bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forms of density regulation and (quasi‐) stationary distributions of population sizes in birds
Authors: Sæther Bernt‐Erik , Engen Steinar , Grøtan Vidar , Bregnballe Thomas , Both Christiaan , Tryjanowski Piotr , Leivits Agu , Wright Jonathan , Møller Anders Pape , Visser Marcel E. , Winkel Wolfgang
Published: August 2008

The theta‐logistic model of density regulation is an especially flexible class of density regulation models where different forms of non‐linear density regulation can be expressed by only one parameter, θ. Estimating the parameters of the theta‐logistic model is, however, challenging. This is mainly due to the need for information concerning population growth at low densities as well as data on fluctuations around the carrying capacity K in order to estimate the strength of density regulation. Here we estimate parameters of the theta‐logistic model for 28 populations of three species of birds that have grown from very small population sizes followed by a period of fluctuations around K. We then use these parameters to estimate the quasi‐stationary distribution of population size. There were often large uncertainties in these parameters specifying the form of density regulation that were generally independent of the duration of the study period. In contrast, precision in the estimates of environmental variance increased with the length of the time series. In most of the populations, a large proportion of the probability density of the (quasi‐) stationary distribution of population sizes was located at intermediate population sizes relative to K. Thus, we suggest that the (quasi‐) stationary distribution of population sizes represents a useful summary statistic that in many cases provides a more robust characterisation of basic population dynamics (e.g. range of variation in population fluctuations or proportion of time spent close to K) than can be obtained from analyses of single model parameters.
Interactive effects of grazing and enrichment on diversity; conceptual implications of a rocky intertidal experiment
Authors: Guerry Anne D.
Published: August 2008

Understanding the ways in which consumers and productivity act and interact to yield differences in diversity is of primary conceptual and pragmatic importance in a world in which humans are simultaneously changing ecological communities and substantially altering the availability of nutrients. Here, I used macroalgal communities on rocky reefs to examine the effects of both limpet grazing and nutrient enrichment on algal diversity throughout almost two years of succession. The experimental design included three levels each of grazing and nutrients, with unglazed terracotta pots attached to the rock as replicate plots in a high intertidal limpet‐macroalgal community. Grazing effects varied by year. During the first year, grazing effects were context‐dependent with limpets resulting in lower species richness, especially at the highest level of limpet density. However, at this highest level of limpet density, high enrichment counteracted the negative effect of limpets such that diversity was similar to that in treatments with lower limpet densities. In the second year, grazing generally decreased richness, regardless of enrichment. The results of this experiment are partially consistent with the grazer‐reversal hypothesis – grazing decreased richness in low nutrient conditions and this effect was neutralized (rather than reversed) under high enrichment. Inconsistencies with model predictions may be explained by the apparent unresponsiveness of algal productivity to experimental enrichment, the unique substrate‐scraping feeding mechanisms of limpets, and potentially limited propagule supply.
Spatial variation in age‐specific probabilities of first reproduction for Weddell seals
Authors: Hadley Gillian L. , Rotella Jay J. , Garrott Robert A.
Published: August 2008

Spatial variation in vital rates can affect the dynamics and persistence of a population. We evaluated the prediction that age‐specific probabilities of survival and first reproduction for Weddell seals would vary as a function of birth location in Erebus Bay, Antarctica. We used multi‐state mark–resight models and 25 years of data to estimate demographic rates for female seals. We predicted that probabilities of survival and first reproduction would be higher for seals born at near‐shore colonies or more southerly‐located colonies with consistent ice conditions. Contrary to predictions, results revealed higher age‐specific probabilities of first reproduction at offshore colonies relative to near‐shore colonies and no spatial variation in survival rates. For 7‐year old females (average age at 1st reproduction=7.6 years old) born at offshore colonies to mothers aged 10.8 years (average maternal age), probability of first reproduction was 0.43 (SE=0.07), whereas probability of first reproduction for females born at near‐shore colonies was 0.30 (SE=0.05) based on estimates from our top‐ranked model. Breeding probabilities following first reproduction were also higher at offshore colonies. Thus, our results (1) provide evidence of spatial variation in breeding probabilities, (2) reveal the importance of birth location on a female's vital rates, and (3) suggest that the effect persisted for many years. Birth‐colony effects may be attributed to spatial variation in prey availability, or to heterogeneity in female quality in this population. If females who are superior competitors consistently chose offshore colonies for pupping, pups born at these locations may have inherited those superior qualities and displayed higher probabilities of first reproduction, relative to seals born at other colonies. Further research into physical or food‐related differences among colonies may offer insight into spatial variation in breeding probabilities documented in this paper.
Evaluating condition‐specific and asymmetric competition in a species‐distribution context
Authors: Twomey Evan , Morales Victor , Summers Kyle
Published: August 2008

Mechanisms resulting in parapatric distributions of closely related taxa have long interested ecologists. If two species are distributed across an environmental gradient, and differ in their ability to cope with environmental conditions, the outcome of competitive interactions may be dependent on prevailing abiotic conditions. Two closely related species of poison frogs in north–central Peru were observed to occupy parapatric distributions across an elevation gradient. Ameerega bassleri is a highland endemic restricted to a small region of Peru, and A. trivittata is distributed throughout lowland Amazonia. The goal of this study was to examine the effect of an abiotic factor (elevation) on two biotic factors (intraspecific and interspecific competition), by measuring growth and survival in the larvae of A. trivittata and A. bassleri. Using mesocosm experiments arranged in a fractional factorial design, we found that (1) A. bassleri had a strong negative effect on the growth and survival of A. trivittata regardless of elevation, (2) A. trivittata had no effect on the growth of A. bassleri at either elevation, but did appear to reduce the survival of A. bassleri more strongly in the lowlands than highlands, (3) lowland conditions uniformly reduced survival in all treatments and in both species, and (4) competition was strongly asymmetric between A. bassleri and A. trivittata. We conclude that the perceived low density of A. trivittata in highland sites may be influenced by the presence of A. bassleri, but the lower limit to the distribution of A. bassleri cannot be explained by competition with A. trivittata and may be due to physiological constraints imposed by lowland conditions.
Movement patterns and study area boundaries: influences on survival estimation in capture–mark–recapture studies
Authors: Horton Gregg E. , Letcher Benjamin H.
Published: August 2008

The inability to account for the availability of individuals in the study area during capture–mark–recapture (CMR) studies and the resultant confounding of parameter estimates can make correct interpretation of CMR model parameter estimates difficult. Although important advances based on the Cormack–Jolly–Seber (CJS) model have resulted in estimators of true survival that work by unconfounding either death or recapture probability from availability for capture in the study area, these methods rely on the researcher's ability to select a method that is correctly matched to emigration patterns in the population. If incorrect assumptions regarding site fidelity (non‐movement) are made, it may be difficult or impossible as well as costly to change the study design once the incorrect assumption is discovered. Subtleties in characteristics of movement (e.g. life history‐dependent emigration, nomads vs territory holders) can lead to mixtures in the probability of being available for capture among members of the same population. The result of these mixtures may be only a partial unconfounding of emigration from other CMR model parameters. Biologically‐based differences in individual movement can combine with constraints on study design to further complicate the problem. Because of the intricacies of movement and its interaction with other parameters in CMR models, quantification of and solutions to these problems are needed. Based on our work with stream‐dwelling populations of Atlantic salmonSalmo salar, we used a simulation approach to evaluate existing CMR models under various mixtures of movement probabilities. The Barker joint data model provided unbiased estimates of true survival under all conditions tested. The CJS and robust design models provided similarly unbiased estimates of true survival but only when emigration information could be incorporated directly into individual encounter histories. For the robust design model, Markovian emigration (future availability for capture depends on an individual's current location) was a difficult emigration pattern to detect unless survival and especially recapture probability were high. Additionally, when local movement was high relative to study area boundaries and movement became more diffuse (e.g. a random walk), local movement and permanent emigration were difficult to distinguish and had consequences for correctly interpreting the survival parameter being estimated (apparent survival vs true survival).
Specialization pays off: contrasting effects of two types of tannins on oak specialist and generalist moth species
Authors: Roslin Tomas , Salminen Juha‐Pekka
Published: August 2008

Phytochemical coevolution theory posits that specialist herbivores will be less sensitive than generalists to the defensive compounds of their host. On the other hand, both types of herbivores should allegedly be similarly sensitive to ‘quantitative’ defences, such as tannin compounds. In this paper, we critically examine the biological effects of two types of tannins: vescalagin (a quantitatively dominant hydrolysable tannin of Quercus robur), and a mix of condensed tannins. In a phylogenetically controlled design, we compare the response of two specialist moth species (Dichonia aprilina and Catocala sponsa) and two generalist species (Acronicta psi and Amphipyra pyramidea) to four artificial diets: a control diet, a diet with 50 mg g−1 vescalagin, a diet with 15 mg/g condensed tannins, and a diet with both 50 mg g−1 vescalagin and 15 mg g−1 condensed tannins. Overall, we find drastic effects of vescalagin and pronounced differences in the responses of generalist and specialist herbivores, but no detectable effects of condensed tannins, and no interaction between the two types of compounds. More specifically, vescalagin reduced the growth of generalist species to one‐half of control levels over 72 h. The compound served as a strong feeding deterrent to generalists, reducing ingestion rates by two‐thirds. Vescalagin also reduced the metabolic and growth efficiency of generalist species to between 16% and 56% of control levels – effects which were lacking or even reversed in specialist species. These patterns suggest that vescalagin forms an important part of the oak's defence against herbivores, and that specialist species have adapted to deal with such substances. In terms of biological effects, condensed tannins seem much less important. Given a quantitative dominance of hydrolysable tannins over condensed tannins in oak leaves, and a seasonal decline in overall tannin levels, these findings contradict the previous notion that widespread spring feeding among oak herbivores could be attributed to tannins.
Dispersal strategies and spatial organization of vegetation in arid ecosystems
Authors: Pueyo Y. , Kefi S. , Alados C. L. , Rietkerk M.
Published: August 2008

Seed dispersal and establishment are critical stages for plants in arid environments, where vegetation is spatially organized in patches with suitable and unsuitable sites for establishment. Theoretical studies suggest that the ability of vegetation to self‐organize in patchy spatial patterns is a critical property for plant survival in arid environments, and is a consequence of a scale‐dependent feedback between plants and resource availability. Field observations show that plants of arid environments evolved towards short dispersal distance (proxichory) and that the investment in reproduction increases along an aridity gradient. Here, we investigated how plant dispersal strategies affect spatial organization and associated scale‐dependent feedback in arid ecosystems. We addressed this research question using a model where the spatio‐temporal vegetation patterns were driven by scale‐dependent feedbacks between plants and soil water availability. In the model, water availability limited vegetation growth, seed production and establishment ability. Seed dispersal was modelled with an integrodifferential equation that mimicked important plant dispersal characteristics (i.e. fecundity, mean dispersal distance and establishment ability). Results showed that, when the investment in fecundity was relatively high, short seed dispersal helped maintaining higher mean biomass in the system, improving the vegetation efficiency in water use. However, higher fecundity induced a large cost, and high mean biomass could be sustained only with high establishment ability. Considering low establishment ability, intermediate fecundity was more efficient than low fecundity in maintaining high plant biomass under the most arid conditions. Consistently, plant dispersal strategies that maintained more biomass were related to a vegetation spatial organization that allowed the most efficient soil water redistribution, through the strengthening of the scale‐dependent feedback. The efficient dispersal strategies and spatial patterns in the model are commonly observed in plants of arid environments. Thus, dispersal strategies in arid environments might contribute to a favourable spatial organization and associated scale‐dependent feedback.
Asynchrony in population dynamics of sockeye salmon in southwest Alaska
Authors: Rogers Lauren A. , Schindler Daniel E.
Published: August 2008

Ecologists have examined the synchronization of population dynamics across space as a means to understand how populations respond to climate variation. However, response diversity may reflect important variation among local population dynamics driven by population‐specific responses to regional environmental change. We used long‐term data on sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka from pristine watersheds of southwestern Alaska to show that populations spawning in close proximity (<40 km) to one another have a limited degree of synchrony in their dynamics, even after accounting for density‐dependent processes. In fact, the dynamics of local populations of stream‐spawning sockeye salmon were no more coherent than those of stocks at a much coarser resolution across this region of Alaska. We examined four hypotheses to explain the observed patterns of asynchrony among stream‐spawning populations, and found that populations spawning in dissimilar habitats, and using different nursery lakes were less synchronized in their productivity. Similarity in the age structure of spawning adults was less correlated with synchrony in productivity. These results emphasize the importance of maintaining diverse spawning and rearing habitat for the conservation of Pacific salmon, and should guide conservation planning for Pacific salmon populations in regions where natural dynamics have been altered by habitat loss, hatchery practices, and over‐fishing.
The impact of raptors on the abundance of upland passerines and waders
Authors: Amar Arjun , Thirgood Simon , Pearce‐Higgins James , Redpath Steve
Published: August 2008

The issue of predator limitation of vertebrate prey populations is contentious, particularly when it involves species of economic or conservation value. In this paper, we examine the case of raptor predation on upland passerines and waders in Scotland. We analysed the abundance of five wader and passerine species on an upland sporting estate in southern Scotland during an eight‐year period when hen harrier, peregrine and merlin numbers increased due to strict law enforcement. The abundance of meadow pipit and skylark declined significantly during this time. Golden plover also showed a declining trend, whereas curlew increased significantly and there was a near significant increase in lapwings. Contrasting the local population trends of these species with trends on nearby areas revealed higher rates of decline for meadow pipit and skylark at the site where raptors increased, but no differences in trends for any of the three wader species. There was a negative relationship between the number of breeding harriers and meadow pipit abundance the same year and between total annual raptor numbers and meadow pipit abundance. Predation rates of meadow pipit and skylark determined from observations at harrier nests suggested that predation in June was sufficient to remove up to 40% of the June meadow pipit population and up to 34% of the June skylark population. This ‘quasi‐natural’ experiment suggests that harrier predation limited the abundance of their main prey, meadow pipit, and possibly the abundance of skylark. Thus, high densities of harriers may in theory reduce the abundance of the prey species which determine their breeding densities, potentially leading to lower harrier breeding densities in subsequent years. We found no evidence to suggest that raptor predation limited the populations of any of the three wader species. We infer that concerns over the impact of natural densities of hen harriers on vulnerable upland waders are unjustified.
On the identification of the most suitable traits for plant functional trait analyses
Authors: Bernhardt‐Römermann Markus , Römermann Christine , Nuske Robert , Parth Andreas , Klotz Stefan , Schmidt Wolfgang , Stadler Jutta
Published: August 2008

Within the past few years plant functional trait analyses have been widely applied to learn more about the processes and patterns of ecosystem development in response to environmental changes. These approaches are based on the assumption that plants with similar ecologically relevant trait attributes respond to environmental changes in comparable ways. Several methods have been described on how to analyse a priori defined trait sets with respect to environment. Irrespective of the statistical methods used to contrast ecosystem responses and environmental conditions, each functional trait approach depends strongly on the initial trait set. In nearly all recent studies on functional trait analysis a test, if a trait is responsible, is applied independently from the core analysis. In the current study we present a method that extracts those traits from a wider set of traits which are optimal for describing the ecosystem response to a given environmental gradient. This was done by the use of iterative three‐table ordination techniques with each possible trait combination. We further concentrated on the effect of the inclusion of too many traits in such analyses.

As examples the method was applied to three long term studies on abandoned arable fields. The approach was validated by comparing the results with literature‐knowledge on arable field succession. Although the trait pre‐selection was only based on a statistical procedure, our method was able to identify all relevant processes of ecosystem responses. All three sites show comparable ecosystem responses; the importance of the competitive ability of plants was highlighted. We further demonstrated that the use of too many traits results in an over‐fitting of the trait‐environment model.

The presented method of iterative RLQ‐analyses is adequate to identify responding traits to environmental changes: the discovered processes of successional development of abandoned arable fields are consistent with our knowledge from the literature.
The effect of soil on the growth performance of tropical species with contrasting distributions
Authors: Brenes‐Arguedas Tania , Ríos Marcos , Rivas‐Torres Gonzalo , Blundo Cecilia , Coley Phyllis D. , Kursar Thomas A.
Published: August 2008

Within the tropics, a marked gradient in rainfall between dry and wet forests correlates with a well documented turnover of plant species. While water availability along these gradients is an important determinant of species distributions, other abiotic and biotic factors correlate with rainfall and may also contribute to limit species distribution. One of these is soil fertility, which is often lower in the wetter forests. To test its possible role in species distribution along a rainfall gradient, we performed a screen‐house experiment where we measured the growth performance of seedlings of 23 species with contrasting distributions across the Isthmus of Panama. We grew seedlings in soils collected from the drier Pacific side and the wetter Atlantic side. Differences in soil fertility across the Isthmus were large enough to significantly influence the growth performance of the seedlings. However, we found no evidence of home‐soil advantage among species with contrasting distributions. Dry‐distribution species grew on average slower than wet‐distribution species suggesting a cost to drought adaptations. The response to soil differences correlated with the growth rate of the species, such that fast‐growing species responded more to changes in soil quality. We hypothesize that inherently slow growth rates of some dry‐distribution tropical species may be a more important factor limiting their colonization of wetter sites along the rainfall gradient.
On the relative importance of the effects of selection and complementarity as drivers of diversity–productivity relationships in Mediterranean shrublands
Authors: Montès Nicolas , Maestre Fernando T. , Ballini Christine , Baldy Virginie , Gauquelin Thierry , Planquette Mathieu , Greff Stéphane , Dupouyet Sylvie , Perret Jean‐Baptiste
Published: August 2008

Extensive research has been devoted to understanding the role of biodiversity as a driver of ecosystem functioning. However, no previous study has evaluated the relative contribution of complementarity and selection to productivity in shrublands. We have attempted to do this for a Mediterranean shrubland dominated byQuercus coccifera,Cistus albidus,Ulex parviflorusandRosmarinus officinalis. We found a highly significant and linear positive relationship between productivity and species richness. No selection effect was apparent, but both the complementarity and net effects were highly significant. The magnitude of these effects increased from two to three species, but became non‐significant in the four‐species mixtures. Analysis of pairwise interactions revealed that legumes did not promote overyielding. Complementarity was mostly driven byCistus, which always performed better when growing with other species than when growing with conspecifics. Our results are an addition to the still scarce literature dealing with diversity–productivity relationships in communities dominated by woody species, and show that methodologies commonly used to assess complementarity may not provide a precise estimation when a given species has negative effects on its conspecifics.
Phylogenetic relationships of subfamilies and circumscription of tribes in the family Hesperiidae (Lepidoptera: Hesperioidea)
Authors: Warren Andrew D. , Ogawa Joshua R. , Brower Andrew V. Z.
Published: August 2008

A comprehensive tribal‐level classification for the world’s subfamilies of Hesperiidae, the skipper butterflies, is proposed for the first time. Phylogenetic relationships between tribes and subfamilies are inferred using DNA sequence data from three gene regions (cytochrome oxidase subunit I‐subunit II, elongation factor‐1α and wingless). Monophyly of the family is strongly supported, as are some of the traditionally recognized subfamilies, with the following relationships: (Coeliadinae + (“Pyrginae” + (Heteropterinae + (Trapezitinae + Hesperiinae)))). The subfamily Pyrginae of contemporary authors was recovered as a paraphyletic grade of taxa. The formerly recognized subfamily Pyrrhopyginae, although monophyletic, is downgraded to a tribe of the “Pyrginae”. The former subfamily Megathyminae is an infra‐tribal group of the Hesperiinae. The Australian endemic Euschemon rafflesia is a hesperiid, possibly related to “Pyrginae” (Eudamini). Most of the traditionally recognized groups and subgroups of genera currently employed to partition the subfamilies of the Hesperiidae are not monophyletic. We recognize eight pyrgine and six hesperiine tribes, including the new tribe Moncini.

© The Willi Hennig Society 2008.
Low‐dose etanercept therapy in moderate to severe psoriasis in Korean
Authors: NA Jung Im , KIM Jun Hyung , PARK Kyoung Chan , YOUN Sang Woong
Published: August 2008

Etanercept is a fully humanized soluble tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α receptor that competitively inhibits the interaction of TNF‐α with cell‐surface receptors. It was approved as monotherapy for psoriasis in the USA in 2004, but in Korea, no clinical reports on its use for psoriasis are available. We performed a retrospective analysis of 26 moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis patients who had been treated with etanercept. Patients received twice‐weekly injections of 25 mg etanercept s.c. for at least 4 weeks. When the patients achieved a 50% reduction of the psoriasis area severity index (PASI 50) they received once‐weekly injections, then biweekly injections were provided for maintenance. Patients were evaluated biweekly by clinical photographs and PASI scoring. Treatment efficacy was as follows. A PASI 75 was achieved in 14 patients (54%) and the mean number of injections before achieving a PASI 75 was 10 ± 7.5. Patients whose initial PASI was less than 10 (iPASI < 10) showed an earlier response (2.6 ± 1.3 weeks) and a higher PASI 75 rate (63%), than with iPASI ≥ 10 (6.9 ± 4.5 weeks, 50%). Eight patients (31%) received additional phototherapy or systemic therapy because of insufficient responses or for faster improvements and they were excluded in the efficacy evaluation. Adverse events were observed in eight patients (31%), but were not serious. This is the first report on the effectiveness of low‐dose etanercept regimen on Asian psoriasis patients. Results in this study showed that low‐dose etanercept therapy is effective for moderate‐to‐severe Asian psoriasis patients, and it may be a valuable treatment option even for relatively moderate psoriasis patients not responsive to conventional treatment. In addition, the medical cost was relatively low compared to that of the standard regimen for white patients.
Elastic fiber staining and cytokeratin 15 expression pattern in trichoepithelioma and basal cell carcinoma
Authors: CHOI Chong Won , PARK Hyun Sun , KIM Yeon Kyung , LEE Seung Ho , CHO Kwang Hyun
Published: August 2008

Trichoepithelioma (TE) is a benign neoplasm of the skin that resembles basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in its clinical and histological features. In this study, we evaluate the usefulness of elastic fiber staining and cytokeratin 15 expression pattern in terms of distinguishing TE from BCC. Eleven TE and 17 BCC were examined histochemically and immunohistochemically. It was found that BCC contain more elastic fiber than TE, and that more TE show peripheral localization than BCC in cytokeratin 15 expression patterns. The present study shows that elastic fiber staining and cytokeratin 15 expression pattern may aid the differentiation of TE from BCC.
Topical immunomodulators are effective for treatment of vitiligo
Authors: CHOI Chong Won , CHANG Sung Eun , BAK Hana , CHOI Jee Ho , PARK Hyun Sun , HUH Chang Hun , KIM Chan Woong , KIM Sung Eun , MUN Seog Kyun , KIM Beom Joon , KIM Myeung Nam
Published: August 2008

Vitiligo is a common, acquired, depigmenting disease of the skin. Although the pathogenesis of vitiligo is still unclear, it is postulated that topical immunomodulators exert therapeutic effects on treatment of vitiligo. We reviewed the treatment of vitiligo with topical immunomodulators and topical steroids to evaluate the efficacy of immunomodulators in treatment of vitiligo. We reviewed 52 patients treated with topical immunomodulators and 27 patients with topical steroids. To evaluate the efficacy, repigmentation of vitiligo was reviewed. Between the two treatments, the duration from the start of treatment to onset of repigmentation was significantly shorter in the topical immunomodulator group (P = 0.002). However, no statistically significant differences were found in sex, age, mean disease duration, sites of vitiligo lesion and ratio of patients who showed response. We may suggest topical immunomodulator as an alternative to topical steroids for treatment of vitiligo.
Positive direct immunofluorescence and autoantibody profiles in psoriasis patients
Authors: JANJUMRATSANG Patcharin , PHAINUPONG Daraka , CHANJANAKIJSKUL Somchai , ROONGPHIBULSOPIT Paisal
Published: August 2008

Psoriasis and systemic lupus erythematosus are common, but their coexistence is thought to be infrequent. Each of these diseases has a broad clinical spectrum, so that diagnosis may not be straightforward. This study aimed to investigate the following immunological parameters in psoriasis patients: (i) direct immunofluorescence (DIF); (ii) antinuclear antibody; (iii) anti‐double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA); (iv) anti‐Ro; and (v) anti‐nuclear ribonucleoprotein (nRNP). Of 300 cases, comprising 189 men (62.9%) and 111 women (37.1%), 17 (5.7%; 10 men, seven women) were positive for at least one immunological parameter. Nine of 300 (3%; seven male, two female) biopsy specimens from sun‐exposed psoriatic lesions demonstrated bright continuous bands of granular IF along the dermoepidermal junction with immunoreactant immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgM, C3 and fibrinogen. The intensity of IF at the dermoepidermal junction was graded 3+ and 2+. Three cases demonstrated IgM, two had IgG, two fibrinogen and six cases showed C3. Three cases demonstrated more than one immunoreactant. One case demonstrated C3 at the vessels. No specimen demonstrated IgA deposition. Three hundred sera were obtained from patients with psoriasis, of which five demonstrated elevated antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer; dilution titer varied from 1:80–640. Three had a homogeneous pattern and two had a speckled pattern. None had a peripheral pattern. Five (1.7%) of 300 demonstrated anti‐Ro, two had negative ANA, and three were positive ANA, two of which were speckled and the other homogenous. Anti‐dsDNA, anti‐Sm and anti‐nRNP were not detected. Ten patients had positive DIF but negative ANA, while five had positive ANA; all had negative DIF results. Thus, the incidence of psoriasis and lupus erythematosus coexistence is low and a baseline immunological screening test for psoriasis might not prove worthwhile.
Interleukin‐18 prevents apoptosis via PI3K/Akt pathway in normal human keratinocytes
Authors: HOSOTANI Yuka , KASHIWAMURA Shin‐Ichiro , KIMURA‐SHIMMYO Akiko , SEKIYAMA Atsuo , UEDA Haruyasu , IKEDA Tomohiro , MIMURA Osamu , OKAMURA Haruki
Published: August 2008

Interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) is a pleiotropic cytokine expressed in both immune and non‐immune cells. In the present study, we demonstrate an anti‐apoptotic role of IL‐18 in normal human neonatal foreskin epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK‐F). Cultured NHEK‐F spontaneously produced the active form of IL‐18. Treatment of NHEK‐F cells with anti‐IL‐18 receptor α‐chain neutralizing antibody increased apoptosis and caspase‐3 activity. Exogenous IL‐18 augmented phosphorylation of Akt and activation of NF‐κB. The promotion of Akt phosphorylation by IL‐18 was abolished by LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, but not SN50, an NF‐κB inhibitor, indicating that IL‐18 functions via the PI3K/Akt pathway and independently of NF‐κB. In addition, IL‐18 was found to augment expression of anti‐apoptotic proteins, Bcl‐2, XIAP and glucose regulated protein78/BiP, while anti‐IL‐18 receptor α‐chain neutralizing antibody suppressed expression of Bcl‐2, XIAP, glucose regulated protein94 and protein disulfide isomerase. Taken together, these results indicate that IL‐18 plays an important role in keratinocyte survival.
Transitory pigmented purpuric dermatoses in a young Japanese female
Authors: ABE Masatoshi , SYUTO Tomoko , ISHIBUCHI Hirohisa , YOKOYAMA Yoko , ISHIKAWA Osamu
Published: August 2008

We report a 23‐year‐old female patient with a 4‐month history of transitory pigmented purpuric dermatoses (PPD). She was otherwise healthy and reported no history of previous medication intake and none of her family members had any disorders. Clinical examination revealed well‐demarcated, brownish hyperpigmented, reticulated pigmentation with pinhead‐sized purpura. The histopathological specimen was characterized by a mild epidermal hyperkeratosis, elongated rete ridges, papillomatosis and mild mononuclear cell infiltration in the superficial dermis with focal extravasations of red blood cells without siderophage. Despite prominent extravasations of red blood cells and edema both in the papillary dermis and the subpapillary layer, no definite capillaritis was seen. Based on these clinicohistopathological findings, the diagnosis of transitory PPD was considered to be most compatible. Clinicians should recognize the unique but rarely acknowledged disease as a subtype of pigmented purpuric dermatoses.
Neonatal pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: GUSHI Makiko , YAMAMOTO Yu‐Ichi , MINE Yoshiko , AWAZAWA Ryoko , NONAKA Kimiko , TAIRA Kiyohito , ASATO Yutaka , HAGIWARA Keisuke , UEZATO Hiroshi
Published: August 2008

A male newborn with skin erosions was born to a 32‐year‐old woman who was under treatment for pemphigus vulgaris that had been diagnosed 16 months earlier. Antibodies to desmoglein (Dsg)1 and Dsg3 were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Index values of antibodies to Dsg1 and Dsg3 were 49 (normal index values, <14) and 121 (normal index values, <7), respectively. Those findings concluded a diagnosis of neonatal pemphigus vulgaris. No new vesicles or bullae appeared in the newborn after the birth. Non‐corticosteroid ointments produced prompt epithelialization on the erosive lesions. All the eruptions disappeared in 3 weeks. The level of serum anti‐Dsg3 autoantibodies when measured at the 76th day was negative (<5).
Unusual presentation of tinea cruris due to Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes
Authors: KHOSRAVI Ali Reza , MANSOURI Parvin , NARAGHI Zahra , SHOKRI Hojjatollah , ZIGLARI Tahereh
Published: August 2008

Tinea cruris is a subacute or chronic dermatophytosis. This report describes a 30‐year‐old man presenting with a history of bullous erythematous along with itching of his crural regions. On the basis of clinical findings, the lesions were diagnosed as contact dermatitis and pustular psoriasis, so he was treated by local and systemic corticosteroids but pustular lesions were progressed on the affected sites. By using mycological and histological examinations, dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes was confirmed. The patient was successfully treated with itraconazole and local antifungal treatments.
Multiple inflammatory cytokine‐productive ThyL‐6 cell line established from a patient with thymic carcinoma
Authors: Inai Kunihiro , Takagi Kazutaka , Takimoto Nobuo , Okada Hiromi , Imamura Yoshiaki , Ueda Takanori , Naiki Hironobu , Noriki Sakon
Published: August 2008

Thymic epithelial cells can produce many kinds of cytokines, and interleukin (IL)‐6‐producing thymic carcinoma cases have been reported. However, a cytokine‐producing human thymic tumor cell line has not previously been established. In this paper, we report a novel, multiple inflammatory cytokine‐productive cell line that was established from a patient with thymic carcinoma. This cell line, designated ThyL‐6, positively expressed epithelial membrane antigen, cytokeratins, vimentin intermediate filament and CD5, although hematological markers were not present in the cells. Cytokine antibody array analysis showed that the cells secreted several cytokines including IL‐1α, IL‐6, IL‐8, RANTES, soluble TNFα‐receptor 1, VEGF and CTLA into the culture medium. The addition of ThyL‐6‐cultured supernatant supported the growth of human myeloma ILKM‐3 cells, which require the presence of IL‐6 in the culture medium for the maintenance of cell growth, suggesting that the secreted IL‐6 from ThyL‐6 cells was biologically active. Chromosome analysis demonstrated that ThyL‐6 cells had complex karyotype anomalies, including der(16)t(1;16); the latter has been recognized in thymic squamous cell carcinoma and thymic sarcomatoid carcinoma cases, as well as in several other kinds of malignancies. Heterotransplantation of the cells into nude mice showed tumorigenesis with neutrophil infiltration and liquefactive necrosis. These findings suggest that ThyL‐6 cells will provide us with a new experimental tool for investigating not only the pathogenesis, biological behavior, chromo‐somal analysis and therapeutic reagents of human thymic carcinoma, but also for studying cytokine–chemokine network systems. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 1778–1784)
Drug withdrawal, cocaine and sedative use disorders increase the need for mechanical ventilation in medical patients
Authors: De Wit Marjolein , Gennings Chris , Zilberberg Marya , Burnham Ellen L. , Moss Marc , Balster Robert L.
Published: August 2008

Aims  Alcohol use disorders increase the need for mechanical ventilation (MV) in critically ill medical, surgical and trauma patients. Studies examining other drug use disorders (DUD) in trauma patients have not demonstrated heightened rates of intensive care unit (ICU) complications. Patients with asthma and concurrent cocaine or heroin use disorders have an increased need for MV. The objective of this study is to determine if the presence of DUD and drug withdrawal syndromes are associated with increased need for MV in medical patients.

Design  Analysis of a national database.

Setting  The Nationwide Inpatient Sample, the largest all‐payer in‐patient database was utilized for the years 2002–2004.

Participants  Adult patients with one of the six common diagnoses associated with medical ICU admission were included.

Intervention  None.

Measurements  Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed to determine if DUD and drug withdrawal were associated independently with the use of MV.

Findings  A total 1 218 875 patients fulfilled one of the six diagnoses; 22 827 (1.9%) had DUD, and 102 841 (8.4%) underwent MV. Independent of the medical diagnosis, DUD was associated with an increased risk for requiring MV by univariate analysis (relative risk = 1.50, P < 0.0001). By multivariate analyses, sedative and cocaine use disorders remained associated with increased need for MV. Independent of medical diagnosis and substance, drug withdrawal was associated with increased odds of MV by both univariate and multivariate analysis (odds ratio = 2.94, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions  DUD are associated with increased need for MV in medical patients. This study demonstrates the importance of screening all medical patients for DUD.
Psychological mediators of bupropion sustained‐release treatment for smoking cessation
Authors: McCarthy Danielle E. , Piasecki Thomas M. , Lawrence Daniel L. , Jorenby Douglas E. , Shiffman Saul , Baker Timothy B.
Published: August 2008

Aim  The study aimed to test simultaneously our understanding of the effects of bupropion sustained‐release (SR) treatment on putative mediators and our understanding of determinants of post‐quit abstinence, including withdrawal distress, cigarette craving, positive affect and subjective reactions to cigarettes smoked during a lapse. The specificity of bupropion SR effects was also tested in exploratory analyses.

Design  Data from a randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial of bupropion SR were submitted to mediation analyses.

Setting  Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention, Madison, WI, USA.

Participants  A total of 403 adult, daily smokers without contraindications to bupropion SR use.

Intervention  Participants were assigned randomly to receive a 9‐week course of bupropion SR or placebo pill and to receive eight brief individual counseling sessions or no counseling.

Measurements  Ecological momentary assessment ratings of smoking behavior and putative mediators were collected pre‐ and post‐quit.

Findings  Results of structural equation and hierarchical linear models did not support the hypothesis that bupropion SR treatment improves short‐term abstinence by reducing withdrawal distress or affecting the subjective effects of a lapse cigarette, but provided partial support for mediation by cigarette craving reduction and enhanced positive affect. Bupropion SR effects on point‐prevalence abstinence at 1 month post‐quit were also mediated partially by enhanced motivation to quit and self‐efficacy.

Conclusions  Results provided some support for models of bupropion SR treatment and relapse and suggested that motivational processes may partially account for bupropion SR efficacy.
Properties of the Cigarette Dependence Scale and the Fagerström Test of Nicotine Dependence in a representative sample of smokers in Norway
Authors: Stavem Knut , Røgeberg Ole Jørgen , Olsen Jan Abel , Boe Jacob
Published: August 2008

Aims  To compare the properties of four measures of dependence to nicotine/tobacco, the 12‐item Cigarette Dependence Scale (CDS‐12), the six‐item Fagerström Test of Nicotine Dependence (FTND) and two shorter versions of the same measures.

Methods  In a cross‐sectional telephone survey of smokers in a representative general population sample in Norway, we compared the measures. We assessed (i) internal consistency reliability with Cronbach's α; (ii) compared item scores; and (iii) tested the validity of the questionnaires. Test–retest reliability was assessed in a smaller convenience sample.

Results  Among 1265 respondents (64%), 290 (23%) were daily smokers and included in further analysis. Their mean age was 42 years [standard deviation (SD) 15] and 46% were female. They smoked on average 13 cigarettes per day (SD 6). Internal consistency reliability was 0.61 for the FTND (n = 267) and 0.81 for the CDS‐12 (n = 266). Score distributions suggested a floor effect for the FTND. Test–retest reliability was 0.90 for the FTND and 0.97 for the CDS‐12 (n = 31). The correlation between the scale scores and a question about the maximum willingness to pay for a cigarette after not smoking all day was 0.36 (P < 0.001) for the FTND (n = 262) and 0.45 (P < 0.001) for the CDS‐12 (n = 263). There was little difference in the associations of the two scales or their abbreviated versions with external variables.

Conclusions  Telephone administration was acceptable for both questionnaires, and we have established population reference values for the four scales. The questionnaires were associated with each other and showed similar properties. The findings support the construct validity of the scales.
Association of a single nucleotide polymorphism in neuronal acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha 5 (CHRNA5) with smoking status and with ‘pleasurable buzz’ during early experimentation with smoking
Authors: Sherva Richard , Wilhelmsen Kirk , Pomerleau Cynthia S. , Chasse Scott A. , Rice John P. , Snedecor Sandy M. , Bierut Laura J. , Neuman Rosalind J. , Pomerleau Ovide F.
Published: August 2008

Aims To extend the previously identified association between a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in neuronal acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha‐5 (CHRNA5) and nicotine dependence to current smoking and initial smoking‐experience phenotypes.

Design, setting, participants Case–control association study with a community‐based sample, comprising 363 Caucasians and 72 African Americans (203 cases, 232 controls).

Measurements Cases had smoked ≥ five cigarettes/day for ≥ 5 years and had smoked at their current rate for the past 6 months. Controls had smoked between one and 100 cigarettes in their life‐time, but never regularly. Participants also rated, retrospectively, pleasurable and displeasurable sensations experienced when they first smoked. We tested for associations between smoking phenotypes and the top 25 SNPs tested for association with nicotine dependence in a previous study.

Findings A non‐synonymous coding SNP in CHRNA5, rs16969968, was associated with case status [odds ratio (OR) = 1.5,P = 0.01] and, in Caucasians, with experiencing a pleasurable rush or buzz during the first cigarette (OR = 1.6,P = 0.01); these sensations were associated highly with current smoking (OR = 8.2,P = 0.0001).

Conclusions We replicated the observation that the minor allele of rs16969968 affects smoking behavior, and extended these findings to sensitivity to smoking effects upon experimentation. While the ability to test genetic associations was limited by sample size, the polymorphism in the CHRNA5 subunit was shown to be associated significantly with enhanced pleasurable responses to initial cigarettes in regular smokers in an a priori test. The findings suggest that phenotypes related to subjective experiences upon smoking experimentation may mediate the development of nicotine dependence.
Trajectories of smoking among freshmen college students with prior smoking history and risk for future smoking: data from the University Project Tobacco Etiology Research Network (UpTERN) study
Authors: Colder Craig R. , Flay Brian R. , Segawa Eisuke , Hedeker Donald ,   TERN members
Published: August 2008

Aims  Little is known about smoking during the transition to college. The current study examined trajectories of smoking among college freshmen, how trajectories predicted later smoking and the social context of smoking.

Design  Weekly assessments of daily smoking were collected via the web during the first year of college for a large cohort with a previous history of smoking.

Participants and setting  A total of 193 college freshmen from a large public university with a previous history of smoking who smoked frequently enough to be included in trajectory analysis.

Measurements  Measures included weekly reports of daily smoking, family smoking, perceived peer attitudes and smoking, social norms and social smoking environment.

Findings  Seven trajectories were identified: one of low‐level sporadic smoking, one of low‐level smoking with a small increase during the year, two classes with a substantial decrease during the year, two classes with relatively small decreases and one class with a substantial increase in smoking. Trajectories of smoking in the freshman year predicted levels of sophomore year smoking, and some social context variables tended to change as smoking increased or decreased for a given trajectory class.

Conclusions  The transition into college is marked by changes in smoking, with smoking escalating for some students and continuing into the sophomore year. Shifts in social context that support smoking were associated with trajectories of smoking. Despite the focus of developmental models on smoking in early adolescence, the transition into college warrants further investigation as a dynamic period for smoking.