Ultraviolet radiation in the Atacama Desert.

The world's highest levels of surface ultraviolet (UV) irradiance have been measured in the Atacama Desert. This area is characterized by its high altitude, prevalent cloudless conditions, and a relatively low total ozone column. In this paper, we provide estimates of the surface UV (monthly UV index at noon and annual doses of UV-B and UV-A) for all sky conditions in the Atacama Desert. We found that the UV index at noon during the austral summer is expected to be greater than 11 in the whole desert. The annual UV-B (UV-A) doses were found to range from about 3.5 kWh/m2 (130 kWh/m2) in coastal areas to 5 kWh/m2 (160 kWh/m2) on the Andean plateau. Our results confirm significant interhemispherical differences. Typical annual UV-B doses in the Atacama Desert are about 40% greater than typical annual UV-B doses in northern Africa. Mostly due to seasonal changes in the ozone, the differences between the Atacama Desert and northern Africa are expected to be about 60% in the case of peak UV-B levels (i.e. the UV-B irradiances at noon close to the summer solstice in each hemisphere). Interhemispherical differences in the UV-A are significantly lower since the effect of the ozone in this part of the spectrum is minor.

Genetic signatures of variation in population size in a native fungal pathogen after the recent massive plantation of its host tree.

Historical fluctuations in forests' distribution driven by past climate changes and anthropogenic activities can have large impacts on the demographic history of pathogens that have a long co-evolution history with these host trees. Using a population genetic approach, we investigated that hypothesis by reconstructing the demographic history of Armillaria ostoyae, one of the major pathogens of the maritime pine (Pinus pinaster), in the largest monospecific pine planted forest in Europe (south-western France). Genetic structure analyses and approximate Bayesian computation approaches revealed that a single pathogen population underwent a severe reduction in effective size (12 times lower) 1080-2080 generations ago, followed by an expansion (4 times higher) during the last 4 generations. These results are consistent with the history of the maritime pine forest in the region characterized by a strong recession during the last glaciation (~19 000 years ago) and massive plantations during the second half of the nineteenth century. Results suggest that recent and intensive plantations of a host tree population have offered the opportunity for a rapid spread and adaptation of their pathogens.

Spectral UV radiance measured at a coastal site: a case study.

We have sampled the spatial distribution of the UV radiation (i.e. the UV radiance) at a station located on the southern pacific coastline (Valparaiso, Chile, 33.03°S-71.58°W). The site is characterized by the partial horizon obstruction (due to the surrounding topography). Our spectral measurements were carried out over the period January-March 2012 and were meant to weigh up the effects of the local cloudiness, the heterogeneous albedo, and the horizon obscuration. We found that a nearly translucent overcast sky affects the radiance distribution such that from its maximum (measured close to the solar zenith angle) the radiance is monotonically decreasing towards the horizon. Under cloudless conditions, the radiance distribution becomes less isotropic with the wavelength; we detected spatial variations in the distribution of radiation up to a factor of 5 at 320 nm, and up to a factor of 9 at 400 nm. We also observed that radiances measured at points over the sea are greater than those measured at the corresponding point over the land; we partially attributed this effect to the spatial variations in the albedo. Moreover, we found that the horizon obscuration leads to significant reductions in the radiance at points on the blocked horizon; these reductions range from 60% (at 400 nm) to 80% (at 300 nm). Methodological details are provided below.

Multifocal pelvic osteomyelitis in a child associated with cat-scratch disease: a case report and review of the literature.

Bone infections in cat-scratch disease (CSD) are uncommon and the diagnosis can be missed. A 3-year-old boy with multifocal pelvic osteomyelitis caused by Bartonella henselae is reported. Serological tests were negative but DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction assay of a lymph node. A swift recovery followed antibiotic treatment and there was completeresolution within a few months. The literature on 64 cases of osteomyelitis owing to CSD in children and adults since 1954 is reviewed.

Observations and Projections of Heat Waves in South America.

Although Heat Waves (HWs) are expected to increase due to global warming, they are a regional phenomenon that demands for local analyses. In this paper, we assess four HW metrics (HW duration, HW frequency, HW amplitude, and number of HWs per season) as well as the share of extremely warm days (TX95, according to the 95th percentile) in South America (SA). Our analysis included observations as well as simulations from global and regional models. In particular, Regional Climate Models (RCMs) from the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX), and Global Climate Models (GCMs) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) were used to project both TX95 estimates and HW metrics according to two representative concentration pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). We found that in recent decades the share of extremely warm days has at least doubled over the period December-January-February (DJF) in northern SA; less significant increases have been observed in southern SA. We also found that by midcentury, under the RCP4.5 scenario, extremely warm DJF days (as well as the number of HWs per season) are expected to increase by 5-10 times at locations close to the Equator and in the Atacama Desert. Increases are expected to be less pronounced in southern SA. Projections under the RCP8.5 scenario are more striking, particularly in tropical areas where half or more of the days could be extremely warm by midcentury.

Macroglossia, the first manifestation of systemic amyloidosis associated with multiple myeloma: Case report.

Amyloidosis is a group of diseases characterized by an irreversible and extracellular deposition of fibrillar, amorphous protein known as amyloid in different organs and tissues. Amyloid deposits may occur locally in tissues or may involve various organs, resulting in a wide range of clinical manifestations. Amyloidosis of the head and neck is rarely seen and can reflect some plasma cell dyscrasia that affects B lymphocytes. Deposition of amyloid on the tongue is very rare and accounts for less than 9% of all types of amyloidosis. Amyloid involvement of the tongue is almost always secondary to systemic amyloidosis. We report a 73-year-old female who presented with weight loss and macroglossia. Firstly, she was diagnosed only with amyloidosis of the tongue. Her general health condition was evaluated, revealing renal dysfunction, anemia, hypercalcemia, and hyperphosphatemia. The final diagnosis was systemic amyloidosis with multiple myeloma. The patient was referred for emergency hemodialysis and chemotherapy. Her condition progressed to congestive heart failure and recurrent urinary and respiratory infections. After 100 days from diagnosis, the patient died by pulmonary infection as a consequence of her weakened state of health. It is important to highlight role of the dentist especially oral pathologist to the evaluation of local alterations that may reflect systemic deterioration of patients.

Effects of soiling on photovoltaic (PV) modules in the Atacama Desert.

Soiling by dry deposition affects the power output of photovoltaic (PV) modules, especially under dry and arid conditions that favor natural atmospheric aerosols (wind-blown dust). In this paper, we report on measurements of the soiling effect on the energy yield of grid-connected crystalline silicon PV modules deployed in five cities across a north-south transect of approximately 1300 km in the Atacama Desert ranging from latitude 18°S to latitude 30°S. Energy losses were assessed by comparing side-by-side outputs of four co-planar PV modules. Two of the PV modules of the array were kept clean as a control, while we allowed the other two to naturally accumulate soiling for 12 months (from January 2017 to January 2018). We found that the combination of high deposition rates and infrequent rainfalls led to annual energy losses that peaked at 39% in the northern coastal part of the desert. In contrast, annual energy losses of 3% or less were measured at relatively high-altitude sites and also at locations in the southern part of the desert. For comparison, soiling-induced annual energy losses of about 7% were measured in Santiago, Chile (33°S), a major city with higher rainfall frequency but where urban pollution plays a significant role.

[Rotavirus-Salmonella coinfection due to turtles: Two cases with exotic pets]. / Co-infection rotavirus-Salmonella lié aux tortues : à propos de 2 cas de zoonoses domestiques.

Salmonellosis is a leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis, responsible for invasive infections especially in young children. Reptiles are salmonella reservoirs, and the indirect contact via parents' hands may be responsible for contamination. We report on two cases of Salmonella-rotavirus coinfection secondary to the presence of turtles in the home.

Effect of gallium at two phases of the CA 755 tumour growth.

GaCl3 efficiency was evaluated for mice mammary adenocarcinoma Ca-755 separately at two stages of tumour growth: the exponential and plateau phase. Two modalities of drug administration were evaluated: once only and twice a day for five days. Comparisons were made with the efficiency observed when saline liquid and cyclophosphamide were used. The comparisons between tumour shrinkages were carried out by non-parametric tests. GaCl3 was more often efficient for tumours at the exponential phase than for those at the plateau phase of growth. GaCl3 always appeared less efficient than cyclophosphamide. The treatment schedule did not result in any significant alteration of tumour regression.

[Prenatal diagnosis of a harlequin fetus using electron microscopy]. / Diagnostic prénatal par microscopie électronique d'un foetus Arlequin.

We have diagnosed a Harlequin fetus at 22 weeks' gestation. Harlequin syndrome is a fatal, congenital disorder of keratinization whose biochemical basis is unknown. The parents were second cousins and had had four children, two with the Harlequin syndrome who had died at birth and two normal children. During the fifth pregnancy the parents asked us to find out if the fetus was affected. Multiple skin biopsies were done by fetoscopy during the 22nd week of gestation. On binocular loupe examination the skin appeared thickened and fragile to the touch; light and electron microscopy revealed a remarkably thickened stratum corneum with involvement of both follicular and interfollicular epidermis, a feature characteristic of a Harlequin fetus at term. The pregnancy was terminated in the 24th week of gestation: the fetus had all the characteristic clinical features of Harlequin fetus.

[Biliary colonic ileus: an unusual cause of colonic obstruction]. / L'iléus biliaire colique: une cause rare d'occlusion colique.

We report a rare case of colonic gallstone obstruction in a patient with cholecystocolic fistula. Diagnosis of this condition is usually difficult and only achieved at surgery. We review the radiological findings, particularly the CT findings, helpful for diagnosis: ectopic gallstone, biliary gas and fistula. Early preoperative diagnosis could reduce morbidity and mortality. Treatment is surgical with enterolithotomy. There is some controversy over the need to repair the fistula.

A prospective and comparative study between stapled hemorrhoidopexy and hemorrhoidal artery ligation with mucopexy.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy between stapled hemorrhoidopexy (Longo technique) and transanal hemorrhoidal artery ligation with mucopexy (THDm) in the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From June 2009 to January 2011, 81 patients having grade II or III hemorrhoidal disease underwent prospective evaluation followed by surgery at two centers (27 Longo and 54 THDm). Symptoms (bleeding, tenesmus, prolapse, fecal incontinence, pain) and the satisfaction score were compared on the first post-operative day and at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months thereafter. The follow-up was 24 months. RESULTS: There was no difference in mean length of stay. One complication (recto-vaginal fistula) was observed after Longo. The prolapse score was significantly lower after THDm than after Longo on the first post-operative day (P < 0.0015). Bleeding score after THDm was significantly lower on the first post-operative day (P = 0.04), but higher thereafter (P = 0.03 and P = 0.04). Tenesmus score after THDm was significantly lower for the first three months (P < 0.06 and 0.001). On the first post-operative day and at one month, the visual analog pain score was significantly lower after THDm than that after Longo (P < 0.0003 et P < 0.01). On the first post-operative day and at one month, the satisfaction score was higher after THDm than after Longo (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: THDm was safe and effective. Short-term outcomes after THDm were better than after Longo but long-term results seemed to be similar.

[Isolation of Geosmithia argillacea in a cystic fibrosis patient]. / Isolement de Geosmithia argillacea chez un enfant atteint de mucoviscidose.

We report the case of an 11-year-old child with cystic fibrosis where Geosmithia argillacea has been isolated from sputum. This is a filamentous fungus (mold) recently described as emergent infectious agent in cystic fibrosis patients. In our case, the presence of G. argillacea was not associated with clinical disorder. However, recent evidence shows that it can be responsible for very serious invasive infection, especially in chronic granulomatous disease and may be, after lung transplantation.

Prenatal morphology in Meckel's syndrome.

Prenatal morphology of Meckel's syndrome was studied in five fetuses of different gestational age, that had been aborted because ultrasonography and elevated amniotic AFP-levels indicated neural tube defect. Histologically, the enlarged polycystic kidneys were completely alike with respect to the type of involvement and differed only in the severity of changes. They could be identified at type III cystic kidneys according to the classification of Potter. Proliferation of hepatic bile ducts and slight cystic dilatation of pancreatic ducts is already evident in the youngest fetus. Additional cyst formation in the epididymis was found in one of the cases. Occipital encephalocele, located within an apical occipital bone defect was always associated with a second mostly occult encephalocele protruding through a separated defect of the basal occipital squame and of the first and second vertebral arch. It is assumed that double encephalocele represents a constant finding in Meckel's syndrome, indicating a specific pattern within the disturbance of neural tube closure.

[Experimental production of anencephalic monsters by chick embryo microsurgery. Initial observations]. / Obtention expérimentale de monstres anencéphales par microchirurgie chez l'embryon de Poulet. Premières observations.

42 hour-old chick embryos are operated by microsurgical means. The encephalon, which is normally closed at this stage, is reopened and the incision extended to the level of 2nd or 3rd somites. The experimental embryos are anencephalic. Their comparison with a spontaneous anencephalus shows a large morphological similarity. These first experiments confirm the hypothesis by which anencephaly is a direct consequence of the failure of neural tube closure.

Ultrastructural localization of IgA globulins in normal and coeliac intestinal mucosa using immunoenzymatic methods.

Using peroxidase-labelled antibodies, the ultrastructural localization of IgA immunoglobulins in duodenojejunal biopsies from children with active coeliac disease was investigated. Satisfactory penetration of conjugates was achieved by 20 hour-fixation in 4% formaldehyde and 8 hour-incubation of thick frozen sections in the presence of peroxidase-labelled anti-human alpha heavy chain antibody under continuous mild agitation. In normal duodeno-jejunal mucosa, deposits of IgA were observed at the ultrastructural level in the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the perinuclear space of plasma cells and on lateral cell membranes of villous and crypt epithelial cells. In coeliac mucosa, immuno-electron microscopic studies confirmed the increased cell density of IgA immunocytes and revealed heavy deposits of IgA on the basement membrane of surface epithelial cells and the wall of neighbouring blood vessels.

Immunoelectron-microscopic localization of immunoglobulin A and secretory component in jejunal mucosa from children with coeliac disease.

Using peroxidase-labelled antibodies, the ultrastructural localization of IgA and secretory component (SC) was investigated in duodeno-jejunal biopsies from six children with coeliac disease and compared with that observed in non-coelic mucosa. In normal intestinal mucosa this study confirmed the presence of IgA in the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the perinuclear space of numerous subepithelial plasma cells and one the lateral cell membranes of villous and especially crypt epithelial cells. SC was only detected in the epithelium and principally in crypt epithelium where it was identified in endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi saccules, perinuclear spaces and on lateral cell membranes. These findings support the suggestion that SC is synthesized mainly in crypt epithelium and acts as a receptor on epithelial cell membranes for dimeric IgA. In untreated coeliac patients, SC was observed at the same sites, but SC staining was reduced in damaged surface epithelial cells. The number of IgA immunocytes was increased and heavy deposits of IgA were found on basement membranes. In post-treatment biopsies, no abnormality was apparent. After re-exposure to gluten, depositions of IgA on basement membranes were the only early change. The unaltered distribution of SC and IgA in crypt epithelium strongly suggests that the epithelial transport mechanism of secretory IgA is normal in coeliac disease.