Downwearing rates on shore platforms of different calcareous lithotypes

Vertical lowering (downwearing) of shore platform surfaces is a very important mechanism in their morphological evolution albeit much remains incompletely understood. The efficacy of mechanical and chemical weathering acting on a given substrate, together with erosional processes, influences downwearing rates. In order to determine the relationship between lithotypes and downwearing rates, data collected from a Transverse Micro-erosion Meter were obtained for shore platforms of three different calcareous lithotypes (biocalcarenite, calcarenite and carbonated siltstone) along the central Algarve coast (Southern Portugal). Downwearing rates ranged between 0.096 mm year−1 and 1.676 mm year−1 in biocalcarenite and weakly cemented calcarenite, respectively. In addition, physical properties of the rocks comprising the platforms were measured, including uniaxial compressive strength (as determined by the Point Load Test), porosity, and calcium carbonate content. The results show that downwearing depends primarily on the intrinsic properties of the substrate. Porosity, in particular, acts in two ways: (i) it tends to weaken the substrate; and, (ii) it controls the downward extent of the water percolation and therefore the depth of the weathering mantle subject to erosion by waves and currents.Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) through Research Projects PTDC/CTEGEX/70448/2006 (BISHOP) and PTDC/CTE-GIX/111230/2009 (EROS)

Coronavirus disease 2019 in patients with inborn errors of immunity: an international study

BACKGROUND:There is uncertainty about the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in individuals with rare inborn errors of immunity (IEI), a population at risk of developing severe COVID-19. This is relevant not only for these patients but also the general population, as studies of IEIs can unveil key requirements for host defense. OBJECTIVE:Describe the presentation, manifestations and outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection in IEI to inform physicians and enhance understanding of host defense against SARS-CoV-2. METHODS:An invitation to participate in a retrospective study was distributed globally to scientific, medical and patient societies involved in the care and advocacy for patients with IEI. RESULTS:We gathered information on 94 IEI patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Median age was 25-34 years. 53 patients (56%) suffered from primary antibody deficiency, 9 (9.6%) had immune dysregulation syndrome, 6 (6.4%) a phagocyte defect, 7 (7.4%) auto-inflammatory disorder, 14 (15%) a combined immunodeficiency, 3 (3%) an innate immune defect, and 2 (2%) bone marrow failure. Ten were asymptomatic, 25 were treated as outpatients, 28 required admission without intensive care or ventilation, 13 required non-invasive ventilation or oxygen administration, 18 were admitted to intensive care units, 12 requiring invasive ventilation, and 3 extra corporeal membrane oxygenation. Nine patients (seven adults, two children) died. CONCLUSIONS:This study demonstrates that (1) >30% of IEI patients had mild COVID19, and (2) risk factors predisposing to severe disease/mortality in the general population also seemed to affect IEI patients, including more younger patients. Further studies will identify pathways that are associated with increased risk of severe disease and are non-redundant or redundant for protection against SARS-CoV-2.Isabelle Meyts, Giorgia Bucciol, Isabella Quinti, Bénédicte Neven, Alain Fischer, Elena Seoan

Management of Bladder Cancer After Renal Transplantation

Objectives. In renal transplant recipients, the risk of developing bladder cancer and rate of diagnosis of advanced staged bladder cancer are generally higher than the general population. Also, it is more challenging to treat renal transplant recipients than the regular patient population. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of radical cystectomy (RC) and urinary diversion with ileal conduit in renal transplant recipients

Does being performed by urologist or gynecologist affect the outcomes of women who have had sacrocolpopexy?

Objective: To compare the outcomes of women who underwent abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC) by urologist and gynecologist