Within-lake distribution patterns of fish assemblages: the relative roles of spatial, temporal and random environmental factors in assessing fish assemblages using gillnets in a large and shallow temperate lake.

In this study, the relative role of spatio-temporal factors and associated environmental variables (water transparency and temperature) were quantified in relation to gillnet samples of fishes in a large and shallow lake (Lake Balaton, Hungary). Most of the variance (56·1%) in the relative abundance data (%) was related to the vertical segregation of fishes. This gradient substantially affected the catch per unit effort (CPUE) by number of the dominant species, the surface-oriented bleak Alburnus alburnus and the benthic common bream Abramis brama. It also influenced total CPUE, mean fish mass and species richness and diversity. At the lake level, horizontal habitat heterogeneity (i.e. littoral v. offshore) accounted for only 8·3% of the total variance in relative abundance data, but was important in structuring the CPUE of the ruffe Gymnocephalus cernua and the pikeperch Sander lucioperca. The longitudinal environmental gradient (i.e. lake basin), year and season of sampling, water transparency and temperature had significant effects on relative abundance only at the habitat level, but were also important components of variability of CPUE in some species at the lake level. As sampling schemes need to consider the main gradients in fish assemblage distributions, the use of surface and pelagic gillnets should be more intensively incorporated in the study and monitoring of fish assemblages in shallow lakes and lake habitats.

Total reconstruction of the "end-stage" cleft lip and palate deformity.

The purpose of this paper is to present a 5-year experience using a comprehensive surgical approach to reconstruct what we have chosen to call the "end-stage cleft lip and palate deformity." The deformity consists of varying degrees of midface retrusion, malocclusion, nasal deformity, and lip deformity. Most of the patients afflicted had unacceptable upper lip anatomy characterized by tightness and lack of cupid's bow and bulk. All had severe palatal scarring with resulting arch collapse and severe malocclusion. Most had had multiple surgical attempts to improve nasal aesthetics using standard rhinoplasty techniques with little or no improvement. The procedure involves splitting the upper lip with incisions extending into the upper buccal sulcus and rim of the nose allowing wide skeletalization of the maxilla and osteocartilagenous nasal skeleton. LeFort I or II maxillary advancement, nasal reconstruction, and upper lip modification (with Abbé flap if indicated) are done. The jaws are placed in intermaxillary fixation for 6 to 8 weeks. This comprehensive approach has been used in 16 patients, aged 15 to 29 years, with follow-up of up to 5 years. Excellent functional and aesthetic improvement has occurred in all patients, and complications have been minimal.