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Journal of physics / D 56(2), 025301 (2022). doi:10.1088/1361-6463/ac99e8, Published by IOP Publ., Bristol

In situ leaf and rhizome growth and productivity rates were determined for intertidal populations of Zostera capricorni in three New Zealand estuaries on four occasions in summer and winter 2000 and 2001. Leaf growth and productivity, leaf plastochrone interval, leaf life‐spans and turnover rates were found to vary depending on site, bed position, season, and year. Absolute leaf growth (2.1±0.8mm leaf‐1 day‐1) and productivity (0.4+0.2 mg shooir‐1 day‐1) were generally lowest, relative growth (0.2±0.6mm leaf‐1 day‐1) and productivity (0.4±0.4 mg shoot‐1 day‐1) highest, and the leaf and shoot plastochrone intervals shorter at the site exposed to greater desiccation stress and photoinhibitory high irradiances. Rhizome growth rates, the production of new branches and shoots, as well as rhizome and shoot plastochrone intervals were also found to vary depending on site, season, and year. The results indicate that Z. capricorni is able to maintain high productivity and growth rates in intertidal estuar...

This study investigated macroinvertebrate community composition in seagrass beds at a range of spatial scales, with an emphasis on the transition between vegetated and unvegetated sediment. At four intertidal sites in three New Zealand estuaries (Whangamata, Wharekawa, and Whangapoua Harbours), a large continuous bed of seagrass (Zostera capricorni) was selected with adjacent unvegetated sediment. Macroinvertebrate community composition and biomass, as well as sediment characteristics, were determined at sampling locations 1 and 50 m inside seagrass beds, and 1, 10, and 50 m outside seagrass beds. Analysis of univariate measures of community composition (total abundance, number of species, and diversity) and total biomass indicated significant differences among sites and sampling locations, but contrary to many previous studies these measures were not higher inside than outside the seagrass beds. Multivariate analysis indicated that sites with high seagrass biomass supported a similar community composition. The remaining sampling locations were clustered by site, but there were also significant differences in community composition among sampling locations within a site. There were distinctive communities at the edge of seagrass beds at sites with high seagrass biomass, and evidence that the effects of seagrass beds may extend into the unvegetated sediment. At the low seagrass biomass site there was no evidence of any edge effects, although community composition differed inside and outside the bed. Differences in community composition were driven primarily by small changes in the relative abundance of the dominant taxa. At high seagrass biomass sites the absence of deep-burrowing polychaetes and low numbers of bivalves suggests that one possible mechanism underlying the observed variation in community composition was inhibition by the dense root-rhizome mat. The results of this study emphasize the need to consider the linkages between habitats in heterogeneous estuarine landscapes and how those linkages vary among sites, if the structure and functioning of macroinvertebrate communities in seagrass habitats are to be understood.

Cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) is a potentially fatal malignancy in which exposure to UV light is the most important risk factor. Several lines of evidence suggest that CMM patients develop an immune response to their tumours, although, in most cases, anti-tumour immune responses are insufficient to abrogate tumour development. Polymorphism in genes regulating the immune response and cell growth may result in increased susceptibility to and/or poorer prognosis in certain individuals. In this study, we addressed whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with differential expression of selected pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors [interleukin (IL)-1beta-35 and -511, IL-2 -330, IL-4 -590, IL-6 -174, IL-8 -251, interferon (IFN)-gamma+874 and transforming growth factor (TGF)beta1 +915] or as markers of candidate cytokine genes (IL-12 +1188) are associated with susceptibility to or known prognostic indicators (e.g. initial tumour growth phase, Breslow thickness, mitotic count in vertical growth phase tumours, tumour regression) in CMM. One hundred and sixty-nine British caucasian CMM patients and 261 controls were included in the study and all SNPs were genotyped by ARMS-PCR. No SNP genotypes or alleles showed significant associations with CMM susceptibility and only the IL-1beta-511 TT genotype was associated with thinner invasive tumours at presentation, as assessed by Breslow thickness at the clinically significant cut-off point of 1.5 mm [occurring in 2/51 (3.9%) thicker vs. 14/78 (17.9%) thinner tumours (P = 0.03; relative risk = 0.29 (95% confidence interval 0.05-0.95)]. These findings suggest that - with the possible exception of IL-1beta- genetic variation associated with differential expression of the selected pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines is unlikely to play a major role in susceptibility to and prognosis in CMM.

All samples of silica sinter, Hydrogenophilus thermoluteus,a thermophilic filamentous bacterium, and two cluster with putatively thermophilic members of theCyanobacteriaand green non-sulphur bacteria respectively. Initial opal-A deposits rapidly as agglomerations of silica nanospheres that, in turn, form chains of coalesced, oblate, microspheres += 930 μg/g, Ca2+= 12 μg/g, Cl = 1500 μg/g) and abundant microbial community facilitate rapid and copious flocculation of solid silica within the drain, in contrast to the slower accumulation on the natural sinter terrace at lower temperature (30—45°C) from less saline dilute bicarbonate-chloride waters (Na+= 180 μg/g, Ca2+= 0.2 μg/g, Cl = 400 μg/g, pH = 8.1).

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent regulator of vasculogenesis and tumour angiogenesis. We have investigated whether the VEGF -2578, -1154, +405 and +936 SNPs and associated haplotypes confer susceptibility to and/or influence prognosis in cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) skin cancer. A total of 152 CMM patients and 266 controls were genotyped for VEGF promoter SNPs by ARMS-PCR. Strong linkage disequilibrium between the -2578, -1154 and +405 SNPs was detected (association, rho = 0.488-0.965), but not between these SNPs and SNP +936 (association, rho = 0.004-0.130). No SNPs or three SNP haplotypes (-2578, -1154, +405) were significantly associated with CMM, although a number of non-significant trends were observed. However, the VEGF -1154 AA genotype and -2578, -1154, +405 CAC haplotype were both significantly associated with less advanced (Stage 1) disease (P = 0.03). In addition, the VEGF -1154 AA genotype was associated with thinner primary vertical growth phase tumours (P = 0.002), while VEGF -1154 GG was associated with thicker primary tumours (P = 0.02). These preliminary results indicate that VEGF genotype may influence tumour growth in CMM, possibly via the effects of differential VEGF expression on tumour angiogenesis.

Cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) is a potentially fatal malignancy in which exposure to UV light is the most important risk factor. Several lines of evidence suggest that increased expression of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) ?, upregulated by UV exposure, may contribute to tumour escape from the immune response. In this study, we addressed whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TNF? promoter and lymphotoxin (LT) ? gene are associated with susceptibility to or known prognostic indicators (e.g. initial tumour growth phase, Breslow thickness, mitotic count in vertical growth phase tumours, and tumour regression) in CMM. One hundred and forty-six British Caucasian CMM patients and 220 controls were typed for TNF??376, ?308 and ?238 and LT? +252 SNPs by ARMS-PCR. Only the TNF??238 GG (P = 0.05) and GA (P = 0.03) genotypes showed slight, but significant, associations with CMM, while LT? +252 AA was associated with a higher mitotic count in vertical growth phase tumours (P = 0.02). Both TNF??238 and LT? +252 SNPs showed linkage disequilibrium with HLA-DQB1*0303 and *0301 alleles, variably implicated in CMM susceptibility/prognosis. In addition, TNF??238, ?308, LT? +252 haplotypes were assigned and compared. The GGA haplotype showed a modest association with CMM (P = 0.04) and with stage of disease (P = 0.03) and initial growth phase in CMM (P = 0.02), but these associations were only significant when P-values were uncorrected. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, these preliminary findings suggest that genetic variation associated with differential TNF? and LT? production is unlikely to play a major, independent role in susceptibility to, and perhaps prognosis in, CMM.

Cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) is the most serious cutaneous malignancy. CMM patients often develop an immune response to their tumours. Conflicting evidence suggests that IL-10 may contribute to tumour escape from the immune response, but may also have an anti-tumour effect. To distinguish between these models and to determine whether genotypes associated with differential IL-10 expression confer susceptibility to and/or influence prognosis in CMM, 165 CMM patients and 158 controls were genotyped for IL-10 promoter SNPs by ARMS-PCR. The IL-10--1082 AA low expression genotype was increased in incidence among CMM patients (P = 0.04). In addition, IL-10 genotypes showed significant associations with three of four prognostic indicators examined; IL-10--1082 GG (P = 0.02) and -1082, -819 and -592 compound high expression (P = 0.03) genotypes were associated with horizontal (non-invasive) tumour growth; IL-10--1082 AA low expression genotype was associated with more advanced (Stage II-IV) disease (P = 0.04); finally, the IL-10--1082 AA (P = 0.005) and compound low expression (P = 0.009) genotypes were significantly increased in frequency among patients with thicker primary Vertical growth phase tumours. These results indicate that genotypes associated with high levels of IL-10 expression in vitro are protective in CMM, while low expression genotypes are a risk factor for more advanced/poorer prognosis disease and may confer susceptibility to CMM. Although the influence of IL-10 on melanoma development is likely to be complex, these results support recent findings that IL-10 has an anti-tumour effect in CMM, possibly via inhibition of angiogenesis.

The accurate identification of invertebrates intercepted by European phytosanitary authorities is an important step in monitoring and controlling the movement of potential pests of EU agriculture, forestry and horticulture. Nematodes and tephritid fruit flies pose particular problems, with many intercepted specimens not identified to species level. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis of mitochondrial and ribosomal DNA genes have been used to assess interspecific variability in the Tephritidae and in cyst nematodes, thus developing more effective diagnostic procedures for these invertebrate pests. PCR-RFLP targeting the ribosomal DNA and mitochondrial DNA can be used to identify 10 tephritid species commonly detected in imported materials. Similarly, rDNA variation can be used to discriminate routinely between cyst nematodes of the genera Heterodera, Punctodera and Globodera. The integration of traditional morphology-based diagnostics with a molecular approach is regarded as the most effective way of enhancing phytosanitary diagnostics in the future.

The wider effects of fishing on marine ecosystems have become the focus of growing concern among scientists, fisheries managers and the fishing industry. The present review examines the role of habitat structure and habitat heterogeneity in marine ecosystems, and the effects of fishing (i.e. trawling and dredging) on these two components of habitat complexity. Three examples from New Zealand and Australia are considered, where available evidence suggests that fishing has been associated with the degradation or loss of habitat structure through the removal of large epibenthic organisms, with concomitant effects on fish species which occupy these habitats. With ever-increasing demands on fish-stocks and the need for sustainable use of fisheries resources, new approaches to fisheries management are needed. Fisheries management needs to address the sustainability of fish-stocks while minimizing the direct and indirect impacts of fishing on other components of the ecosystem. Two long-term management tools for mitigating degradation or loss of habitat structure while maintaining healthy sustainable fisheries which are increasingly considered by fisheries scientists and managers are: (1) protective habitat management, which involves the designation of protected marine and coastal areas which are afforded some level of protection from fishing; and (2) habitat restoration, whereby important habitat and ecological functions are restored following the loss of habitat and/or resources. Nevertheless, the protection of marine and coastal areas, and habitat restoration should not be seen as solutions replacing conventional management approaches, but need to be components of an integrated programme of coastal zone and fisheries management. A number of recent international fisheries agreements have specifically identified the need to provide for habitat protection and restoration to ensure long-term sustainability of fisheries. The protection and restoration of habitat are also common components of fisheries management programs under national fisheries law and policy.

The pinnid bivalve Atrina zelandica (Gray) is found in muddy to sandy soft-sediment habitats around the coast of New Zealand. Because of their size and their often dense and patchy distribution, Atrina can add complex physical structure to soft-sediment habitats. We compare diversity and structure of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages inside and outside of natural patches of Atrina, at two different sites in north eastern New Zealand: a muddy harbour site and a sandy open coast site. Clear differences between macrofaunal assemblages in and out of Atrina patches were noted at both sites, with stronger effects apparent at the sandy site. Further studies incorporating the effects of suspension feeders on both macrofaunal communities and local hydrodynamic conditions simultaneously are needed to help our understanding of how they modify their local habitat. Our results also illustrate the importance of identifying differences in relationships with location so that habitat variation features can be encompassed in the design of experiments investigating the influence of key species on benthic communities.

This study investigates the effect of increasing sampling resolution on our ability to detect the effects of large-scale processes on marine benthic communities. The sampling resolutions used are common to many marine benthic studies (i.e., in order of increasing resolution: video transects; grab sampling; small-core sampling). We investigate whether: (1) loss of information about the finer scale inhibits our ability to detect relationships between large-scale (e.g., environmental) processes and communities at coarser resolutions; or (2) information collected at the finer scale is noisy and obscures detection of large-scale relationships; or (3) the same information is available from all 3 resolutions. We detected fewest relationships between environmental variables and communities at our coarsest resolution; this has important implications to study designs utilising video methods. The results of this study suggest that finding an `appropriate' scale of sampling for impact assessment may not be a question that should be concerning us. Rather, multiscale modelling and sampling may provide us with an increased ability to detect and interpret large-scale relationships.

Commercial fishing is one of the most important human impacts on the marine benthic environment. One such impact is through disturbance to benthic habitats as fishing gear (trawls and dredges) are dragged across the seafloor. While the direct effects of such an impact on benthic communities appear obvious, the magnitude of the effects has been very difficult to evaluate. Experimental fishing-disturbance studies have dem- onstrated changes in small areas; however, the broader scale implications attributing these changes to fishing impacts are based on long-term data and have been considered equivocal. By testing a series of a priori predictions derived from the literature (mainly results of small-scale experiments), we attempted to identify changes in benthic communities at the regional scale that could be attributed to commercial fishing. Samples along a putative gradient of fishing pressure were collected from 18 sites in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand. These sites varied in water depth from -17 to 35 m and in sediment characteristics from -1 to 48% mud and from 3 to 8.5 (Lg chlorophyll a/cm3. Video transects were used for counting large epifauna and grab/suction dredge and core sampling were used for collecting macrofauna. After accounting for the effects of location and sediment characteristics, 15-20% of the variability in the macrofauna community com- position sampled in the cores and grab/suction dredge samples was attributed to fishing. With decreasing fishing pressure we observed increases in the density of echinoderms, long- lived surface dwellers, total number of species and individuals, and the Shannon-Weiner diversity index. In addition, there were decreases in the density of deposit feeders, small opportunists, and the ratio of small to large individuals of the infaunal heart urchin, Echino- cardium australe. The effects of fishing on the larger macrofauna collected from the grab/ suction dredge samples were not as clear. However, changes in the predicted direction in epifaunal density and the total number of individuals were demonstrated. As predicted, decreased fishing pressure significantly increased the density of large epifauna observed in video transects. Our data provide evidence of broad-scale changes in benthic communities that can be directly related to fishing. As these changes were identifiable over broad spatial scales they are likely to have important ramifications for ecosystem management and the development of sustainable fisheries.

The presence of lymphocytic infiltrates within primary cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM), documented spontaneous tumour regression and genetic linkage with chromosome six in familial cases all suggest that immunogenetic factors may modulate disease progression. An association has been suggested between HLA DQB1*0301 and CMM in US patients but no such investigation has been performed in the UK population. Polymerase chain reaction-based HLA class II DRB1, DQA1 and DQB1 typing of 99 UK-based CMM patients was performed using DNA extracted from archival formalin-fixed and paraffin wax-embedded surgical biopsies, enabling retrospective access to clinical follow-up data. An increase in frequency of the HLA DQB1*0303 genotype among CMM patients was identified compared to control subjects (19.2% vs 5.8%; Pc=0.003; RR=3.9) while HLA DQB1*0301 was associated with more advanced and therefore poorer prognosis primary tumours (e.g. HLA DQB1*0301 allele frequency: 20.1% vertical growth phase vs 4.0% horizontal growth phase; Pc=0.03; RR=6.1). These findings suggest that the HLA DQB1 locus, and in particular the HLA DQB1*0303 and *0301 alleles, may play an important role in determining the risk of development and the prognosis of CMM within the UK population.

Background Peanut is one of the most common foods provoking allergic reactions and is the most frequent cause of fatal and near-fatal food-induced anaphylaxis. However, as yet, little is known of the genetic and immunological mechanisms which underly peanut allergy. Objective Based on findings in other allergic diseases, we have investigated whether particular human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class II genetic polymorphisms contribute to the development of peanut allergy. Methods All individuals from 37 families each containing one or more peanut allergic individuals, plus nine unrelated patients (161 individuals in total, defined as the study group) were typed for the HLA class II DRB1, DQB1 and DPB1 loci, by PCR-based techniques. Genotype frequencies were compared with those found in 293 unrelated controls. Results Four class II genotypes (DRB1*08 (13.7% vs 4.8%; Pc = 0.026), DRB1*08/12 tyr 16 (22.4% vs 8.2%; Pc = 0.021), DQB1*04 (12.2% vs 2.7%; Pc = 0.0026) and DPB1*0301 (49.1 vs 22.5%; Pc = 0.00062)) were present at a significantly higher frequency in the study group compared with controls. Three of these genotypes (DRB1*08 (18.0%; Pc = 0.027), DRB1*08/12 tyr16 (24.0%; Pc = 0.029) and DQB1*04 (16.7%; Pc = 0.0029)) were also significantly increased in peanut allergic individuals compared with controls. In addition, two genotypes (DPB1*0101 and 0201) were significantly decreased in frequency in the overall study group, but not specifically in peanut allergic individuals. Conclusion While other genetic factors may be important, results from this study indicate that HLA class II genetic polymorphism may play a role in determining susceptibility to peanut allergy.

Giant fornix syndrome: a recently described cause of chronic purulent conjunctivitis and severe ocular surface inflammation, with a new diagnostic sign on CT

Copyright (c) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. In this study, we document dispersal and colonization by post-settlement benthic macrofauna on a large (250×500 m) area of intertidal sandflat at Wiroa Island in the Manukau Harbour, New Zealand, over a 2-week period in February 1994. We examine the effects of variation in the natural density of large (>15 mm) Macomona liliana Iredale (a tellinid bivalve) on these processes. Post-settlement transport was measured using cylindrical bedload and water-column traps positioned at 22 experimental sites within the study site. Macrofaunal colonization was documented using small pans of defaunated sediment deployed at each of the experimental sites. Greatest macrofaunal colonization of pans occurred in areas of greatest sediment reworking and deposition, suggesting transport and deposition of post-settlement stages may be passive processes. For some species [e.g. Austrovenus stutchburyi (Wood)] there was a significant positive relationship between their abundance and the weight of sediment in bedload traps, as well as wind conditions over the study period. This is consistent with passive transport processes, but does not exclude the possibility of active dispersal processes also being important. Differences in the hydrodynamic conditions (e.g. increased wind generated wave activity) over the 2-week study may have contributed to changes in abundance on the 2 sampling dates. For other species (e.g. Macomona liliana) the absence of significant positive relationships between abundance in either bedload or water-column traps and the weight of sediment retained in traps, as well as between ambient densities and the net flux of individuals across sites, is consistent with active dispersal and colonization. There was a negative relationship between background density of large Macomona liliana and numbers of smaller conspecifics (≤4 mm) and other bivalves [Austrovenus stutchburyi, Cyclomactra ovata (Gray) and Nucula hartvigiana Pfeiffer] colonizing pans of defaunated sediment. The results suggest that 10 to 100s m scale variation in the natural densities of an abundant siphonal surface deposit feeder may have a significant influence on dispersal and colonization and, thus, the spatial patterns of macrofauna on the tidal flat.

Generalising or scaling up from small-scale experiments to larger areas is an important challenge for both ecology and conservation biology. This study describes a technique that attempts to meet this challenge by combining spatial mapping with small-scale process experiments. Specifically, we evaluate the density effects of large individuals (>15 mm shell length) of a tellinid bivalve (Macomona liliana Iredale) on macrofauna in 0.25 m2 experimental plots within the natural density variation of large Macomona over a 12.5 ha site. By mapping the spatial distribution of large Macomona before conducting the experiment, we were able to identify homogeneous areas with different background densities of large Macomona and embed 22 experimental locations within the natural density-scape. Within each location, four experimental densities were added to plots from which all large macrofauna (>4 mm) had been previously removed. Macrofauna were sampled 22 days after the start of the experiment and significant negative treatment effects of high densities of large Macomona were identified by ANOVA for juvenile bivalves Macomona (

Copyright (c) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. Measurements of physical sediment reworking and transport were conducted at 22 experimental sites within a 250×500 m study site on a sandflat at Wiroa Island (Manukau Harbour, New Zealand), in order to examine spatial patterns of sediment transport, and its relationship to passive advection of benthic fauna (Turner et al., 1997). Sediment reworking and transport were measured four times during February 1994 as replacement of dyed sand in pans of sediment buried in the intertidal zone, change in total height of the sediment column in the pans, and as deposition in tube traps with openings flush with the bed (bedload traps) and at 15 cm above the bed (water-column traps). Sediment reworking replaced about 2-3 mm of sand per day, with increasing cumulative transport to a depth of 20 mm during the study period. In addition, there were site-specific differences among sampling dates. Spatial structure in sediment reworking was analyzed by trend surface analysis. Depending on date, variance in reworking was influenced by location within the study site, tidal shear stress (model generated), and elevation on the sandflat. Analysis of residuals demonstrated that sediment reworking at times contained inherent spatial structure after accounting for the effects of other explanatory variables. Bedload trap rates in the final sampling period accounted for most of the variance in deposition indicated by sediment height. Sediment reworking and transport are variable over scales of 10 1 -10 2 m, as well as over a period of days, such that measurements determined in single point studies cannot necessarily be extrapolated over larger spatial scales. Patterns of sediment reworking and transport patterns provide a template against which to compare patterns of faunal transport. However, the linkage will be most apparent when 1) sediment reworking and transport are substantial in magnitude, 2) there is significant XY spatial structure to the pattern of sediment transport at the scale of the study, and 3) the fauna of interest are at least potentially transported as bedload (e.g. shelled forms).

Faecal enterococci ecology outside the host is of great relevance when using these organisms as indicators of water quality. As a complement to New Zealand epidemiological studies of bathing water quality and health risk, a study of the environmental occurrence of these organisms has been undertaken. Specific concerns over the use of enterococci derive from the unique situation in New Zealand which has few chlorinated sewage effluents, a high ratio of grazing animals to humans, and significant inputs of animal processing effluents into the environment. Human and animal faecal wastes are the main sources, with 106–107cfu/100ml found in human sewage. Analysis of domestic and feral animal faeces found enterococci in the range of 101–106cfu/g with considerable variation between species. The latter observations support the notion that a considerable proportion of the load in urban/rural catchments and waterways (typically 102–103 enterococci cfu/100ml) is derived from non-human sources. Previous studies of enterococci quiescence in marine/fresh waters indicate that they enter a non-growth phase, exposure to sunlight markedly reducing culturability on selective and non-selective media. Enterococci were also found to survive/multiply within specific non-faecal environments. Enterococci on degrading drift seaweed at recreational beaches exceeded seawater levels by 2–4 orders of magnitude, suggesting that expansion had occurred in this permissive environment with resultant potential to contaminate adjacent sand and water. These studies suggest that multiple sources, environmental persistence, and environmental expansion of enterococci within selected niches add considerable complexity to the interpretation of water quality data.

A randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker, localised to the glycine decarboxylase gene (gcvP) of Escherichia coli, has shown promise for use as a molecular marker for the identification E. coli isolates of human origin. Characterisation of the RAPD polymorphism has enabled development of target-specific primers for direct PCR detection of E. coli of human origin. A field trial was undertaken to investigate the suitability of the marker for detecting E. coli derived from sewage effluent discharged to a rural stream which already contained a substantial background level E. coli of animal origin. Multiplex PCR was performed on E. coli isolates from each sample site using the marker-specific primers in conjunction with primers directed towards a region of the β-glucuronidase (gusA) gene which served as an internal PCR control. Marker-positive strains were detected in raw sewage, treated effluent, stream water collected from immediately downstream of the effluent discharge and from a small tributary which ran down one side of the treatment plant. However, no marker-positive isolates were detected upstream of the treatment plant, despite the relatively high faecal coliform levels (mean = 3.5×103cfu/100ml) recorded at these sites. Further investigations on the side tributary revealed a possible entry point for sewage from the treatment system. Thus the PCR-based approach described here shows promise for the detection of human faecal contamination in rural environments and may be of use for other environmental applications such as the detection of septic tank leachate in rural catchments.

A number of features of epifaunal assemblages suggest that they have the potential to provide an excellent integrated field-based measure of marine environmental quality. In this study we have used epifaunal assemblages to investigate the ecological effects of potential gradients of environmental stress arising from marina operations and boating activities. Replicate slate panels, initially colonized by solitary ascidian-dominated assemblages at a site remote from marina operations, were placed at five sites in or near each of two boat mooring areas, Okahu Bay boat harbour and Pine Harbour marina, in the Waitemata Harbour, New Zealand. In addition, panels were immersed at Station Bay, a site remote from marina operations and boating activities. Sites were positioned along putative gradients of contaminant levels (e.g. copper and zinc), as well as hydrodynamic and sedimentation regimes. The changes in assemblage structure on panels immersed at sites along these gradients were compared. After 3–6 months, significant differences were evident among the epifaunal assemblages along the gradients of environmental stress. The most conspicuous effect was the loss of cover by the abundant and spatially dominant solitary ascidians at sites inside the marinas. Concomitant with this loss, was a marked increase in space availability, and a small increase in the cover of sponges, hydroids, erect and encrusting bryozoans, and colonial ascidians. There were also significant differences in assemblage structure between Pine Harbour and Okahu Bay, as well as between the marinas and Station Bay.

There is considerable variation in the TCR repertoire diversity selected by different peptide Ags. Certain responses show limited V region bias with minimal restrictions in the remainder of the sequence while others can be dominated by a single TCR clonotype repeatedly isolated from different individuals. CTL specific for a Kb-restricted determinant from the herpes simplex virus glycoprotein B (gB) preferentially express a dominant TCRBV10 beta-chain subset with extensive conservation located at the V-D junction. However, unlike some biased responses, no single beta-chain V-D-J combination appears to dominate these CTL. Different animals respond with a large array of unique or "private" beta-chain sequences with little J region preference. Here we examine the contribution of the TCR alpha-chain to the gB-specific CTL diversity. The TCR alpha-chains from different TCRBV10-positive gB-specific CTL clones were found to exhibit extensive sequence variation. However, when T cells were forced to use a single alpha-chain in TCR alpha-chain transgenic mice, gB-specific CTL showed limited variation in their beta-chain selection. These T cells retained the TCRBV10 bias but were now dominated by a single beta-chain sequence that could be repeatedly isolated from different transgenic animals. This "public" TCR consisted of the transgenic alpha-chain and a common TCRBV10D2J2S6 beta-chain. These results suggest that preferential use of one TCR subunit can restrict the level of diversity in the other chain due to interchain interactions involving J-derived sequences.

Potato cyst-nematodes (PCN), Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida , were studied for genetic variation by using isoelectric focusing and specific enzyme staining. The calculation of coefficient of similarity on 15 enzymes and construction of a dendrogram for a range of PCN populations revealed low levels of genetic variation among the G. rostochiensis populations probably due to a limited number of introductions, while in the case of G. pallida , the level of genetic variation was greater and fewer populations displayed identical banding patterns. Interpopulation variation in zymograms was detected in only four enzyme systems (malic enzyme, malate dehydrogenase, cholinesterase and hexokinase). The remaining 11 enzyme systems were monomorphic in relation to qualitative differences in banding patterns.

Over a 12 month period F-specific bacteriophages, faecal coliforms and enterococci were compared as microbial indicator organisms for the quality of a wastewater treatment (oxidation pond) system. Results suggest that enterococci may be the most useful indicator for oxidation pond systems.

The corallivorous gastropod Drupella has been responsible for extensive coral mortality on a number of reefs in the Indo-West Pacific region. Seasonal and spatial variability in the abundance of juvenile ( 2.0 cm) Drupella cornus along the Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia, were documented during 1990/1991. Numbers of D. cornus were found to vary significantly between the different sites and reef habitats sampled, with the highest numbers recorded at a backreef edge site at the southern end of the reef. There was no evidence that the densities of D. cornus varied seasonally, although size-frequency distributions suggest that there may have been a recruitment peak in January/February 1991 following a major spawning event in November/December 1990. Drupella cornus were found predominantly on Acropora species with a caespitose/corymbose growth form; however the abundance of these corals at different sites did not explain the observed distribution patterns of the gastropod. Drupella cornus recruits (

Multiple sclerosis is associated with iridocyclitis, intermediate uveitis, retinal periphlebitis, and optic neuritis. The periphlebitis is known to be rarely sight-threatening as a result of the sequelae of retinal neovascularization. Case: This is a rare case of bilateral rubeosis iridis and rubeotic glaucoma in the setting of a branch retinal vein occlusion, widespread peripheral periphlebitis, and angiographic peripheral closure associated with “clinically definite” multiple sclerosis. Discussion: The case illustrates the extreme end of the spectrum of peripheral retinal ischemia and neovascularization associated with demyelinating disease, which can present as rubeotic glaucoma. Such patients require a proactive approach to inflammation, neovascularization, and raised intraocular pressure, including systemic immunosuppression, photocoagulation, and augmented trabeculectomy, respectively. As with other causes of peripheral ischemia, a favorable visual outcome can often be achieved using this strategy.

Many genera and species of nematodes attack almost all crops affecting their yield potential. Their distribution, diversity and potential damage depend on many factors including their centres of origin and subsequent spread, the agroecological conditions and the tolerance and resistance of the crops used in that agricultural system.

The distribution and frequency of occurrence of potato cyst nematodes, Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida, were examined in Northern Ireland. Globodera rostochiensis (pathotype Ro 1) was the most abundant species, while Pa1 and Pa3 pathotype reactions could be discerned within G. pallida. Unlike other parts of the Uk, species proportions appear not to have changed over the last 20 years, probably as a result of the legislative control currently practised combined with the limited use of Ro 1-resistant cultivars within the country. Differences in the geographical distributions of the three pathotypes were observed, and these are discussed in relation to original potato cyst nematode introductions and subsequent agricultural practices

Activin A is a homodimer of inhibin βA subunits, and was first isolated from gonadal fluids on the basis of its ability to stimulate FSH secretion by rat pituitary cells in vitro. The βA subunits of activin and their mRNAs have been found in many cell types, in several species and at different stages of development, suggesting that activin A has a wide range of diverse biological roles. Apart from the modulation of gonadotroph function, in-vitro studies have demonstrated inhibitory effects of activin A on GH synthesis, GH secretion and possibly somatotroph proliferation. We have therefore investigated the potential role of activin A in the pathophysiological regulation of GH secretion by human somatotrophinoma cells using in-vitro techniques. Cell cultures were established by enzyme dispersion of adenoma tissue obtained from six patients with acromegaly, and treated for 72 h with 0·01–10 nmol recombinant human activin A/1 followed by a 2-h stimulation test with 10 nmol GH-releasing factor (GRF)/l. Medium was collected at 24, 48 and 72 h, as well as after GRF treatment, and GH concentrations were measured by immunoradiometric assay. Basal GH secretion from the cells of two tumours was significantly stimulated 12–63% above control values during treatment with 0·01–10 nmol activin A/1, whereas the peptide had no effect on GH release from cells of the remainder of the tumours. GRF significantly stimulated GH release from the cells of two different adenomas, and pretreatment with 0·01–1 nmol activin A/1 partially but significantly blocked GRF-stimulated GH release from the cells of one of these. These data demonstrate that activin A stimulates basal GH secretion from the cells of some, but not all, human somatotrophinomas in vitro. Pretreatment with the peptide may also partially block GRF-stimulated GH release from GRF-responsive somatotrophinoma cells. The importance of these actions in the pathophysiological regulation of human somatotrophinomas remains to be determined. Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 137, 329–334

The pathotype composition and genetic variation in potato cyst nematode populations from the Falkland Islands were examined using differential potato clones and isozyme analysis. Only Globodera pallida was identified and pathotype data indicated a previously undetected pathotype response in a number of populations. Patterns of genetic heterogeneity highlighted distinct population groupings which may result from at least two introductions from the South American mainland.

Introduction:Patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the external ear may develop metastatic spread to the nearby ipsilateral parotid and/or upper cervical lymph nodes. The literature suggests that the external ear is a high-risk subsite for such tumours, due to nodal metastasis and its associated morbidity and mortality.Methods:Between 1980 and 2007, 43 patients with a diagnosis of metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the external ear were treated with surgery alone, surgery plus adjuvant radiotherapy, or radiotherapy alone.Results:Patients comprised 39 men and four women. Their median age at diagnosis was 72 years, with a median follow up of 35 months. The median size of the primary lesion was 21 mm, with a median thickness of 7 mm. Fifteen patients presented concurrently with nodal metastases. Thirty patients developed parotid metastases (with positive cervical nodes in six patients), while 13 developed cervical metastases only. Eight patients underwent surgery alone, 32 underwent surgery plus adjuvant radiotherapy, and three received radiotherapy alone. At the last follow up, 15 patients had relapsed and nine had died of their disease, with a median survival after relapse of 5.5 months.Conclusion:Patients with metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the external ear have a relatively poor outcome, with a significant number of patients experiencing nodal relapse and death after treatment.

Vegetation transect data from three locations were analyzed to determine if multiple scales of pattern could be detected. The sites included a semiarid grassland in New Mexico, a series of calcareous openings in a deciduous forest in Tennessee, and a shrub-steppe system in Washington. The data were explored with four statistical techniques. A scale of pattern was accepted if detected by more than one analytical method or located by a single method in multiple taxa. The analyses indicated 3–5 scales of pattern on all three sites, as predicted by Hierarchy Theory.

Field trials evaluated the effect of four plant-based bio-fumigants/stimulants on population levels of G. pallida and the resulting potato yields and quality. Three formulations contained seaweed biostimulants (Algifol, Nutridip and Metastim) and one bio-fumigant containing mustard and chilli pepper extracts (Dazitol). These were compared with the fumigant nematicide Nemathorin and untreated control plots. The effect of G. pallida on growing potato crops was assessed by recording haulm characteristics which indicated that the nematicide treatment gave most protection. Levels of PCN juveniles and migratory nematodes were assessed during the trial. Plots treated with Nemathorin and Dazitol had fewest PCN, whilst the highest number of migratory nematodes occurred in fallow plots. Sixteen weeks after planting the nematicide treatment produced highest yield and tuber numbers. Dazitol treatment produced a lower yield but the largest tubers.

The control of nematodes in turfgrass poses particular problems for turf managers. Due to the nature of this specialized "crop" system, many of the options available in agriculture and horticulture are impractical and the range of available chemical controls limited. This is particularly highlighted by the withdrawal of fenamiphos, one of the most widely used nematicides in the turfgrass industry. Mustard products are known to release allyl isothiocyanate, a potent nematicide. Laboratory based trials have shown mustard formulations can release enough of this chemical to significantly reduce numbers of root knot nematodes in pot trials using sand based soils. During 2005, trialling at a number of golf courses assessed the efficacy of mustard as a practical alternative to fenamiphos. During heavy nematode infestations, turf grass is exposed to high levels of stress resulting from direct nematode feeding damage as well as the usual environmental stresses imposed by low cutting and heavy wear and tear during play. Stress relief using biostimulants has proven useful in helping maintaining turf cover in these situations and can be applied as part of the normal turf management programme.

Cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) is a potentially fatal malignancy in which exposure to UV light is the most important risk factor. Several lines of evidence suggest that CMM patients develop an immune response to their tumours, although, in most cases, anti-tumour immune responses are insufficient to abrogate tumour development. Polymorphism in genes regulating the immune response and cell growth may result in increased susceptibility to and/or poorer prognosis in certain individuals. In this study, we addressed whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with differential expression of selected pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors [interleukin (IL)-1beta-35 and -511, IL-2 -330, IL-4 -590, IL-6 -174, IL-8 -251, interferon (IFN)-gamma+874 and transforming growth factor (TGF)beta1 +915] or as markers of candidate cytokine genes (IL-12 +1188) are associated with susceptibility to or known prognostic indicators (e.g. initial tumour growth phase, Breslow thickness, mitotic count in vertical growth phase tumours, tumour regression) in CMM. One hundred and sixty-nine British caucasian CMM patients and 261 controls were included in the study and all SNPs were genotyped by ARMS-PCR. No SNP genotypes or alleles showed significant associations with CMM susceptibility and only the IL-1beta-511 TT genotype was associated with thinner invasive tumours at presentation, as assessed by Breslow thickness at the clinically significant cut-off point of 1.5 mm [occurring in 2/51 (3.9%) thicker vs. 14/78 (17.9%) thinner tumours (P = 0.03; relative risk = 0.29 (95% confidence interval 0.05-0.95)]. These findings suggest that - with the possible exception of IL-1beta- genetic variation associated with differential expression of the selected pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines is unlikely to play a major role in susceptibility to and prognosis in CMM.