Cotoneaster horizontalis

Abstract: ? Cultivation of ornamental plant species has been recognized to foster plant naturalization of exotics by counteracting environmental stochasticity and continuously pro viding propagules. As a preliminary attempt to describe the invasion status of C. horizontalis, we gathered information on the occurrence of the species in Belgium by compiling various databases. We assessed the naturalization status of C. horizontalis in Belgian calcareous grass lands, high-value habitats recognized as biodiversity hotspots, by characterizing its occurrence, population status, preferred habitats, invaded communities, growth rate and fruiting capacity. We also assessed the impact of the species on calcareous grasslands communities and on indi vidual species. Cotoneaster occurred in seven of the nine investigated sites, with densities varying from 0.34 to 10 individuals/ha. In the most invaded sites, the high proportion of small individuals suggests an important ongoing colonization process, emphasized by the fact that fruiting capacities were demonstrated for 3-year-old individuals. Invaded habitats were typically Mosan Xerobromion habitats, which are priority Natura 2000 habitats. The presence of C. horizontalis was associated with changes in both the structure and composition of the community by decreasing species richness and diversity, and affecting grassland specialist species. These impacts are expected to intensify over time with population age and increasing propagule pres sure due to close urbanization.

Abstract: In order to evaluate the effect of various organic soil conditioner ratios on the soil moisture content and growth of Cotoneaster horizontalis, a container type for wall-planting experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at Konkuk University under non-irrigation. The experimental planting grounds were prepared with different organic soil conditioner ratios (A1L0, A8L1, A4L1 A2L1 and A1L1), and a drought-tolerant ornamental variety of Cotoneaster horizontalis was planted. The change in soil moisture content, plant height, number of branches, number of dead leaves, number of leaves, number of shoots, length of node, length of leaf, width of leaf, root-collar caliper, chlorophyll content, and survival rate were investigated, from April to Jun 2010. The results of soil moisture content measurements were analyzed with weight units in the container type for wall-planting during the dry summer season. The soil moisture contents were significantly enhanced in the container type for wall-planting in increasing order as the amount of soil conditioner level was increased (A1L1> A2L1> A4L1> A8L1> A1L0). Compared to the control treatment application (amended soil with 100% + organic soil conditioner 0%), the highest plant growth was observed in the treatment of A1L1 application (amended soil with 50% + organic soil conditioner 50%). However, the differences between the organic soil conditioner ratio treatments of A1L1, A4L1, and A8L1 organic soil conditioner application were mostly not significant. The survival rate increased with the increasing application of organic soil conditioner, but in the control treatment application all the plants died. The experimental results from clearly demonstrated that the organic soil conditioner improved the survival rate more than the growth of Cotoneaster horizontalis. Therefore, Cotoneaster horizontalis is expected to be a highly valuable shrub for green wall systems, when considered for us in integration system or for increasing soil water contents in planting grounds.

Abstract: Para-hydroxybenzoates (parabens) used to preserve medicaments and cosmetics may sensitize and cause contact dermatitis at the site of application. It has been suspected that persons sensitized to parabens may experience flares of dermatitis from parabens in food and systemic medicaments (1-3). From 1 January 1990, to 31 December 1994, we performed a placebo-controlled oral challenge with a mixture of 100 mg methyl-p-hydroxybenzoate and 100 mg propylp-hydroxybenzoate in 14 patients with least a+ positive patch test to the paraben mixture in the European Standard Series. 7 of the patients had hand eczema; 1 also had dermatitis of the face and 1 also had axillary eczema. 3 patients had dermatitis of the lower legs, 3 had dermatitis of the face and/or scalp, and 1 had dermatitis of the forearms. The capsules containing the paraben mixture or a placebo were given with an interval of 1 week. This interval was longer if there was a flare of dermatitis after the 1st capsule. The sequence of capsules was randomized. The oral challenge was carried out when the dermatitis was quiescent. The patients themselves recorded whether or not aggravation occurred following the oral challenge. 2 of the 14 patients had flares of their usual dermatitis after challenge with the paraben mixture but not after the placebo. Both had hand eezema of the recurrent, vesicular type. Both had a severe eruption of vesicles on the sides of the fingers within 24 h of ingesting the paraben capsule. 1 of the patients also had a flare at a paraben patch test site on the back. 1 patient had doubtful reactions to both the paraben mixture and the placebo, while 11 patients did not have any reaction to the oral challenge. The 2 patients with specific reactions to the challenge were informed about food and medicaments that may contain parabens. These preservatives are permitted in amounts up to 300 mg/kg of such foods as mayonnaise and ready-to-serve salads containing mayonnaise, waterbased ice cream, preserved fish, preserved vegetables, including catsup and mustard, marmalade, fruit and vegetable juices and cider as well as candy and cakes. At follow-up visits after the patients had attempted to avoid the above-mentioned food items for a period of 1 to 2 months, neither patient nor physician could see that the dermatitis had improved as a result of the diet. Using the method described in the current study, we have not found oral challenge with parabens to be a useful test procedure in patients sensitive to the paraben mix. Although specific reactions were seen in 2 paraben-sensitive patients with recurrent vesicular hand eczema, the significance of this finding remains uncertain.