Open versus laparoscopy assisted colectomy.
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Chemotherapy, Adjuvant↗
Biomedical subjects
R Ceulemans
Publications and source records attributed to R Ceulemans.
Free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) enhances biomass production in a short-rotation poplar plantation.
This paper investigates the possible contribution of Short Rotation Cultures (SRC) to carbon sequestration in both current and elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations ([CO2]). A dense poplar plantation (1 x 1 m) was exposed to a [CO2] of 550 ppm in Central Italy using the free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) technique. Three species of Populus were examined, namely P. alba L., P. nigra L. and P. x euramericana Dode (Guinier). Aboveground woody biomass of trees exposed to elevated [CO2] for three growing seasons increased by 15 to 27%, depending on species. As a result, light-use efficiency increased. Aboveground biomass allocation was unaffected, and belowground biomass also increased under elevated [CO2] conditions, by 22 to 38%. Populus nigra, with total biomass equal to 62.02 and 72.03 Mg ha-1 in ambient and elevated [CO2], respectively, was the most productive species, although its productivity was stimulated least by atmospheric CO2 enrichment. There was greater depletion of inorganic nitrogen from the soil after three growing seasons in elevated [CO2], but no effect of [CO2] on stem wood density, which differed significantly only among species.
Biomass↗
Above- and belowground biomass and net primary production in a 73-year-old Scots pine forest.
We estimated above- and belowground biomass and net primary production (NPP) of a 73-year-old Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forest stand in the Belgian Campine region. Total biomass for the stand was 176 Mg ha(-1), of which 74.4% was found in stems. The root system contained 12.6% of total biomass, most of it in coarse roots (> 5 mm). Fine roots (< 5 mm) comprised only about 1.7% of total biomass, and more than 50% of fine root biomass was retrieved in the litter layer and the upper 15 cm of the mineral soil. The ratio of belowground biomass to aboveground biomass was 0.14, which is lower than that of other Scots pine forests and other coniferous forests. Between 1995 and 2001, mean annual NPP was 11.2 Mg ha(-1) year(-1), of which 68.7% was allocated to aboveground compartments. Stems, needles and cones made relatively high contributions to total NPP compared with branches. However, branch NPP was possibly underestimated because litterfall of big branches was neglected. The proportion of total NPP in belowground components was 31.3%. Coarse root NPP (2% of total) was low compared with its biomass. Fine root NPP was 3.3 Mg ha(-1) year(-1), representing about 29.5% of total NPP; however, the estimate of fine root NPP is much more uncertain than NPP of aboveground compartments. The ratio NPP/GPP (gross primary production) was 0.32, which was low compared with other coniferous forests.
Belgium↗
[Image fusion, virtual reality, robotics and navigation. Effects on surgical practice].
In the new minimally invasive surgical era, virtual reality, robotics, and image merging have become topics on their own, offering the potential to revolutionize current surgical treatment and assessment. Improved patient care in the digital age seems to be the primary impetus for continued efforts in the field of telesurgery. The progress in endoscopic surgery with regard to telesurgery is manifested by digitization of the pre-, intra-, and postoperative interaction with the patients' surgical disease via computer system integration: so-called Computer Assisted Surgery (CAS). The preoperative assessment can be improved by 3D organ reconstruction, as in virtual colonoscopy or cholangiography, and by planning and practicing surgery using virtual or simulated organs. When integrating all of the data recorded during this preoperative stage, an enhanced reality can be made possible to improve intra-operative patient interactions. CAS allows for increased three-dimensional accuracy, improved precision and the reproducibility of procedures. The ability to store the actions of the surgeon as digitized information also allows for universal, rapid distribution: i.e., the surgeon's activity can be transmitted to the other side of the operating room or to a remote site via high-speed communications links, as was recently demonstrated by our own team during the Lindbergh operation. Furthermore, the surgeon will be able to share his expertise and skill through teleconsultation and telemanipulation, bringing the patient closer to the expert surgical team through electronic means and opening the way to advanced and continuous surgical learning. Finally, for postoperative interaction, virtual reality and simulation can provide us with 4 dimensional images, time being the fourth dimension. This should allow physicians to have a better idea of the disease process in evolution, and treatment modifications based on this view can be anticipated. We are presently determining the accuracy and efficacy of 4 dimensional imaging compared to conventional evaluations.
Computer Systems↗
Towards a quantification of ecological theory: the importance of multivariate analysis and of an accurate diversity measurement.
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Belgium↗
Lignification and lignin heterogeneity for various age classes of bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) stems.
The lignification process and lignin heterogeneity of fibre, vessel and parenchyma cell walls for various age classes of bamboo stems of Phyllostachys pubescens Mazel were investigated. It was shown that protoxylem vessels lignified in the early stage of vascular bundle differentiation, metaxylem vessel and fibre walls initiated lignification from the middle lamella and cell corners after the completion of vascular bundle differentiation. Most of the parenchyma cell walls lignified after the stem reached its full height, while a few parenchyma cells remained non-lignified even in the mature culm. The cell walls of fibres and most parenchyma cells thickened further during the stem growth to form polylamellate structure and the lignification process of these cells may last even up to 7 years. The fibre walls were rich in guaiacyl lignin in the early stage of lignification, and lignin rich in syringyl units were deposited in the later stage. Vessel walls mainly contained guaiacyl lignin, while both guaiacyl and syringyl lignin were present in the fibre and parenchyma cell walls.
Journal Article↗
Spatial distribution of leaf morphological and physiological characteristics in relation to local radiation regime within the canopies of 3-year-old Populus clones in coppice culture.
Spatial distributions of leaf characteristics relevant to photosynthesis were compared within high-density coppice canopies of Populus spp. of contrasting genetic origin. We studied three clones representative of the range in growth potential, leaf morphology, coppice and canopy structure: Clone Hoogvorst (Hoo) (Populus trichocarpa Torr. & Gray x Populus deltoides Bartr. & Marsh), Clone Fritzi Pauley (Fri) (Populus trichocarpa Torr. & Gray) and Clone Wolterson (Wol) (Populus nigra L.). Leaf area index ranged from 2.7 (Fri and Wol) to 3.8 (Hoo). The clones exhibited large vertical variation in leaf area density (0.02-1.42 m2 m-3). Leaf dry mass per unit leaf area (DM(A)) increased with increasing light in Clones Hoo and Fri, from about 56 g m-2 at the bottom of the canopy to 162 g m-2 at the top. In Clone Wol, DM(A) varied only from 65 to 100 g m-2, with no consistent relationship with respect to light. Conversely, nitrogen concentration on a mass basis was nearly constant (around 1.3-2.1%) within the canopies of Clones Hoo and Fri, but increased strongly with light in Clone Wol, from 1.4% at the bottom of the canopy to 4.1% at the top. As a result, nitrogen per unit leaf area (N(A)) increased with light in the canopies of all clones, from 0.9 g m-2 at the bottom to 2.9 g m-2 at the top. Although a single linear relationship described the dependence of maximum carboxylation rate (17-93 micromol CO2 m-2 s-1) or electron transport capacity (45-186 micromol electrons m-2 s-1) on N(A), for all clones, Clone Wol differed from Clones Hoo and Fri by exhibiting a higher dark respiration rate at low N(A) (1.8 versus 0.8 micromol CO2 m-2 s-1).
Carbon↗
Stem injection of Populus nigra with EDU to study ozone effects under field conditions.
EDU or ethylenediurea (N-[2-(2-oxo-1-imidazolidinyl)ethyl]-N'-phenylurea) has been used in experiments to assess ozone effects on vegetation under field conditions because it provides protection against oxidative damage. Tests have mainly been conducted on crop plants, but for woody species only few reports have provided evidence that it can be used in long-term experiments. In this study we tested the technique of stem injection of EDU to study the effects of ozone exposure on Populus nigra cv. Wolterson over one growing season. Cuttings of Populus nigra were grown in pots in the field and between mid-July and early September plants were repeatedly injected with EDU solution (5 mg/plant) or with water at 14-day intervals. Significant differences were found between EDU- and water-injected plants: water-treated plants had more foliar injury, more chlorotic leaves, and shedding of leaves started earlier, suggesting EDU was effective in preventing visible ozone injury and acceleration of senescence. Photosynthetic rates, measured for one leaf age, showed no differences but were mostly higher for the EDU-treated plants. At the end of the growing season diameter increment was 16% higher and there was a non-significant trend for above-ground biomass to be increased by 9% for the EDU-treated plants. This experiment has provided evidence that for this clone serious ozone damage occurs at relatively low concentrations and that EDU can provide protection against visible injury, as well as against longer term growth reductions.
Air Pollutants↗
The likely impact of rising atmospheric CO2 on natural and managed Populus: a literature review.
Because of their prominent role in global biomass productivity, as well as their complex structure and function, forests and tree species deserve particular attention in studies on the likely impact of elevated atmospheric CO2 on terrestrial vegetation. Poplar (Populus) has proven to be an interesting study object due to its fast response to a changing environment, and the growing importance of managed forests in the carbon balance. Results of both chamber and field experiments with different poplar species and hybrids are reviewed in this contribution. Despite the variability between experiments and species, and the remaining uncertainty over the long term, poplar is likely to profit from a rising atmospheric CO2 concentration with a mean biomass stimulation of 33%. Environmental conditions and pollutants (e.g. O3) may counteract this stimulation but with managed plantations, environmental constraints might not occur. The predicted responses of poplar to rising atmospheric CO2 have implications for future forest management and the expected forest carbon sequestration.
Air Pollutants↗
Increased leaf area expansion of hybrid poplar in elevated CO2. From controlled environments to open-top chambers and to FACE.
We examined the response of hybrid poplar to elevated CO2 in contrasting growth environments: controlled environment chamber (CE). open-top chamber (OTC) and poplar free air CO2 enrichment (POPFACE) in order to compare short versus long-term effects and to determine whether generalisations in response are possible for this fast growing tree. Leaf growth, which for poplar is an important determinant of stemwood productivity was followed in all environments, as were the determinants of leaf growth-cell expansion and cell production. Elevated CO2 (550-700 micromol mol(-1), depending on environment) resulted in an increase in final leaf size for Populus trichocarpa x Populus deltoides (Populus x interamericana) and P. deltoides x Populus nigra (Populus x euramericana), irrespective of whether plants were exposed during a short-term CE glasshouse study (90 days), a long-term OTC experiment (3 years) or during the first year of a POPFACE experiment. An exception was observed in the closed canopy POPFACE experiment, where final leaf size remained unaltered by CO2. Increased leaf extension rate was observed in elevated CO2 in all experiments, at some point during leaf development, as determined by leaf length. Again the exception were the POPFACE experiment, where effects were not statistically significant. Leaf production and specific leaf area (SLA) were increased and decreased, respectively, on five out of six occasions, although both were only statistically significant on two occasions and interestingly for SLA never in the FACE experiment. Although both cell expansion and cell production were sensitive to CO2 concentration, effects appeared highly dependent on growth environment and genotype. However, increased leaf cell expansion in elevated CO2 was often associated with changes in the biophysical properties of the cell wall, usually increased cell wall plasticity. This research has shown that enhanced leaf area development was a consistent response to elevated CO2 but that the magnitude of this response is likely to decline, in long-term exposure to elevated CO2. Effects on SLA and leaf production suggest that CE and OTC experiments may not always provide good predictors of the 'qualitative' effects of elevated CO2 in long-term ecosystem experiments.
Air Pollutants↗
Land-cover change: quantification metrics for perforation using 2-D gap features.
Perforation or gap formation in a vegetation is a major process in landscape transformation. The occurrence of gaps profoundly alters the microclimatical conditions in a vegetation. A method is proposed to quantify perforation by using the three main 2-D characteristics of the gaps: area, number and boundary length. New measures are developed by normalizing the observed values to the reference status of minimum and maximum perforation. As minimum perforation status, the presence of one single gap with area equal to the map resolution is assumed. The new measures are combined using a 3-D Euclidean distance to visualize the process and to detect changes. The method is exemplified using a field case of gaps in a tropical terra firme rainforest at Tiputini, Ecuador.
Ecosystem↗
Leaf area dynamics in a closed poplar plantation under free-air carbon dioxide enrichment.
Three Populus genotypes (P. alba L. (Clone 2AS-11), P. nigra L. (Clone Jean Pourtet) and P. x euramericana (Clone I-214)) growing in a managed, high-density forest plantation were exposed to free-air CO(2) enrichment (FACE) at CO(2) concentrations expected to occur in the future (550 ppm). Leaf area index (optical LAI), measured with a fish-eye-type plant canopy analyzer, was not significantly affected by FACE after canopy closure in the second growing season. However, when stands of similar size were compared, optical LAI and number of main stem leaves were reduced by FACE. Allometric relationships, which were established to scale-up leaf area to the stand level (allometric LAI), did not differ between the FACE and control plots. Allometric LAI increased in response to FACE, as a result of increased tree dimensions and increased individual leaf size. We postulate that, although FACE increased allometric LAI, FACE had no effect on optical LAI after canopy closure, because FACE caused increased shading and competition resulting in enhanced leaf fall or leaf turnover. Specific leaf area (SLA) was unaffected by FACE. Allometric relationships and relative responses to atmospheric CO(2) enrichment were genotype-dependent.
Carbon Dioxide↗
Respiration as the main determinant of carbon balance in European forests.
Carbon exchange between the terrestrial biosphere and the atmosphere is one of the key processes that need to be assessed in the context of the Kyoto Protocol. Several studies suggest that the terrestrial biosphere is gaining carbon, but these estimates are obtained primarily by indirect methods, and the factors that control terrestrial carbon exchange, its magnitude and primary locations, are under debate. Here we present data of net ecosystem carbon exchange, collected between 1996 and 1998 from 15 European forests, which confirm that many European forest ecosystems act as carbon sinks. The annual carbon balances range from an uptake of 6.6 tonnes of carbon per hectare per year to a release of nearly 1 t C ha(-1) yr(-1), with a large variability between forests. The data show a significant increase of carbon uptake with decreasing latitude, whereas the gross primary production seems to be largely independent of latitude. Our observations indicate that, in general, ecosystem respiration determines net ecosystem carbon exchange. Also, for an accurate assessment of the carbon balance in a particular forest ecosystem, remote sensing of the normalized difference vegetation index or estimates based on forest inventories may not be sufficient.
Atmosphere↗
Benefit of emergency haemorrhoidectomy: a comparison with results after elective operations.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcome of emergency and elective haemorrhoidectomy. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Teaching hospital, Belgium. SUBJECT: 104 patients who had haemorrhoidectomy for acutely ulcerated or strangulated haemorrhoids, and 545 who had elective haemorrhoidectomy. RESULTS: Early complications (26/104, 25%), reoperation (7/104, 7%) and late anal stenosis (7/104, 7%) were more common after emergency than elective haemorrhoidectomy, for which the corresponding figures were 74/545 (3.6%), 9 (1.7%) and 1/545 (0.2%). Late outcome was similar for the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency haemorrhoidectomy is indicated for the treatment of the acute complications of haemorrhoids.
Acute Disease↗
A simple method to determine leaf angles of grass species.
There are several very accurate methods to determine leaf angles in closed canopies. However, these are generally very time-consuming or require special equipment. Average canopy leaf angles were derived from simple height and blade length measurements. An exponential relationship between the height/length ratio and the average blade leaf angle was used. The method was tested for two grass species, Dactylis glomerata and Festuca arundinacea, grown under different UV-B levels. The results clearly show that the method is reasonably accurate and able to identify UV-B induced changes in leaf angle. To get these results only 50 measurements of leaf blade height and length were necessary to calculate the allometric relationship, after which 10 length and height measurements from a canopy were used to calculate the average canopy leaf angle.
Plant Leaves↗
Imaging of primary tumors and tumor-like conditions of the lumbosacral osseous spine.
Primary tumors of the osseous spine are rare. This article illustrates some aspects of imaging of tumoral pathology of the osseous spine. Plain film and CT scan still remain the initial imaging modalities in the work-up of tumoral pathology of the osseous spine. MR imaging however has proven its potentials in the detection of lesions in areas with superimposing structures which hamper reliable reading of the plain films or in areas with a complex bony anatomy such as the sacrum. MR imaging is exquisite in determining the local extent of tumoral lesions and in defining the relationship to adjacent central nervous system structures. In some tumors or tumor-like lesions, MR imaging allows to make a correct tissue-related diagnosis or to strengthen the diagnosis made on plain film/CT observations. In other case MR imaging only has a role in staging or may have definitely no role at all.
Adult↗
Rapidly progressive pyomyositis.
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Abscess↗