Hurricanes and climate in the Caribbean during the past 3700 years BP

International audienceA multiproxy analysis of lacustrine sediments cored in Grand-Case Pond at Saint-Martin, north of the Lesser Antilles archipelago, reveals three distinct climatic periods for the last 3700 years. From 3700 to ~2500 yr cal. BP and from 1150 yr cal. BP to the present, carbonate mud deposition occurred in connection with pond lowstands. These periods were also punctuated by severe drought events, marked by gypsum laminae, and hurricane landfalls, leading to marine sand inputs into the pond. The intermediate time interval, from 2500 to 1150 yr cal. BP, is typified by black organic mud deposition, suggesting that hypoxic to anoxic conditions prevailed at the pond bottom. These were probably linked with a perennial pond highstand and reflect more uniform and wetter climatic conditions than today. The carbon isotopic composition of the ostracod Perissocytheridea bisulcata shows that the lowest δ13C values are recorded during the hypoxic periods, as a consequence of bacterial recycling of isotopically depleted organic matter. Such a climatic history agrees closely with that documented from other records in the Caribbean area, such as the Cariaco Basin, central coast of Belize or Barbados. By constrast, discrepancies seem to emerge from the comparison between hurricane activity recorded at Saint-Martin on the one hand and Vieques (Puerto Rico) on the other hand. We explain this apparent contradiction by a balance between two distinct storm paths in response to latitudinal shifts of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). Stronger storm activity over the Gulf coast and the inner Caribbean Sea is favoured by a southern position of the ITCZ in connection with dry climatic conditions. Plausible links with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) are also suggested

Interim 2017/18 influenza seasonal vaccine effectiveness: Combined results from five European studies

Between September 2017 and February 2018, influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2) and B viruses (mainly B/Yamagata, not included in 2017/18 trivalent vaccines) co-circulated in Europe. Interim results from five European studies indicate that, in all age groups, 2017/18 influenza vaccine effectiveness was 25 to 52% against any influenza, 55 to 68% against influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, -42 to 7% against influenza A(H3N2) and 36 to 54% against influenza B. 2017/18 influenza vaccine should be promoted where influenza still circulates

Le gisement précéramique de la Baie Orientale à Saint-Martin (Petites Antilles)

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Expérience pilote de Landivisiau : rapport final

The Kerouallon watershed has been monitored by the Cemagref in Rennes and by the EDE of the Finistere department since 1994. Agricultural practices (techniques by plot, animal farming practices by farm), soil and water measurements at the outlet are needed for an accurate diagnosis of pollutions of agricultural origin in water. Modifications of practices are suggested; their consequences on the environment and the management of agricultural farms have been evaluated. A general approach is outlined. This report describes the results and analyzed in July 1996. It is aimed at the Urban community of Brest and at the European Union (Life contract). / Le bassin versant de Kerouallon est suivi par le Cemagref de Rennes et l'EDE du Finistère depuis 1994. L'enregistrement des pratiques agricoles (itinéraires techniques par parcelles, pratiques d'élevage par atelier), les mesures dans les sols et l'eau à l'exutoire, permettent un diagnostic précis des pollutions d'origine agricole dans l'eau. Des modifications de pratiques sont proposées ; leurs conséquences sur l'environnement et la gestion des exploitations agricoles sont évaluées. Une démarche de généralisation des résultats est esquissée. Ce rapport fait le point des résultats obtenus et analysés en juillet 1996. Il est destiné à la Communauté Urbaine de Brest et l'Union Européenne (contrat Life)

Neuromodulatory and possible anxiolytic-like effects of a spice functional food ingredient in a pig model of psychosocial chronic stress

International audiencePsychological chronic stress is associated with the development of mood disorders, and spices have shown protective properties in this context. This research investigated the effects of a supplementation with a functional food ingredient containing spice extracts in a pig model of psychosocial chronic stress. Its impact on behavior, neurophysiology, immune system and gastrointestinal tract were evaluated. Almost no significant results were found at the gut and immune levels. An increased expression of 5-HT1AR and BDNF in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, respectively, and blood perfusion changes in several brain regions including the olfactory bulb, hippocampus, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex were observed. Also, slight anxiolytic-like effects were observed in the Open-field and Novelty-Suppressed Feeding tests. These modulations of brain regions associated with the regulation of emotions and cognition as well as the potential effects on anxiety might come from the repeated stimulation of the olfactory system

Size estimation of pre‐Columbian Caribbean fish

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