In recent years, profiling floats, which form the basis of the successful international Argo observatory, are also being considered as platforms for marine biogeochemical research. This study showcases the utility of floats as a novel tool for combined gas measurements of CO 2 partial pressure ( pCO 2 ) and O 2 . These float prototypes were equipped with a small-sized and submersible pCO 2 sensor and an optode O 2 sensor for highresolution measurements in the surface ocean layer. Four consecutive deployments were carried out during November 2010 and June 2011 near the Cape Verde Ocean Observatory (CVOO) in the eastern tropical North Atlantic. The profiling float performed upcasts every 31 h while measuring pCO 2 , O 2 , salinity, temperature, and hydrostatic pressure in the upper 200 m of the water column. To maintain accuracy, regular pCO 2 sensor zeroings at depth and surface, as well as optode measurements in air, were performed for each profile. Through the application of data processing procedures (e.g., time-lag correction), accuracies of floatborne pCO 2 measurements were greatly improved (10-15 matm for the water column and 5 matm for surface measurements). O 2 measurements yielded an accuracy of 2 mmol kg 21. First results of this pilot study show the possibility of using profiling floats as a platform for detailed and unattended observations of the marine carbon and oxygen cycle dynamics.

Abstract. The temporal evolution of the physical and biogeochemical structure of an oxygen-depleted anticyclonic modewater eddy is investigated over a 2-month period using high-resolution glider and ship data. A weakly stratified eddy core (squared buoyancy frequency N 2 ∼ 0.1 × 10 −4 s −2 ) at shallow depth is identified with a horizontal extent of about 70 km and bounded by maxima in N 2 . The upper N 2 maximum (3-5 × 10 −4 s −2 ) coincides with the mixed layer base and the lower N 2 maximum (0.4 × 10 −4 s −2 ) is found at about 200 m depth in the eddy centre. The eddy core shows a constant slope in temperature/salinity (T /S) characteristic over the 2 months, but an erosion of the core progressively narrows down the T /S range. The eddy minimal oxygen concentrations decreased by about 5 µmol kg −1 in 2 months, confirming earlier estimates of oxygen consumption rates in these eddies.Separating the mesoscale and perturbation flow components reveals oscillating velocity finestructure (∼ 0.1 m s −1 ) underneath the eddy and at its flanks. The velocity finestructure is organized in layers that align with layers in properties (salinity, temperature) but mostly cross through surfaces of constant density. The largest magnitude in velocity finestructure is seen between the surface and 140 m just outside the maximum mesoscale flow but also in a layer underneath the eddy centre, between 250 and 450 m. For both regions a cyclonic rotation of the velocity finestructure with depth suggests the vertical propagation of near-inertial wave (NIW) energy. Modification of the planetary vorticity by anticyclonic (eddy core) and cyclonic (eddy periphery) relative vorticity is most likely impacting the NIW energy propagation. Below the low oxygen core salt-finger type double diffusive layers are found that align with the velocity finestructure.Apparent oxygen utilization (AOU) versus dissolved inorganic nitrate (NO − 3 ) ratios are about twice as high (16) in the eddy core compared to surrounding waters (8.1). A large NO − 3 deficit of 4 to 6 µmol kg −1 is determined, rendering denitrification an unlikely explanation. Here it is hypothesized that the differences in local recycling of nitrogen and oxygen, as a result of the eddy dynamics, cause the shift in the AOU : NO − 3 ratio. High NO − 3 and low oxygen waters are eroded by mixing from the eddy core and entrain into the mixed layer. The nitrogen is reintroduced into the core by gravitational settling of particulate matter out of the euphotic zone. The low oxygen water equilibrates in the mixed layer by air-sea gas exchange and does not participate in the gravitational sinking. Finally we propose a mesoscalesubmesoscale interaction concept where wind energy, mediated via NIWs, drives nutrient supply to the euphotic zone and drives extraordinary blooms in anticyclonic mode-water eddies.

Non-adherence to antibiotics is common in the community setting. Factors related to the antibiotic, the patient, and the patient-physician relationship should be addressed to promote adherence. Pharmacists should provide information to patients about correct use of antibiotics and address barriers to adherence.

International audienceThe physical (temperature, salinity, velocity) and biogeochemical (oxygen, nitrate) structure of an oxygen depleted coherent, baroclinic, anticyclonic mode-water eddy (ACME) is investigated using high-resolution autonomous glider and ship data. A distinct core with a diameter of about 70 km is found in the eddy, extending from about 60 to 200 m depth and. The core is occupied by fresh and cold water with low oxygen and high nitrate concentrations, and bordered by local maxima in buoyancy frequency. Velocity and property gradient sections show vertical layering at the flanks and underneath the eddy characteristic for vertical propagation (to several hundred-meters depth) of near inertial internal waves (NIW) and confirmed by direct current measurements. A narrow region exists at the outer edge of the eddy where NIW can propagate downward. NIW phase speed and mean flow are of similar magnitude and critical layer formation is expected to occur. An asymmetry in the NIW pattern is seen that possible relates to the large-scale Ekman transport interacting with ACME dynamics. NIW/mean flow induced mixing occurs close to the euphotic zone/mixed layer and upward nutrient flux is expected and supported by the observations. Combing high resolution nitrate (NO₃⁻) data with the apparent oxygen utilization (AOU) reveals AOU:NO₃⁻ ratios of 16 which are much higher than in the surrounding waters (8.1). A maximum NO₃⁻ deficit of 4 to 6 µmol kg⁻¹ is estimated for the low oxygen core. Denitrification would be a possible explanation. This study provides evidence that the recycling of NO₃⁻, extracted from the eddy core and replenished into the core via the particle export, may quantitatively be more important. In this case, the particulate phase is of keys importance in decoupling the nitrogen from the oxygen cycling

Background and aims: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI)constitutes an important cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Recurrence after first-line treatment with antibiotics is high and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) may be effective for refractory and recurrent CDI. This series aims to describe the efficacy of FMT in the treatment of refractory and recurrent CDI.Methods: A prospectively recorded single-centre case series of patients with persistent or recurrent CDI treated with FMT between June 2014 and March 2015 was analyzed. Primary and secondary outcomes were defined as resolution of diarrhea without recurrence of CDI within 2 months after one or more FMT, respectively. A descriptive analysis was performed.Results: 8 FMT were performed in 6 patients, 3 with refractory CDI and 3 with recurrent CDI. The median age of recipients was 71 years and 66.7% were women. One FMT was delivered through colonoscopy and the remaining 87.5% through esophagogastroduodenoscopy. One upper FMT was excluded due to recurrence of CDI after antibiotic exposure for a respiratory infection. The overall cure rate of FMT was total with lower route and 83.3% with upper route. Primary cure rate was achieved in 83.3% of patients and secondary cure rate was achieved in all patients. Median time to resolution of diarrhea after FMT was 1 day and no complications were reported during follow-up.Conclusion: FMT appears to constitute a safe and effective approach in the management of refractory and recurrent CDI. Difference between primary and secondary cure rates may result of insufficient restoration of intestinal microbiota with a single FMT.