miological studies have reported positive associations between the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and plasma fibrinogen levels. Fibrinogen is the major coagulation protein in blood by mass, the precursor of fibrin, and an important determinant of blood viscosity and platelet aggregation. [38][39][40][41] Because fibrinogen levels can be reduced considerably by lifestyle interventions that also affect levels of established risk factors (such as regular exercise, smoking cessation, and moderate alcohol consumption), there is interest in the possibility that measurement (or modification) of fibrinogen may help in disease prediction or prevention. [38][39][40]42 A meta-analysis of published data from 18 such studies, involving about 4000 CHD cases, indicated a relative risk of 1.8 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6-2.0) per 1-g/L increase in plasma fibrinogen level. 43 However, such analyses are not able to provide detailed assessments of the nature of any independent association of fibrinogen level with CHD or with other vascular and nonvascular outcomes. [43][44][45] This meta-analysis differs from previous analyses in several ways that should increase its reliability and scientific value. First, it is large and comprehensive: the data comprise 6944 first nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke events and 13 210 deaths (cause-*The Authors/Writing Committee, Authors/Members, and Other Members of the Fibrinogen Studies Collaboration are listed at the end of this article.

-Acorn production by Quercus ilex L. ssp. ballota (Desf.) Samp. in SW Spain was assessed, and variations between years and the influence of pruning on it were examined. To this end, an experimental study was conducted at two different sites (Calañas and San Bartolomé, in the province of Huelva) where trees were subjected to traditional (light, moderate or heavy) pruning and also to a new (crown-regeneration) pruning method. Acorn yield was quantified over a period of 5 years in the Calañas plot and 4 in the San Bartolomé plot, and found to average at 95.61 ± 0.76 g DM/m 2 , which is equivalent to 6.5 ± 0.05 kg DM/tree; however, yield figures varied markedly between years depending on the particular climatic conditions. The average acorn production was correlated with the water potential in mid summer (end of July); the annual, spring and autumn rainfall; and the actual evapotranspiration for the period from September (previous year) to August. No significant differences in acorn production between traditional pruning intensities were detected; in fact, there were only hints that heavy pruning might result in decreased acorn yields. The new pruning method used, crown-regeneration, seems promising with a view to increasing acorn yield; however, it should be tested on larger sample sizes before any final conclusions can be drawn in this respect. Based on the results, the present health status of holm oaks in southwestern Spain (a result of sustained decline) and the low value of firewood -which used to be a very important source of income from pruning a few decades ago -, the authors recommend reducing the frequency and intensity of pruning in the dehesas of the study area.holm oak / acorn production / pruning / masting Résumé -Influence de la taille et des conditions climatiques sur la production de glands par le chêne vert (Quercus ilex L.) en dehesas dans le sud ouest de l'Espagne. La production de glands par Quercus ilex L. ssp. ballota (Desf.) Samp. dans le sud ouest de l'Espagne a été mesurée, et l'influence de la taille sur les variations interannuelles a été examinée. Dans ce but, une étude expérimentales a été conduite dans deux sites (Calañas et San Bartolomé dans la province de Huelva) où des arbres ont été soumis à une taille traditionnelle (légère, modérée ou forte) et aussi à une nouvelle méthode de taille (régénération de couronne). La production de glands a été quantifiée sur une période de 5 ans sur le site de Calañas et de 4 ans sur celui de San Bartolomé et était en moyenne de 95,61 ± 0,76 g de matière sèche/m 2 , ce qui équivaut à 6,5 ± 0,05 kg de matière sèche/arbre. Cependant la production a varié de façon marquée entre années en relation avec les particularités climatiques. La moyenne de production de glands était corrélée avec le potentiel hydrique au milieu de l'été (fin juillet) ; avec les précipitations annuelles, du printemps et de l'automne, et avec l'évapotranspiration pour les périodes allant de septembre (année précédente) à août. Aucune différence significative de productio...

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