Search

The aim was to define the risk factors for acute urinary retention (AUR) and urinary tract infections (UTIs) in colon or high rectum anastomosis patients based on the absence of a urinary catheter (UC) or the early removal of the UC (24 h).This is a multicentre, international retrospective analysis of a prospective database including all patients undergoing colon or high rectum anastomoses. Patients were part of the enhanced recovery programme audit, developed by the Francophone Group for Enhanced Recovery after Surgery, and were included if no UC was inserted or if a UC was inserted for24 h.In all, 9389 patients had colon or high rectum anastomoses using laparoscopy, open surgery or robotic surgery. Among these patients, 4048 were excluded because the UC was left in place24 h (43.1%) and 97 were excluded because the management of UC was unknown (1%). Among the 5244 colon or high rectum anastomoses patients included, AUR occurred in 5.2% and UTI occurred in 0.7%. UCs were in place for24 h in 2765 patients (52.7%) and 2479 did not have UCs in place (47.3%). Multivariate analysis showed that management of the UC was not significantly associated with the occurrence of AUR and that risk factors for AUR were male gender, ≥65 years old, having an American Society of Anesthesiologists score ≥3 and receiving epidural analgesia. Conversely, being of male gender was a protective factor of UTI, while being ≥65 years old, having open surgery and receiving epidural analgesia were risk factors for UTIs. The management of the UC was not significantly associated with the occurrence of UTIs but the occurrence of AUR was a more significant risk factor for UTIs.UCs in place for24 h did not reduce the occurrence of AUR or UTI compared to the absence of UCs.

MDS-RS patients are characterized by chronic anemia and a low risk of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) progression and they generally become Red Blood Cell (RBC) transfusion dependent (TD).We performed a retrospective "real-life" observational study of 6 months in 100 MDS-RS TD patients, recruited in 12 French centers, to describe transfusion characteristics, and evaluate the frequency and causes of hospitalizations, health costs, and morbidity, associated with transfusion dependency, in a French population of RBC transfusion-dependent MDS-RS patients.79% of the patients had high transfusion burden (HTB) and 21% low transfusion burden (LTB). HTB patients had a longer disease duration (6 vs. 3.7 years, p = 0.0078), more frequent iron chelation (82% vs. 50%, p = 0.0052) and higher serum ferritin (p = 0.03). During the 6-month study period, 22% of the patients required inpatient hospitalization, 36% of them for symptomatic anemia requiring emergency RBC transfusion. The 6-month median transfusion costs, including the cost of the day care facility, transportation to and from the hospital, iron chelation, and lab tests, was 16,188€/patient.MDS-RS represents the archetypal type of chronically transfused lower-risk MDS. Most of those patients have a high transfusion burden and thus frequently need visits to the hospital's day care facility, and frequent hospitalizations, with an overall high median treatment cost. Those costs should be compared with costs of new treatments potentially able to avoid RBC transfusion dependence and to reduce the complications of chronic anemia in MDS-RS patients.

While the study of dispersal and connectivity in the ocean typically centres on pelagic species and planktonic larval stages of benthic species, the present work explores an overlooked locomotor means in post‐settlement benthic stages that redefines their dispersal potential.Members of the echinoderm class Holothuroidea colonize a diversity of marine environments world‐wide, where they play key ecological and economical roles, making their conservation a priority. Holothuroids are commonly called sea cucumbers or sea slugs to reflect their slow movements and are assumed to disperse chiefly through pelagic larvae.The present study documents and explores their unexpected ability to actively modify their buoyancy, leading them to tumble or float at speeds orders of magnitudes faster than through benthic crawling. Two focal species representing different taxonomic orders, geographic distributions and reproductive strategies were studied over several years.Active buoyancy adjustment (ABA) was achieved through a rapid increase in water‐to‐flesh ratio by up to 740%, leading to bloating, and simultaneously detachment from the substrate. It occurred as early as 6 months post settlement in juveniles and was recorded in wild adult populations. In experimental trials, ABA was triggered by high conspecific density, decreasing salinity and increasing water turbidity. Based on field video footage, ABA‐assisted movements generated speeds of up to 90 km/day.These findings imply that displacement during planktonic larval stages may not supersede the locomotor capacity of benthic stages, challenging the notion of sedentarity. Combining the present results and anecdotal reports, ABA emerges as a generalized means of dispersal among benthic animals, with critical implications for world‐wide management and conservation of commercially and ecologically significant species., This study documents the unexpected ability of so‐called sessile or sedentary benthic marine animals (e.g. sea cucumbers) to actively modify their buoyancy to tumble or float at speeds orders of magnitudes faster than anticipated. These findings redefine the locomotor capacity of benthic animals, challenging the notion of sedentarity, with critical implications for worldwide management and conservation of commercially and ecologically significant species.

OBJECTIVE Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is a potentially severe complication of pancreatitis. The aim of this single-center, retrospective cohort study was to investigate the incidence of SVT and to determine the connected risk factors. METHODS All consecutive patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) managed in our hospital were included. The primary outcome was the occurrence of SVT and data was collected in accordance with Ranson's criteria. RESULTS A total of 318 patients were included, of whom 124 (39.0%) were women. Biliary lithiasis was the main cause of pancreatitis (n = 156, 49.1%). A total of 19 (6.0%) SVT were identified. In univariate analysis, alcohol intake, smoking and male gender were associated with SVT (P = 0.005, 0.003 and 0.007, respectively). Biological parameters significantly associated with thrombosis were lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) 75% was a protective factor against thrombosis (OR 0.148, P = 0.019). Leukocytes >10 × 10(9)/L (OR 6.397, P = 0.034), hyperglycemia (≥ 10 mmol/L) (OR 6.845, P = 0.023), LDH

Spatial and temporal shifts in biometric features were examined in three common deep-water pennatulacean corals (sea pens) from the Northwest Atlantic: Anthoptilum grandiflorum, Halipteris finmarchica and Pennatula aculeata. These three species show different morphological characters and adaptations to their environment. Analyses of colony length, ratio of peduncle to colony length, weight/length ratio, polyp size and density as well as sclerite shape, location and abundance indicate that their phenotype is modulated by environmental factors (e.g. food availability, currents and sediment type) and antipredator strategies. Moreover, the three species had different carbon and nitrogen stable isotope signatures that could be explain primarily by their different polyp diameters and colony shapes, suggesting that they rely on slightly different food sources (varying proportions of phytodetritus and zooplankton). Finally, sclerites were found only in H. finmarchica and P. aculeata and are not known to occur in A. grandiflorum, except for minute oval bodies inside the peduncle. The Mg/Ca ratio of sclerites differed between the two species and, for P. aculeata, among types of sclerites, evoking different biomineralization pathways related to their functional roles (structural support or defence). Overall, this study provides new information on the ecology of poorly known species, which are ubiquitous and suspected to play an important ecological role in deep-water ecosystems.

Halipteris finmarchica is one of the most common species of deep-sea pennatulacean corals in the Northwest Atlantic; it was recently determined to act as a biogenic substrate for other species and as a nursery for fish larvae. Its reproductive cycle was investigated in colonies sampled in 2006 and 2007 along the continental slope of Newfoundland and Labrador (Canada). Halipteris finmarchica exhibits large oocytes (maximum diameter of 1000 lm), which are consistent with lecithotrophic larval development. Female potential fecundity based on mature oocytes just before spawning was ~6 oocytes polyp 1 (500– 6300 oocytes colony 1 ); male potential fecundity was 16 spermatocysts polyp 1 (5500–57,400 spermatocysts colony 1 ). Based on statistical analysis of size-probability frequency distributions, males harboured one cohort of spermatocysts that matured inside 8–11 months, whereas females harboured two distinct cohorts of oocytes; a persistent pool of small ones (≤400 lm) and a small number (~20%) of larger ones that grew from ~400 to >800 lm over a year. Despite this difference in the tempo of oogenesis and spermatogenesis, a synchronic annual spawning was detected. A latitudinal shift in the spawning period occurred from south (April in the Laurentian Channel) to north (May in Grand Banks and July–August in Labrador/Lower Arctic), following the development of the phytoplankton bloom (i.e. sinking of phytodetritus). Prolonged oogenesis with the simultaneous presence of different oocyte classes in a given polyp is likely not uncommon in deep-sea octocorals and could hamper the detection of annual/seasonal reproduction when sample sizes are low and/or time series discontinued or brief.

Although continental shelf and slope environments typically exhibit high epifaunal biomass and have been subjected to increasing fishing pressure, ecological information on assemblages of non-commercial invertebrate species from subtidal and bathyal areas remains limited. Sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea), which are known to influence communities through their feeding habits, have received less attention than structural taxa such as corals and sponges. To better understand the ecological roles of asteroids on continental shelves, we investigated ~30 species and assessed their distributions and co-occurrence with other benthic invertebrates on the shelf and slope of Eastern Canada. Using fisheries data and in situ video footage, we compiled a large dataset covering ~600,000 km2 that included over 350,000 individual asteroid records (37–2243 m depth). Multivariate analyses revealed geographically distinct asteroid assemblages, with a maximal overall density at 400–500 m and the highest diversity at 500–700 m. The most abundant and densely occurring species was Ctenodiscus crispatus. We found that asteroids associate with corals, sponges, bivalves, and other echinoderms, and that depth and substrate influence these assemblages. We identified species likely to affect coexisting organisms by their burrowing behavior that can disrupt epi- and infauna (C. crispatus) and through predation on ecologically important corals (Hippasteria phrygiana). In addition to providing baseline distribution and ecological information for many bathyal asteroid species in the Northwest Atlantic, this work highlights the abundance and diversified roles of asteroids within continental shelf and slope ecosystems.

Aim As the main or sole motile stage of many aquatic taxa, propagules play a central role in their population dynamics, macroevolution and biogeography. The premises of studies concerned with dispersal, on issues as diverse as marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries and invasive species, commonly make simplified assumptions linking larval development mode (planktotrophic, lecithotrophic) and pelagic propagule duration (PPD) or pelagic larval duration. Because general empirical tests of these connections have yielded equivocal results, we critically examined the relationship between larval mode and PPD in light of regional and taxon-specific criteria. Location Oceans world-wide. Methods We collated data from 190 species from the phylum Echinodermata and used two-way and one-way ANOVA to compare PPD among larval modes, taxonomic classes, geographic regions and climate zones. We also assessed the contribution of egg size, temperature and other continuous predictors using multiple regressions and ANCOVA, and examined whether geographic range size differed among larval modes. Results Our results depart from the common assumption that planktotrophs have longer PPDs than lecithotrophs. Instead, we detected a synergistic influence of phylogeny and climate. No significant difference in PPD between planktotrophs and lecithotrophs occurred in two of the four classes and only four out of nine major ocean basins contained species with significantly different PPDs on the basis of larval mode. Species from colder climates displayed relatively constant PPDs regardless of larval mode, whereas temperate and warm-water species displayed a clearer dichotomy. PPD did not correlate with geographic range size nor did planktotrophs and lecithotrophs exhibit significantly different range sizes. Main conclusions Our findings indicate that larval mode is not a reliable predictor of PPD across broad geographic and taxonomic scales. Instead developmental strategies may instigate shorter or longer PPDs in schemes that are influenced by evolutionary and environmental pressures.

As a consequence of the decline of numerous commercial fish populations, an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management, which includes the protection of essential fish habitat (EFH), has emerged. Cold-water coral (CWC) sites are recognized as biodiversity hotspots, but numerous examples of CWC destruction and degradation as a result of anthropogenic activities are well documented. However, although functional connections between CWCs and fish stocks are suspected, based on correlative evidence, proof of any close or direct relationship identifying CWCs as EFH is still lacking. Here, we provide evidence of the utilization of CWCs by fish larvae, mainly those of redfish (Sebastes spp). In multiyear surveys, fish larvae were consistently found closely associated with five species of sea pen (Octocorallia: Pennatulacea) in April and May. Prevalence and/or yields of fish larvae varied with coral host species, depth, location, and colony size. Evidence of the role of CWCs in the early life history of some...

International audience

Worldwide, most sea cucumber fisheries are ineffectively managed, leading to declining stocks and potentially eroding the resilience of fisheries. We analyse trends in catches, fishery status, fishing participation and regulatory measures among 77 sea cucumber fisheries through data from recent fishery reports and fishery managers. Critical gaps in fisheries biology knowledge of even commonly targeted species undermine the expected success of management strategies. Most tropical fisheries are small-scale, older and typified by numerous (>8) species, whereas temperate fisheries are often emerging, mono-specific and industrialized. Fisher participation data indicated about 3 million sea cucumber fishers worldwide. Fisher participation rates were significantly related to the average annual yield. permanova analysis showed that over-exploited and depleted fisheries employed different sets of measures than fisheries with healthier stocks, and a non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination illustrated that a broad set of regulatory measures typified sustainable fisheries. SIMPER and regression tree analyses identified that the dissimilarity was most related to enforcement capacity, number of species harvested, fleet (vessel) controls, limited entry controls and rotational closures. The national Human Development Index was significantly lower in countries with over-exploited and depleted fisheries. Where possible, managers should limit the number of fishers and vessel size and establish short lists of permissible commercial species in multispecies fisheries. Our findings emphasize an imperative to support the enforcement capacity in low-income countries, in which risk of biodiversity loss is exceptionally high. Solutions for greater resilience of sea cucumber stocks must be embedded within those for poverty reduction and alternative livelihood options.

Although the reproductive biology and early life-history stages of deep-sea corals are poorly understood, such data are crucial for their conservation and management. Here, we describe the timing of larval release, planula behavior, metamorphosis, settlement, and early juvenile growth of two species of deep-sea soft corals from the northwest Atlantic. Live colonies of Gersemia fruticosa maintained under flow-through laboratory conditions released 79 planulae (1.5–2.5 mm long) between April and early June 2007. Peak planulation in G. fruticosa coincided with peaks in the chlorophyll concentration and deposition rates of planktic matter. Metamorphosis and settlement occurred 3–70 d post-release. The eight primary mesenteries typically appeared within 24 h, and primary polyps grew to a height of ∼6–10 mm and a stalk diameter of ∼1 mm within 2–3 months. Planulae of Duva florida (1.5–2.5 mm long) were extracted surgically from several colonies and were successfully reared in culture. Primary polyps reached a height of ∼3–4 mm within 2–3 months. No budding of primary polyps was observed in either species over 11–13 months of monitoring, suggesting a very slow growth rate.

A sequential in vivo approach was used to examine the transformations undergone by oocytes during transit in the gonoduct of the sea cucumber Holothuria leucospilota, from ovulation until fertilization competency. Spasms of the ovarian muscle bands, during the pre-spawning locomotor activity of the females, coincided with the extrusion of oocytes from the follicle cells (ovulation). No germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) was visible and the oocytes were not fertilizable. As the animal began to display the anterior sweeping movements characteristic of spawning, the oocytes streamed out of the gonad and were stored in the gonad basis. The oocytes, which were still non-fertilizable, were then pressed forward through the first (proximal) section of the gonoduct. GVBD was completed during this rapid transit, but oocytes could not be fertilized unless they had soaked ≥20 min in seawater. In the second (distal) section of the gonoduct, most oocytes were readily fertilizable; fertilization rates increased noticeably after the formation of a bulge beneath the gonopore, which favored the entry of seawater. Hydration of the jelly coat was apparent (i.e., a 60% increase in oocyte surface area). Gamete release occurred in one powerful spurt ∼85 min after the onset of ovulation. This oocyte maturation sequence is expected to occur in holothurian species with similar anatomy and spawning behavior.

Ossicles of Holothuria (Metriatyla) scabra Jaeger 1833 vary mainly in early juveniles between 0.9 and 15mm long. While ossicles were not observed in auricularia and doliolaria larvae, which instead possessed elastic balls, ossicles were present in late pentactulae. Specimens 0.9–1.5mm long have tables with tall spire (4–5 cross beams), no buttons, and large irregular perforated plates. Specimens 5–6mm long have tables with moderate spire (2–4 cross beams) and a few smooth buttons. Specimens 9–16mm long have tables with low spire (1–2 cross beams) and knobbed buttons. From 30mm, ossicle are similar to those of adults, with more buttons and fewer tables. Several features of the ossicles of early juveniles, including their size, shape and prevalence, are unique to the species. Comparison with holothurian juveniles of other species indicates that presence of tables with tall spire and absence of buttons are plesiomorph characters in the evolution of the Holothuriidae.

This research provides evidence for chemical mediation in the initiation of gametogenesis and interindividual fine-tuning among populations of the holothurian Cuc- umaria frondosa. Initiated in the laboratory by increased day length, the gametogenesis of C. frondosa developed normally when individuals were transferred to an environment in which temperature and photoperiod were held constant and food was withheld. Gonad development and spawning of these sea cucumbers occurred simultaneously with animals that were fed. Individuals collected from the deep aphotic zone showed gonadal indices and histological development of gametes synchronous with populations found in the shal- lower photic zone. These data strongly suggest that day length and temperature were not the sole factors controlling the onset and development of gametogenesis, but rather that they act synergistically with other mechanisms. Laboratory experiments showed that ga- metogenic synchrony was less for individuals separately maintained under natural envi- ronmental conditions than it was for similarly treated individuals kept in groups. Finally, gametogenesis was initiated by exposure to more developed individuals, even without the photoperiod cue. This induction, effective only between animals of the same sex, became more evident with increasing maturity of the more developed individuals.