Denudation and geomorphic change in the Anthropocene; a global overview

The effects of human activity on geomorphic processes, particularly those related to denudation/sedimentation, are investigated by reviewing case studies and global assessments covering the past few centuries. Evidence we have assembled from different parts of the world, as well as from the literature, show that certain geomorphic processes are experiencing an acceleration, especially since the mid-twentieth century. This suggests that a global geomorphic change is taking place, largely caused by anthropogenic landscape changes

Safety and sample adequacy of renal transplant surveillance biopsies

Purpose: To report on the safety and adequacy of surveillance biopsy for detecting subclinical lesions in clinically stable renal grafts. Materials and methods: We established an in-patient surveillance biopsy program with the elective performance of a renal transplant biopsy during the first year after renal transplantation. All biopsies in our centre were performed or supervised by the same operator. Patients were admitted to the hospital the day of biopsy and were discharged after 24h of observation. All patients were biopsied in supine position, using a 16-gauge needle with a spring-loaded gun (Bard (R)) under real-time ultrasound guidance. Complication rates were retrospectively scored using the patients' charts and blood counts before and after biopsy. Major complications were defined as those requiring an intervention for resolution, a transfusion of blood products or an invasive procedure (angiography or surgery), and those that led to acute renal obstruction or failure, septicaemia, graft loss or death. In all other cases complications were considered minor. An adequate biopsy was defined as the presence of 7 or more glomeruli and at least one artery in the biopsy specimen. Results: We performed 282 surveillance biopsies in 248 patients between January 2006 and December 2011. None of the complications were major. We observed 6% minor complications (n = 17). 5.6% (n = 16) of the complications were related to bleeding, with macroscopic haematuria as the most common condition (n = 10; 3.5%), followed by pain (n = 6; 2.1%) eighter due to a perinephric hematoma (n = 5) or a subcutaneous hematoma (n = 1). The biopsies contained a median number of 9 glomeruli (range 0-39) with 70% of biopsies containing at least 7 glomeruli and one artery. Conclusion: The procedure for taking surveillance biopsies was proven to be safe. There were no major complications and only rare minor complications. The majority of the samples were adequate for histological examination

The EuroDendro project - Snow-avalanche frequency and magnitude in European Middle Mountain unravelled by dendrogeomorphological analyses

International audienceThe EuroDendro project (2009-2010) associates French, Icelandic, Norwegian and Romanian researchers to analysethe recurrence of geomorphic dynamics occurring on slopes with a dendrogeomorphological approach. Studysites are located in France (Auvergne), Iceland (Northwestern and Northern Iceland), Norway (Nordfjord) and Romania(South Carpaths Mountains), enabling to investigate various European middle mountain environments anddifferent tree species impacted by similar processes. The aim of the study is to highlight the various responses ofconifers and broad-leaved trees subjected to recurrent snow avalanches in similar cold environments. In a longerperspective, the EuroDendro project aims to analyse natural hazard for local populations in areas with a lack of historicalrecords. The study sites are voluntarily selected outside the Alpine area to represent zones that are scarcelypresent in the international literature, whereas such territories offer great potentialities in a global change context

Effect of pergolide on endogenous and exogenous L-DOPA metabolism in the rat striatum: A microdialysis study

SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Sediment Budgets in High-Mountain Areas: Review and Challenges

The changes in the sediment transport regimes of high-mountain areas as a consequence of global warming have received growing attention by geomorphologists, not only because these changes can imply a heightened threat to human infrastructure. While many studies dealing with high-mountain sediment transport processes (e.g., rock fall, debris flows, avalanches, stream transport) have focused on one process only, few studies have tried to establish a holistic view of the sediment transport in high-mountain catchments. This review chapter identifies the need for research in high-mountain sediment budgets, aims at providing an overview of studies that have contributed to this goal, and discusses the methodological state of the art in the different steps necessary for sediment budget construction. In addition, relevant research gaps will be identified, thereby showing potential for future research