Biogeochemical impact of historical submarine mine tailings on benthic ecosystems in the Repparfjord (Northern Norway).

Historical copper mine tailings deposited in the Repparfjord, Northern Norway, provided new insight into the biogeochemical impact of submarine tailings disposals on high-latitude coastal ecosystems. The submarine tailings disposal in the Repparfjord represents a product of mining activities between 1972 and 1979. Their environmental impact has been extensively studied during the last decade, but geochemistry of the sediment pore water, which is crucial to assess and monitor the in-situ metal leaching and bioavailability, has never been analysed. The actual impact on the benthic fauna remains poorly known. Therefore, this study couples the pore water chemistry and the foraminiferal analysis obtained from selected sediment cores (gravity core, multicore, box cores) to examine metal stability and the past and current status of the foraminifera community. We measured down-core sulfate and trace metal concentrations and Eh-Ph and applied the Shannon index, the AZTI's Marine Biotic Index (F-AMBI) index and the foraminiferal abnormality index. This study confirms the ongoing leaching of Cu from the underlying mine tailings and release across the sediment-water interface. Leaching of Ni, Zn and Pb have been attributed to weathering of natural bedrock lithologies. The original benthic foraminiferal community disappeared almost entirely during the disposal period, and now it is dominated by stress-tolerant and opportunistic species like Bulimina marginata and Spiroplectammina biformis. Anyhow, against previous assumptions, the community composition changed, while the overall diversity and abnormalities (FAI) shell formation is unaffected by elevated Cu concentrations.

50 Years and older - born with spina bifida: participation, health issues and physical function.

Purpose: To study physical function perspectives in persons with spina bifida (SB) aged ≥50 years. In relation to this, we also wanted to survey participation perspectives, health issues and health services usage.Methods: We used predefined fixed questions to interview community-dwelling adults with SB in Norway. Physical function assessments included Timed Up and Go, the Six Minute Walk Test, and BMI was calculated. Descriptive statistics were used, and logistic regression was performed to study variables associated with community walking.Results: Eighteen women and twelve men, twenty-four of them without hydrocephalus, participated in the study. Their mean age was 57.5 years (range 51-76). The majority were well-functioning persons, with 53% employed. However, deterioration in ambulation started at a median age of 40 years in >80% of the participants. Higher odds for being a community walker were found for sacral SB, BMI < 30, and/or being more physical active per week. More than 60% of the study sample used antihypertensive medication, and 43% were obese (BMI ≥ 30). Pain was a commonly perceived health problem. About 50% had been through a comprehensive SB-specific health evaluation in adulthood.Conclusion: The striking results on obesity, hypertension, pain and deterioration in ambulatory function in middle-aged and elderly SB cases call for action. Our findings elucidate the importance of prevention and clinical follow-up throughout the lifespan, even in well-functioning SB cases.Implications for rehabilitationWeight-management and interventions to reduce hypertension are issues that need attention in follow-up and as part of secondary rehabilitation in spina bifida.Early deterioration in ambulatory function and pain in spina bifida are target areas for multidisciplinary secondary rehabilitation, and should adequately focus on maintaining or improving "real-life" functioning performance.Neurogenic bowel and fecal incontinence are important in relation to social participation in ageing spina bifida.Rehabilitation programs and research should take the level of cele and hydrocephalus into account.

Multidisciplinary treatment of disability in ehlers-danlos syndrome hypermobility type/hypermobility syndrome: A pilot study using a combination of physical and cognitive-behavioral therapy on 12 women.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome hypermobility type (EDS-HT) and joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) are two overlapping heritable connective tissue disorders. Patients with these conditions have many and various complaints; limitations in performing daily activities, reduced muscle strength and proprioception, kinesiophobia, and pain. There is a lack of evidence-based treatment approaches; a few studies have shown effect of physiotherapy. Many authors propose multidisciplinary treatment, but this has neither been described nor evaluated for this patient group. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate if a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program combining physical and cognitive-behavioral therapy was feasible, safe and effective for 12 women with EDS-HT/JHS. Intervention was offered as a group program and consisted of three parts: (1) Two and a half week in a rehabilitation unit with testing, physical training, group discussions and lectures. (2) Individual home exercises for three months with weekly guidance by local physiotherapist. (3) Readmission four days for retesting and further training advice. All participants completed the intervention. We found significant changes in perceived performance of daily activities, significant increase of muscle strength and endurance and a significant reduction of kinesiophobia. There were smaller changes in self-perceived pain. The participants also reported increased participation in daily life.