Coralline Algae in a Changing Mediterranean Sea: How Can We Predict Their Future, if We Do Not Know Their Present?

In this review we assess the state of knowledge for the coralline algae of the Mediterranean Sea, a group of calcareous seaweeds imperfectly known and considered highly vulnerable to long-term climate change. Corallines have occurred in the Mediterranean area for ∼140 My and are well-represented in the subsequent fossil record; for some species currently common the fossil documentation dates back to the Oligocene, with a major role in the sedimentary record of some areas. Some Mediterranean corallines are key ecosystem engineers that produce or consolidate biogenic habitats (e.g., coralligenous concretions, Lithophyllum byssoides rims, rims of articulated corallines, maerl/rhodolith beds). Although bioconstructions built by corallines exist virtually in every sea, in the Mediterranean they reach a particularly high spatial and bathymetric extent (coralligenous concretions alone are estimated to exceed 2,700 km2 in surface). Overall, composition, dynamics and responses to human disturbances of coralline-dominated communities have been well-studied; except for a few species, however, the biology of Mediterranean corallines is poorly known. In terms of diversity, 60 species of corallines are currently reported from the Mediterranean. This number, however, is based on morphological assessments and recent studies incorporating molecular data suggest that the correct estimate is probably much higher. The responses of Mediterranean corallines to climate change have been the subject of several recent studies that documented their tolerance/sensitivity to elevated temperatures and pCO2. These investigations have focused on a few species and should be extended to a wider taxonomic set

Parvovirus B19-induced acute bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome in twin girls

We describe 2 cases of 6-year-old twin girls presenting with acute carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) associated with human parvovirus B19 (HPV-B19) infection, as evidenced by serological data and detection of HPV-B19 DNA in blood with use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). To our knowledge, this is the first time that HPV-B19 infection has been suggested as the causal agent of simultaneous acute bilateral CTS in twins, thus presenting the possibility that similar immunologic responses can be observed in twins during viral infections

An Unusual Presentationof Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1Infection in a Child

We describe an 11-year-old girl presenting with lichen simplex chronicus (LSC) and acute bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) following herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection as evidenced by serological data and by detection of HSV-1 DNA in the blood with the use of PCR. Based on the literature search, this case represents the first childhood case of LSC and acute bilateral CTS following HSV-1 infection. The experience with this patient emphasizes the importance of serological tests and PCR as well as the other laboratory techniques for the accurate diagnosis and management of the disease

The efficacy of ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve block for postoperative pain after caesarean section

Background:: The effect of ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric (II-IH) nerve block on postoperative pain is well documented when applied before Caesarean section but the efficacy remains unclear when applied after the surgical procedure. Therefore we investigated the effect of II-IH nerve block on postoperative pain and analgesic consumption in patients when applied after Caesarean Section. 
 Methods: Sixty ASA I-II patients, scheduled for elective C/S were included in the study. After general anaesthesia was performed, the patients were allocated into 2 groups randomly. In Group I (n=30), bilateral II-IH block had been applied after the skin closure, with 10 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine on each side. In Group II (n=30) sham block had been applied. For postoperative analgesia all patients received tramadol via i.v patient controlled analgesia. VAS scores, tramadol consumption and side effects at 0th, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 12th, 16th, 20th, 24th hours were noted.
 Results: There was no difference between groups regarding demographical data. The mean VAS scores in Group I were significantly lower than in Group II at 6th (p=0.003), 8th (p=0.019), 12th (p=0.024), 24th hours (p=0.004) at rest and at 6th (p=0.022), 8th hours (p=0.047) with movement. Tramadol usage in Group I was significantly less than in Group II at all estimated time intervals (P=0.001). Total tramadol consumption was 331 ± 82 mg in Group I and 622±107 mg in group II (P=0.001). 
 Conclusions: We observed that II-IH nerve block when applied after the surgery may reduce analgesic consumption after C/S.
 
 
 Key Words: Caesarean section, postoperative analgesia, Ilioinguinal and Iliohypogastric (II-IH) nerve block