An Estimate of Nest Loss in Canada Due to Industrial Forestry Operations

Annual loss of nests by industrial (nonwoodlot) forest harvesting in Canada was estimated using two avian point-count data sources: (1) the Boreal Avian Monitoring Project (BAM) dataset for provinces operating in this biome and (2) available data summarized for the major (nonboreal) forest regions of British Columbia. Accounting for uncertainty in the proportion of harvest occurring during the breeding season and in avian nesting densities, our estimate ranges from 616 thousand to 2.09 million nests. Estimates of the impact on numbers of individuals recruited into the adult breeding population were made based on the application of survivorship estimates at various stages of the life cycle. Future improvements to this estimate are expected as better and more extensive avian breeding pair density estimates become available and as provincial forestry statistics become more refined, spatially and temporally. The effect of incidental take due to forestry is not uniform and is disproportionately centered in the southern boreal. Those species whose ranges occur primarily in these regions are most at risk for industrial forestry in general and for incidental take in particular. Refinements to the nest loss estimate for industrial forestry in Canada will be achieved primarily through the provision of more accurate estimates of the area of forest harvested annually during the breeding season stratified by forest type and Bird Conservation Region (BCR). A better understanding of survivorship among life-history stages for forest birds would also allow for better modeling of the effect of nest loss on adult recruitment. Finally, models are needed to project legacy effects of forest harvesting on avian populations that take into account forest succession and accompanying cumulative effects of landscape change.

Impact of sudden Arctic sea-ice loss on stratospheric polar ozone recovery

We investigate the sensitivity of Northern Hemisphere polar ozone recovery to a scenario in which there is rapid loss of Arctic summer sea ice in the first half of the 21st century. The issue is addressed by coupling a chemistry climate model to an ocean general circulation model and performing simulations of ozone recovery with, and without, an external perturbation designed to cause a rapid and complete loss of summertime Arctic sea ice. Under this extreme perturbation, the stratospheric response takes the form of a springtime polar cooling which is dynamical rather than radiative in origin, and is caused by reduced wave forcing from the troposphere. The response lags the onset of the sea-ice perturbation by about one decade and lasts for more than two decades, and is associated with an enhanced weakening of the North Atlantic meridional overturning circulation. The stratospheric dynamical response leads to a 10 DU reduction in polar column ozone, which is statistically robust. While this represents a modest loss, it has the potential to induce a delay of roughly one decade in Arctic ozone recovery estimates made in the 2006 Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion.

Environmental factors driving the effectiveness of European agri-environmental measures in mitigating pollinator loss – a meta-analysis

In Europe, agri-environmental schemes (AES) have been introduced in response to concerns about farmland biodiversity declines. Yet, as AES have delivered variable results, a better understanding of what determines their success or failure is urgently needed. Focusing on pollinating insects, we quantitatively reviewed how environmental factors affect the effectiveness of AES. Our results suggest that the ecological contrast in floral resources created by schemes drives the response of pollinators to AES but that this response is moderated by landscape context and farmland type, with more positive responses in croplands (vs. grasslands) located in simple (vs. cleared or complex) landscapes. These findings inform us how to promote pollinators and associated pollination services in species-poor landscapes. They do not, however, present viable strategies to mitigate loss of threatened or endangered species. This indicates that the objectives and design of AES should distinguish more clearly between biodiversity conservation and delivery of ecosystem services.

High intake of fruits and vegetables predicts weight loss in Brazilian overweight adults

To determine whether changes in dietary intakes predict weight loss, we studied 80 overweight adults who attended a nutritional counseling program during 6 months of follow-up at a primary health care center in Brazil. Habitual diet was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire at baseline and after 6 months. The mean age (+/-SD) of the participants was 46.5 +/- 9.5 years, and their mean body mass index was 29 +/- 3 kg/m(2) at baseline. After 6 months, the differences in body weight and fruit/vegetable intake were -1.4 +/- 3 kg and 109 +/- 320 g daily, respectively. Using multiple linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, changes in walking time, and total energy intake, the increased intake of dietary fiber from fruits/vegetables was associated with a greater weight loss (beta 1 [95% confidence interval (CI)] = -0.180 [-0.269, -0.0911) after 6 months of follow-up. Similar results were observed for increased intake of vegetables (beta 1 [95% CI] = -0.00497 [-0.008, -0.0021) and fruits (beta 1 [95% CI] = -0.00290 [-0.005, -0.001]) as predictors of weight loss. The increase of 100 g/d of vegetables and fruits represented a body weight loss of 500 and 300 g after 6 months, respectively (P <.05). Our findings support the relevance of increased intakes of fruits and vegetables that may help avoid weight gain in overweight adults. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The search of a genetic basis for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)

Background and aim: Knowledge about the genetic factors responsible for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is still limited. This study investigated whether genetic factors are associated or not to susceptibility to NIHL. Subjects and methods: The family history and genotypes were studied for candidate genes in 107 individuals with NIHL, 44 with other causes of hearing impairment and 104 controls. Mutations frequently found among deaf individuals were investigated (35delG, 167delT in GJB2, Delta(GJB6- D13S1830), Delta(GJB6- D13S1854) in GJB6 and A1555G in MT-RNR1 genes); allelic and genotypic frequencies were also determined at the SNP rs877098 in DFNB1, of deletions of GSTM1 and GSTT1 and sequence variants in both MTRNR1 and MTTS1 genes, as well as mitochondrial haplogroups. Results: When those with NIHL were compared with the control group, a significant increase was detected in the number of relatives affected by hearing impairment, of the genotype corresponding to the presence of both GSTM1 and GSTT1 enzymes and of cases with mitochondrial haplogroup L1. Conclusion: The findings suggest effects of familial history of hearing loss, of GSTT1 and GSTM1 enzymes and of mitochondrial haplogroup L1 on the risk of NIHL. This study also described novel sequence variants of MTRNR1 and MTTS1 genes.

A weight loss protocol and owners participation in the treatment of canine obesity

O sucesso de um programa de perda de peso para animais de estimação depende da colaboração do proprietário. A adesão deste é fundamental para a correta instituição do manejo alimentar do paciente. Este trabalho teve por objetivo comparar a efetividade de um programa de perda de peso em dois grupos de cães, um mantido sob condições experimentais e outro com seus proprietários. Empregou-se a mesma ração hipocalórica para todos os animais. A quantidade fornecida foi restrita a 60% da necessidade energética de manutenção estimada para o peso corporal meta, definido como o peso autal reduzido em 15%. Os animais foram acompanhados durante 90 dias. Por meio de um questionário padronizado, estudou-se a percepção dos proprietários quanto à obesidade e seu tratamento. Verificou-se que o protocolo e a dieta empregados foram eficazes. Os animais controle apresentaram uma perda de peso média de 1,39% por semana. Os cães de proprietário perderam, em média, 0,75% do peso vivo por semana, resultado estatisticamente menor (P<0,05), o que sugere uma indisponibilidade dos mesmos em cumprir rigorosamente o tratamento. Mesmo com esta perda de peso modesta, foi perceptível a satisfação dos proprietários com os resultados obtidos. O uso de questionários demonstrou ser uma ferramenta importante na investigação das causas e no acompanhamento do tratamento da obesidade canina.

Administration of physiologic levels of triiodothyronine increases leptin expression in calorie-restricted obese rats, but does not influence weight loss

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Evaluation of Deformation, Mass Loss, and Roughness of Different Metal Burs After Osteotomy for Osseointegrated Implants

Purpose: This study used bovine ribs to comparatively assess the deformation, roughness, and mass loss for 3 different types of surface treatments with burs, used in osteotomies, for the installation of osseointegrated implants.Materials and Methods: The study used 25 bovine ribs and 3 types of helical burs (2.0 mm and 3.0 mm) for osteotomies during implant placement (a steel bur [G1], a bur with tungsten carbide film coating in a carbon matrix [G2], and a zirconia bur [G3]), which were subdivided into 5 subgroups: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, corresponding to 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 perforations, respectively. The surface roughness (mean roughness [Ra], partial roughness, and maximum roughness) and mass (in grams) of all the burs were measured, and the burs were analyzed in a scanning electron microscope before and after use. Data were tabulated and statistically analyzed by use of the Kruskal-Wallis test, and when a statistically significant difference was found, the Dunn test was used.Results: There was a loss of mass in all groups (G1, G2, and G3), and this loss was gradual, according to the number of perforations made (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5). However, this difference was not statistically significant (P < .05). Regarding the roughness, G3 presented an increase in Ra, partial roughness, and maximum roughness (P < .05) compared with G2 and an increase in Ra compared with G1. There was no statistically significant difference (P > .05) between G1 and G2. The scanning electron microscopy analysis found areas of deformation in all the 2.0-mm samples, with loss of substrates, and this characteristic was more frequent in G3.Conclusions: The 2.0-mm zirconia burs had a greater loss of substrates and abrasive wear in the cutting area. They also presented an increased roughness when compared with the steel and the tungsten carbide coating film in carbon matrix. There was no statistically significant difference (P < .05) between G1 and G2 in any mechanical test carried out. (C) 2012 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons J Oral Maxillofac Surg 70:e608-e621, 2012

Influence of Microgap Location and Configuration on Radiographic Bone Loss in Nonsubmerged Implants: An Experimental Study in Dogs

Purpose: The implant-abutment connection (microgap) influences the pen-implant bone morphology. However, it is unclear if different microgap configurations additionally modify bone reactions. This preliminary study aimed to radiographically monitor pen-implant bone levels in two different microgap configurations during 3 months of nonsubmerged healing. Materials and Methods: Six dogs received two implants with internal Morse taper connection (INT group) on one side of the mandible and two implants with external-hex connection (EXT group) on the other side. One implant on each side was positioned at bone level (equicrestal); the second implant was inserted 1.5 mm below the bone crest (subcrestal). Healing abutments were attached directly after implant insertion, and the implants were maintained for 3 months without prosthetic loading. At implant placement and 1, 2, and 3 months, standardized radiographs were taken to monitor pen-implant bone levels. Results: All implants osseointegrated. A total bone loss of 0.48 +/- 0.66 mm was measured in the equicrestal INT group, 0.69 +/- 0.43 mm in the equicrestal EXT group, 0.79 +/- 0.93 mm in the subcrestal INT group, and 1.56 +/- 0.53 mm in the subcrestal EXT group (P>.05, paired t tests). Within the four groups, bone loss over time became significantly greater in the EXT groups than in the INT groups. The greatest bone loss was noted in the subcrestal EXT group. Conclusion: Within the limits of this animal study, it seems that even without prosthetic loading, different microgap configurations exhibit different patterns of bone loss during nonsubmerged healing. Subcrestal positioning of an external butt joint microgap may lead to faster radiographic bone loss. Int J Prosthodont 2011;24:445-452.

Comparison of Methods for Evaluating Mineral Loss: Hardness versus Synchrotron Microcomputed Tomography

This study analyzed degrees of demineralization in bovine enamel using synchrotron microcomputed tomography (SMCT) and hardness measurements (Knoop hardness number, KHN). For 5 days, 40 bovine enamel blocks were individually subjected to a pH cycling model and treatment with fluoride dentifrices (placebo, 275, 550 and 1,100 mu g F/g) diluted in deionized water twice a day. Surface hardness number and cross-sectional profiles of hardness and mineral concentration (by SMCT) were determined. Integrated hardness (KHN x mu m) for sound and demineralized specimens was calculated and subtracted to give the integrated loss of hardness (Delta KHN) for the lesions. Increasing fluoride concentration in the dentifrices led to higher values for surface hardness after pH cycling and mineral concentration (g(HAp) cm(-3)), and lower values for Delta KHN (p < 0.05). From the present results, it may be concluded that hardness measurements revealed demineralization in all groups, which was lower in groups treated with dentifrice with a higher F concentration. SMCT and hardness measurements gave similar results in areas with higher demineralization, but diverged in areas with lower demineralization. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel

Weight loss and changes in surface roughness of denture base and reline materials after simulated toothbrushing in vitro

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Chromosome 22q a frequent site of allele loss in head and neck carcinoma

Background. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) correlates with inactivated tumor suppressor genes. LOH at chromosome arm 22q has been found in a variety of human neoplasms, suggesting that this region contains a tumor suppressor gene(s) other than NF2 important to tumorigenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of LOH on chromosome 22q11.2-13 and determine whether there was a relationship between loss in this genomic region and tumor histologic parameters, anatomic site, and survival in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC).Methods. Fifty matched blood and HNSCC tumor samples taken at the time of surgical treatment were evaluated for LOH by use of four microsatellite markers mapping to 22q11.2-q13. Clinical information was available for all patients. The frequency and distribution of LOH was correlated with clinical (age, sex, use of tobacco and alcohol, site of primary tumor, clinical stage, adjuvant therapy and overall survival) and histologic parameters (histopathologic stage, tumor differentiation).Results. LOH at 22q was found in 19 of 50 (38%) informative tumors. The respective incidence of allelic loss for the patients was as follows: 28% at D22S421, 10% at D22S277, 8% at D22S44S, and 4% at D22S280. No statistical differences were apparent with a mean follow-up of 30 months. Laryngeal tumors showed a higher incidence of LOH compared with oral tumors.Conclusions. These results suggest that the D22S277 locus may be closely linked to a tumor suppressor gene (TSG) and involved in upper aerodigestive tract carcinogenesis. In particular, laryngeal tumors may harbor another putative TSG on 22q11.2-q12.3 that may play a role in aggressive stage III/IV disease. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Weight loss and surface roughness of hard chairside reline resins after toothbrushing: Influence of postpolymerization treatments

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of 2 postpolymerization treatments on toothbrushing wear (weight loss) and surface roughness of 3 autopolymerized reline resins-Duraliner II (D) (Reliance Dental), Kooliner (K) (Coe Laboratories), and Tokuso Rebase Fast (T) (Tokuyama Dental)-and 1 heat-polymerized resin, Lucitone 550 (L) (Dentsply International). Materials and Methods: Specimens (40 x 10 x 2mm) of each material (n = 24) were prepared and divided into 3 groups: control (no postpolymerization treatment); water bath (immersion in water at 55°C); and microwave (microwave irradiation). Specimens were dried until constant weight was achieved and the surface roughness (Ra) was measured. Tests were performed in a toothbrush machine using 20,000 strokes of brushing at a weight of 200 g, with the specimens immersed in 1:1 dentifrice/water slurry. Specimens were reconditioned to constant weight and the weight loss (mg) and surface roughness were evaluated. Data were analyzed by 2-way analysis of variance and followed by Tukey test (α = .05). Results: In the control group, the weight loss of materials D and T was lower (P < .05) than that of L. No differences among materials were found after postpolymerization treatments (P > .05). The weight loss of material T (control = 0.5 mg) was significantly increased (P < .05) after postpolymerization treatments (water bath = 1.9 mg; microwave = 1.8 mg). For materials K and T, the toothbrushed surface roughness was higher (P < .05) after microwave and waterbath postpolymerization treatments. Material L showed increased surface roughness after microwave postpolymerization treatment. Conclusion: The toothbrushing wear resistance of L was not superior to the reline resins. The postpolymerization treatments did not improve the toothbrushing wear resistance of the materials and produced an increased surface roughness for materials L, K, and T.

The role of cytokines in inflammatory bone loss

Chronic inflammatory processes close to bone often lead to loss of bone in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, periodontitis, loosened joint prosthesis and tooth implants. This is mainly due to local formation of bone resorbing osteoclasts which degrade bone without any subsequent coupling to new bone formation. Crucial for osteoclastogenesis is stimulation of mononuclear osteoclast progenitors by macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) which induces their differentiation along the osteoclastic lineage and the fusion to mature, multinucleated osteoclasts. M-CSF and RANKL are produced by osteoblasts/ osteocytes and by synovial and periodontal fibroblasts and the expression is regulated by pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. These cytokines also regulate osteoclastic differentiation by direct effects on the progenitor cells. In the present overview, we introduce the basic concepts of osteoclast progenitor cell differentiation and summarize the current knowledge on cytokines stimulating and inhibiting osteoclastogenesis by direct and indirect mechanisms. © Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.

Mineral loss and color change of enamel after bleaching and staining solutions combination

Pigments of food and beverages could affect dental bleaching efficacy. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate color change and mineral loss of tooth enamel as well as the influence of staining solutions normally used by adolescent patients undergoing home bleaching. Initial hardness and baseline color were measured on enamel blocks. Specimens were divided into five groups (n = 5): G1 (control) specimens were kept in artificial saliva throughout the experiment (3 weeks); G2 enamel was exposed to 10% carbamide peroxide for 6 h daily, and after this period, the teeth were cleaned and stored in artificial saliva until the next bleaching session; and G3, G4, and G5 received the same treatments as G2, but after bleaching, they were stored for 1 h in cola soft drink, melted chocolate, or red wine, respectively. Mineral loss was obtained by the percentage of hardness reduction, and color change was determined by the difference between the data obtained before and after treatments. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and Fisher's test (a = 0.05). G3 and G5 showed higher mineral loss (92.96 +/- 5.50 and 94.46 +/- 1.00, respectively) compared to the other groups (p = 0.05). G5 showed high-color change (9.34 +/- 2.90), whereas G1 presented lower color change (2.22 +/- 0.44) (p = 0.05). Acidic drinks cause mineral loss of the enamel, which could modify the surface and reduce staining resistance after bleaching. (C) 2013 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)