A 55-year-old man presented with generalized eczema and nodules. Physical examination revealed eczematous skin lesions on the face, trunk and extremities, with localized lichenification (Fig. 1A). Poikilodermatous skin changes were observed in the anterior neck and upper chest (Fig. 1B). In addition, numerous whitish dermal nodules 0.5–2 cm in diameter were observed on the trunk and extremities...

In this study, the effects of different flight altitudes on tree height estimates with a small-footprint scanning lidar were investigated and assessed in mountainous forests with poor laser penetration rates. The study area was closed-canopy evergreen coniferous plantations dominated by Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) and hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) in Japan. The stand age range...

Forested wetlands with high water tables are sensitive to disruption from harvesting yet support commercially desired tree species like northern white-cedar. Winter harvest was conducted in Maine, USA, compare operational costs and productivity of cut-to-length cedar (fragile soil) non-cedar stands (mixedwood, sturdy soil), evaluate uncertainties influential factors, forecast time for post-harv...

BACKGROUND Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) induced by Japanese cedar pollen is a substantial problem in Japan. Sublingual immuno-therapy (SLIT) is safer than conventional antigen-specific immunotherapy, the only treatment modality by which complete cure of the disease can be expected. We investigated the safety and efficacy of SLIT in the treatment of cedar pollinosis patients compared to plac...

Regeneration of many late-successional tree species depends on specialized safe sites. The primary objective was to investigate the roles of seedbed and moisture retention as dimensions of safe sites for the early regeneration of drought-sensitive northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis). We hypothesized that rates of germination, survival, and growth of T. occidentalis are unlikely to differ ...

Bamboo, which has dense culms and root rhizome systems, can alter soil properties when it invades adjacent forests. Therefore, this study investigated whether bamboo invasions can cause changes in soil organic matter (SOM) composition and soil humification. We combined solid-state (13)C NMR spectroscopy and chemical analysis to examine the SOM in a Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) and adja...

Allergic diseases have been increasing in industrialized countries. The environment is thought to have both direct and indirect modulatory effects on disease pathogenesis, including alterating on the allergenicity of pollens. Certain plant proteins known as pathogenesis-related proteins appear to be up-regulated by certain environmental conditions, including pollutants, and some have emerged as...

BACKGROUND In recent years, many countries have experienced an increase in the prevalence of allergic rhinitis. No effective approach is currently available to prevent the onset of symptoms in allergic individuals. Pranlukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist with a good safety and efficacy record for the management of allergic inflammation, may be appropriate for early intervention in the man...