In total, we recorded 5546 dead branches attached to 480 living trees. We also recorded the species of lichens growing on 812 of these dead branches. Results The surface area of attached dead branches was generally

of the same magnitude as that of all other wood types combined. Of the 46 lichen species identified growing on dead branches, 42 were generalist species characteristic of conifer bark and four were wood-dependent specialists. We found no significant difference in lichen species composition between dead branches of Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris, and only small differences in species composition JNK-IN-8 in vitro between different stand types and between study areas. There were no clear differences in species composition between the study areas. Conclusions Although overlooked, attached dead branches constitute a significant proportion of all dead wood available in boreal forests. However, the lichen communities on these branches mainly consist of generalist species. Lichens on attached dead branches thus do not seem to contribute strongly to the species

pool of wood-dependent lichens in managed boreal forests.”
“Background and objective: Acne-prone skin, a common skin condition not only in adolescents but also in adults, can significantly influence the affected individual’s quality of life. The aim of this open-label, prospective, single-centre, phase IV study was to investigate the effects of an oral contraceptive containing chlormadinone 2 mg and ethinylestradiol KU-57788 0.03 mg (Belara (R)) on the physiology of acne-prone facial skin in healthy BLZ945 mw women aged 18-37 years.\n\nMethods: Forty-four

Caucasian women requesting hormonal contraception divided into two age groups (group A: 18-27 years; group B: 28-37 years) were treated with chlormadinone/ethinylestradiol for six menstrual cycles. During each treatment phase, each subject took one tablet per day for 21 consecutive days, followed by a 7-day pill-free interval. Medication was commenced on the first day of menses. Changes in skin parameters were evaluated in terms of the clinical sum score (the primary outcome variable, calculated from the number of comedones, the number of papules/papulopustules, and the sebum secretion state), the evaluation of the pore size using standardized photography, and a range of biophysical in vivo measurements, assessed at baseline, after 12 weeks and after 24 weeks.\n\nResults: In both age groups, facial skin condition as quantified by the clinical sum score improved significantly after three and six treatment cycles, with reduced numbers of acne lesions (comedones and papules/papulopustules) and a reduction in seborrhoea. Moreover, there was a statistically significant decrease in pore size. Biophysical evaluations confirmed favourable effects of the medication on diverse skin parameters.