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Mediterranean Area (mediterranean + area)
Kinds of Mediterranean Area Selected AbstractsRisk of hepatitis A infection following travelJOURNAL OF VIRAL HEPATITIS, Issue 6 2002M. Ciccozzi summary.,Travel to endemic areas is one of the most frequently reported risk factors for infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV). We evaluated the association between HAV infection and travel, by area of destination. We conducted a case,control study on all cases of HAV infection reported to the Italian National Surveillance System for Acute Viral Hepatitis in the period 1996,2000. The study population consisted of 9695 persons with HAV infection (cases) and 2590 with HBV infection (controls). The risk of acquiring HAV was highest for travel to Asia, Africa and Latin America [Odds Ratio=9.30 (95%CI=6.71,12.9)]; a three-fold statistically significant excess of risk was found for travel to southern Italy (OR=3.03) and to the Mediterranean Area and Eastern Europe (OR=3.15). Travel was implicated in 28% of the cases of HAV infection. When stratifying the analysis by area of residence (northern and central Italy vs southern Italy and the Islands), the above-mentioned risks were confirmed only for those residing in northern and central Italy, with no significant risk for those residing in southern Italy and the Islands. Travel to areas endemic for HAV infection constitutes a considerable risk. Our results highlight the importance of developing health policies for improving environmental and hygienic conditions, as well as the prevention of certain eating habits. Vaccination before travelling to a medium or high endemic area could be a safe and effective means of preventing travel-related HAV infection. [source] Sediment production in large gullies of the Mediterranean area (NE Spain) from high-resolution digital elevation models and geographical information systems analysisEARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, Issue 5 2003J. A. Martínez-Casasnovas Abstract Recent studies in the Mediterranean area have shown gully erosion to have a very significant contribution to total soil loss. In the Penedès vineyard region (NE Spain), between 15 and 27% of the land is affected by large gullies and gully-wall retreat seems to be an ongoing process. Multi-date digital elevation model (DEM) analysis has allowed computation of sediment production by gully erosion, showing that the sediment production rates are very high by the, up-to-date, usual global standards. Here, we present a study carried out using large-scale multi-date (1975 and 1995) aerial photographs (1 : 5000 and 1 : 7000) to monitor sediment yield caused by large gullies in the Penedès region (NE Spain). High-resolution DEMs (1 m grid) were derived and analysed by means of geographical information systems techniques to determine the gully erosion rates. Rainfall characteristics within the same study period were also analysed in order to correlate with the soil loss produced. Mass movement was the main process contributing to total sediment production. This process could have been favoured by rainfalls recorded during the period: 58% of the events were of an erosive character and showed high kinetic energy and erosivity. A sediment production rate of 846 ± 40 Mg ha,1 year,1, a sediment deposition rate of 270 ± 18 Mg ha,1 year,1 and a sediment delivery ratio of 68·1% were computed for a gully area of 0·10 km2. The average net erosion within the study period (1975,95) was 576 ± 58 Mg ha,1 year,1. In comparison with other methods, the proposed method also includes sediment produced by processes other than only overland flow, i.e. downcutting, headcutting, and mass movements and bank erosion. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Distribution patterns of the Q and B biotypes of Bemisia tabaci in the Mediterranean Basin based on microsatellite variationENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA, Issue 3 2007B. Simón Abstract At least five of the biotypes described in the Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) complex are known to be present in the Mediterranean Basin area. Only two of them, however, are economically relevant, that is, biotypes B and Q. Biological and genetic differences between the two biotypes have been well studied, but less is known about their patterns of genetic variation and population structure. To address these issues, a study was undertaken based on variation at six microsatellite loci among a subset of nine B. tabaci populations (five belonging to the Q and four to the B biotype). The data obtained show that (i) these loci showed considerable polymorphism in the Q and B biotypes populations although the presence of null alleles can obscure the picture; (ii) the Iberian-Q, Canarian-Q, and Egyptian-B populations exhibit heterozygosity excess as a result of bottleneck events; (iii) the low genetic differentiation between the Israeli, Iberian Peninsula, and Italian populations suggest that these populations share a common gene pool; (iv) the genetic distances between the Canarian-Q population and the geographically close population from Morocco indicates spatial isolation and a limited gene flow; and finally (v) the microsatellite data for the B populations indicate that the whiteflies from Egypt and Israel have a close phylogenetic relationship, but the source of these biotype B invasions into the Mediterranean area remains unknown. [source] Par j 1 and Par j 2, the two major allergens in Parietaria judaica, bind preferentially to monoacylated negative lipidsFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 6 2009Roberto González-Rioja Par j 1 and Par j 2 proteins are the two major allergens in Parietaria judaica pollen, one of the main causes of allergic diseases in the Mediterranean area. Each of them contains eight cysteine residues organized in a pattern identical to that found in plant nonspecific lipid transfer proteins. The 139- and 102-residue recombinant allergens, corresponding respectively to Par j 1 and Par j 2, refold properly to fully functional forms, whose immunological properties resemble those of the molecules purified from the natural source. Molecular modeling shows that, despite the lack of extensive primary structure homology with nonspecific lipid transfer proteins, both allergens contain a hydrophobic cavity suited to accommodate a lipid ligand. In the present study, we present novel evidence for the formation of complexes of these natural and recombinant proteins from Parietaria pollen with lipidic molecules. The dissociation constant of oleyl-lyso-phosphatidylcholine is 9.1 ± 1.2 ,m for recombinant Par j 1, whereas pyrenedodecanoic acid shows a much higher affinity, with a dissociation constant of approximately 1 ,m for both recombinant proteins, as well as for the natural mixture. Lipid binding does not alter the secondary structure content of the protein but is very efficient in protecting disulfide bonds from reduction by dithiothreitol. We show that Par j 1 and Par j 2 not only bind lipids from micellar dispersions, but also are able to extract and transfer negative phospholipids from bilayers. [source] Chemical variability of Artemisia vulgaris L. essential oils originated from the Mediterranean area of France and CroatiaFLAVOUR AND FRAGRANCE JOURNAL, Issue 5 2003I. Jerkovic Abstract The essential oils of Artemisia vulgaris L. originating from France and Croatia were subjected to detailed GC,MS analysis in order to determine possible similarities and differences between them and their chemical compositions, depending on the stage of development. Plant materials were collected in Provence (France) and Dalmatia (Croatia) at four different stages of development: vegetative (June), buds (July), ,owering (August) and seeding (September). Comparison of the chemical composition and content, depending on phenological stages in both localities, shows qualitative similarity, but also the noticeable difference in the amounts of most components. First, the chemical composition of main compounds is very different; Croatian oils are rich in hydrocarbons, which are absent or present in low amounts in French oils. Also, with regard to the yield of essential oils, the yields from Croatian oils were higher (0.09,0.61%) than these from French oil (0.04,0.15%) at each development stage, respectively. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Do changes in climate patterns in wintering areas affect the timing of the spring arrival of trans-Saharan migrant birds?GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2005Oscar Gordo Abstract The life cycles of plants and animals are changing around the world in line with the predictions originated from hypotheses concerning the impact of global warming and climate change on biological systems. Commonly, the search for ecological mechanisms behind the observed changes in bird phenology has focused on the analysis of climatic patterns from the species breeding grounds. However, the ecology of bird migration suggests that the spring arrival of long-distance migrants (such as trans-Saharan birds) is more likely to be influenced by climate conditions in wintering areas given their direct impact on the onset of migration and its progression. We tested this hypothesis by analysing the first arrival dates (FADs) of six trans-Saharan migrants (cuckoo Cuculus canorus, swift Apus apus, hoopoe Upupa epops, swallow Hirundo rustica, house martin Delichon urbica and nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos), in a western Mediterranean area since from 1952 to 2003. By means of multiple regression analyses, FADs were analysed in relation to the monthly temperature and precipitation patterns of five African climatic regions south of the Sahara where species are thought to overwinter and from the European site from where FADs were collected. We obtained significant models for five species explaining 9,41% of the variation in FADs. The interpretation of the models suggests that: (1) The climate in wintering quarters, especially the precipitation, has a stronger influence on FADs than that in the species' potential European breeding grounds. (2) The accumulative effects of climate patterns prior to migration onset may be of considerable importance since those climate variables that served to summarize climate patterns 12 months prior to the onset of migration were selected by final models. (3) Temperature and precipitation in African regions are likely to affect departure decision in the species studied through their indirect effects on food availability and the build-up of reserves for migration. Our results concerning the factors that affect the arrival times of trans-Saharan migrants indicate that the effects of climate change are more complex than previously suggested, and that these effects might have an interacting impact on species ecology, for example by reversing ecological pressures during species' life cycles. [source] Familial mediterranean fever gene (MEVF) mutations in Crohn's disease in a Mediterranean areaINFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES, Issue 9 2008Maria Concetta Renda No abstract is available for this article. [source] Genetic differentiation of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) biotype Q based on mitochondrial DNA markersINSECT SCIENCE, Issue 2 2008Dong Chu Abstract In the present study, genetic differentiation of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype Q was analyzed based on mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mt COI) gene sequence. The results showed that B. tabaci biotype Q could be separated into two subclades, which were labeled as subclades Q1 and Q2. Subclade Q1 was probably indigenous to the regions around the Mediterranean area and subclade Q2 to Israel or Cyprus. It was because B. tabaci was composed of several genetically distinct groups with a strong geographical association between more closely related biotypes. Not all of the B. tabaci biotype Q in the non-Mediterranean countries come from the same regions. Until now, all B. tabaci biotype Q in China were grouped into subclade Q1. The B. tabaci biotype Q introduced into the US included both subclades Q1 and Q2. The genetic structure analysis showed higher genetic variation of subclade Q1 than that of subclade Q2. [source] El Niño,southern oscillation events and associated European winter precipitation anomaliesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLIMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2005D. Pozo-Vázquez Abstract The winter precipitation anomalies in the European area have been analysed over the period 1900,98 based on the El Niño,Southern oscillation (ENSO) state. A set of winter and autumn ENSO events is first selected using the Sea-Surface temperature (SST) data of the Niño 3 region, with the constraint that the ENSO event is well developed during the winter and autumn of study, and that it is an extreme event. Cold and warm ENSO events and periods that can be regarded as normal are selected. For the selected winter ENSO events and for the winter following the selected autumn ENSO events, composites of European winter precipitation anomalies have been obtained and compared with each other. A study of the consistency among events of the relationship between ENSO and precipitation anomalies was also carried out. The analysis of the winter precipitation anomalies based on the selected winter ENSO events shows the existence, for the European area and during La Niña events, of a statistically significant precipitation anomaly pattern with positive precipitation anomalies north of the British Isles and in the Scandinavian area and negative anomalies in southern Europe, resembling the precipitation pattern associated with the positive phase of the North Atlantic oscillation (NAO). Particularly, for the southwestern area of the Iberian Peninsula, the negative anomaly reaches 20% of the winter average precipitation. The consistency analysis shows that this precipitation pattern is not the result of a few major events, but rather that it is stable and qualitatively similar to that found during the positive phase of the NAO. A non-linear response to ENSO is found in the eastern Mediterranean area: negative precipitation anomalies are found, having similar amplitude anomalies, both during El Niño and La Niña events. The analysis of the precipitation anomalies for the winter following the selected autumn ENSO events shows very similar results to those found for the previous analysis, thus suggesting the existence of a potential source of seasonal forecasting of European precipitation. An analysis of the sensitivity of the precipitation anomalies to the strength of the ENSO events shows that, when the strength of the ENSO increases, the magnitude of the rainfall anomalies does not change, but the area influenced and the coherence between events do increase slightly. Copyright © 2005 Royal Meteorological Society [source] Circulation dynamics of Mediterranean precipitation variability 1948,98INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLIMATOLOGY, Issue 15 2003A. Dünkeloh Abstract Canonical correlation analysis is used to identify main coupled circulation,rainfall patterns and to relate recent variability and trends of Mediterranean precipitation to large-scale circulation dynamics. Analyses are based on geopotential heights (500 and 1000 hPa levels) for the North Atlantic,European area (National Centers for Environmental Prediction,National Center for Atmospheric Research reanalysis) and on highly resolved (0.5° × 0.5° ) monthly rainfall grids (Climatic Research Unit, Norwich) selected for the Mediterranean area during the 1948,98 period. Combining monthly analyses with similar characteristics to seasonal samples yields winter (October,March), spring (April,May) and summer (June,September) types of coupled variability; a particular autumn type for the whole Mediterranean does not occur on the monthly time scale. Coupled patterns specifically linked to one or two seasons include an east Atlantic jet (EA-Jet) related pattern for summer and a Mediterranean meridional circulation (MMC) pattern for winter and spring. The most important pattern recurring with dynamical adjustments throughout the whole year reflects the seasonal cycle of the Mediterranean oscillation (MO), which is linked (with seasonal dependence) to the Northern Hemisphere teleconnection modes of the Arctic oscillation (AO) and North Atlantic oscillation (NAO). Winter rainfall trends of the recent decades marked by widespread decreases in the Mediterranean area and by opposite conditions in the southeastern part are linked to particular changes over time in several of the associated circulation patterns. Thus, different regional rainfall changes are integrated into an overall interrelation between Mediterranean rainfall patterns and large-scale atmospheric circulation dynamics. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society [source] Potential of combined spaceborne infrared and microwave radiometry for near real-time rainfall attenuation monitoring along earth-satellite linksINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKING, Issue 4 2001Frank S. Marzano Abstract The objective of this paper is to investigate how spaceborne remote sensors, and their derived products, can be exploited to optimize the performances of a satellite communication system in the presence of precipitating clouds along the path. The complementarity between sun-synchronous microwave (MW) and geo-stationary infrared (IR) radiometry for monitoring the earth's atmosphere is discussed and their potential as a rain detection system within near real-time countermeasure techniques for earth-satellite microwave links is analysed. A general approach, consisting in estimating rainfall intensity and attenuation by polar-orbiting microwave radiometers and temporally tracking the rainfall areas by geo-stationary infrared radiometers, is delineated. Multiple regression algorithms for predicting rainfall attenuation from spaceborne brightness temperatures and from surface rainrate, trained by radiative transfer and cloud models, are illustrated. A maximum likelihood technique is delineated to discriminate stratiform and convective rainfall from spaceborne brightness temperatures. The differences among attenuation estimates derived from layered raining-cloud structures with respect to those obtained from simple rain slabs, as recommended by ITU-R, are also quantified. A test of the proposed attenuation prediction methods is performed using raingage and Italsat data acquired in Spino d'Adda (Italy) during 1994. A description of the statistical method, based on the probability matching technique, adopted to combine MW and IR data for retrieving and tracking precipitating cloud systems in terms of path attenuation and accumulated rain at ground is finally provided together with its application to a case study over the Mediterranean area during October 1998. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Pheromone blends and trap designs can affect catches of Sesamia nonagrioides Lef. (Lep., Noctuidae) males in maize fieldsJOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 1-2 2001A. Ameline Among lepidopteran insects, the female-produced sex pheromones are the most widely used chemical stimuli for pest management by (i) mating disruption, and (ii) monitoring adult insect populations in agricultural crops. Sesamia nonagrioides is one of the main pests on maize crops around the Mediterranean area and monitoring adult populations with synthetic sex pheromone is of great interest. The technique used involved field trapping with synthetic pheromone blend. The reliability of the technique is directly related to the trap shape and pheromone blends. Universal Moth Trap® (UM trap, Biosyste,mes, France) and Service Régional de la Protection des Végétaux (SRPV) traps baited with either synthetic pheromone blend or virgin females were evaluated in two commercial maize fields (var.cecilia) (Belleserre, Tarn. France) to determine the potential use of synthetic lures in monitoring S. nonagrioides populations in maize field. The study showed that SRPV traps baited with synthetic pheromone blend caught significantly more S. nonagrioides males than UM traps baited with the same blend, indicating the efficiency of the SRPV traps in monitoring field population of S. nonagrioides. The study also showed that the synthetic pheromone-baited SRPV trap caught three times less adult males than the same traps baited with virgin females indicating that the synthetic blend was less attractive than the natural blend released by virgin females. However, despite the lower number of catches in the SRPV traps baited with synthetic pheromones, there was a significant and positive relationship between the number of catches in SRPV traps baited with the synthetic pheromone and with the females. This result indicates that synthetic pheromones can be used as baits in SRPV traps to monitor S. nonagrioides adult population in commercial maize crops. Nevertheless, to use the synthetic pheromone to monitor S. nonagrioides population effectively in the field, further refinement and improvement of the synthetic blend should be carried out in order to obtain a blend that is equally as attractive as the natural blend released by virgin females. [source] Reproductive features of the non-native Siganus luridus (Teleostei, Siganidae) during early colonization at Linosa Island (Sicily Strait, Mediterranean Sea)JOURNAL OF APPLIED ICHTHYOLOGY, Issue 6 2007E. Azzurro Summary In July 2003, the finding of a newly settled population of Siganus luridus at Linosa Island (Sicily Strait, Mediterranean Sea) gave us the unusual opportunity to examine the reproductive condition of a Lessepsian migrant during early phases of colonization. Aspects of gonad morphology, fecundity, atresia and oocyte dynamics were investigated by using 43 pioneer specimens collected in concomitance with their first record in the Pelagie Islands. Ovarian development was consistent with the group-synchronous type, and testicular organization was of the unrestricted spermatogonial testis type, with cystic spermatogenesis. Both males and females had reached final stages of gonad maturation. The rates of follicular atresia were moderate: out of 17 adult females, 10 individuals did not present atretic oocytes; six exhibited <15.1% of secondary growth phase (SGP) oocytes in , -atresia, while one female presented 45.7% of SGP in , -atresia. Fecundity estimates did not diverge from what was observed in a reference population along the Lebanese coast. Absolute fecundity ranged from 115 739 to 740 433 oocytes per female (16.5,24.5 cm LT). Relative fecundity ranged from 1239 to 3162 oocytes g,1, with a mean of 1885 ± 868 oocytes g,1. Our observations indicated that these early settled siganids are reproductively active at Linosa and suggested the forthcoming of self-maintaining populations across the central Mediterranean area. [source] Non-random distribution of ring recoveries from trans-Saharan migrants indicates species-specific stopover areasJOURNAL OF AVIAN BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2005Thord Fransson Many long-distance migrant birds regularly have to pass ecological barriers, like the Saharan desert, where fuelling is very difficult, and large fuel loads have to be stored in advance. In this paper, we have investigated how seven species of birds are distributed in autumn close to the Saharan desert in the eastern Mediterranean area by using ring recoveries from northern Europe. The result clearly shows that the species included are not randomly distributed at this point, about 3,000 km from the breeding area. Birds from rather large breeding areas were shown to converge in confined areas, which in several cases completely differ between species. This means that birds of the same species have to follow different migratory directions depending on the location of their starting point. The observed pattern support earlier findings indicating that birds, in combination with a clock-and-compass orientation procedure, must use some external cues in order to find confined species-specific areas. The possibility for birds to use information from the Earth's magnetic field as an external cue in this area is discussed. [source] Prevalence of HBV genotypes in Central and Eastern EuropeJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 10 2008Katja Deterding Abstract The importance of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes for disease progression and response to interferon-alpha-based treatment is well established. While almost all patients in the Mediterranean area are infected with HBV genotype D, HBV genotype A is dominant in Northern Europe. However, the distribution of HBV genotypes is unknown for several Central and Eastern European countries. Data are described of 1313 HBsAg-positive patients recruited at 14 referral centers in eight countries. There were only very few cases of HBV genotype B, C, E, F, and H infection while HBV genotypes A and D were found in 42% and 48% of patients, respectively. Eight percent of patients had positive bands for more than one genotype using the hybridization assay. The frequency of genotype A was higher in Poland (77%) and the Czech Republic (67%) as compared to Hungary (47%), Lithuania (41%), Croatia (8%), and Germany (32%). In contrast, HBV genotype D was most frequent in Croatian, Romanian, and Russian patients with 80%, 67%, and 93% of cases, respectively. In conclusion, HBV genotype A versus D showed significantly different distribution patterns in Central and Eastern Europe which deserves consideration for national guidelines and treatment decisions. J. Med. Virol. 80:1707,1711, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Genetic analysis of HAV strains recovered from patients with acute hepatitis from Southern ItalyJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 3 2003Maria Chironna Abstract Southern Italy is an endemic area for HAV infection contributing to the majority of Italian hepatitis A cases. Using molecular analysis, HAV strains have been classified in distinct genotypes and subgenotypes. To characterize HAV wild-type strains circulating in Southern Italy, sequence analysis of VP3-VP1 and VP1/2A junction regions of HAV isolates recovered from 25 patients with acute hepatitis during 2000 and 2001 was carried out. HAV isolates showed a degree of identity, after pairwise comparison with one another, ranging from 91.9,100% in the VP3-VP1 junction region and 89.9,100% in the VP1/2A junction region. All strains belonged to genotype I, with 84% (21/25) of samples clustering in subgenotype IA and 16% (4/25) in subgenotype IB. Cocirculation of subgenotypes IA and IB was observed among isolates from 2000, whereas all strains from 2001 were subgenotype IA. In addition, the subgenotype IA strains formed different clusters, one of which was related closely to some Cuban strains, showing a percent similarity of 98.8% in the 168-base pair segment encompassing the VP1/2A junction and the same amino acid substitution. The latter finding suggests that this subgenotype variant circulates also in the Mediterranean area. The results of the phylogenetic analysis confirm the genetic heterogeneity among HAV strains in Western Europe. J. Med. Virol. 70:343,349, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Establishment of Retama sphaerocarpa L. seedlings on a degraded semiarid soil as influenced by mycorrhizal inoculation and sewage-sludge amendmentJOURNAL OF PLANT NUTRITION AND SOIL SCIENCE, Issue 5 2004María del Mar Alguacil Abstract A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of mycorrhizal inoculation with three arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (Glomus intraradices Schenck & Smith, Glomus deserticola (Trappe, Bloss. & Menge), and Glomus mosseae (Nicol & Gerd.) Gerd. & Trappe) and the addition of composted sewage sludge (SS) with respect to the establishment of Retama sphaerocarpa L. seedlings, in a semiarid Mediterranean area. Associated changes in soil chemical (nutrient content and labile carbon fractions), biochemical (enzyme activities), and physical (aggregate stability) parameters were observed. Six months after planting, both the addition of composted SS and the mycorrhizal-inoculation treatments had increased total N content, available-P content, and aggregate stability of the soil. Values of water-soluble C and water-soluble carbohydrates were increased only in the mycorrhizal-inoculation treatments. Rhizosphere soil from the mycorrhizal-inoculation treatments had significantly higher enzyme activities (dehydrogenase, protease-BAA, acid phosphatase, and ,-glucosidase) than the control soil. In the short-term, mycorrhizal inoculation with AM fungi was the most effective treatment for enhancement of shoot biomass, particularly with G. mosseae (about 146% higher with respect to control plants). The addition of the composted SS alone was sufficient to restore soil structural stability but was not effective with respect to improving the performance of R. sphaerocarpa plants. Besiedlung eines degradierten semiariden Bodens mit Retama sphaerocarpa L.-Setzlingen, beeinflusst durch Mykorrhiza-Inokulation und Klärschlammzugabe Ein Feldversuch wurde durchgeführt, um den Effekt einer Inokulation mit drei arbuskulären Mykorrhizapilzen (AM) (Glomus intraradices Schenck & Smith, Glomus deserticola (Trappe, Bloss. & Menge) und Glomus mosseae (Nicol & Gerd.) Gerd. & Trappe) einerseits und der Zugabe von kompostiertem Klärschlamm (SS) andererseits auf die Besiedlung von Retama sphaerocarpa L.-Setzlingen in einem mediterranen semiariden Gebiet zu untersuchen. Es wurden chemischer Nährstoffgehalt, labile C-Fraktion, biochemische Enzymaktivitäten und physikalische Bodenparameter (Aggregatstabilität) untersucht. Sechs Monate nach der Pflanzung erbrachten beide Behandlungen , die Zugabe von kompostiertem Klärschlamm und die Mykorrhiza-Inokulation , Steigerungen des Gesamtstickstoff-Gehaltes, des verfügbaren Phosphor-Gehaltes sowie der Aggregatstabilität des Bodens. Wasserlöslicher Kohlenstoff und wasserlösliche Kohlenhydrate waren nur nach Mykorrhiza-Inokulation erhöht. Boden aus der Rhizosphäre, der mit Mykorrhizapilzen inokuliert wurde, zeigte signifikant höhere Enzymaktivitäten (Dehydrogenase, Protease-BAA, saure Phosphatase und ,-Glucosidase) als der Kontrollboden. In der kurzen Periode war die Inokulation mit AM-Pilzen die effektivste Behandlung bei der Bildung von Sprossbiomasse, speziell bei G. mosseae (eine um über 146,% höhere Biomasse im Vergleich zu den Kontrollpflanzen). Die Zugabe von kompostiertem Klärschlamm allein war ausreichend, die Stabilität der Bodenstruktur wiederherzustellen, aber sie war nicht effektiv hinsichtlich der Entwicklung der R. sphaerocarpa -Pflanzen. [source] Invasibility of a coastal strip in NE Spain by alien plantsJOURNAL OF VEGETATION SCIENCE, Issue 4 2002Eduardo Sobrino Castroviejo et al. (1986,1999); Tutin et al. (1968,1980) Abstract. The alien plant species and the ecological factors that facilitate their invasion to a coastal strip in the Baix Camp region (Tarragona, NE Spain) were studied. A detailed inventory of the area showed that 20% of the plant species, most of them from the American Continent, were aliens, many of which were strongly invasive. At the habitat level, the relationships between the invasive behaviour and a number of autecological, ecological and habitat variables were analysed by means of logistic analyses. In the best model five variables were related to alien plant invasions: climatic affinity, disturbance of the invaded habitat, route of introduction, soil moisture during summer, and life form. To elucidate the environmental factors that could be responsible for alien plant invasions at a regional scale, the number of alien taxa and the environmental features at 13 localities of the western Mediterranean area were analysed. The warm lowlands, subjected to low annual rainfall and high population density, exhibited the greatest reception capacity for alien plants. It is concluded that various specific environmental features , high mean temperatures, the abundance of riparian systems, the existence of biotopes with favourable water balance which harbour a great richness of alien species and the high human pressure to which the enclave is subjected, combined with the ecological requirements of the alien species and certain species attributes (biotype) can interact at different scales and have caused the over-representation of alien plants. [source] Integration of arbuscular mycorrhiza inoculation in hydroseeding technology: effects on plant growth and inter-species competitionLAND DEGRADATION AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 6 2007V. Estaún Abstract Hydroseeding is a technique increasingly used to establish vegetation on large degraded areas, such as large-scale road construction sites and quarries. Native grasses and legume species are used on rehabilitation and restoration projects as a first step in the recovery of such places, prior to the establishment of native forbs and shrubs that occurs at a slower pace. The effect of mycorrhizal inoculation on the development of nine species of grasses and legumes that can be potentially used in restoration processes in the Mediterranean area was studied, in microcosm experiments under greenhouse conditions. The effect of adding arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) inoculum to a hydroseeding mixture was also investigated in greenhouse and in field conditions. In the hydroseeding experiments the mycorrhizal inoculum was added to the seed slurry in a jet agitated hydroseeding machine and sprayed to the soil surface with a pressurised spray in a one-step application. The study shows that Glomus intraradices Schenk & Smith BEG72 is able to establish the symbiosis when applied at sowing while Glomus mosseae (Nicol. & Gerd.) Gerdemann & Trappe BEG116 is not. It also confirms that legumes are more highly mycotrophic than grasses. The results of the hydroseeding experiments demonstrate the establishment of the symbiosis using this technology, both in the greenhouse and in the field. Mycorrhizal inoculation improved above ground plant growth and increased the legumes/grasses ratio. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Healthcare seeking for constipation: a population-based survey in the Mediterranean area of SpainALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 2 2006C. GÁLVEZ Summary Background The use of healthcare resources for the management of constipation is not well-known. Aim To analyse healthcare seeking for constipation, defined by three different criteria, and its related factors and to assess the frequency of use of laxatives, suppositories and enemas for the treatment of constipation. Methods A cross-sectional study in the general community. A questionnaire comprising 21-items was developed and delivered by mail to a random sample of 506 subjects aged 18,65 years, and belonging to a Spanish population. Results Seeking of health care was high in the sample (16%) and was similar for all definitions of constipation (over 40% of constipated subjects). It was associated with female gender, a higher educational level and two symptoms, such as prolonged defecation and abdominal pain. A 14% of the sample used laxatives, and about a 25% of constipated subjects used laxatives at least once a week. Utilization was more frequent in women, with no differences by age group. Conclusions Chronic constipation is a problem that causes an important consumption of resources in our setting, derived from laxative use and the seeking of medical help to combat the problem. The use of these resources is higher in women. [source] The Mediterranean intercalibration exercise on soft-bottom benthic invertebrates with special emphasis on the Italian situationMARINE ECOLOGY, Issue 4 2009Anna Occhipinti Ambrogi Abstract The intercalibration exercise is an important step in the building process of the surface water ecological quality assessment, which is required by the Water Framework Directive (WFD). Its aim is to apply the water quality classification in a uniform manner to all the Member States belonging to the same eco-region. Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Slovenia and Spain participated in the soft-bottom benthic invertebrate subgroup for the Mediterranean coastal region. The methodologies proposed by Member States were applied and tested; the results were compared and harmonized to establish agreed and comparable boundaries for the benthic invertebrate ecological status classes. The national methods used in the intercalibration process were: for Cyprus and Greece, the Bentix Index; for Slovenia, a combination of AZTI Marine Biotic Index (AMBI), richness and diversity with the use of factor and discriminant analysis (Multimetric AMBI); for Spain, a new index, named MEDOCC, which is an adaptation of the AMBI index to the Western Mediterranean area. Italy and France tested different methods, none of which have been officially adopted. Final class boundary values for the different official classification systems were obtained and compared. Besides describing methods and results obtained by the different countries, the Italian situation is examined in more detail. All the above methods have been applied to Italian data, but the results were not conclusive. Major causes for concern are related to insufficient sites and data, to the lack of real non-impacted reference sites, and to the difficulties in validating the ecological status classification in sites not showing a pollution gradient. [source] Population structure and geographical subdivision of the Leishmania major vector Phlebotomus papatasi as revealed by microsatellite variationMEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 1 2009O. HAMARSHEH Abstract Multi-locus microsatellite typing (MLMT) has been employed to infer the population structure of Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli) (Diptera: Psychodidae) sandflies and assign individuals to populations. Phlebotomus papatasi sandflies were collected from 35 sites in 15 countries. A total of 188 P. papatasi individuals were typed using five microsatellite loci, resulting in 113 different genotypes. Unique microsatellite signatures were observed for some of the populations analysed. Comparable results were obtained when the data were analysed with Bayesian model and distance-based methods. Bayesian statistic-based analyses split the dataset into two distinct genetic clusters, A and B, with further substructuring within each. Population A consisted of five subpopulations representing large numbers of alleles that were correlated with the geographical origins of the sandflies. Cluster B comprised individuals collected in the Middle East and the northern Mediterranean area. The subpopulations B1 and B2 did not, however, show any further correlation to geographical origin. The genetic differentiation between subpopulations was supported by F statistics showing statistically significant (Bonferroni-corrected P < 0.005) values of 0.221 between B2 and B1 and 0.816 between A5 and A4. Identification of the genetic structure of P. papatasi populations is important for understanding the patterns of dispersal of this species and to developing strategies for sandfly control. [source] Randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of sublingual immunotherapy with a Pru p 3 quantified peach extractALLERGY, Issue 6 2009M. Fernández-Rivas Background:, Peach allergy is highly prevalent in the Mediterranean area; it is persistent and potentially severe, and therefore a prime target for immunotherapy. We aimed to study the efficacy and safety of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) with a peach extract quantified in mass units for Pru p 3, the peach lipid transfer protein. Methods:, Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled (DBPC) clinical trial. The main efficacy outcome was the change in the response to a DBPC food challenge (DBPCFC) with peach. Secondary efficacy outcomes were the changes in skin prick test (SPT), and in specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and IgG4 to Pru p 3. Tolerance was assessed with a careful recording of adverse events. Results:, After 6 months of SLIT, the active group tolerated a significantly higher amount of peach (three- to ninefold), presented a significant decrease (5.3 times) in SPT, and a significant increase in IgE and IgG4 to Pru p 3. No significant changes were observed within the placebo group. Statistically significant inter-group differences were only observed in the SPT and IgG4 responses. No serious adverse events were reported. Systemic reactions were mild, and observed with a similar frequency in both groups. Local reactions were significantly more frequent in the active group (three times) and 95% of them restricted to the oral cavity. Conclusion:, In this first exploratory clinical trial, SLIT for peach allergy seems to be a promising therapeutic option that could modify the clinical reactivity of the patients to peach intake and the underlying immunological response with a good tolerance. [source] SIMM: An integrated forecasting system for the Mediterranean areaMETEOROLOGICAL APPLICATIONS, Issue 4 2007Antonio Speranza Abstract Many ,high-impact' meteorological, marine and hydrological events in the Mediterranean area are characterized by horizontal spatial scales of the order of 10,100 km. Such events are, sometimes, driven by complex dynamical processes involving planetary scale atmospheric flows. Several international programs (ALPEX, POEM, MAP, PYREX, MEDEX) have improved the understanding of some of these processes. However, because of the Mediterranean's geomorphological structure, characterized by mountain chains (e.g. the Alps), semi-enclosed sea basins and small river catchments, many problems remain. It is clear that such problems have to be faced in the context of analysis-prediction systems bridging the gap between global and local scales of motion. These systems should allow for an adequate representation of key dynamical processes at all the relevant scales of motion. The Hydro-Meteorological-Marine System (,Sistema Idro-Meteo-Mare', SIMM) is a first step in developing an integrated system, adequately covering all scales of motion from global to local. A short description of the system is presented, highlighting scientific concepts behind design choices. A summary of the results of verification tests is also illustrated, together with a general evaluation of the whole process in planning, developing and running SIMM in order to assist future updates of the system, currently under development. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society [source] Climate patterns and the stochastic dynamics of migratory birdsOIKOS, Issue 3 2002Niclas Jonzén We analyse time series data of 17 bird species trapped at Ottenby Bird Observatory, Sweden, during spring migration 1972,1999. The species have similar demography but respond differently to variation in the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) , a strong determinant of winter climate in the northern Hemisphere. Species wintering in northern Europe, compared to species having winter quarters in the Mediterranean area, tend to respond positively to variation in NAO. The variation within each group is high due to wide-ranging winter-distribution in many species, probably smoothing out the effect of spatial variation in NAO. Whereas mild winters (high NAO) is benign for many , but not all , birds wintering in northern Europe, the effect of drier-than-normal conditions in the Mediterranean area during high NAO index winters are uncertain. The work presented here goes beyond simple correlative studies and help identifying which species that are most affected by variation in winter climate. This is a first important step that calls for a more mechanistic approach when analysing possible changes to climate change. [source] Geochemical and Magnetic Provenancing of Roman Granite Columns from Andalucía and Extremadura, SpainOXFORD JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY, Issue 2 2002Olwen Williams-Thorpe One hundred and fifty two granite columns were examined in eight towns and archaeological sites in Andalucía and Extremadura, Spain, in order to determine the geological provenance of the columns. Three non-destructive methods of characterization were used: mineralogical features, magnetic susceptibility, and concentrations of radioelements (K, U, Th) determined by portable gamma ray spectrometry. Columns were compared with potential sources within Spain and in the Mediterranean area using analogous data previously published and also new data obtained for this work. The majority of the columns are made of Spanish granites, some of which were probably quarried near Mérida. Different chemical types of Spanish granites were used in the northern part of the area studied (Extremadura) and in the southern part (Andalucía). Twenty five columns are not of Spanish granites, but were imported from other sources, namely the Troad and Kozak Da, areas of western Turkey, the Italian islands of Elba and/or Giglio, and Sardinia (confirming a column previously identified in the literature). The imported columns are found in Itálica, Hispalis (Seville) and Astigi (Écija), and were probably carried along the River Guadalquivir and its tributaries. [source] Mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis in SicilyAMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 5 2001G. Vona This study reports data on the sequences of the first hypervariable segment of a sample of the Sicilian population from Alia (Palermo, Italy). The results show the presence of 32 different haplotypes in the 49 individuals examined. The average number of pairwise nucleotide differences was 4.04, i.e., 1.17% per nucleotide. The distribution of the nucleotide differences matches the theoretical distribution and indicates only one major episode of expansion that occurred between 20,732 and 59,691 years ago, between the Middle Paleolithic and Upper Paleolithic. Compared with the other populations, parameters of the Sicilian sample lie in an intermediate position between the eastern and western Mediterranean populations. This is due to numerous contacts that Sicily has had with the Mediterranean area since prehistoric times. At the same time, the singularity of some of the haplotypes present in the sample studied indicates the persistence of some characteristics caused by genetic drift and isolation that the population has endured in the course of its history. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 13:576,589, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Estradiol-antagonistic activity of phenolic compounds from leguminous plants,PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 3 2008B. Pinto Abstract Natural flavonoids are currently receiving much attention because of their estrogenic and antiestrogenic properties. Six isoflavones (isoprunetin, isoprunetin 7- O - , - d -glucopyranoside, isoprunetin 4,,7-di- O - , - d -glucopyranoside, genistein, genistein 7-O- , - d -glucopyranoside, daidzein), four flavones (luteolin, luteolin 7-O- , - d -glucopyranoside, luteolin 4,-O- , - d -glucopyranoside, licoflavone C), isolated from Genista morisii and G. ephedroides (two Leguminosae plants of the Mediterranean area) together with two structurally related pterocarpans, bitucarpin A and erybraedyn C, isolated from Bituminaria bituminosa (Leguminosae), were tested for the antagonist activity by a yeast based estrogen receptor assay (Saccharomyces cerevisiae RMY326 ER-ERE). Most compounds inhibited the estradiol-induced transcriptional activity in a concentration dependent manner. In particular, for the flavone luteolin 77% inhibition of the induced , -galactosidase activity was observed. Interestingly, licoflavone C exhibited a dose-dependent antagonistic activity at concentrations up to 10,4 m, but stimulated , -galactosidase expression at higher concentrations resulting in a U-shaped-like dose-response curve. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Doubled haploid lines of Brassica carinata with modified erucic acid content through mutagenesis by EMS treatment of isolated microsporesPLANT BREEDING, Issue 3 2001F. Barro Abstract Brassica carinata is a potential oilseed crop for the Mediterranean area. Chemical mutagenesis has been applied to microspores of B. carinata with the purpose of identifying lines with altered erucic acid content. From a population of nearly 400 doubled haploid plants recovered, nine lines have been identified that exhibit promising useful changes in erucic acid concentration in the seed oil. Three lines showed erucic acid contents below 25%, with a minimum of 17.1%, and in six lines the level of this fatty acid was greater than 52%. Changes in other fatty acids are also described and discussed. [source] Photosynthetic limitations in olive cultivars with different sensitivity to salt stressPLANT CELL & ENVIRONMENT, Issue 4 2003F. LORETO ABSTRACT Olive (Olea europea L) is one of the most valuable and widespread fruit trees in the Mediterranean area. To breed olive for resistance to salinity, an environmental constraint typical of the Mediterranean, is an important goal. The photosynthetic limitations associated with salt stress caused by irrigation with saline (200 mm) water were assessed with simultaneous gas-exchange and fluorescence field measurements in six olive cultivars. Cultivars were found to possess inherently different photosynthesis when non-stressed. When exposed to salt stress, cultivars with inherently high photosynthesis showed the highest photosynthetic reductions. There was no relationship between salt accumulation and photosynthesis reduction in either young or old leaves. Thus photosynthetic sensitivity to salt did not depend on salt exclusion or compartmentalization in the old leaves of the olive cultivars investigated. Salt reduced the photochemical efficiency, but this reduction was also not associated with photosynthesis reduction. Salt caused a reduction of stomatal and mesophyll conductance, especially in cultivars with inherently high photosynthesis. Mesophyll conductance was generally strongly associated with photosynthesis, but not in salt-stressed leaves with a mesophyll conductance higher than 50 mmol m,2 s,1. The combined reduction of stomatal and mesophyll conductances in salt-stressed leaves increased the CO2 draw-down between ambient air and the chloroplasts. The CO2 draw-down was strongly associated with photosynthesis reduction of salt-stressed leaves but also with the variable photosynthesis of controls. The relationship between photosynthesis and CO2 draw-down remained unchanged in most of the cultivars, suggesting no or small changes in Rubisco activity of salt-stressed leaves. The present results indicate that the low chloroplast CO2 concentration set by both low stomatal and mesophyll conductances were the main limitations of photosynthesis in salt-stressed olive as well as in cultivars with inherently low photosynthesis. It is consequently suggested that, independently of the apparent sensitivity of photosynthesis to salt, this effect may be relieved if conductances to CO2 diffusion are restored. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||