Betula Spp Research Articles

The main biogenic elements’ content in Lobaria pulmonaria cephalolichen thalli in different ontogenetic stages in the boreal forests of Karelia (Paanajärvi National Park)

ABSTRACT The analysis of the main biogenic elements in the thalli of the epiphytic cephalolichen Lobaria pulmonaria of different ontogenetic stages was conducted. Thallus for research was collected in the spruce forests of the Paanajärvi National Park, which disturbance age varied from 190 to 270 years from the tree trunks (living and dead) of Populus tremula, Salix caprea, Sorbus aucuparia, Betula spp. Chemical analysis of thalli samples showed that N content increased (r = 0.43, p = 0.0039) and K content decreased (r = −0.42, p = 0.0046) in the ontogenetic stages from virginal 1 to senile. We revealed different elements were accumulated in lichen thalli, depending on the elements’ content in the substrate: C, K, Mn – in the young thalli, Ca, Cu, Zn – in old ones, Fe – in both groups. The results indicated the necessity to consider the ontogenetic stages of lichen thalli when analysing the element content, because the ignoring of this parameter can lead to results that did not reflect reality.

Evaluation of growth models for mixed forests used in Swedish and Finnish decision support systems

Interest in mixed forests is increasing since they could provide higher benefits and positive externalities compared to monocultures, although their management is more complex and silvicultural prescriptions for them are still scarce. Growth simulations are a powerful tool for developing useful guidelines for mixed stands. Heureka and Motti are two decision support systems commonly used for forest management in Sweden and Finland respectively. They were developed mostly with data from pure stands, so how they would perform in mixed stands is currently uncertain. We compiled a large and updated common database of well-replicated experimental research sites and monitoring networks composed by 218 and 1,160 plot-level observations of mixed stands from Sweden and Finland, respectively. We aimed to evaluated the accuracy of Heureka and Motti basal area growth models in those mixed-species stands and to detect any bias in their short-term predictions. Basal area growth simulations (excluding mortality models) were compared to observed stand-level values in a period-wise process with update of the start values in each period. The residual plots were visually examined for different stand mixtures: Norway spruce (Picea abies Karst.)-birch (Betula spp), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)-birch and Scots pine-Norway spruce. We observed that the basal area growth models in both decision support systems performed quite well for all mixtures regardless of the proportion of species. Motti simulations overestimated growth in Scots pine-Norway spruce mixtures by 0.063 m2·ha−1·year−1 which may be acceptable for practical use. Therefore, we corroborated that both decision support systems can be currently utilized for short-term forest growth simulation of mixed boreal forests.

A Comparative Pattern for Populus spp. and Betula spp. Stand Biomass in Eurasian Climate Gradients

Based on the generated database of 413 and 490 plots of biomass of Populus spp. and Betula spp. in Eurasia, statistically significant changes in the structure of forest stand biomass were found with shifts in January temperatures and average annual precipitation. When analyzing harvest data, the propeller-shaped biomass patterns in the gradients of average annual precipitation and average January temperatures are obtained, which are common for both deciduous species. Correspondingly, Populus and Betula forests show a regularity common to the biomass components: in the cold zones the precipitation increase leads to the increase of biomass, and in the warm ones to their decrease. In wet areas, the increase of temperature causes the decrease of biomass, and in dry areas, it causes their increase. In accordance with the law of the limiting factor by Liebig-Shelford, it is shown that both an decrease in temperature in dry conditions and a increase in precipitation in a warm climate lead to a decrease in the biomass of trees.

In search of ecological determinants of fungal infections: Asemi-field experiment with folivorous moths.

Natural enemies shape the fate of species at both ecological and evolutionary time scales. While the effects of predators, parasitoids, and viruses on insects are well documented, much less is known about the ecological and evolutionary role of entomopathogenic fungi. In particular, it is unclear to which extent may the spatiotemporal distribution patterns of these pathogens create selective pressures on ecological traits of herbivorous insects. In the present study, we reared three lepidopteran species in semi‐natural conditions in a European hemiboreal forest habitat. We studied the probability of the insects to die from fungal infection as a function of insect species, food plant, study site, (manipulated) condition of the larvae, and the phenological phase. The prevalence of entomopathogenic fungi remained low to moderate with the value consistently below 10% across the subsets of the data while as many as 23 fungal species, primarily belonging to the families Cordycipitaceae, Aspergillaceae, and Nectriaceae, were recorded. There were no major differences among the insect species in prevalence of the infections or in the structure of associated fungal assemblages. The family Cordycipitaceae, comprising mainly obligatory entomopathogens, dominated among the pathogens of pupae but not among the pathogens of larvae. Overall, there was evidence for a relatively weak impact of the studied ecological factors on the probability to be infected by a fungal pathogen; there were no effects of food plant, study site, or phenology which would be consistent over the study species and developmental stages of the insects. Nevertheless, when the prevalence of particular fungal taxa was studied, Akanthomyces muscarius was found infecting insects fed with leaves of only one of the food plant, Betula spp. Feeding on a particular plant taxon can thus have specific fitness costs. This demonstrates that fungus‐mediated effects on insect life history traits are possible and deserve attention.

Earlier Flowering of Betula pendula Roth in Augsburg, Germany, Due to Higher Temperature, NO2 and Urbanity, and Relationship with Betula spp. Pollen Season.

Flowering and pollen seasons are sensitive to environmental variability and are considered climate change indicators. However, it has not been concluded to what extent flowering phenology is indeed reflected in airborne pollen season locally. The aim of this study was to investigate, for the commonly represented in temperate climates and with highly allergenic pollen Betula pendula Roth, the responsiveness of flowering to different environmental regimes and also to check for commensurate changes in the respective pollen seasons. The region of Augsburg, Bavaria, Germany, was initially screened for birch trees, which were geolocated at a radius of 25 km. Random trees across the city were then investigated during three full flowering years, 2015–2017. Flowering observations were made 3–7 times a week, from flower differentiation to flower desiccation, in a total of 43 plant individuals. Data were regressed against meteorological parameters and air pollutant levels in an attempt to identify the driving factors of flowering onset and offset. Flowering dates were compared with dates of the related airborne pollen seasons per taxon; airborne pollen monitoring took place daily using a Hirst-type volumetric sampler. The salient finding was that flowering occurred earlier during warmer years; it also started earlier at locations with higher urbanity, and peaked and ended earlier at sites with higher NO2 concentrations. Airborne pollen season of Betula spp. frequently did not coincide locally with the flowering period of Betula pendula: while flowering and pollen season were synchronized particularly in their onset, local flowering phenology alone could explain only 57.3% of the pollen season variability. This raises questions about the relationship between flowering times and airborne pollen seasons and on the rather underestimated role of the long-distance transport of pollen.

The potential impacts of climate change on the distribution of key tree species and Cordyceps in Bhutan: Implications for ecological functions and rural livelihoods

Rural communities in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan are dependant on natural capital for their livelihoods. Climate change impacts on ecosystem could have serious consequences for these communities but little research has been done to explore these potential impacts. In this study, we used Boosted Regression Tree (BRT) models to model current and potential future distribution of major timber species (Abies densa, Pinus wallichiana, Tsuga dumosa), fuelwood species (Quercus spp, Betula spp, Betula utilis, Rhododendron spp, Rhododendron arboreum) and an important non-timber resource (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) in Bhutan Himalayan region. Models were based on species presence and absence data from 575 plots and a new high-resolution climate dataset developed for Bhutan. Future projections were based on IPCC's representative concentration pathway (RCP 8.5) for the 2080s in Bhutan. Mean annual temperature and precipitation of driest quarters were found to be the most influential variables in modelling the current distribution of these species, with the distribution of most of the species projected to decrease significantly and shift to higher elevations. The current distribution of Ophiocordyceps sinensis was modelled to decrease by 79% at the national level with only 21% range overlap between current and future distributions. Current distribution of timber species like Abies densa and Tsuga dumosa were modelled to decline by 98% and 99% respectively at national level with very low range overlaps between current and future distribution suggesting high species vulnerability to climate change. In contrast, fuel wood species like Betula spp, Quercus spp, Rhododendron arboreum all exhibited less vulnerability to climate change with over 50% of their current range overlapping with future distribution across Bhutan and in the Nikachu watershed. These potential changes in distribution patterns of these species could impact on the functions and ecosystem services provided by these species and socio-economic conditions of rural communities reliant on these species for their livelihoods in Bhutan. Lower rates of global greenhouse gas emissions and adoption of adaptation measures and management interventions can reduce these potential impacts.

Characterisation of pollen seasons in Iceland based on long-term observations: 1988–2018

This paper describes a long-term (1988–2018) data series from pollen monitoring in two locations in Iceland: Akureyri and Reykjavik. Our data showed a low diversity of airborne pollen present in the aeroplankton of Iceland. We showed that Betula spp. and Poaceae can be considered the main pollen allergens in Iceland. Both Betula spp. and Poaceae pollen seasons in Iceland are characterised by a late onset compared to continental Europe. Betula spp. seasons are further characterised by a longer duration and low SPI and peak values. Icelandic Poaceae seasons are shorter, but have SPI and peak values comparable to those recorded in continental Europe. We recorded no synchronisation in the intensity of pollen production between our monitoring sites in Iceland, and our data do not confirm the existence of repeatable cycle (bi- or triennial) of high and low pollen production in Betula spp. Statistically significant trends towards increasing SPI values were recorded in Reykjavik (Betula spp.) and Akureyri (Poaceae).

What is a possible response of forest biomass to changes in Eurasian air temperature and precipitation? A special case for the genus Betula spp

Forest ecosystems, as sinks of atmospheric carbon, play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas release and preventing air temperatures from rising. Simultaneously, climate change entails changes in forest cover. We describe the change of Betula spp. stand biomass (tha-1) along the trans-Eurasian gradients of rainfall and temperature using the harvest data from 650 forest stands and climate data. Birch stand biomass increased with growing rainfall within the evaluated range from 200 to 800 mm per year, as well as with increasing the mean winter temperature from -40°C to + 10°C regardless of the rainfall level. The comparison of our results for birches with analogous results for coniferous species shows that forest responses to changes in climate indices are species-specific.

Resolving host and species boundaries for perithecia-producing nectriaceous fungi across the central Appalachian Mountains

Abstract The Nectriaceae includes numerous canker pathogens. Due to the scarcity of ascomata on many hosts, comprehensive surveys are lacking. Here we characterize the diversity of perithecia-producing nectriaceous fungi across the central Appalachians in eastern North America. Nine species from eleven hosts were recovered including a novel Corinectria sp. from Picea rubens. Neonectria ditissima and Neonectria faginata were most abundant and associated with Fagus grandifolia with beech bark disease (BBD). Neonectria ditissima was also recovered from additional cankered hardwoods, including previously unreported Acer spicatum, Ilex mucronata, and Sorbus americana. Cross-pathogenicity inoculations of N. ditissima confirmed susceptibility of Acer and Betula spp. Neonectria magnoliae was recovered from cankered Liriodendron tulipifera and Magnolia fraseri and pathogenicity on L. tulipifera was confirmed. Fusarium babinda was consistently recovered from beech with BBD, although its role remains unclear. This survey provides a contemporary snapshot of Nectriaceae diversity across the Appalachian Mountains. The following nomenclatural changes are proposed: Neonectria magnoliae comb. nov.

Toxicological, antibacterial and anti-quorum activity of extracts of medicinal plants Betula spp., Hypericum spp. and Angelica spp.

Quorum sensing plays an important role in the infectious process development in plants, animals and humans. Inhibiting this phenomenon may be a new way to treat bacterial infections in therapeutic practice. Similar studies are being conducted all over the world and several approaches to inhibiting quorum-dependent processes are currently being presented. Folk remedies, which include, in particular, medicinal plants, can become an alternative tool for fighting bacterial pathogens to traditionally used antibacterial substances that have lost their former effectiveness, due to the widespread spread of antibiotic resistance. In this work, the toxicological, antibacterial and anti-quorum properties of the extracts of Betula spp. leaf, Hypericum spp. herb and Angelica spp. root were studied. Testing the extracts of Betula spp. leaf, Hypericum spp. herb and Angelica spp. root showed a minor toxicological effect on the recombinant luminescent strain Escherichia coli, which is manifested at high concentrations of the substance being tested. Similar results were obtained on another test object Stylonychia mytilus, for which the maximum toxicological effect was observed in the concentration range of 5.0-10.0 mg / ml for Betula spp. leaf and Hypericum spp. herb, and 10.0 mg / ml for Angelica spp. root. Against this background, quorum-inhibiting activity of the studied plant extracts was registered, increasing in the series Angelica spp. → Hypericum spp. → Betula spp.

Ice cave reveals environmental forcing of long‐term Pyrenean tree line dynamics

Abstract Tree lines are supposed to react sensitively to the current global change. However, the lack of a long‐term (millennial) perspective on tree line shifts in the Pyrenees prevents understanding the underlying ecosystem dynamics and processes. We combine multiproxy palaeoecological analyses (fossil pollen, spores, conifer stomata, plant macrofossils, and ordination) from an outstanding ice cave deposit located in the alpine belt c. 200 m above current tree line (Armeña‐A294 Ice Cave, 2,238 m a.s.l.), to assess for the first time in the Pyrenees, tree line dynamics, and ecosystem resilience to climate changes 5,700–2,200 (cal.) years ago. The tree line ecotone was located at the cave altitude from 5,700 to 4,650 cal year bp, when vegetation consisted of open Pinus uncinata Ramond ex DC and Betula spp. Woodlands and timberline were very close to the site. Subsequently, tree line slightly raised and timberline reached the ice cave altitude, exceeding its today's uppermost limit by c. 300–400 m during more than four centuries (4,650 and 4,200 cal year bp) at the end of the Holocene Thermal Maximum. After 4,200 cal year bp, alpine tundra communities dominated by Dryas octopetala L. expanded while tree line descended, most likely as a consequence of the Neoglacial cooling. Prehistoric livestock raising likely reinforced climate cooling impacts at 3,450–3,250 cal year bp. Finally, a tree line ecotone developed around the cave that was on its turn replaced by alpine communities during the past 2,000 years. Synthesis. The long‐term Pyrenean tree line ecotone sensitivity suggests that rising temperatures will trigger future P. uncinata and Betula expansions to higher elevations, replacing arctic–alpine plant species. Climate change is causing the rapid melting of the cave ice; rescue investigations would be urgently needed to exploit its unique ecological information.

Does typhoon disturbance in subalpine forest have long-lasting impacts on saproxylic fungi, bryophytes, and seedling regeneration on coarse woody debris?

Storm disturbance has a huge impact on subalpine forest ecosystems. Evaluating the long-term effects and mechanisms of storm disturbance is of great significance for conservation of subalpine forests as frequency and intensity of storms are increasing because of the climate change. Species of subalpine conifer tree genera such as Picea and Tsuga need coarse woody debris (CWD) such as logs and stumps for seedling colonization; thus, their establishment is greatly affected by the condition of CWD, which largely depends on the activity of fungal decomposer communities and saproxylic bryophyte communities. Because the process of CWD decay and associated ecological succession is known to take several decades in subalpine forests, we hypothesized that storm disturbance has long-lasting effects on fungal communities, their wood decay function, saproxylic bryophyte communities, and seedling establishment. To test this hypothesis, we surveyed fungal, bryophyte, and seedling communities at forest sites that had been disturbed by a large typhoon 55 years ago and compared them with those of surrounding undisturbed coniferous forest in central Japan. Contrary to our hypothesis, Illumina sequencing for the fungal ITS1 region in rDNA obtained from wood samples did not show that past disturbance had an obvious effect on current fungal communities. Also, the frequencies of occurrence of various wood decay types were not significantly different between disturbed and undisturbed plots. However, disturbance affected bryophyte communities, which had strong effects on the seedling densities of Picea jezoensis var. hondoensis, Tsuga diversifolia, and Betula spp. These results suggest that the previous typhoon disturbance in the focal area had long-lasting effects on biotic interactions and seedling regeneration on CWD, but these effects might not be attributable to the impacts of disturbance on CWD fungal communities and their wood decay function.

Habitat correlates of Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola abundance in a declining resident population

In Europe, woodland bird populations have been declining since at least the 1970s, and in Britain, around one third of woodland bird species have undergone declines over this period. Habitat change has been highlighted as a possible cause, but for some species clear evidence of this is lacking owing to an incomplete knowledge of the species’ habitat requirements. Here, we analyse national data to explain the variation in abundance of a declining woodland bird, the Eurasian Woodcock. A nationwide, species-specific survey of breeding Woodcock was conducted in 2003 and 2013 at 807 and 823 randomly selected 1-km squares respectively. The counts were compared with a range of landscape-scale habitat variables as well as local habitat measures recorded by surveyors, using generalised linear mixed models. Habitat variables were measured at a variety of spatial scales using ring buffers, although our analyses show that strong collinearity between scales hinders interpretation. At large landscape scales, breeding Woodcock abundance was correlated with total woodland area and the way this interacted with woodland type. Woodcock were more abundant in woods containing a more heterogeneous mix of woodland habitat types and in woods further from urban areas. On a smaller spatial scale, Woodcock were less likely to be found at sites dominated by beech Fagus spp. and more likely to occur in woods containing birch Betula spp. The Woodcock’s association with large, heterogeneous woods and the apparent attractiveness of certain woodland types present the most relevant topics for future research into the role of habitat change in long-term declines.

Effects of Increased Soil Scarification Intensity on Natural Regeneration of Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris L. and Birch Betula spp. L.

Achieving an optimal density of trees is essential for the final yield in commercial forestry. Soil scarification is commonly used in Scandinavia in order to produce successful regenerations of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), especially in areas with risk of browsing damage by moose (Alces alces L.). The research presented in this paper provides knowledge on how increased intensity of soil scarification affects the regeneration of pine and birch (Betula spp. L.). A total of 67 stands were treated with different intensities of soil scarification. Tree seedling density and current annual growth (CAG) were measured one to five years after scarification. Results showed that the density of pine and birch seedlings increased with soil scarification intensity. CAG of pine decreased with scarification intensity. CAG of downy birch decreased with proportion of exposed mineral soil, but increased with proportion of exposed humus. The effect of soil scarification intensity on CAG of both tree species was relatively weak. Results suggest that although increased scarification intensity had a positive effect on seedling establishment, the effect on early growth may be unfavourable. Further research is needed in order to evaluate the long-term effects of soil scarification intensity on growth.

Pharmacokinetics and Tissue Disposition of Nanosystem-Entrapped Betulin After Endotracheal Administration to Rats.

Betulin is a triterpene extracted from the cork layer of the outer bark of Betula spp. It has a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities, including being lung protective; however, its bioavailability is low. To increase its bioavailability, betulin was entrapped in a nanosystem (BN). In this study, we investigated the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of nanosystem-entrapped betulin after single dose endotracheal administration to rats. Betulin was nanosystem-entrapped using a solvent exchange technique. The surface morphology and size of the nanosystem were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The plasma and tissue concentrations of betulin were determined using a validated high-performance liquid chromatography method. The highest concentration of betulin was found in lungs and liver, and the lowest in the heart. Betulin did not penetrate highly vascularized tissues or tissue with an average degree of vascularization, nor did it cross the blood-brain barrier. Tissue availability in the lungs was 1.3 times higher for BN than for free betulin. Betulin was detected in the bloodstream at 15min after administration of BN compared with only at 1h after administration of free betulin. Penetration of betulin in the liver tissue was characterized by a high degree of intensity both for BN and free betulin. Betulin in the heart tissue was detected in much smaller quantities than in the liver. Entrapment of betulin in nanosystem form shows promise as a novel strategy in the treatment of pulmonary diseases.

不同经营模式对川西亚高山天然次生林林地水文效应的影响

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 不同经营模式对川西亚高山天然次生林林地水文效应的影响 DOI: 10.5846/stxb201503050431 作者: 作者单位: 四川省林业科学研究院,四川省林业科学研究院,四川农业大学旅游学院,四川农业大学旅游学院,四川省林业科学研究院,四川省林业科学研究院,中国林业科学研究院森林生态环境与保护研究所 作者简介: 通讯作者: 中图分类号: 基金项目: 国家“十二五”科技支撑计划项目（2012BAD22B0104）；四川省基本科研业务费项目（JB2015-04）；林业公益性行业专项（201104109-01） Effects of different forest management regimes on woodland hydrological effects of natural secondary forests in a sub-alpine region of western Sichuan, China Author: Affiliation: Sichuan Academy of Forestry,Sichuan Academy of Forestry,,,,, Fund Project: 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:天然次生林是川西亚高山林区经历大规模砍伐后形成的主要森林类型之一，是我国西南林区水源涵养林的重要组成部分。以不同经营模式（抚育经营、清林+补植经营以及封育经营）的川西亚高山次生桦木林和桦木、岷江冷杉混交林为研究对象，通过样方取样法获取和分析了林地苔藓、枯落物和土壤的水文指标。结果表明，与封山育林经营相比，抚育经营下的两种林型的苔藓最大持水率均显著升高（F=8.147，P=0.010；F=15.525，P=0.006）、桦木林的蓄积量显著降低（F=4.979，P=0.022），而苔藓最大持水量变化不显著；混交林则均无显著变化。在清林+补植经营下，混交林苔藓水文效应变化不显著（F=2.280，P=0.183），而桦木林虽然苔藓最大持水率无显著变化（F=4.072，P=0.098），但蓄积量的显著降低（F=3.536，P=0.044）导致了其最大持水量的降低（F=3.782，P=0.042）。两种经营方式基本上促进了天然林的枯落物最大持水率、降低了林下枯落物蓄积量；其中抚育经营效果更显著，但两种经营方式下枯落物最大持水量变化不显著。两种经营方式下，桦木林和混交林的林下土壤容重均降低（F=10.715，P<0.01；F=5.148，P<0.05），同时桦木林土壤最大持水量增加（F=4.499，P<0.05），其中抚育经营的影响程度都更显著。从4年来的短期效应来看，两种经营方式均对天然林的林地持水能力具有促进作用，抚育经营较清林+补植经营更显著，但这仅是短期的结果，两种经营方式对于退化天然林水文以及其他生态功能恢复的长期影响还有待于进一步的观测研究。 Abstract:In the wake of the large-scale logging of its sub-alpine region, natural secondary forest is one of dominant forest types of western Sichuan, and plays an important role in water conservation in the forests of southwestern China. The moss, litter, and soil produced by different management regimes (e.g., clearing and pruning, clearing and replanting, and no disturbance) have been measured and sampled, and their hydrological effects on Betula spp. forests and mixed forests with Abies faxoniana and Betula spp. have been analyzed. The results of this study revealed that the maximal water holding rate (MWHR) of moss from clearing and pruning was significantly higher than that from no disturbance, but the cumulated mass (CM) of moss from clearing and pruning was significantly lower than that from no disturbance, and the maximal water holding capacity (MWHC) of moss was no different between forest types or between clearing and pruning mode and no disturbance mode. In Betula spp. forests managed by clearing and replanting, the MWHR and CM of moss was lower, but not significantly so, while the MWHC of moss was significantly lower than that in the undisturbed plots of the same forest type. In addition, there was no significant difference between the hydrological effects of both mixed forests with Abies faxoniana and Betula spp. Under the two regimes including active management, the MWHR of the litter and the soil water holding capacity both increased, the CM of the litter and soil bulk density decreased, but MWHC of litter was not significantly different between artificial mode and undisturbed mode. The performance of the clearing and pruning regime was more significantly better than that of clearing and replantation regime. From short-term effects for 4 years, the woodland's capacity to facilitate water conservation was increased by both the clearing and pruning regime and the clearing and replantation regime, in both Betula spp. forests and fixed forests with Abies faxoniana and Betula spp. The performance of the clearing and pruning regime was more significant than those of the other management regimes. Over the long term, the hydrological and ecological effects of different management regimes on natural secondary forests requires further investigation. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

Nondestructive wood discrimination: FTIR – Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy in the characterization of different wood species used for artistic objects

Wooden artifacts represent a significant component of past cultures. Successful conservation of wooden artifacts depends on the knowledge of wood structure and types. It is critical that conservators know the category of wood that they are treating in order to successfully conserve it. Recently, vibrational spectroscopy has been successfully applied to determine the chemical structure of wood and to characterize wood types. FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) is a useful nondestructive or micro-destructive analytical technique providing information about chemical bonding and molecular structure. Its application in the discrimination between softwoods (conifers) and hardwoods (broad-leafs) has already been reported. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential of FTIR as a tool for the discrimination between different wood types belonging to the same genus. Three different hardwood species, namely poplar (Populus spp), lime (Tilia spp) and birch (Betula spp), were investigated by means of FTIR spectroscopy. The woods were first inspected using a light microscope to certify the wood essence types through micrographic and morphoanatomical features. The FTIR spectra in the 4000 cm[Formula: see text] to 450 cm[Formula: see text] region were recorded using a Perkin-Elmer Spectrum 100 spectrometer. To enhance the qualitative interpretation of the IR spectra, second derivatives of all spectra were calculated using the Spectrum software to separate superimposed bands and to extract fine spectral details. To obtain a comprehensive characterization, the essences under investigation were also analyzed by means of Raman Spectroscopy. Clear differences were found in the spectra of the three samples confirming FTIR to be a powerful tool for wood type discrimination.

The role of Western herbal medicine in the treatment of gout

Gout has been recognised as a clinically distinct disease for over four millennia. It is one of the most prevalent inflammatory arthropathies and a true crystal deposition disease. Current consensus holds that its management in primary orthodox healthcare is sub-optimal. This study aimed to identify whether herbal medicine offers an effective alternative or complementary approach for managing patients with acute and chronic gout. Three approaches were taken: a survey of medical herbalists to gauge contemporary approaches; historical and contemporary texts were scrutinised to identify any herbs indicated for gout; and an evidence review to establish the current evidence base for the herbal treatment of gout. While gout was not a frequent presentation in practice, the majority of medical herbalists surveyed had treated it at some point in time. Moreover, most reported herbal medicine had a definite benefit for patients with gout, usually taking effect within one or two months. In general, the herbs used in clinical practice were mainly chosen for their ability to eliminate uric acid (Apium graveolens, Urtica spp, Taraxacum officinale) or as anti-inflammatories (Harpagophytum procumbens, Filipendula ulmaria, Salix spp, Betula spp, Curcuma longa and Guaiacum spp.). There was some agreement in the more popular herbs cited for gout in herbal texts and prescribed by practitioners, and given the lack of scientific evidence identified, suggests herb choice was largely influenced by traditional use. A paucity of evidence was highlighted regarding the effectiveness of Western herbal medicine for gout, a single clinical trial was identified; however, it was of poor quality with unclear or high risks of bias. Given the effectiveness of herbal medicine in treating patients with gout reported by practitioners, together with the lack of a strong evidence-base identified in this study, further research is warranted. Practice-based evidence, such as the systematic collection of clinical treatment outcomes in practice, together with large, well-designed pragmatic clinical trials are required to establish the effectiveness of herbal medicine in the treatment of gout.

Annual pollen spectrum in the air of Palma de Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain)

This aeropalynological study documented the pollen of 13 taxa with the highest concentration in the air of Palma de Mallorca during the years 2004–2010, using a Hirst-type volumetric spore trap. The taxa were Cupressaceae, Olea europaea, Platanus hispanica, Pinus spp., Parietaria judaica, Urtica membranacea, Quercus ilex, Poaceae, Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae, Plantago spp., Castanea sativa, Pistacia lentiscus and Betula spp. These taxa accounted for 91.85 % of the total annual pollen recorded during the period. The mean annual pollen index was 20,027. The highest pollen counts occurred in February–June, representing 88.74 % of the annual total collected. Every year, there was a substantial increase in the concentration and types of pollen from March to May, followed by a decrease from July to January. The maximum annual total pollen count was recorded in 2005 with 25,870 and the minimum in 2009 with 14,726. The mean daily average pollen concentration count showed a declining trend over the study period. With respect to seasonal phases analysed, the later phase of the pollen season is more variable than the beginning. To observe the overall dynamics of the different pollen types better, a pollen calendar was established for Palma de Mallorca. The pollen calendar had typical Mediterranean features and is a useful tool for allergological and botanical awareness.

Invasion of a Sphagnum-peatland by Betula spp and Molinia caerulea impacts organic matter biochemistry. Implications for carbon and nutrient cycling

Peatlands act as a sink of carbon (C) through the accumulation of dead remains of plants. Under global changes triggered by human activities, it is not only the sink capacity of peatland that is in danger, but also the C already stored. Invasion of Sphagnum peatlands, mainly by Molinia caerulea and Betula spp, is a growing preoccupation. This study aims to assess the extent of the influence of this invasion on the biochemical characteristics of the peat. Elemental analysis, sugar and Rock–Eval pyrolysis parameters were measured in 50 cm profiles collected in invaded and intact plots. The results show that oxygen index ratios (OICO2/OICO) can be used to detect new C substrate injection as invading plants have a lower ratio than Sphagnum spp and Sphagnum peat. Total hemicellulosic sugar contents and organic matter (OM) degradation indices (R400, PPI) suggest that the invading plants promote a faster OM decomposition probably through a faster degradability and a relatively higher nutrient content of their litter. Differences in terms of nutrient status between areas of the peatland are suggested to be of great importance in determining the extent of OM transformation likely due to stoichiometric constraints.