Impacts of alien invasive plants on soil nutrients are correlated with initial site conditions in NW Europe.

Alien invasive plants are capable of modifying ecosystem function. However, it is difficult to make generalisations because impacts often appear to be species- and site-specific. In this study, we examined the impacts of seven highly invasive plant species in NW Europe (Fallopia japonica, Heracleum mantegazzianum, Impatiens glandulifera, Prunus serotina, Rosa rugosa, Senecio inaequidens, Solidago gigantea) on nutrient pools in the topsoil and the standing biomass.

Cost of adaptation to a metalliferous environment for Thlaspi caerulescens: a field reciprocal transplantation approach.

Field reciprocal transplantations of two metallicolous populations (Mpops) and two nonmetallicolous populations (NMpops) of Thlaspi caerulescens were performed here to determine the pattern of local adaptation and to assess the cost of adaptation of Mpops to a metalliferous environment (Menv). The role of herbivores as an important selective pressure in the nonmetalliferous environment (NMenv) was also examined. Growth, survival, fitness, life cycle and herbivore consumption were monitored for each transplant for 2 yr.

Thlaspi caerulescens on nonmetalliferous soil in Luxembourg: ecological niche and genetic variation in mineral element composition.

Forty-seven populations of Thlaspi caerulescens in Luxembourg were characterised for population size, soil mineral element composition and other habitat characteristics. Foliar concentrations of eight elements were assessed in 15 populations in the field and in eight populations cultivated in zinc (Zn)-cadmium (Cd)-nickel (Ni)-enriched soil. T.

[Flupirtine in patients with cancer pain].

In a double-blind clinical trial the analgesic efficacy and safety of ethyl-N-(2-amino-6-[4-fluorophenyl-methylamino] pyridin-3-yl)carbamate (flupirtine, designated trademark: Katadolon) as 100-mg capsules were compared to pentazocine capsules 50 mg in 52 patients with severe to very severe cancer pain. The duration of treatment was up to one week, the daily dose up to 6 capsules. The analgesic effect was assessed by a 4-point verbal rating scale.