bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A double‐blind randomized clinical trial of a topical herbal extract (Z‐HE) vs. systemic meglumine antimoniate for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran
Authors: Zerehsaz Fereidoun , Salmanpour Rahmat , Handjani Farhad , Ardehali Sadreddine , Panjehshahin Mohammad Reza , Tabei Seyed Ziaeddin , Tabatabaee Hamid Reza , Ms .
Published: March 2003

A double‐blind randomized clinical trial was undertaken to compare the efficacy of meglumine antimoniate solution (Glucantime), administered intramuscularly, with a topical herbal extract consisting of a pure extract mixture of Althaea rosa, Althaea officinalis, and members of the families Leguminosae, Faliaceae, Malvaceae, and Lythraceae (named

Z‐HE) on patients with Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis. The reason for undertaking such a study is that many patients fail to respond to the conventional treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), the pentavalent antimonials. Many alternative treatment modalities have been proposed, and one such modality has been the use of herbal extracts applied topically to the lesions. Herbal remedies have been used for a long period of time in Iran for the treatment of many dermatoses, including CL; however, a systematic scientific evaluation of the efficacy of herbal extracts has rarely been performed.

A total number of 171 patients who had been referred to the Cutaneous Leishmania Clinic in our center and who were diagnosed as having CL were included in the study. All patients underwent a complete clinical evaluation, and patients were excluded if they were pregnant or nursing or if they had serious concomitant diseases. A diagnosis of CL was based on positive smears from the lesions, and in some cases cultures and histopathologic studies were also performed. The duration of disease in all cases was less than 4 months.

The patients were divided randomly into two treatment groups. In the first group (A), 86 patients were treated with the topical herbal extract Z‐HE as a black paste applied to the lesions and covered by a dressing for five consecutive days, as well as with 0.5 mL of sterile normal saline used as a placebo and injected intramuscularly for 20 consecutive days. In the second group (B), 85 patients were treated with meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime), 15–20 mg/kg/day, as intramuscular injections for 20 consecutive days, as well as with a topical placebo which consisted of petrolatum mixed with charcoal powder and which was applied on the lesions as a black paste covered by a dressing for five consecutive days. Prior to the initiation of treatment with Z‐HE, an animal toxicologic study was undertaken and the plant extract was declared safe to use in human clinical trials.

Clinical evaluation was performed 6 weeks post‐treatment. Complete cure was defined a clinical improvement with complete healing and re‐epithelialization of the lesion(s), partial cure was defined as partial clinical improvement with reduction in infiltration, erythema, and size of the lesion(s), and failure was defined as the absence of any changes in the lesion(s) or progression and worsening of the lesion(s).
Nodular morphea in a linear pattern
Authors: Hsu Sylvia , Lee Min‐Wei Christine , MPH . , Carlton Soni , Kramer E. Michael , Of Dermatology From the Department , Of Medicine Baylor College , Houston . , Texas . , Of Dermatology Department , Biology Cutaneous , Of Thomas Jefferson Medical College , University Jefferson , Philadelphia . , Pennsylvania .
Published: March 2003

A 9‐year‐old black girl presented with papules and nodules in a linear distribution on her right inner arm, right axilla, and right chest ( Fig. 1). The lesions were hyperpigmented, indurated, and had been present for 3 years. She was otherwise healthy. A biopsy of one of the lesions revealed a sparse superficial and deep perivascular infiltrate of lymphocytes, compactly arranged collagen bundles in the upper part of the dermis, and abundant mucin throughout the reticular dermis, which was consistent with morphea with dermal mucinosis (
Fig. 2). Biopsy of another lesion revealed classic histologic features of morphea: thickened bundles of collagen crowded in the reticular dermis aligned parallel to the skin surface.

Discrete nodules in a linear distribution on the right arm

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Biopsy of a lesion

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Efficacy of lipectomy and liposuction in the treatment of multiple symmetric lipomatosis
Authors: Martínez‐Escribano Jorge A. , Gonzalez Rafael , Quecedo Esther , Febrer Isabel
Published: March 2003

Background Multiple symmetric lipomatosis (MSL) is a rare disease characterized by enlarging, symmetric, nonencapsulated, fat deposits mainly on the neck and upper trunk. Liposuction and lipectomy, although palliative, are the treatments of choice, especially indicated when vital structures are compromised.

Objective Our purpose was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of liposuction and lipectomy in the treatment of MSL.

Methods We have examined two patients diagnosed with MSL who presented with symptoms derived from the compression of vascular, nervous, and/or respiratory tract structures. One was treated with lipectomy and the other with liposuction.

Results A rapid resolution of the clinical symptoms was achieved with both therapies. The patient who was treated with lipectomy suffered from a compression of the left brachial plexus by scar tissue as an adverse effect, requiring a second surgical procedure. Liposuction only provoked a mild autoinvolutive hematoma in the other case. No clinical recurrences were observed at 3 and 2 years of follow‐up respectively.

Conclusions We consider both lipectomy and liposuction as safe and effective techniques for the treatment of MSL patients. Although liposuction is usually associated with less adverse effects than lipectomy, location of the lipomas must be carefully considered before choosing one technique over another.
Re‐evaluation of the natural course of bullous pemphigoid. A prospective study
Authors: Kyriakis Kyriakos P. , Paparizos Vassilios A. , Panteleos Demetrius N. , Tosca Androniki D.
Published: March 2003

Background Few studies of prospectively collected data regarding the natural course of bullous pemphigoid have been performed.

Methods The following factors were combined both quantitatively and qualitatively to obtain results: gender, clinical activity based on the estimation of the body area involvement, disease duration, relapses, coexistence with other disease states, and serology Twenty‐seven consecutive patients were followed up for 1 year.

Results Most disease activity (85.2%) is exhibited in the first year after onset. There is a lack of parameters with clear predictive significance. The extent and severity of skin involvement are equally distributed between the sexes and not affected by the disease duration. The generalized form of the disease is predominant (86.5%). The average clinical activity in relapses within the year of follow‐up is 48% of the initially observed attack. The probability for recurrence is higher in seropositive patients (overall 37%). Coexistence with other disease states seems to be a random chance event.

Conclusions The lack of parameters with predictive importance underlines the necessity of a thorough follow‐up to prevent treatment‐related complications in elderly patients.
Maggot therapy for the treatment of intractable wounds
Authors: Mumcuoglu Kosta Y. , Ingber Arieh , Gilead Leon , Stessman Jochanan , Friedmann Reuven , Schulman Haim , Bichucher Hellen
Published: March 2003

Background Fly maggots have been known for centuries to help debride and heal wounds. Maggot therapy was first introduced in the USA in 1931 and was routinely used there until the mid‐1940s in over 300 hospitals. With the advent of antimicrobiols, maggot therapy became rare until the early 1990s, when it was re‐introduced in the USA, UK, and Israel. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of maggot therapy for the treatment of intractable, chronic wounds and ulcers in long‐term hospitalized patients in Israel.

Methods Twenty‐five patients, suffering mostly from chronic leg ulcers and pressure sores in the lower sacral area, were treated in an open study using maggots of the green bottle fly, Phaenicia sericata. The wounds had been present for 1–90 months before maggot therapy was applied. Thirty‐five wounds were located on the foot or calf of the patients, one on the thumb, while the pressure sores were on the lower back. Sterile maggots (50–1000) were administered to the wound two to five times weekly and replaced every 1–2 days. Hospitalized patients were treated in five departments of the Hadassah Hospital, two geriatric hospitals, and one outpatient clinic in Jerusalem.

The underlying diseases or the causes of the development of wounds were venous stasis (12), paraplegia (5), hemiplegia (2), Birger’s disease (1), lymphostasis (1), thalassemia (1), polycythemia (1), dementia (1), and basal cell carcinoma (1). Subjects were examined daily or every second day until complete debridement of the wound was noted.

Results Complete debridement was achieved in 38 wounds (88.4%); in three wounds (7%), the debridement was significant, in one (2.3%) partial, and one wound (2.3%) remained unchanged. In five patients who were referred for amputation of the leg, the extremities was salvaged after maggot therapy.

Conclusions Maggot therapy is a relatively rapid and effective treatment, particularly in large necrotic wounds requiring debridement and resistant to conventional treatment and conservative surgical intervention.
Atypical cutaneous lymphocytic infiltrate and a role for quantitative immunohistochemistry and gene rearrangement studies
Authors: Fucich Lee F. , Freeman Scott F. , Boh Erin E. , McBurney Elizabeth , Marrogi Aizen J.
Published: March 2003

Aim To help clarify the significance of the T‐cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangement and its relationship to the immunophenotyping of histologically atypical cutaneous T‐cell lymphoid infiltrates (ACLIs).

Materials and methods One hundred and twenty‐four patients presented with lesions clinically suspicious for cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL). The average age was 55.8 years with a mean follow‐up duration of 26.2 months. Cases were classified as malignant (64 cases), inflammatory dermatosis (28 cases), and indeterminate (32 cases), based on follow‐up data and histopathology. Quantitative immunophenotyping with computer‐assisted imaging was performed using immunohistochemical stains of anti‐CD3, CD4, CD5, CD7, CD8, CD20, CD30, CD56, CD68, Bcl‐2, p53, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA).

Results Abnormal immunophenotypic expression in 87.5% of the malignant cases, including CD4 or CD8 predominance (67%), deletion of pan‐T‐cell antigens (16.1%), and activation of antigen/oncogene expression (47%), was observed. In addition, 36 clinically malignant cases displayed rearranged bands by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with TCR β and γ. Two benign cases displayed abnormal immunophenotype and two others showed rearranged bands. All of these patients responded to topical steroid therapy with complete resolution. Nineteen indeterminate cases displayed either rearranged bands or immunophenotypic abnormalities, 15 of which were reclassified as malignant. All but three patients improved after CTCL treatment.

Conclusion Quantitative immunophenotyping and gene rearrangement analysis can provide detailed information for classifying ACLIs with 91% diagnostic sensitivity and 87% specificity.
High prevalence of vitiligo in lepromatous leprosy
Authors: Boisseau‐Garsaud Anne‐Marie , Vezon Géraldine , Helenon Raymond , Garsaud Philippe , Saint‐Cyr Isabelle , Quist Danielle
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background  Leprosy and vitiligo are common affections in the West Indies. Vitiligo frequently occurs in lepromatous patients, an observation rarely reported in the literature.

Methods  We studied the prevalence of vitiligo in patients affected by leprosy by performing a retrospective study between 1978 and 1999 in the French West Indies (Martinique).

Results  Eleven patients presented with vitiligo among 101 with lepromatous (multibacillary) leprosy. None presented with vitiligo among the 364 with the tuberculoid (paucibacillary) form. The mean age of the vitiligo patients was 55.4 years at vitiligo onset. The sex ratio was 0.8. Vitiligo occurred 19 years after the diagnosis of leprosy, with a range from 3 to 42 years. The prevalence of vitiligo in lepromatous patients was 10.9%, compared to 0% in tuberculoid patients. Such an increase in prevalence compared with that in the general population (0.34%) was shown to be highly significant (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions  Our data confirmed that the association of vitiligo and leprosy was not fortuitous. The physiopathology leading to this high rate of vitiligo in lepromatous leprosy is unclear, despite the fact that autoimmunity plays a major role in both diseases.
Pulsed erbium:YAG laser‐assisted autologous epidermal punch grafting in vitiligo
Authors: Sachdev Mukta , Shankar D. S. Krupa
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background  A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pulsed erbium:YAG laser ablation of autologous minipunch grafted sites for the treatment of refractory or stable vitiligo.

Methods  Thirteen patients, seven men and six women, aged between 19 and 58 years, with Fitzpatrick skin types ranging from type IV to VI, were grafted. The pulsed erbium: YAG laser was used to create recipient graft sites.

Results  Repigmentation was observed in 12 out of 13 patients. Failure of grafts to repigment ranged from 3% to 100%. No untoward side‐effects of surgery were noted.

Conclusions  Using an erbium:YAG laser to create graft recipient sites permits the survival of punch harvested grafts and the spread of pigmentation to the surrounding skin.
Cutaneous lymphomas in Tokyo: analysis of 62 cases in a dermatology clinic
Authors: Ishiji Takaoki , Takagi Yuko , Niimura Michihito
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background The epidemiology of cutaneous lymphomas revealed that the incidence of lymphomas differed depending on various factors including area, race, and sex, among others.

Objective  This study was undertaken to analyse the incidence of cutaneous lymphomas in Tokyo.

Methods  The clinical records and histologic material from 50 patients with lymphomas of the skin and 12 patients with lymphomatoid papulosis seen during the last 10 years at the Department of Dermatology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, have been reviewed.

Results  T‐cell lymphomas including mycosis fungoides (MF)–Sézary's syndrome (SS) complex and adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) were more frequent than B‐cell lymphomas. The incidence of ATL is associated with the number of human T‐cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV‐1) carriers in the general population. Cutaneous B‐cell lymphoma (CBCL) is not as rare as previously thought in Japan.

Conclusions  Although the frequency of these cases depends on many unrelated factors, these values can provide a rough indication of the incidence of cutaneous lymphomas in Tokyo. The incidence of cutaneous lymphomas may be influenced by changes in environmental factors including viral infections.
Suspected skin malignancy: a comparison of diagnoses of family practitioners and dermatologists in 493 patients
Authors: Morrison Antoinette , O'Loughlin Sean , Powell Frank C.
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background  In the Irish health system, dermatology patients present to their family practitioner for diagnosis and treatment, and are referred to a dermatologist for a second opinion where diagnosis is in doubt or when there has been therapeutic failure. The level of expertise in dermatology amongst family practitioners varies considerably.

Aim  To compare the diagnoses of general practitioners and dermatologists over a selected period in patients with a possible diagnosis of skin cancer.

Methods  Four hundred and ninety‐three patients were seen by one of two dermatologists over a 1‐year period at a rapid referral clinic for patients suspected by their family practitioners of having unstable or possibly malignant skin lesions; 213 of these patients had a diagnosis made on clinical examination by the dermatologist, while 264 had diagnostic or therapeutic biopsies performed; 16 patients defaulted on surgery.

Results  The diagnoses of the family practitioners agreed with the diagnoses of the dermatologists on patients diagnosed clinically in 54% of cases. Thirty‐eight patients had histologically proven skin malignancy. These were diagnosed accurately by the referring family practitioner in 22% of patients, while the dermatologists made the correct diagnosis prior to biopsy in 87%.

Conclusions  In over 50% of cases diagnosed clinically, the dermatologist and family practitioner agreed. Histologically proven skin cancers were diagnosed accurately in only 22% of cases by family practitioners, compared to 87% of cases by dermatologists. Specific areas of diagnostic difficulty for family practitioners include benign pigmented actinic and seborrheic keratoses, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Postgraduate education for family practitioners should be directed towards these areas of deficiency. Dermatologists had difficulty distinguishing pigmented actinic keratoses from melanoma.
Azone® enhances clinical effectiveness of an optimized formulation of triamcinolone acetonide in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Cato Allen , Swinehart James M. , Griffin Edmond I. , Sutton Lynda , Kaplan Allan S.
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background  Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing condition affecting up to 14% of the population in Western countries. Topical corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment. Triamcinolone acetonide, a corticoid of intermediate potency, has proven useful in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Aim  To evaluate the effectiveness of a triamcinolone acetonide–laurocapram combination in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Methods  One hundred and fifty patients were enrolled in a three‐arm, parallel group, controlled clinical trial evaluating the effectiveness of a triamcinolone acetonide (0.05%) and laurocapram combination, applied twice daily for 2 weeks, in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Fifty patients received triamcinolone acetonide–laurocapram (TNX), 50 triamcinolone acetonide (TN), and 50 a vehicle control formulation (AN). Response to treatment was evaluated by change in disease severity at 6 h, at 3, 8, and 15 days after the start of treatment, and by the global change in disease status.

Results  TNX effected a significantly higher degree of improvement in the signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis (erythema, induration, and pruritus) and a greater overall improvement in disease status compared with treatment with TN or AN. Treatment‐associated side‐effects were local reactions, occurring in three, two, and six patients in the TNX, TN, and AN groups, respectively.

Conclusions  The results suggest that the incorporation of laurocapram in the formulation enhances the effectiveness of triamcinolone acetonide, without compromising its safety profile.
Psoriasis and side‐effects of mesotherapy
Authors: Rosina Paolo , Chieregato Carlo , Miccolis Domenico , D'Onghia Francesco Saverio
Published: March 2003

A 67‐year‐old woman was referred to our Department in January 1997 with an isomorphic Koebner response due to mesotherapy.

The patient has been affected by psoriasis for 10 years and underwent treatment with Cyclosporine A (4–2 mg/kg/day for 12 weeks) 2 years earlier. Since the previous year plaques were treated only with topical preparations, with mild worsening over the autumn.

In December 1996 a single mesotherapy was erroneously performed with a cocktail of aminophilline, xantinol nicotinate and lidocaine to treat a left neuralgic sciatica. Two weeks later typical circular psoriatic lesions appeared on the left thigh in the injection's sites (Fig. 1). At the same time, psoriasis worsened on the scalp, trunk, and limbs, while pustular lesions appeared on the palms and soles. The patient was admitted to our Department and underwent treatment with Cyclosporine A with a rapid response (4 mg/kg/day in divided doses for 3 weeks reduced gradually to 2 mg/kg/day and stopped after 14 weeks). Clinical and laboratory examinations excluded further trigger factors for psoriasis.

Isomorphic Koebner response where mesotherapy was performed.

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The widespread use of skin lightening creams in Senegal: a persistent public health problem in West Africa
Authors: Del Giudice Pascal , Yves Pinier
Published: March 2003

Background The use of skin lightening creams is common in the female population of some African countries. The long‐term use of certain products for several months to years may cause cutaneous adverse effects.

Methods From 1992 to 1993, we conducted an epidemiologic and clinical study in Dakar, Senegal. Women were questioned about the use of skin lightening creams and examined for potential adverse skin reactions. Six hundred and eighty‐five Senegalese women participated in the study.

Results Twenty‐six per cent of women were using skin lightening creams at the time and 36% had used them at some time. The most common products used were hydroquinone and corticosteroids, but 25% of women had used products of unknown composition. Seventy‐five per cent of women using such creams showed cutaneous adverse effects. Facial acne was the most common adverse effect.

Conclusions A major part of the female adult population of Senegal used skin lightening creams. The long‐term use of these creams is responsible for a high rate of cutaneous adverse effects. This practice has also been reported in other countries from sub‐Saharan Africa and suggests a widespread use in the African population.
Erythema annulare centrifugum and pregnancy
Authors: Rosina Paolo , D’Onghia Francesco Saverio , Barba Annalisa
Published: March 2003

A 28‐year‐old woman came to our attention in the 33rd week of her first pregnancy with a 2‐week history of asymptomatic skin eruptions on the arms and legs. She was otherwise well and no other symptoms were present. She used only vitamin and iron supplements during pregnancy.

The eruption began as erythematous papules before spreading peripherally while clearing centrally. This produced polycyclic plaques with indurated margins and trailing scales on the inner aspect of the advancing edge. The diameter of the lesions varied from a few to several centimeters (Fig. 1).

Superficial erythema annulare centrifugum: a central clearing and “trailing scale” behind an advancing, annular, erythematous border

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Complete blood count, renal, liver, and thyroid function tests, Lyme antibody titer, antinuclear antibody test, urinary analysis, and stool examination gave normal results. A potassium hydroxide preparation and culture were negative for the presence of tinea or candidiasis.

A chest X‐ray was performed after delivery and a negative result was obtained.

Histology showed spongiosis associated with parakeratosis in the epidermis and a dense perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate in the upper dermis (Fig. 2). Direct immunofluorescence was negative.

Histopathology showing a perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate in the upper dermis (hematoxylin and eosin, × 10)

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At the 38th week, the patient gave birth to a healthy baby, weighing 3000 g. All skin lesions gradually disappeared within 1 month after delivery, without any treatment, except for petrolatum. No recurrence was seen after 8 months.
Skin manifestations of arsenicosis in two villages in Bangladesh
Authors: Kadono Takafumi , Inaoka Tsukasa , Murayama Nobuko , Ushijima Kayo , Nagano Megumi , Nakamura Satoshi , Watanabe Chiho , Tamaki Kunihiko , Ohtsuka Ryutaro
Published: March 2003

Background Arsenic contamination in groundwater affects 35 million people in Bangladesh, but the prevalence of arsenic contamination in local communities remains to be clarified. As skin manifestations are sensitive markers of arsenicosis, we examined the skin of adults and adolescents in two villages to elucidate the severity of arsenicosis.

Methods Five hundred and sixty‐one villagers were randomly selected for the evaluation of their skin. Three indicators, i.e. keratosis on the soles, keratosis on the palms, and melanosis and hypopigmentation on the trunk, were quantified for analysis.

Results More than 50% of the villagers showed some skin manifestations due to arsenicosis. Keratosis on the soles was the most sensitive marker for the detection of arsenicosis at an early stage. Interestingly, the skin manifestations were more severe in males than in females. There was no correlation between the age and the severity of skin manifestations.

Conclusions The prevalence of arsenicosis was quite high and males were more vulnerable to arsenic contamination. Using skin manifestations, especially keratosis on the soles, as useful markers to detect and evaluate arsenicosis, it is clear that there is an urgent need to assess the exact prevalence and severity of arsenicosis in the population of Bangladesh in order to take measures to treat and control this problem.
The statistical analysis of fluctuating asymmetry: REML estimation of a mixed regression model
Authors: Dongen S. Van , Molenberghs  , Matthysen
Published: March 2003

The unbiased estimation of fluctuating asymmetry (FA) requires independent repeated measurements on both sides. The statistical analysis of such data is currently performed by a two-way mixed ANOVA analysis. Although this approach produces unbiased estimates of FA, many studies do not utilize this method. This may be attributed in part to the fact that the complete analysis of FA is very cumbersome and cannot be performed automatically with standard statistical software. Therefore, further elaboration of the statistical tools to analyse FA should focus on the usefulness of the method, in order for the correct statistical approaches to be applied more regularly.

In this paper we propose a mixed regression model with restricted maximum likelihood (REML) parameter estimation to model FA. This routine yields exactly the same estimates of FA as the two-way mixed ANOVA. Yet the advantages of this approach are that it allows (a) testing the statistical significance of FA, (b) modelling and testing heterogeneity in both FA and measurement error (ME) among samples, (c) testing for nonzero directional asymmetry and (d) obtaining unbiased estimates of individual FA levels. The switch from a mixed two-way ANOVA to a mixed regression model was made to avoid overparametrization.

Two simulation studies are presented. The first shows that a previously proposed method to test the significance of FA is incorrect, contrary to our mixed regression approach. In the second simulation study we show that a traditionally applied measure of individual FA [abs(left – right)] is biased by ME. The proposed mixed regression method, however, produces unbiased estimates of individual FA after modelling heterogeneity in ME. The applicability of this method is illustrated with two analyses.
Divergence of reaction norms of size characters between tropical and temperate populations of Drosophila melanogaster and D. simulans
Authors: Morin  , Moreteau  , Pétavy  , David
Published: March 2003

Reaction norms to growth temperature of two size-related traits, wing and thorax length, were compared in tropical (West Indies) and temperate (France) populations of the two sibling species, Drosophila melanogaster and D. simulans. A major body size difference was found in D. melanogaster, with much smaller Caribbean flies, while D. simulans exhibited little size variation between geographical populations. The concave norms of reaction were adjusted to second- or third-degree polynomials, and characteristic points calculated i.e. maximum value (MV) and temperature of maximum value (TMV). TMVs were confirmed to be higher for thorax than for wing length, higher in D. melanogaster than in D. simulans, and higher in females than in males. For both traits Caribbean populations exhibited higher TMVs in the two species, strongly suggesting an adaptive shift of the reaction norms toward higher temperature in warm-adapted populations. The wing/thorax ratio was also analysed, and found to be significantly lower in tropical populations of both species. This ratio, which is related to wing loading and flight capacity, might evolve independently of body weight itself.
Individual differences in developmental precision and fluctuating asymmetry: a model and its implications
Authors: Gangestad  , Thornhill
Published: March 2003

In many studies, fluctuating asymmetry (FA) has been used as a measure of individual differences in developmental imprecision. A model of how variation in developmental imprecision is associated with variation in asymmetry is described and applied to important issues about FA. If individual differences in developmental imprecision exist, asymmetry due to developmental error should be leptokurtically distributed. Moreover, the greater the magnitude of individual differences, the greater the leptokurtosis. Asymmetry purportedly due to developmental error in a variety of species is indeed leptokurtically distributed. The level of leptokurtosis suggests that the CV in individual differences in underlying developmental imprecision is generally 20–25, consistent with it being a fitness trait. In addition, data suggest that: (1) the individual differences that underlie the developmental imprecision of different traits are largely shared across traits and not trait-specific; (2) the heritability of these individual differences may average between 35 and 55%, despite small heritabilities of individual trait FAs; and (3) correlations between FA and fitness traits or components suggest high correlations between underlying variation in developmental precision and fitness in many species. Theoretical implications are discussed.
The evolution of ecosystem processes: growth rate and elemental stoichiometry of a key herbivore in temperate and arctic habitats
Authors: Elser  , O’Brien  , Dobberfuhl  , Dowling
Published: March 2003

Understanding the reciprocal interactions between the evolved characteristics of species and the environment in which each species is embedded is a major priority for evolutionary ecology. Here we use the perspective of ecological stoichiometry to test the hypothesis that natural selection on body growth rate affects consumer body stoichiometry. As body elemental composition (nitrogen, phosphorus) of consumers influences nutrient cycling and trophic dynamics in food webs, such differences should also affect biogeochemical processes and trophic dynamics. Consistent with the growth rate hypothesis, body growth rate and phosphorus content of individuals of the Daphnia pulex species complex were lower in Wisconsin compared to Alaska, where the brevity of the growing season places a premium on growth rate. Consistent with stoichiometric theory, we also show that, relative to animals sampled in Wisconsin, animals sampled in Alaska were poor recyclers of P and suffered greater declines in growth when fed low-quality, P-deficient food. These results highlight the importance of evolutionary context in establishing the reciprocal relationships between single species and ecosystem processes such as trophic dynamics and consumer-driven nutrient recycling.
Parthenogenetic flatworms have more symbionts than their coexisting, sexual conspecifics, but does this support the Red Queen?
Authors: Michiels N. K. , Beukeboom L. W. , Pongratz N. , Zeitlinger J.
Published: March 2003

The Red Queen hypothesis predicts that sexuality is favoured when virulent parasites adapt quickly to host genotypes. We studied a population of the flatworm Schmidtea polychroa in which obligate sexual and parthenogenetic individuals coexist. Infection rates by an amoeboid protozoan were consistently higher in parthenogens than in sexuals. Allozyme analysis showed that infection was genotype specific, with the second most common clone most infected. A laboratory measurement of fitness components failed to reveal high infection costs as required for the Red Queen. Although fertility was lower in more infected parthenogens, this effect can also be explained by the accumulation of mutations. We discuss these and other characteristics of our model system that may explain how a parasite with low virulence can show this pattern.
Genetic divergence without spatial isolation in polecat Mustela putorius populations
Authors: Lodé T.
Published: March 2003

Understanding how genetic divergence could exist without spatial isolation is a fundamental issue in biology. Although carnivores have previously been considered as having a weak genetic variability, polecats Mustela putorius from eight distinct populations exhibited both a strong polymorphism (17.5–22.5%) and a substantial allele effective number reaching Ne=1.12. Heterozygosity ranging from Ho=0.031–0.063 significantly differed among populations, while the mean FIS averaging 0.388 stressed a real deficiency of heterozygotes. Observed heterozygosity levels among populations did not correlate with any habitat types but were clearly associated with habitat diversity index. The habitat structure in polecat home range corresponded to habitat mosaic structure in which discrete habitat types alternated causing multifactorial constraints that may favour heterozygosity. Allozymic frequencies within populations did not vary with dominant habitat. But in the Tyrosinase-1, the rare homozygote BB, resulting in a ‘dark’ phenotype, was found much more in deciduous woods than the homozygote AA showing the ‘typical’ pattern. Thus, the genetic basis for a character differentiation was here evidenced in a remarkable situation without spatial isolation. Further, the very low proportion of heterozygotes for this locus suggests a disruptive effect and supports the prediction of intermediate phenotypes being at a disadvantage. This heterozygote deficit may also result from an assortative mating intra phenotype (homogamy). The divergence in polecat phenotypes showed that genetic differentiation can be induced by subtle variations in environment, a situation that is likely to be frequent in most natural populations, and emphasized the adaptive nature of habitat preference.
Dimorphic growth patterns and sex-specific reaction norms in the butterfly Lycaena hippothoe sumadiensis
Authors: Fischer K. , Fiedler K.
Published: March 2003

Directly developing larvae of the butterfly Lycaena hippothoe sumadiensis exhibited two growth strategies with one cohort passing four larval instars at high growth rates, and the other five instars at lower growth rates. The 4-instar-cohort displayed decreased development times, in combination with slightly reduced pupal and adult weights. In addition to adjustment of growth rate, omitting a larval instar may comprise a further mechanism to decrease development time when needed. Using the 4-instar-cohort, sex-related differences in reaction norms were investigated over a temperature gradient. At high temperatures, protandrous males showed early emergence at a reduced size, whereas weight of females remained similar throughout. These differences suggest that large size is more important for female than for male fitness. The pattern is similar to that previously reported for alpine L. tityrus, indicating that sex-specific reaction norms might be widespread in species living under severe time constraints.
Specific induced responses to different predator species in anuran larvae
Authors: Van Buskirk J.
Published: March 2003

Models of defence against multiple enemies predict that specialized responses to each enemy should evolve only under restrictive conditions. Nevertheless, tadpoles of Rana temporaria can differentiate among several predator species. Small tadpoles used a refuge when Notonecta backswimmers were in the pond, but showed a weaker hiding response to adult Triturus alpestris newts and no response to aeshnid dragonfly larvae (Aeshna and Anax). All predators caused a decline in feeding and swimming activity. Large tadpoles reserved the strongest behavioural response for dragonflies, while Triturus caused no response. The shift during development suggests that tadpoles distinguished among predators, rather than exhibiting a graded dosage response to a single cue associated with predation. Information on habitat distributions of predators suggests that they are regularly encountered, which would facilitate evolution of adaptive behavioural responses. Morphological responses to all predators were similar, perhaps because similar morphologies defend against all four predators. The evolutionary maintenance of specialized responses to multiple predators may be possible because adaptive responses do not conflict and the predators themselves do not interact strongly.
Modelling developmental instability in relation to individual fitness: a fully Bayesian latent variable model approach
Authors: Van Dongen S.
Published: March 2003

Since the influential paper by Palmer and Strobeck in 1986, the statistical analysis of fluctuating asymmetry and developmental stability has received much attention. Most studies deal with one of the following four difficulties: (i) correcting for bias in asymmetry estimates due to measurement error; (ii) quantifying sampling error in the estimation of individual developmental stability using individual asymmetry; (iii) the detection of directional asymmetry and antisymmetry; and (iv) combining data from several traits. Yet, few studies have focused on statistical properties of estimating a relationship between individual developmental stability and other factors (e.g. fitness). In this paper I introduce a fully Bayesian model in which the unobservable individual developmental stability is treated as a latent variable. The latter is then related to individual fitness. I show by means of the analysis of simulated data that this approach has several advantages over traditional techniques. First, the method provides unbiased (but slightly less accurate) estimates of slopes between developmental stability and fitness taking all sources of error into account. Secondly, it allows proper investigation of non-linear associations. Finally, the model allows unbiased estimation of unobserved fitness of individuals that have been measured on left and right side.
Intersexual ontogenetic conflict
Authors: Rice W. R. , Chippindale A. K.
Published: March 2003

Evolutionary conflict has been investigated at many levels of organization, from interactions between loci within a genome to the coevolution of species. Here we review evidence for intersexual ontogenetic conflict, a type of conflict that has received relatively little attention both theoretically and empirically. It is manifest during development when expression of the same allele, on average, moves one sex towards, and the other sex away from, its phenotypic optimum. We first introduce this type of conflict with an illustrative example and assess conditions for maintaining polymorphism for alleles underlying the conflict. We then summarize evidence from our own experiments with Drosophila melanogaster that show substantial genome-wide sexually antagonistic fitness variation. Finally we discuss evidence from other organisms and some of the ramifications of widespread polymorphism for sexually antagonistic fitness variation.
Contrasted patterns of mitochondrial and nuclear structure among nursery colonies of the bat Myotis myotis
Authors: Castella V. , Ruedi M. , Excoffier L.
Published: March 2003

Thirteen nursery colonies of Myotis myotis were sampled in central Europe to investigate the dispersal behaviour of this bat species. Mitochondrial DNA sequences of 260 bats reveal the occurrence of three evolutionary lineages that have probably originated in distinct glacial refugia and meet in a contact zone near the Alps. Moreover, the strong haplotypic segregation (ΦST=0.540) suggests that breeding females are philopatric. Contrastingly, the low population structure at 15 microsatellite loci (FST=0.022), suggests the homogenizing effect of nuclear gene flow. The different perspectives given by these two markers are consistent with strong male-biased dispersal. As a result of female philopatry, the local haplotypic variability seems to be largely influenced by historical processes of colonization. Conversely, the homogeneity of nuclear variability within roosts that are located north of the Alps seems to mainly reflect contemporary gene flow. Finally, despite the fact that females are faithful to their natal colony, movements of both males and females occur outside the breeding period. Mitochondrial survey of individuals sampled exclusively in nurseries may thus poorly reflect the metapopulation dynamics of this species.
Floral integration, phenotypic covariance structure and pollinator variation in bumblebee-pollinated Helleborus foetidus
Authors: Herrera C. M. , Cerdá X. , García M. B. , Guitián J. , Medrano M. , Rey P. J. , Sánchez-Lafuente A. M.
Published: March 2003

By analysing patterns of phenotypic integration and multivariate covariance structure of five metric floral traits in nine Iberian populations of bumblebee-pollinated Helleborus foetidus (Ranunculaceae), this paper attempts to test the general hypothesis that pollinators enhance floral integration and selectively modify phenotypic correlations between functionally linked floral traits. The five floral traits examined exhibited significant phenotypic integration at all populations, and both the magnitude and the pattern of integration differed widely among populations. Variation in extent and pattern of integration was neither distance-dependent nor significantly related to between-population variation in taxonomical composition and morphological diversity of the pollinator assemblage. Patterns of floral integration were closer to expectations derived from consideration of developmental affinities between floral whorls than to expectations based on a pollinator-mediated adaptive hypothesis. Taken together, results of this study suggest that between-population differences in magnitude and pattern of floral integration in H. foetidus are probably best explained as a consequence of random genetic sampling in the characteristically small and ephemeral populations of this species, rather than reflecting the selective action of current pollinators.
Selection, structure and the heritability of behaviour
Authors: Stirling D. G. , Réale D. , Roff D. A.
Published: March 2003

Characters which are closely linked to fitness often have low heritabilities (VA/VP). Low heritabilities could be because of low additive genetic variation (VA), that had been depleted by directional selection. Alternatively, low heritabilities may be caused by large residual variation (VR=VP – VA) compounded at a disproportionately higher rate than VA across integrated characters. Both hypotheses assume that each component of quantitative variation has an independent effect on heritability. However, VA and VR may also covary, in which case differences in heritability cannot be fully explained by the independent effects of elimination-selection or compounded residual variation.

We compared the central tendency of published behavioural heritabilities (mean=0.31, median=0.23) with morphological and life history data collected by Mousseau & Roff (1987). Average behavioural heritability was not significantly different from average life history heritability, but both were smaller than average morphological heritability. We cross-classified behavioural traits to test whether variation in heritability was related to selection (dominance, domestic/wild) or variance compounding (integration level). There was a significant three-way interaction between indices of selection and variance compounding, related to the absence of either effect at the highest integration level. At lower integration levels, high dominance variance indicated effects of selection. It was also indicated by the low CVA of domestic species. At the same time CVR increased disproportionately faster than CVA across integration levels, demonstrating variance compounding. However, neither CVR nor CVA had a predominant effect on heritability. The partial regression coefficients of CVR and CVA on heritability were similar and a path analysis indicated that their (positive) correlation was also necessary to explain variation in heritability. These results suggest that relationships between additive genetic and residual components of quantitative genetic variation can constrain their independent direct effects on behavioural heritability.
Phylogeny of Medusozoa and the evolution of cnidarian life cycles
Authors: Collins A. G.
Published: March 2003

To investigate the evolution of cnidarian life cycles, data from the small subunit of the ribosome are used to derive a phylogenetic hypothesis for Medusozoa. These data indicate that Cnidaria is monophyletic and composed of Anthozoa and Medusozoa. While Cubozoa and Hydrozoa are well supported clades, Scyphozoa appears to be paraphyletic. Stauromedusae is possibly the sister group of either Cubozoa or all other medusozoans. The phylogenetic results suggest that: the polyp probably preceded the medusa in the evolution of Cnidaria; within Hydrozoa, medusa development involving the entocodon is ancestral; within Trachylina, the polyp was lost and subsequently regained in the parasitic narcomedusans; within Siphonophorae, the float originated prior to swimming bells; stauromedusans are not likely to be descended from ancestors that produced medusae by strobilation; and cubozoan polyps are simplified from those of their ancestors, which possessed polyps with gastric septa and four mesogleal muscle bands and peristomial pits.
A potential mechanism for cryptic female choice in a flour beetle
Authors: Bloch Qazi M. C.
Published: March 2003

In polyandrous mating systems, events occurring during copulation can alter the fate of the mating male's sperm. These events may exert selective pressures resulting in the evolution of diverse reproductive behaviours, morphologies and physiologies. This study investigates the role of male and female copulatory behaviours on sperm fate in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. I describe and quantify copulatory behaviours for mating pairs, and examine sperm fate by quantifying sperm transfer, sperm storage and second male sperm precedence. Whereas female quiescence during copulation and male leg rubbing during copulation together account for significant variation (26%) in sperm precedence, female copulatory quiescence alone provides information about the timing and numbers of sperm transferred. These experiments show that a female copulatory behaviour predicts sperm fate, and emphasize the value of studying variation in both male and female copulatory behaviours for understanding factors affecting sperm use.
Forty years of solitude: life-history divergence and behavioural isolation between laboratory lines of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Boake C. R. B. , Mcdonald K. , Maitra S. , Ganguly R.
Published: March 2003

The study of the early stages of speciation can benefit from examination of differences between populations of known history that have been separated for a short time, such as a few thousands of generations. We asked whether two lines of Drosophila melanogaster that were isolated more than 40 years ago have evolved differences in life-history characters, or have begun to evolve behavioural or postzygotic isolation. One line, which is resistant to DDT, showed lower egg production and a shorter lifespan than a susceptible line. These differences are not a pleiotropic effect of resistance because they are not attributable to the chromosome that contains the resistance factors. The two lines have begun to become behaviourally isolated. Again, the isolation is not attributable to genes on the chromosome that contains resistance factors. The lines show only prezygotic isolation; there is no evidence of reduced fitness of F1 or F2 hybrids. These lines and others like them, should be excellent subjects for analyses of genetic changes that could lead to speciation.