Sterile Collections Research Articles

Lecanora Barkmaneana, a new Nitrophilous Sorediate Corticolous Lichen from the Netherlands

Lecanora barkmaneana, a sorediate corticolous lichen belonging to the Lecanora subfusca group, is described as a species new to science on the basis of numerous sterile collections and two richly fertile collections. It is known so far only from the Netherlands, where it often grows on roadside trees. It seems to be spreading rapidly at nutrient-rich sites.

LECANORA BARKMANEANAA NEW NITROPHILOUS SOREDIATE CORTICOLOUS LICHEN FROM THE NETHERLANDS

Lecanora barkmaneana, a sorediate corticolous lichen belonging to theLecanora subfuscagroup, is described as a species new to science on the basis of numerous sterile collections. It is known so far as only from the Netherlands, where it often grows on roadside trees. it seems to be spreading rapidly at nutrient-rich sites.

Intraperitoneal abscesses: diagnostic accuracy of and appearances at MR imaging.

To prospectively investigate the diagnostic accuracy of and appearances at magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of patients clinically suspected to have intraperitoneal abscesses. Sixty-seven consecutive patients underwent MR imaging for suspected intraperitoneal abscesses. MR images were prospectively interpreted for intraperitoneal abscesses; the results were correlated with surgical, histopathologic, and laboratory findings. MR imaging revealed 25 fluid collections consistent with intraperitoneal abscesses in 22 of 67 patients (33%). Of these collections, 22 were intraperitoneal abscesses; one, a giant sigmoid diverticulum; and two, sterile fluid collections. The latter two patients had been receiving antibiotic therapy. MR imaging allowed exclusion of intraperitoneal abscesses in 45 patients (67%). All collections demonstrated decreased signal intensity on T1-weighted images; on T2-weighted images, 13 collections demonstrated homogeneously increased signal intensity and 12 demonstrated heterogeneously increased signal intensity. The abscesses were best demonstrated on gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted fat-suppressed images as well-defined fluid collections with peripheral rim enhancement. Sensitivity was 100%; specificity, 94% (95% confidence interval = 83%, 99%); positive predictive value, 88% (95% confidence interval = 69%, 97%); negative predictive value, 100%; and accuracy, 96% (95% confidence interval = 88%, 99%). MR imaging has high diagnostic accuracy in evaluation of acute intraperitoneal abscesses.

Three Nomenclatural Changes in Pottiaceae (Musci)

Nomenclatural upgrades are provided for Saitoa Zander, S. peruviana (Williams) Zander, and Barbula eustegia Card. & Thir., due to priority of another name for the first two and perceived need for a change in taxonomic status for the third. SAITOBRYUM Zander, nom. nov. TYPE: Globulina peruviana Williams Saitoa Zander, Phytologia 65: 430. 1989, horn. illeg. nec Saitoa Rajendran & Muthappa, Proc. Indian Acad. Sci. sect. B, 89: 185. 1980. Saitoella Menzel, J. Hattori Bot. Lab. 71: 239. 1992, hornm. illeg. non Saitoella S. Goto, J. Sugiyama, M. Hamamoto & K. Komagata, J. Gen. Appl. Microbiol. 33: 76. 1987. SAITOBRYUM PERUVIANUM (Williams) Zander, comb. nov. Globulina peruviana Williams, Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 43: 325. 1916. TYPE: PERU. Araranca, Cook & Gilbert 177a (NY). Globulinella peruviana (Williams) Steere & Chapm., J. Wash. Acad. Sci. 36: 222. 1946. Saitoa peruviana (Williams) Zander, Phytologia 65: 431. 1989. Saitoella peruviana (Williams) Menzel, J. Hattori Bot. Lab. 71: 240. 1992. Efforts to provide a new monotypic genus name for Globulina peruviana Williams have been stymied by discovery of recent names of fungi with priority. Determined to finally validly name the genus for Kamezo Saito, a muscologist contributing significantly to the understanding of the Pottiaceae, I propose the above name Saitobryum, with an appropriate combination for the sole species, Saitobryum peruvianum. This curious taxon has papillae restricted to the medial area of the rounded leaf, anacrogynous archegonia, and apparent pseudodichotomous branching (Zander 1976). It is further discussed and illustrated by Zander (1989, 1993) and Crum (1994). BARBULA CONVOLUTA var. EUSTEGIA (Card. & Th6r.) Zand., comb. nov. Barbula eustegia Card. & Th6r., Bot. Gaz. 30: 17. 1900. Barbula convoluta var. eustegia is known only from western North America. It has the same gametophytic characteristics as the typical variety of B. convoluta Hedw., including perigoniate buds on the soil at the base of the archegoniophores and the large rhizoid-borne tubers in the soil. Barbula sect. Convolutae B. & S. in Europe has apparently differentiated into a number of distinct species and varieties as discussed by Limpricht (1890) and Casares-Gil (1932), most of which, however, are not found in North America (Zander 1979). Plants in the type collection of var. eustegia (NY) are smaller than is typical for the species, but other collections (e.g., types of B. whitehouseae Crum [CANM] and B. chrysopoda C. Miull. [NY]) may have the large size of, for example, the European var. commutata (Jur.) Husn. Large plants of any variety of this species growing in mesic environments are more likely to have distinctly recurved leaf margins. Although Steere (1938) and Crum (1965) have commented on the similarity of this taxon to the European B. enderesii Garov. (as B. flavipes B. & S.), specimens of B. enderesii I have seen commonly have narrowly acuminate leaves (but the same small perigoniophores). Although the var. eustegia is clearly a western North American taxon, attempting to ascribe North American sterile collections to either var. eustegia or the typical variety (or even trying to match American fertile collections with any European variety with consistency in character combination) is presently futile. Additionally, three specimens: UTAH. Salt Lake Co., Flowers 3151, 7291 (COLO) and BRITISH COLUMBIA. Vancouver Isl., Schofield 28431 (DUKE) are clearly intermediates in the important characters given in the key below distinguishing between var. convoluta and var. eustegia, supporting my apprehension that var. eustegia is not quite a basic taxonomic unit. KEY TO VARIETIES OF BARBULA CONVOLUTA IN

Guided percutaneous drainage for posttraumatic empyema thoracis

Guided percutaneous drainage (GPD) is used in the management of posttraumatic empyema thoracis; however, its equivalence to decortication has not been evaluated. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 12 patients who underwent GPD and nine who were treated with decortication. No primarily GPD-managed empyemas necessitated a subsequent thoracotomy. The size and number of fibrinopurulent loculations treated by each technique were equivalent. Sterile purulent collections were found in 55.6% of decortication-treated patients and in 33% of patients who underwent GPD. Intrapleural analgesia was administered to 71.4% of decortication-treated patients and 28.6% of GPD-treated patients. Five patients undergoing decortication required intensive care unit monitoring after operation (average, 2.8 days), compared with no GPD-treated patients. The catheter was left in place at discharge in 41.6% of GPD-treated patients and was removed on an outpatient basis. The efficacy of GPD in handling loculated pleural space infections equals that of decortication. An intensive care unit stay is avoided. The ability to discharge patients with external drainage catheters and the decreased requirement of pain control should reduce the number of inpatient hospital days. GPD is an effective first-line approach for posttraumatic empyema thoracis.

Sterile Mediastinal Gas Mimicking Abscess in Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Six weeks after aortic aneurysm repair, computed tomography (CT) showed mediastinal gas where absorbable gelatin sponge (Gelfoam) was used. A leukocyte scan labeled with indium 111, however, was normal and surgical exploration showed no infection. Sterile gas collections may be seen following absorbable gelatin sponge use many weeks after surgery and 111In-labeled leukocyte scanning may be a useful differential test.

Pancreatic transplants: CT with clinical and pathologic correlation.

A retrospective evaluation of 68 CT scans in 17 patients with pancreatic allografts was performed with clinical and pathologic correlation to better define the nature of abnormalities detected with CT and the role of CT in patient treatment. Patients with clinical complications demonstrated variable degrees of pancreatic inhomogeneity and peripancreatic inflammation on CT scans. These findings were similar in appearance to pancreatitis in the native gland. Most patients proved to be undergoing acute rejection. However, these findings were not specific and were also seen with peripancreatic infection, hemorrhage, and exocrine anastomotic leaks. No CT changes were detected in two of three patients with late rejection. Thus, CT was not helpful in the diagnosis of pancreatic rejection. The most beneficial role of CT was in the detection of intraabdominal fluid collections, including abscesses, hematomas, and pseudocysts. Percutaneous aspiration was invaluable in the distinction between infected and sterile fluid collections; however, percutaneous drainage was of limited use in treatment.

Efficacy of abdominal computed tomography in evaluation of possible abdominal abscess

A retrospective analysis was made of all abdominal computed tomography scans performed because of clinical suspicion of an abscess at our institution over a 12-month period. Of 130 patients examined, 45 patients had had abdominal surgery within the previous 2-week period. Of these patients, 14 were found to have abscesses on computed tomography, with three known false-negative studies. An additional nine patients had sterile postoperative collections. Nine patients had had an abdominal abscess previously diagnosed, and five of these had a residual abscess. A total of seven abscesses were found by computed tomography in 76 patients who had had no surgery in the previous 2 weeks, with one known false-negative study. High-risk categories of nonoperative patients were identified. Only one positive study occurred in a patient without a high clinical index of suspicion for an intraabdominal abscess, although a total of 50 patients fell into this low-risk, nonoperative category. The cost-effectiveness of computed tomography studies in such low-risk patients is questioned.

Projeto Flora Amazônica: eight years of binational botanical expeditions

A review of the history and results of the first eight years of fieldwork of Projeto Flora Amazônica is given. This binational plant collecting program, sponsored by the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico and the National Science Foundation, has mounted 25 expeditions to many parts of Brazilian Amazonia. Expeditions have visited both areas threatened with destruction of the forest and remote areas previously unknown botanically. The results have included the collection of 32,976 members of vascular plants, 16, 482 of cryptogams, as well as quantitative inventory of 18.67 hectares of forest with the collection of 7,294*** numbers of sterile vouncher collections. The non-inventory collections have been made in replicate sets of 10-13 where possible and divided equally between Brazilian and U.S. institutions. To date, 55 botanists from many different institutions and with many different specialities have taken part with 36 different Brazilian botanists. The resulting herbarioum material is just beginning to be worked up and many nem species have been collected as well as many interesting range extensions and extra material of many rare species.

A Comparison of Breutelia subarcuata (C. Muell.) Schimp. in Besch. and B. chrysea (C. Muell.) Jaeg. in Latin America

Breutelia subarcuata (C. Muell.) Schimp. in Besch. and B. chrysea (C. Muell.) Jaeg. are sympatric through much of their respective ranges, and, because of similar vegetative mor- phologies, sterile collections of these species have often been confused. A study offertile and sterile collections of both species, including the types, reveals that these species can be distinguished on the basis of sporophyte morphology and leaf shape. Breutelia chrysea is reported as new to Mexico, Guatemala and Bolivia. During a study of the New World representatives of Breutelia, which included an examination of most of the relevant types, I have come across a prevalent case of confusion, both in the literature and in the determination of collections, involving B. subar- cuata (C. Muell.) Schimp. in Besch. and B. chrysea (C. Muell.) Jaeg. Plants of both species are similar in size, habit, alar cell areolation and size and pap- illosity of cells of the mid-leaf and acumen. I have discovered several fertile collections of both species that have aided me in discerning certain differences between these species. These differences are given in Table 1.

The role of percutaneous aspiration in the diagnosis of pancreatic abscess

Percutaneous aspiration should be performed on pancreatic/peripancreatic fluid collections when an abscess is suspected. Thirty-one percutaneous aspirations were performed on 21 such patients and seven (33%) proved to have an abscess. A Gram stain after the aspiration is important, as it can make an immediate diagnosis of an abscess. By helping make an early diagnosis, percutaneous aspiration might reduce the high mortality rate associated with a pancreatic abscess while avoiding surgery in those who have sterile fluid collections. Two complications (6%) occurred: superinfection of a pseudocyst and a hemoperitoneum.

Percutaneous catheter drainage of intraabdominal fluid collections including infected biliary ducts and gallbladders

Sixty-five abscesses, including 6 infected biliary systems and 15 sterile fluid collections, were treated by percutaneous catheter drainage in 77 febrile patients who were evaluated by computerized tomograhy or ultrasonography for intraabdominal infection. Percutaneous catheter drainage and systemic antibiotic administration without surgery provided satisfactory control of infection in 52 of 65 abscesses (80 percent). Catheter drainage followed by surgical exploration for abscess control was performed in an additional 5 of the 65 abscesses (7 percent). Nine deaths (14 percent) occurred in the abscess group of 64 patients. In 15 patients, aspirations, Gram stain, and culture of the abnormal fluid collection revealed sterile fluid. Drainage with a single catheter allowed complete resolution in 14 of 15 sterile collections. Surgery was performed electively in one patient with a fistula from a pancreatic pseudocyst in the small bowel. No deaths occurred in the noninfected group of 15 patients, 2 of whom underwent drainage of coexisting abscesses.

1059 TRANSIENT PUSTULES AND THE EXANTHEM OF KAWASAKI DISEASE

The cutaneous features of 10 children fulfilling all 6 criteria of Kawasaki Disease (KD) (J Inf Dis 137:91, 1978) were studied prospectively during a 1979-1980 epidemic in Massachusetts. Discrete and confluent pink papules, plaques, and erythema that changed in pattern from hour to hour, interspersed by areas of uninvolved skin and distributed over the head, torso and extremities, began 1-5 days (d) after the first sign or symptom of illness, median (m)=1.5d, and persisted 7-16d (m=10d). Annular plaques, scarlatiniform truncal and genital erythema, and patchy fine scaling were frequent. Iris lesions were not observed. The exanthem antedated palm/sole inflammation by 0-6d, m=2d. Multiple minute pustules mainly on the proximal extremities within red areas were noted in 8 cases 2-8d (m=6.5d) after the onset of the rash, lasting 2-4d, m=2d. Smears of the pustules showed sterile collections of neutrophils. Paraffin (7) and epon-embedded (3) sections manifested variable epidermal alterations and marked perivascular inflammation of the superficial venular plexus, but frank necrotizing venulitis was not observed. Direct immunofluorescence studies were non-revealing. The exanthem of KD, occasionally mistaken for other diseases in the early phase, has some unique features, but “time” is often required for their evolution and recognition. Evanescent tiny pustules, not described previously, appear to occur frequently. Histologic changes, though not specific, may aid diagnosis.

CT-guided percutaneous aspiration and drainage of abscesses.

CT-guided procedures were attempted in 103 patients suspected of having abscesses. CT-guided procedures were performed for diagnostic specimens in 70 patients; they were successful in 30 of 34 sterile collections and 33 of 36 abscesses. In another 33 patients, diagnostic aspiration was performed and percutaneous drainage was attempted; aspirations were successful in 33 of 33 and drainage in 28 of 33 cases. Of the five not drained, four were undrainable because of anatomic extent or high viscosity of the purulent material. The fifth was a necrotic, squamous cell tumor erroneously thought to be an abscess. No complications were encountered. CT-guided procedures are an effective method for obtaining diagnostic specimens in selected patients.

Ultrasound diagnosis and treatment of gall-bladder fossa collections following biliary tract surgery

Three patients are presented with sterile or septic subhepatic fluid collections after biliary tract surgery. In each patient, the common clinical presentation was fever and ultrasound was primarily responsible for demonstrating its source. In one patient, percutaneous aspiration of the abscess under ultrasonic guidance obviated the need for any further treatment. We conclude.that ultrasound is an effective method for investigating suspected fluid collections after biliary tract surgery. Aspiration of the lesion under ultrasonic guidance is a safe means for confirmation of the diagnosis and may be therapeutic as well.

Computed tomography in meningitis.

Computed tomography in 34 cases of meningitis has revealed a spectrum of findings. In acute cases these include enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces, generalized contrast enhancement of the meninges and ependyma, sterile and pyogenic subdural collections, cortical infarction, and cerebral necrosis.

Leptodontiella, gen. nov. and Leptodontium from Peru

Leptodontiella, gen. nov. and Leptodontium from Peru

Notes on Panamanian Trees and Shrubs Collected in 1971 by L. R. Holdridge and Others

The following is a list of trees and shrubs collected by L. R. Holdridge, E. A. Lao, L. Maasola, and A. Gentry during the spring and summer of 1971 in the Republic of Panama. All the collections were made at approximately sealevel; the few collected at or above 100 meters will be noted in the list. No collection was made above 650 meters. Collections of the following families seem especially important: Humariaceae, Lauraceae, Myristicaceae, and Sapotaceae. Some material was identified in the sterile state by Dr. Holdridge and possibly by his colleagues; the sterile collections are recognized in the list by the asterisk (*) placed before the collector's name. The author identified approximately one half of the collections which are in flower and fruit. The collections of the Burseraceac and Rutaceae were identified by Dr. Duncan Porter; the Boraginaceae were identified by Dr. Joan Nowicke. Dr. Thomas Croat gave valuable assistance in the critical identification of several species. Miss Mireya Correa A. of Panama University deserves a special note of thanks for forwarding some of the collections. Mr. Yow-Yuh Chen of the Department of Biology, St Louis University, prepared the figure of the Sacoglottis fruit. Among the more than 180 collections in the list one encounters 47 localities in Panama. For the sake of convenience the localities have been segregated along provincial lines and listed below, with each locality being given a number. The number is placed in parentheses following the collector and his collection number.

New World Juglandaceae, III. A New Perspective of the Tropical Members with Winged Fruits

Morphological and anatomical evidence is presented for recognizing the generic status of the two American species of Juglandaceae with winged fruits. Oreomunnea pterocarpa is endemic to Costa Rica, while 0. mexicana ranges from Mexico to Costa Rica. Enlgelhardia nicaraguensis Molina is reduced to synonymy under 0. nmexicana subsp. mexicana, and 0. mexicana subsp. costaricensis is described as new. Information is provided on the geographic range, general ecology, morphology, and taxonomy of the American taxa. The somatic count of 2n = 32 for 0. mexicana subsp. mexicana is the first report for the genus. The New World species of Juglandaceae with winged fruits form an alliance that is recognized by some as the genus Oreomunnea (Hjelmqvist, 1948; Leroy, 1951, 1955) and by others as a section of the predominantly Old World genus Engelhardia (Candolle, 1914; Nagel, 1914; Standley, 1927a; Manning, 1949, 1959). While four Central American species have been described to date, the paucity of collections, particularly fertile ones, has handicapped critical taxonomic evaluations. Oreomunnea pterocarpa Oersted (1856), for example, is represented today by fewer than fifteen flowering and fruiting specimens. And until recently no fruits of Engelhardia mexicana Standley (1927a) had been collected since Rovirosa roamed Chiapas, Mexico, in 1891. Engelhardia nicaraguensis Molina (1968) is based on two fruiting specimens, but again no information was made available on the important floral characteristics. The fourth species was described by Standley (1940) as E. guatemalensis on the basis of several sterile collections, but as Manning (1959) has since pointed out some of the specimens have proved to be E. mexicana and Alfaroa costaricensis. The residue of Standley's E. guatemalensis is by no means well understood. According to Manning (1959) it ... . might not be distinct from Alfaroa manningii, A. hondurensis, or Engelhardtia pterocarpa. Fortunately, this puzzle now seems to have been resolved by the discovery of fruiting material at the type locality. Engelhardtia guatemalensis Standley is in reality an Alfaroa, apparently related most closely to A. hondurensis (Williams &