Reduced fine-scale spatial genetic structure in grazed populations of Dianthus carthusianorum.

Strong spatial genetic structure in plant populations can increase homozygosity, reducing genetic diversity and adaptive potential. The strength of spatial genetic structure largely depends on rates of seed dispersal and pollen flow. Seeds without dispersal adaptations are likely to be dispersed over short distances within the vicinity of the mother plant, resulting in spatial clustering of related genotypes (fine-scale spatial genetic structure, hereafter spatial genetic structure (SGS)). However, primary seed dispersal by zoochory can promote effective dispersal, increasing the mixing of seeds and influencing SGS within plant populations. In this study, we investigated the effects of seed dispersal by rotational sheep grazing on the strength of SGS and genetic diversity using 11 nuclear microsatellites for 49 populations of the calcareous grassland forb Dianthus carthusianorum. Populations connected by rotational sheep grazing showed significantly weaker SGS and higher genetic diversity than populations in ungrazed grasslands. Independent of grazing treatment, small populations showed significantly stronger SGS and lower genetic diversity than larger populations, likely due to genetic drift. A lack of significant differences in the strength of SGS and genetic diversity between populations that were recently colonized and pre-existing populations suggested that populations colonized after the reintroduction of rotational sheep grazing were likely founded by colonists from diverse source populations. We conclude that dispersal by rotational sheep grazing has the potential to considerably reduce SGS within D. carthusianorum populations. Our study highlights the effectiveness of landscape management by rotational sheep grazing to importantly reduce genetic structure at local scales within restored plant populations.

Vertical and horizontal photobiont transmission within populations of a lichen symbiosis.

Lichens are widespread symbioses and play important roles in many terrestrial ecosystems. The genetic structure of lichens is the result of the association between fungal and algal populations constituting the lichen thallus. Using eight fungus- and seven alga-specific highly variable microsatellite markers on within-population spatial genetic data from 62 replicate populations across Europe, North America, Asia and Africa, we investigated the contributions of vertical and horizontal transmission of the photobiont to the genetic structure of the epiphytic lichen Lobaria pulmonaria. Based on pairwise comparisons of multilocus genotypes defined separately for the mycobiont and for the photobiont, we inferred the transmission mode of the photobiont and the relative contribution of somatic mutation and recombination. After constraining the analysis of one symbiont to pairs of individuals with genetically identical symbiotic partners, we found that 77% of fungal and 70% of algal pairs were represented by clones. Thus, the predominant dispersal mode was by means of symbiotic vegetative propagules (vertical transmission), which dispersed fungal and algal clones co-dependently over a short distance, thus shaping the spatial genetic structure up to distances of 20m. Evidence for somatic mutation generating genetic diversity was found in both symbionts, accounting for 30% of pairwise comparisons in the alga and 15% in the fungus. While the alga did not show statistically significant evidence of recombination, recombination accounted for 7.7% of fungal pairs with identical algae. This implies that, even in a mostly vegetatively reproducing species, horizontal transmission plays a role in shaping the symbiotic association, as shown in many coral and other symbioses in nature.

The short-term effects of a low-dose oral contraceptive on glucose metabolism, plasma lipids and blood clotting factors.

Twelve young women were prospectively evaluated for the short-term metabolic effects of a low-dose oral contraceptive containing 30 micrograms ethinyl estradiol and 150 micrograms levonorgestrel. To each volunteer a 50 g glucose challenge was administered monthly as a screening test for changes in the glucose metabolism. Fasting and 30 minutes glucose and insulin values were measured and blood specimens were collected for determination of fasting triglycerides, cholesterol and blood clotting factors II, VII, X. During treatment the fasting plasma glucose level decreased significantly in the first two cycles and then normalized. No change in incremental glucose values was observed. Fasting insulin concentrations, incremental insulin values and the insulinogenic index did not change during the study period. Total plasma cholesterol values decreased during treatment, whereas the plasma triglyceride levels were unaffected. Immediately after tablet intake, an increase was found in the blood clotting factors and the elevated levels continued constantly throughout the study period. Comparing the data from the present study with data from previous investigations on low-dose ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel compounds, there seems to be no difference in the influence on blood clotting factors, glucose and lipid metabolism between treatment for 3 and 6 months. From the study, it is concluded that the impact of oral contraceptives on metabolic functions may emerge during the initial treatment cycles.

PIP: 12 young women were prospectively evaluated for the shortterm metabolic effects of a low-dose oral contraceptive (OC) containing 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol and 150 mcg levonorgestrel. To each volunteer, a 50 mcg glucose challenge was administered monthly as a screening test for changes in the glucose metabolism. Fasting and 30 minutes glucose and insulin values were measured and blood specimens were collected for determination of fasting triglycerides, cholesterol, and blood clotting factors 2, 7 and 10. During treatment, the fasting plasma glucose level decreased significantly in the 1st 2 cycles and then normalized. No change in incremental glucose values was observed. Fasting insulin concentrations, incremental insulin values, and the insulinogenic index did not change during the study period. Total plasma cholesterol values decreased during treatment, whereas the plasma triglyceride levels were unaffected. Immediately after tablet intake, an increase was found in the blood clotting factors and the elevated levels continued constantly thoughout the study period. Comparing the data from the present study with data from previous investigations on low dose ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel compounds, there seems to be no difference in the influence on blood clotting factors, glucose, and lipid metabolism between treatment for 3 and 6 months. From the study, it is concluded that the impact of OCs on metabolic functions may emerge during the initial treatment cycles.

[Differential diagnostic value of the hand arteriogram in primary and secondary Raynaud's syndrome]. / Der differentialdiagnostische Stellenwert des Handarteriogramms beim primären und sekundären Raynaud-Syndrom.

Arteriograms of the hands were carried out in 348 patients. Functional and organic changes were analysed in an attempt to differentiate primary from secondary Raynaud's syndrome. The value and limitations of this technique are illustrated by a number of examples.

[Results of real-time sonography and raster mammography of 200 breast cancers]. / Ergebnisse der real-time-Sonographie und Rastermammographie bei 200 Mammakarzinomen.

The article reports on 200 patients with histologically verified carcinomas of the breast in whom both real time mammasonography and grid mammography were performed. The indications for additional use of real time sonography in the diagnosis of malignant diseases of the female breast were a palpable node or a suspicious finding in mammography. All patients were examined with a high resolution realtime scanner with a 7.5 MHz transducer. The diagnostic criteria of sound deep to the mass (type I-IV), the regularity of the conteur of the mass, and the presence or absence of internal echoes. The typical sonographic features of histologically different types of carcinoma of the female breast are demonstrated by means of case examples. Mammasonography offers a high degree of accuracy in preoperative differential diagnostic assessment of tumour status in malignant processes of the breast. The combined mammographic-sonographic evaluation is the method of choice in clinical evaluation of masses of the female breast.

[The diagnosis of lymphatic vascular dysplasia and lymphatic fistula formation]. / Zur Diagnostik von Lymphgefässdysplasie und Lymphfistelbildung.

The importance of lymphangiography for diagnosing the formation of lymphatic fistulas and vascular dysplasias of the lymphatic vessels is on the increase within the scope of therapeutic invasiveness. Its importance and ranking in diagnosing lymphatic circular disorders is demonstrated and exemplified by case reports on three patients suffering from chylothorax of various origin, on one patient with chyluria, and one patient with lymphoedema in the soft parts of the neck. In two chylothorax patients, lymphangiography resulted in successful surgery. It is the decisive method in diagnosis and therapy planning in fistulas and dysplasias of the lymphatic vessel system.

[Clinical experience with mammography using grids (author's transl)]. / Klinische Erfahrungen mit der Raster-Mammographie.

Duplicate examinations were carried out on 122 patients in order to compare the results of mammography using a grid technique (Diagnost U. Müller) with a film-screen systemadn also a conventional set without screens (Mamma-Diagnost, Müller). The results were compared with reference to film quality and dose. The new technique was superior to the conventional method in all respects, independent of the size of the gland. Another advantage of the grid technique was the larger available film size. Dose requirements for grid mammography with a film-screen system was less than for conventional techniques by a factor of about 1.8. The results speak for increased use of the grid technique in clinical practice.

[Hand arteriography. Surgical indications and results]. / Handarteriographie. Chirurgische Indikationen und Ergebnisse.

Based on experience in arteriography of the hand in 108 patients the authors present in a retrospective study the surgical indications (trauma, tumour, angiodysplasia, malformation and embolic lesion) and results of this method. The diagnostic value of arteriography of the hand is shown by means of results and examples.

[The accuracy of radiological and endoscopic examinations in the diagnosis of carcinoma of the stomach (author's transl)]. / Aussagewert röntgenologischer und endoskopischer Untersuchungen beim Magenkarzinom

The accuracy of radiology in the diagnosis of gastric carcinomas was checked on 232 cases, including 24 early examples. Accuracy depends most of all on the experience of the radiologist. Amongst 146 patients, using a satisfactory technique, a carcinoma was diagnosed in 131 patients (90%) and suspected in eight (6%). In five (3%) the changes were misinterpreted as being benign and the lesion was missed in two (1%). Of 120 gastric carcinomas submitted to operation a correct diagnosis had been made radiologically in 88% and suspected in 4%; endoscopically, the diagnosis was made in 92% and suspected in 2%. Of the 24 early carcinomas, both methods suggested the presence of a malignant lesion in 80%. The combination of radiology, endoscopy, hitology and cytology increases accuracy to 95%. These results indicated that localised changes in the gastric mucosa and the wall of the stomach can be demonstrated only by using refined radiological techniques; each lesion should be confirmed by endoscopy and histology.

[Phantom studies using echo contrast media to improve the Doppler color sonographic imaging of the superficial femoral artery in the adductor canal]. / Phantomuntersuchungen mit echokontrastgebenden Substanzen zur Verbesserung der farb-doppler-sonographischen Darstellung der A. femoralis superficialis im Adduktorenkanal.

The adductor canal was simulated using 2.6 cm muscular tissue and 2 fasciae to analyse the limits of colour-coded Doppler sonography (angiodynography) in this region. Defects in the spectral signal cause a significant underestimation of mean, peak systolic and peak diastolic (backflow) velocities and of calculated blood flow. Furthermore the pulsatility index is overestimated and the colour-coded visualisation of the arteries is almost lost. For the most part, these changes can be compensated by administration of a sonographic contrast agent (SH U 454). A minimum of 9 mg microbubbles/ml blood is required. Nevertheless, the adjustment of system controls (e.g. transducer power) becomes more difficult and an ideal setting impossible.

[Phantom studies of the value of color-coded Doppler sonography in arterial occlusive disease of the lower extremities]. / Phantomuntersuchungen zur Wertigkeit der farbkodierten Doppler-Sonographie bei der arteriellen Verschlusskrankheit der unteren Extremitäten.

A new practically orientated phantom for evaluating Doppler Duplex equipment was developed and used to determine the possibilities and limits of color coded Doppler Sonography (Angiodynography) in the diagnosis of arterial occlusive disease of the lower extremity. The problems that may occur in quantifying flow in these arteries are analyzed. The influence of superimposed slices of various soft-tissues on flow quantification, on the spectral waves and on color coded visualisation of the arteries and the possibility to compensate those changes by the use of sonographic contrast agents are discussed.

[Results of percutaneous transluminal embolization therapy in severe hemorrhages in the pelvis]. / Ergebnisse der perkutanen transkatheteralen Embolotherapie bei schweren Blutungen im Becken.

Percutaneous transluminal embolisation technique (PTE) is used to an increasing extent in preference to surgical operations for treatment of severe haemorrhages of surgical, gynaecological, and urological tumours of the pelvic region which are difficult to control. Based on a study of 35 patients (19 female and 16 male) with an average of 71 (32-87) years the indication of embolisation, the technique, the choice of material for embolisation, the rate of success, and the complications of this therapeutic method are discussed. In 34 of the 35 patients bleeding stopped after embolisation therapy. Only in one patient major side effects were seen. Our own experience has shown that an exact pretherapeutic angiogram of the pelvic vessels with selective or subselective catheterisation of tumour feeders is necessary for an effective embolisation.

[Dose-dependent side effects of acetylsalicylic acid therapy. Results of a prospective randomized clinical study in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease]. / Dosisabhängige Nebenwirkungen der Acetylsalicylsäuretherapie. Ergebnisse einer prospektiven, randomisierten klinischen Studie bei Patienten mit peripherer arterieller Verschlusskrankheit.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: In 359 patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease who had undergone percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), a randomized double-blind, controlled clinical study was done to investigate the tolerability of acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) given for reocclusion prophylaxis. A comparison was made between a conventional daily dose of 900 mg ASA and a dose of 50 mg ASA. RESULTS: Within an observation period of one year following PTA, 35 patients (20%) in the 900 mg group, and 32 patients (17%) in the 50 mg group left the trial because of side effects (p = NS). Under the higher dose, however, severe gastrointestinal side effects (ulcer, haemorrhagic gastritis requiring transfusion) were significantly more common (nine patients delta 5.1% vs two patients delta 1.1%, respectively; p = 0.03). Overall, 107 patients (30%) reported subjective side effects such as upper abdominal pain, a sensation of fullness or nausea during the course of the trial. 62 of these patients were from the 900 mg group (35%) as compared with 45 patients (24%) in the 50 mg group (p = 0.02). Self-scoring of epigastric pain on the basis of a visual analogue scale revealed a score of 1.3 (95% confidence interval 0.9 to 1.6) in the 900 mg group and 0.8 (95% confidence interval 0.6 to 1.0) in the 50 mg group. The subjective pain intensity showed a uniform time course for all three types of symptom, with a maximum after three months. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm the superior tolerability of the lower dose, in particular in elderly patients. For long-term treatment, the smallest possible effective dose should be chosen.

[Use of natural medicines in women referred to specialists]. / Brug af naturmedicin hos kvinder henvist til speciallaege.

The aim was to examine how often women referred to office gynaecologists were using self-medication of "natural medicines". By interview-questionnaires 62 gynaecologists asked 5.664 women about their age, name of used natural medicine and how the user felt it helped her. One thousand six hundred and sixty-four used natural medicine with 91 different names. About 75% percent of the users registered one or more effects, characterized as "good for everything", "enhances their wellbeing" "gives more energy", "relieves hot flushes and sweatings", "relieves rheumatic pain", or "is diuretic". The effects seem to be a universal stimulation of the general condition, effectuated either by vitamins and minerals or by placebo-effect. One third of the users of "melbrosia" registered a good effect on climacteric discomfort. It was not possible by laboratory analyses to find any sex-steroids in melbrosia. Nor was it possible to demonstrate biological oestrogenic effect on animals (mice and rats) of this drug in a trial done by Niels Einer-Jensen et al (personal communication).

[Clinical picture of bacterial pneumonias and their differential diagnosis]. / Das Erscheinungsbild bakterieller Pneumonien und ihre Differentialdiagnose.

Under the influence of antibiotic therapy, bacterial pneumonias have undergone a remarkable change in the last few decades. Individual forms of pneumonia can be distinguished morphologically by their localization, the way in which they spread, their limitations, and their course. Clinically, opportunistic bacterial infections predominate. Increasingly, secondary pneumonias are observed in poststenotic areas, areas of infarction, in hypostatic areas, after aspiration, and in previously damaged lobes. Radiologic criteria for differentiating from atypical pneumonias (viruses, mycoplasmas and chlamydia) are discussed.