Disused Jurassic regional stage from Belgium: Virtonian

An overview of the definition and history of the Virtonian is given with the argumentation for the abandonment of this disused regional stage

Sedimentology and magnetic susceptibility of the Couvin Formation (Eifelian, South Western Belgium): Carbonate platform initiation in a hostile world

The Eifelian of Belgium is mainly characterised by a mixed siliciclastic-carbonate sedimentation on a ramp profile. In this context, the Couvin Formation is the more important and remarkable exception. It represents a carbonate platform initiation in a hostile environment. This work is mainly based on the stratotype, corresponding to two stratigraphic sections located in Couvin, along the southern border of the Dinant Synclinorium. These sections are the Eau Noire and Falaise de l'Abime sections. Unfortunately, they are discontinuous. To allow a better understanding of the sedimentary dynamics, the data are complemented by a shorter but continuous section located in Villers-la-Tour (3.5 km West of Chimay). Petrographic study leads to the definition of 14 microfacies which are integrated in a palaeogeographical model. It corresponds to a platform setting where the reef complex is mainly constituted by an accumulation of crinoids, stromatoporoids and tabulate corals. The microfacies evolution is interpreted in terms of bathymetrical variations. It shows a general shallowing-upward trend encompassing the vertical succession of fore-reef settings, reef development, back-reef and then lagoon environment. This interpretation is supported by trends in mean magnetic susceptibility data, providing a better understanding of the sedimentary dynamics. Moreover, these data show positive correlation with concentrations of detritic minerals, but an inverse relationship with well washed skeletal limestones. The comparison of the three studied sections leads to considerations concerning the lateral variability in the Couvin Formation indicating more agitated conditions in the Abime Member in Villers-le-Tour section

Disused Jurassic regional stage from Belgium: Virtonian

An overview of the definition and history of the Virtonian is given with the argumentation for the abandonment of this disused regional stage

A fourth level of Frasnian carbonate mounds along the south side of the Dinant Synclinorium (Belgium)

An additional level of Frasnian mounds has been recognized in the La Boverie quarry at Rochefort and in four boreholes drilled in the Nord quarry at Frasnes, on the south side of the Dinant Synclinorium. It occurs between the Arche and Lion Members belonging respectively to the Moulin Liénaux and Grands Breux Formations, in the middle part of the stage. The new name of La Boverie Member is introduced at the top of the Moulin Liénaux Fm., for the deposits lying between the Arche and Bieumont Members; the latter is the basement of the Lion mound. The same succession has been observed in the sections of Moulin Bayot close to Vodelée, in the southeastern part of the Philippeville Anticlinorium. The La Boverie Member starts with rather deep bioclastic sediments, after the collapse of the carbonate factory at the top of the Arche mound. In the upper part of the lithostratigraphic unit, there is a thin buildup characterized by relatively shallow facies. The solitary rugose corals Macgeea boveriensis n. sp., M. socialis SOSHKINA, 1939 and Sinodisphyllum posterum (IVANIA, 1965) collected in the lower part of the La Boverie Member are described in detail whereas the revision of S. kielcense (ROZKOWSKA, 1979) occurring in the Bieumont Member is also provided

Sedimentologie et coraux du bioherme de marbre rouge Frasnien (F2j) de Tapoumont (Massif de Phillippeville, Belgique)

The sedimentological study of the Frasnian Tapoumont red marble bioherm (Philippeville antiform, Belgium, «F2j» based on rugose corals) enables recognition of twelve microfacies. They range from sponge spicule mudstones to crinoidal, coral rudstones. Water agitation and light supply normally control the bioherm growth, but three environments do not follow the rule. They are characterized by the abundance of microorganic mats, now in form of irregular plurimetric fenestrae. cemented by radiaxial calcite. They are more and more abundant towards the centre of the buildup. Four lateral microfacies are studied. The bioherm geometry is discussed, and a weak sedimentary slope is proposed

Induction of labour at or near term for suspected fetal macrosomia

Background: Women with a suspected large-for-dates fetus or a fetus with suspected macrosomia (birthweight greater than 4000 g) are at risk of operative birth or caesarean section. The baby is also at increased risk of shoulder dystocia and trauma, in particular fractures and brachial plexus injury. Induction of labour may reduce these risks by decreasing the birthweight, but may also lead to longer labours and an increased risk of caesarean section. Objectives: To assess the effects of a policy of labour induction at or shortly before term (37 to 40 weeks) for suspected fetal macrosomia on theway of giving birth and maternal or perinatal morbidity. Search methods: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group’s Trials Register (31 January 2016), contacted trial authors and searched reference lists of retrieved studies. Selection criteria: Randomised trials of induction of labour for suspected fetal macrosomia. Data collection and analysis: Review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and risk of bias, extracted data and checked them for accuracy. We contacted study authors for additional information. For key outcomes the quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Main results: We included four trials, involving 1190 women. It was not possible to blind women and staff to the intervention, but for other ’Risk of bias’ domains these studies were assessed as being at low or unclear risk of bias.Compared to expectant management, there was no clear effect of induction of labour for suspected macrosomia on the risk of caesarean section (risk ratio (RR) 0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76 to 1.09; 1190 women; four trials, moderate-quality evidence) or instrumental delivery (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.13; 1190 women; four trials, low-quality evidence). Shoulder dystocia (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.98; 1190 women; four trials, moderate-quality evidence), and fracture (any) (RR 0.20, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.79; 1190 women; four studies, high-quality evidence) were reduced in the induction of labour group. There were no clear differences between groups for brachial plexus injury (two events were reported in the control group in one trial, low-quality evidence). There was no strong evidence of any difference between groups for measures of neonatal asphyxia; low five-minute infant Apgar scores (less than seven) or low arterial cord blood pH (RR 1.51, 95% CI 0.25 to 9.02; 858 infants; two trials, low-quality evidence ; and, RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.46 to 2.22; 818 infants; one trial, moderate-quality evidence, respectively). Mean birthweight was lower in the induction group, but there was considerable heterogeneity between studies for this outcome (mean difference (MD) -178.03 g, 95% CI -315.26 to -40.81; 1190 infants; four studies; I= 89%). In one study with data for 818 women, third- and fourth-degree perineal tears were increased in the induction group (RR 3.70, 95% CI 1.04 to 13.17). For outcomes assessed using GRADE, we based our downgrading decisions on high risk of bias from lack of blinding and imprecision of effect estimates. Authors’ conclusions: Induction of labour for suspected fetal macrosomia has not been shown to alter the risk of brachial plexus injury, but the power of the included studies to show a difference for such a rare event is limited. Also antenatal estimates of fetal weight are often inaccurate so many women may be worried unnecessarily, and many inductions may not be needed. Nevertheless, induction of labour for suspected fetal macrosomia results in a lower mean birthweight, and fewer birth fractures and shoulder dystocia. The unexpected observation in the induction group of increased perineal damage, and the plausible, but of uncertain significance, observation of increased use of phototherapy, both in the largest trial, should also be kept in mind. Findings from trials included in the review suggest that to prevent one fracture it would be necessary to induce labour in 60 women. Since induction of labour does not appear to alter the rate of caesarean delivery or instrumental delivery, it is likely to be popular with many women. In settings where obstetricians can be reasonably confident about their scan assessment of fetal weight, the advantages and disadvantages of induction at or near term for fetuses suspected of being macrosomic should be discussed with parents. Although some parents and doctors may feel the evidence already justifies induction, others may justifiably disagree. Further trials of induction shortly before term for suspected fetal macrosomia are needed. Such trials should concentrate on refining the optimum gestation of induction, and improving the accuracy of the diagnosis of macrosomia

Early-Middle Frasnian (early Late Devonian) sedimentology and magnetic susceptibility of the Ardennes area (Belgium): identification of severe and rapid sea-level fluctuations

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