the shellfish farming areas were sampled at three seasons.

Dynamics of sulfate-reducing microorganisms (dsrAB genes) in two contrasting mudflats of the Seine estuary (France).

By combining molecular biology and biochemical approaches, the dynamics of sulfate-reducing microorganisms (SRM) was investigated in the sediments of the Seine estuary (France). Both intertidal mixing-zone and freshwater mudflats were sampled during a 1-year period; the quantification of SRM was realized by using competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on dsrAB gene amplification, previously described by Leloup et al. (2004), and sulfate reduction rate (SRR) was determined via the SO4(2-) radiotracer method.

Chemical characterization of porewaters in an intertidal mudflat of the Seine estuary: relationship to erosion-deposition cycles.

A seasonal field study was carried out in the Seine estuary to determine the chemistry of sediment porewaters using the 'peeper' technique and changes in the elevation of the mudflats using the 'Altus' technique. This approach allowed us to evaluate the release of nutrients and to link these releases to the sediment hydrodynamics. Our results show that nutrient and organic matter cycling in a Seine estuary mudflat exhibits a seasonal behaviour, which is mainly influenced by variations in hydrodynamics.

HIV/AIDS care giving physicians: their experience and practice patterns.

To identify associations between HIV-related experience and patterns of service provision, physicians across Canada were solicited by mail to register in a national network of HIV/AIDS care givers. Respondents provided data about: personal, demographic and practice characteristics; the number of HIV-positive patients ever seen; the nature of the HIV-positive client population; and services provided to HIV-positive patients. Univariate techniques provided a demographic and professional profile of participating physicians.

Qualitative evaluation of the Canadian Medical Association's counselling guidelines for HIV serologic testing.

Objective: To evaluate the face and content validity of the CMA's counselling guidelines for HIV serologic testing in order to prepare a revised edition.

Design: Qualitative evaluation by structured focus groups in September and October 1994 to assess the relevance, clarity and practicality of the guidelines, followed by content analysis of the discussions.

Setting: Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City and St.

Caring for patients with HIV infection. Management plan for family physicians.

Caring for and treating patients living with human immunodeficiency virus is challenging for busy family physicians. I present one strategy for managing patients with this complex infectious disease. Using averaged T4 blood cell counts as a marker of disease progression, I use antiretroviral treatment and preventive drug therapy against the complications of HIV infection.

[Ureteral stenosis following colpocystopexy of urinary stress incontinence. Apropos of 5 cases].

The authors report 5 cases of a rare urethrovesical suspension's complication = the ureteral obstruction. Its cause is always a surgical fault, its diagnosis is based on urography. Its treatment is surgical.

Comparative morphological investigation on the rabbit's auricle after exposure to CO2- and Nd:YAG-laser radiation.

By comparing the effects of CO2- and Nd:YAG-laser radiation (mainly differing in wave-length by a factor of 10), a surgical instrument suitable for Otorhinolaryngology had to be found. The studies were performed on the rabbit's auricle in order to examine the effect of the laser irradiation mainly on the cartilage. The CO2-laser was found to be more efficient in cutting and caused less extended tissue damage than the Nd:YAG-laser.