Effects of lianas on forest biogeochemistry during their lives and afterlives

Climate change and other anthropogenic disturbances are increasing liana abundance and biomass in many tropical and subtropical forests. While the effects of living lianas on species diversity, ecosystem carbon, and nutrient dynamics are receiving increasing attention, the role of dead lianas in forest ecosystems has been little studied and is poorly understood. Trees and lianas coexist as the major woody components of forests worldwide, but they have very different ecological strategies, with lianas relying on trees for mechanical support. Consequently, trees and lianas have evolved highly divergent stem, leaf, and root traits. Here we show that this trait divergence is likely to persist after death, into the afterlives of these organs, leading to divergent effects on forest biogeochemistry. We introduce a conceptual framework combining horizontal, vertical, and time dimensions for the effects of liana proliferation and liana tissue decomposition on ecosystem carbon and nutrient cycling. We propose a series of empirical studies comparing traits between lianas and trees to answer questions concerning the influence of trait afterlives on the decomposability of liana and tree organs. Such studies will increase our understanding of the contribution of lianas to terrestrial biogeochemical cycling, and help predict the effects of their increasing abundance.

Attributes of host-specificity better explain the diversified wood-boring longhorn beetles in tropical SW China than plant species diversity

A long-debated question in ecology is whether the hyper-diversity of tropical plant-feeding insects is a direct consequence of high tropical plant diversity or should be attributed to increases in host plant specialization. In this study, we used Cerambycidae (the wood-boring longhorn beetles whose larval stages feed on the xylems of trees and lianas) and plants as study materials to explore which hypothesis is more favoured. Multiple analyses were used to show the differences in host specificity of Cerambycidae in tropical and subtropical forests. From these analyses, we found that the alpha diversity of beetles in tropical forests was significantly higher than that in subtropical forests but not in plants. The relationship between plants and beetles was also closer in tropical areas than in subtropical areas. Our results imply that the wood-boring longhorn beetles show higher degrees of niche conservatism and host-specificity in tropical forests than in subtropical forests. The high diversity of wood-boring longhorn beetles in tropical forests might be explained to a large extent by their more finely partitioned diet breadth.

Tropilaelaps mercedesae Infestation Is Correlated with Injury Numbers on the Brood and the Population Size of Honey Bee Apis mellifera

Tropilaelaps mercedesae, one of the most devastating parasitic mites of honey bee Apis mellifera hosts, is a major threat to honey products by causing severe damage to honey bee colonies. Here, we recorded injury numbers caused by T. mercedesae to different body parts of the larval, pupal, and crippled adult stages of honey bee A. mellifera. We evaluated the relationship between infestation rate and injury numbers per bee for both larvae and pupae. We also noted the total bee numbers per beehive and examined the relationship between the infestation rate and population size. T. mercedesae infested all developmental stages of honey bees, with the highest injury numbers in the abdomens of bee pupae and the antennas of crippled adult bees. Although larvae received more injury numbers than pupae, both infestation rate and injury numbers decreased as the larval stage progressed to the pupal stage. The infestation rate increased as the population size per beehive decreased. This study provided new perspectives to the understanding of changes in the effects of T. mercedesae infestations on different developmental stages of honey bees. It also showed useful baseline information for screening honey bee stock that might have high defensive behaviors against mite infestation.

Preliminary Survey of Pathogens in the Asian Honey Bee (Apis cerana) in Thailand

Widespread parasites, along with emerging threats, globalization, and climate change, have greatly affected honey bees' health, leading to colony losses worldwide. In this study, we investigated the detection of biotic stressors (i.e., viruses, microsporidian, bacteria, and fungi) in Apis cerana by surveying the colonies across different regions of Thailand (Chiang Mai in the north, Nong Khai and Khon Kaen in the northeast, and Chumphon and Surat Thani in the south, in addition to the Samui and Pha-ngan islands). In this study, we detected ABPV, BQCV, LSV, and Nosema ceranae in A. cerana samples through RT-PCR. ABPV was only detected from the samples of Chiang Mai, whereas we found BQCV only in those from Chumphon. LSV was detected only in the samples from the Samui and Pha-ngan islands, where historically no managed bees are known. Nosema ceranae was found in all of the regions except for Nong Khai and Khon Kaen in northeastern Thailand. Paenibacillus larvae and Ascosphaera apis were not detected in any of the A. cerana samples in this survey. The phylogenetic tree analysis of the pathogens provided insights into the pathogens' movements and their distribution ranges across different landscapes, indicating the flow of pathogens among the honey bees. Here, we describe the presence of emerging pathogens in the Asian honey bee as a valuable step in our understanding of these pathogens in terms of the decline in eastern honey bee populations.

Photodiagnostic services in the UK and Republic of Ireland: a British Photodermatology Group Workshop Report

BACKGROUND

Photodiagnostic investigations are essential for the accurate diagnosis of abnormal cutaneous photosensitivity and provide important information for the management of patients with photodermatoses (cutaneous photosensitivity disorders). Although photodiagnosis has been undertaken since the early 1970s, specialist services in the United Kingdom (UK) and Republic of Ireland are limited and there is no formal guidance on diagnostic approach. Indeed, there is a limited literature in this area of methodology and diagnostic practice.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective was to undertake a British Photodermatology Group Workshop to review the role and activities of specialist centres in the UK and Republic of Ireland in order to ascertain whether there were consensus practices. Secondary objectives were to identify key priorities for service, training and research.

METHODS

An initial detailed survey review of current activities was undertaken prior to the Workshop and data from this survey were used to inform discussion at the Workshop, which was attended by key photodermatology experts from the UK and Republic of Ireland.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS

We have undertaken a detailed review of current Photodiagnostic Services in the UK and Republic of Ireland and report on our findings from the 12 centres and we have identified key areas of consensus practice. This is an important step in the process of standardising and optimising procedures and protocols and defining minimum clinical standards for photodiagnostic investigations, which are of such diagnostic importance in Dermatology.

The removal of metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes using an aqueous two-phase system

Here we report our findings on the removal of metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes using an aqueous two-phase system. The aqueous two-phase system contained as received carbon nanotubes, polyethylene glycol, dextran, N-methylpyrrolidone, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, and water which phase separated into top and bottom phases. The top phase was dominated by polyethylene glycol whereas the bottom phase was dominated by dextran. The dextran-rich phase contained more semiconducting species while metallic species was more abundant in the polyethylene glycol rich-phase. It was found via Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy that cetyltrimethylammonium bromide only present in the dextran-rich phase. A selectivity mechanism is tentatively proposed and discussed.

Retrospective survey of serum lipids in patients receiving more than three courses of isotretinoin

Isotretinoin is well recognised to cause hyperlipidaemia. This is most obvious during the second month of a 4-month course. Since there are no long-term data on lipid profiles, we have identified 30 subjects who have received 3 or more courses of isotretinoin. They had been exposed to a median of 24.5 months (range 12-103) isotretinoin therapy with a median total cumulative dose of 350 mg/kg (range 152-1221). The median serum cholesterol pre-treatment was 4.6 mmol/L (range 3-6.4). This compared to a median of 4.5 mmol/L (range 3-6.4) just prior to starting the final course. The median triglyceride levels before treatment and pre-final course were 0.8 mmol/L (range 0.3-1.7) and 0.92 mmol/L (range 0.4-2.6) respectively, indicating no significant change in cholesterol or triglyceride concentrations when measured prior to the first and last courses. In addition there was no correlation between cholesterol or triglyceride concentration before the final course of isotretinoin and the total cumulative dose of isotretinoin. We conclude that there appears to be little risk of causing hyperlipidaemia by prolonged therapy with isotretinoin in patients with acne.

A questionnaire survey of attitudes to and usage of sunscreens in northwest England

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Sunscreens are employed with the aim of reducing the deleterious effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR), but little is known about their use in the UK.

METHODS

This questionnaire survey assessed attitudes to and usage of sunscreens in northwest England in 2000. Subjects (186 females and 102 males) were recruited from the waiting rooms of four general practices, with a high response rate of 97%.

RESULTS

Females were more frequent users of sunscreens than males, but only 35% females and 8% males reported their regular use. Twenty-two per cent of the study population did not use sunscreens at all, whereas 66% of subjects bought a sunscreen product once a year or less. Thirty-four per cent subjects reported experiencing sunburn in the last 2 years. Interestingly, more (60%) sunburns were found to occur at home in the UK than on holidays abroad, and these frequently occurred during outdoor activities other than deliberate sunbathing.

CONCLUSION

There remains much scope for sunscreen education in the British public.

Keloidal scleroderma

A 53-year-old woman with systemic sclerosis developed numerous cutaneous nodules, resembling keloids, on her anterior chest wall. The nodules failed to respond to therapy with topical steroid, calcipotriol, or extended photochemotherapy. This is a rare, disfiguring variant of scleroderma, unresponsive to treatment, and poorly understood.

What do trainee hairdressers know about hand dermatitis?

Hand dermatitis is an important cause of morbidity in hairdressers. We conducted a questionnaire survey of 121 trainee hairdressers from 2 hairdressing colleges in Burnley (UK). The questionnaire concerned the number and types of hairdressing procedures performed, previous and current medical history, awareness of risks to the skin from hairdressing, and knowledge of hand dermatitis prevention. 17% of the trainees suffered currently from hand dermatitis. This is likely to be due to the large amount of wet work done by apprentice hairdressers, particularly those who worked in salons. 2/3 of trainees were not aware that atopic eczema predisposed to hand dermatitis. Formal pre-school and pre-employment counselling was limited. Knowledge on hand care among trainees was not often translated into practice, with gloves being worn by only 9% when shampooing and 58% when perming. Prevention of hand dermatitis by education and pre-employment counselling is of fundamental importance.

Epstein-Barr virus-positive blastoid nasal T/natural killer-cell lymphoma in a caucasian

T/natural killer (NK)-cell lymphoma is a subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, with frequent cutaneous involvement; it follows an aggressive course. Most cases are reported in Asia, and typically present with nasopharyngeal involvement. There is a distinct variant known as blastoid T/NK-cell lymphoma, which affects elderly, non-Asian patients, with absence of nasal involvement. We report a middle-aged caucasian man who had blastoid T/NK-cell lymphoma with nasal involvement.

PUVA therapy in lichen aureus

Lichen aureus is one of the subtypes of a rare group of diseases, pigmented purpuric dermatoses. The natural course of the disease is slow evolution and slow resolution. Treatment is generally limited. We report a case of lichen aureus that responded dramatically to photochemotherapy (PUVA).

Esophageal investigations in connective tissue disease: which tests are most appropriate?

Our aim was to review the use of esophageal investigations in patients with suspected connective tissue disease (CTD). Forty-seven patients (39 women and 8 men) with suspected CTD were referred for esophageal manometry at the gastrointestinal physiology unit in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, U.K., over a 10-year period (1987-1997). The mean age was 51.7 years (range = 21-79 years). Chart review was conducted 1 to 10 years after manometry to confirm the final diagnoses: scleroderma was found in 11; CREST (calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, telangiectasia), 8; mixed connective tissue disease, 14; Raynaud's alone, 5; and other CTDs, 9. All 47 successfully underwent esophageal manometry. In addition to manometry, 24 underwent gastroscopy; 27, barium meal; and 3, esophageal pH studies. Clinically significant esophageal abnormalities were noted in 8 (33%) on gastroscopy, in 15 (56%) on barium meal, and in 31 (66%) on manometry. Gastroscopy had a significantly lower positivity rate than the others (p < 0.05). Only three patients had pH testing, yet all three pH tests were abnormal. During manometry, abnormal findings were significantly more common in scleroderma-CREST when compared with other diagnoses (89% vs. 50%; p < 0.02). Thirty-three patients reported dysphagia. Abnormal manometry was more likely in these cases (82% vs. 33%; p < 0.02). A high percentage of patients with CTD have significant esophageal motility disorders. Investigations were more likely to be positive with scleroderma-CREST than other CTDs, even if dysphagia was present. Barium meal and manometry are more useful than OGD. pH studies were under-used. There is need for a standardized approach to esophageal investigations in patients with CTDs.