Deglaciation of the Caucasus Mountains, Russia/Georgia, in the 21st century observed with ASTER satellite imagery and aerial photograpy

Changes in the map area of 498 glaciers located on the Main Caucasus ridge (MCR) and on Mt. Elbrus in the Greater Caucasus Mountains (Russia and Georgia) were assessed using multispectral ASTER and panchromatic Landsat imagery with 15 m spatial resolution in 1999/2001 and 2010/2012. Changes in recession rates of glacier snouts between 1987–2001 and 2001–2010 were investigated using aerial photography and ASTER imagery for a sub-sample of 44 glaciers. In total, glacier area decreased by 4.7 ± 2.1% or 19.2 ± 8.7 km2 from 407.3 ± 5.4 km2 to 388.1 ± 5.2 km2. Glaciers located in the central and western MCR lost 13.4 ± 7.3 km2 (4.7 ± 2.5%) in total or 8.5 km2 (5.0 ± 2.4%) and 4.9 km2 (4.1 ± 2.7%) respectively. Glaciers on Mt. Elbrus, although located at higher elevations, lost 5.8 ± 1.4 km2 (4.9 ± 1.2%) of their total area. The recession rates of valley glacier termini increased between 1987–2000/01 and 2000/01–2010 (2000 for the western MCR and 2001 for the central MCR and Mt.~Elbrus) from 3.8 ± 0.8, 3.2 ± 0.9 and 8.3 ± 0.8 m yr−1 to 11.9 ± 1.1, 8.7 ± 1.1 and 14.1 ± 1.1 m yr−1 in the central and western MCR and on Mt. Elbrus respectively. The highest rate of increase in glacier termini retreat was registered on the southern slope of the central MCR where it has tripled. A positive trend in summer temperatures forced glacier recession, and strong positive temperature anomalies in 1998, 2006, and 2010 contributed to the enhanced loss of ice. An increase in accumulation season precipitation observed in the northern MCR since the mid-1980s has not compensated for the effects of summer warming while the negative precipitation anomalies, observed on the southern slope of the central MCR in the 1990s, resulted in stronger glacier wastage.

Strengthening citizen agency and accountability through ICT

We investigated the role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT, namely mobile phones) in support of citizen agency and its potential in calling authorities to account. We focused on Eastern Africa and we used a mixed methodology, which allowed us to explore the current uses of ICT to strengthen accountability and to forecast the growth of mobile phones' adaption in that region. Evidence from both analyses suggests that there are two main areas where citizen agency and ICT can reinforce each other in bottom–up and horizontal processes: participation and engagement of citizens, and the diffusion of information.

Influence of interimplant distance on bone microstructure: A histomorphometric study in dogs

The microstructure of the crestal alveolar bone is important for both the maintenance of osseointegration and the location of the gingival soft tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the bone microstructure of the alveolar bone and of the interimplant bone in implants inserted at different interimplant distances. The mandibular bilateral premolars of six dogs were extracted, and after 12 weeks, each dog received eight implants, for a total of 48 implants. Two pairs of implants, one for each hemiarch, were separated by 2 mm (group 1) and by 3 mm (group 2). After 12 weeks, the implants received temporary acrylic prostheses. After four more weeks, metallic crowns substituted the temporary prostheses. After an additional 8 weeks the animals were sacrificed and the hemimandibles were removed, dissected, and processed. The longitudinal collagen fiber orientation was 43.2% for the alveolar bone; it was 30.3% for the 2-mm group and 43.9% for the 3-mm group. There was a statistically significant difference between the 2-mm and 3-mm groups (p < .05). The orientation of transverse collagen fibers was 47.8% for the alveolar bone; it was 37.3% for the 2-mm group and 56.3% for the 3-mm group. There was a statistically significant difference between the 2-mm and 3-mm groups (p < .05). The marrow spaces were 34.87% for the alveolar bone, 52.3% for the 2-mm group, and 59.9% for the 3-mm group. There was a statistically significant difference between the alveolar bone and the 3-mm group (p < .05). The low mineral density index was 36.29 for the alveolar bone, 46.76 for the 2-mm group, and 17.91 for the 3-mm group. There was a statistically significant difference between the 2-mm and 3-mm groups (p < .05). The high mineral density was 87.57 for the alveolar bone, 72.58 for the 2-mm group, and 84.91 for the 3-mm group. There was a statistically significant difference between the alveolar bone and the 2-mm group (p < .05). The collagen fiber orientation resulted in statistically significant differences in both the 2-mm and 3-mm groups compared with the alveolar bone. The marrow spaces appeared significantly increased in the 3-mm group compared with the alveolar bone. The low mineral density index was significantly higher in the 2-mm group, while the high mineral density index was significantly higher in the alveolar bone. In conclusion, the interimplant distance should not be less than 3 mm.

Flap vs. ""flapless"" surgical approach at immediate implants: a histomorphometric study in dogs

Aim To compare the remodeling of the alveolar process at implants installed immediately into extraction sockets by applying a flap or a ""flapless"" surgical approach in a dog model. Material and methods Implants were installed immediately into the distal alveoli of the second mandibular premolars of six Labrador dogs. In one side of the mandible, a full-thickness mucoperiosteal flap was elevated (control site), while contra-laterally, the mucosa was gently dislocated, but not elevated (test site) to disclose the alveolar crest. After 4 months of healing, the animals were sacrificed, ground sections were obtained and a histomorphometric analysis was performed. Results After 4 months of healing, all implants were integrated (n=6). Both at the test and at the control sites, bone resorption occurred with similar outcomes. The buccal bony crest resorption was 1.7 and 1.5 mm at the control and the test sites, respectively. Conclusions ""Flapless"" implant placement into extraction sockets did not result in the prevention of alveolar bone resorption and did not affect the dimensional changes of the alveolar process following tooth extraction when compared with the usual placement of implants raising mucoperiosteal flaps. To cite this article:Caneva M, Botticelli D, Salata LA, Souza SLS, Bressan E, Lang NP. Flap vs. ""flapless"" surgical approach at immediate implants: a histomorphometric study in dogs.Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 1314-1319.doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0501.2009.01959.x.

Influence of lateral pressure to the implant bed on osseointegration: an experimental study in dogs

Aim To study osseointegration and bone-level changes at implants installed using either a standard or a reduced diameter bur for implant bed preparation. Material and methods In six Labrador dogs, the first and second premolars were extracted bilaterally. Subsequently, mesial roots of the first molars were endodontically treated and distal roots, including the corresponding part of the crown, were extracted. After 3 months of healing, flaps were elevated and recipient sites were prepared in all experimental sites. The control site was prepared using a standard procedure, while the test site was prepared using a drill with a 0.2 mm reduced diameter than the standard one used in the contra-lateral side. After 4 months of healing, the animals were euthanized and biopsies were obtained for histological processing and evaluation. Results With the exception of one implant that was lost, all implants were integrated in mineralized bone. The alveolar crest underwent resorption at control as well as at test sites (buccal aspect similar to 1 mm). The most coronal contact of bone-to-implant was located between 1.2 and 1.6 mm at the test and between 1.3 and 1.7 mm at the control sites. Bone-to-implant contact percentage was between 49% and 67%. No statistically significant differences were found for any of the outcome variables. Conclusions After 4 months of healing, lateral pressure to the implant bed as reflected by higher insertion torques (36 vs. 15 N cm in the premolar and 19 vs. 7 N cm in the molar regions) did not affect the bone-to-implant contact. To cite this article:Pantani F, Botticelli D, Garcia IR Jr., Salata LA, Borges GJ, Lang NP. Influence of lateral pressure to the implant bed on osseointegration: an experimental study in dogs.Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 1264-1270.doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0501.2009.01941.x.

Bacterial leakage along the implant-abutment interface of premachined or cast components

In recent clinical studies, contamination of the inner parts of dental implants through bacterial penetration along the implant components has been observed. The aim of the present in-vitro study was to investigate leakage of Fusobacterium. nucleatum through the interface between implants and premachined or cast abutments. Both premachined (n = 10) and cast (n = 10) implant abutment assemblies were inoculated with 3.0 mu L of microbial inoculum. The assemblies were completely immersed in 5.0 mL of tryptic soy broth culture medium to observe leakage at the implant-abutment interface after 14 days of anaerobic incubation. Bacterial growth in the medium, indicative of microbial leakage, was found only in 1 out of 9 samples (11.1%) in each group. Both premachined and cast abutments connected to external hexagonal implants provide low percentages of bacterial leakage through the interface in in vitro unloaded conditions if the manufacturer`s instructions and casting procedures are properly followed.

Exploratory factor analysis of the Brazilian OHIP for edentulous subjects

P>The use of seven domains for the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-EDENT was not supported for its Brazilian version, making data interpretation in clinical settings difficult. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess patients` responses for the translated OHIP-EDENT in a group of edentulous subjects and to develop factor scales for application in future studies. Data from 103 conventional and implant-retained complete denture wearers (36 men, mean age of 69 center dot 1 +/- 10 center dot 3 years) were assessed using the Brazilian version of the OHIP-EDENT. Oral health-related quality of life domains were identified by factor analysis using principal component analysis as the extraction method, followed by varimax rotation. Factor analysis identified four factors that accounted for 63% of the 19 items total variance, named masticatory discomfort and disability (four items), psychological discomfort and disability (five items), social disability (five items) and oral pain and discomfort (five items). Four factors/domains of the Brazilian OHIP-EDENT version represent patient-important aspects of oral health-related quality of life.

Self-rated oral health and associated factors in Brazilian elders

Objective: Self-rating provides a simple direct way of capturing perceptions of health. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of poor self-rated oral health among elders. Methods: National data from a cross-sectional population-based study with a multistage random sample of 4786 Brazilian older adults (aged 65-74) in 250 towns were analysed. Data collection included oral examinations (WHO 1997) and struct-ured interviews at elderly households. The outcome was measured by a single five-point-response-scale question dichotomized into `poor` (fair/poor/very poor) and `good` (good/very good) self-rated oral health. Data analyses used Poisson regression models stratified by sex. Results: The prevalence of poor self-rated oral health was 46.6% (95% CI: 45.2-48%) in the whole sample, 50.3% (48-52.5) in men and 44.2% (42.4-46) in women. Higher prevalence ratios (PR) were found in elders reporting unfavourable dental appearance (PR = 2.31; 95% CI: 2.02-2.65), poor chewing ability (PR = 1.64; CI: 1.48-1.8) and dental pain (PR = 1.44; CI: 1.04-1.23) in adjusted analysis. Poor self-perception was also associated with being men, black, unfavourable socioeconomic circumstances, unfavourable clinical oral health and with not using or needing a dental prosthesis. Conclusion: Assessment and understanding of self-rated oral health should take into account social factors, subjective and clinical oral symptoms.

Five vicarious genera from Gondwana: the Velloziaceae as shown by molecules and morphology

Background and Aims The amount of data collected previously for Velloziaceae neither clarified relationships within the family nor helped determine an appropriate classification, which has led to huge discordance among treatment by different authors. To achieve an acceptable phylogenetic result and understand the evolution and roles of characters in supporting groups, a total evidence analysis was developed which included approx. 20 % of the species and all recognized genera and sections of Velloziaceae, plus outgroups representatives of related families within Pandanales. Methods Analyses were undertaken with 48 species of Velloziaceae, representing all ten genera, with DNA sequences from the atpB-rbcL spacer, trnL-trnF spacer, trnL intron, trnH-psbA spacer, ITS ribosomal DNA spacers and morphology. Key Results Four groups consistently emerge from the analyses. Persistent leaves, two phloem strands, stem cortex divided in three regions and violet tepals support Acanthochlamys as sister to Velloziaceae s. s., which are supported mainly by leaves with marginal bundles, transfusion tracheids and inflorescence without axis. Within Velloziaceae s. s., an African Xerophyta + Talbotia clade is uniquely supported by basal loculicidal capsules; an American clade, Barbacenia s. l. + Barbaceniopsis + Nanuza + Vellozia, is supported by only homoplastic characters. Barbacenia s. l. (Aylthonia + Barbacenia + Burlemarxia + Pleurostima) is supported by a double sheath in leaf vascular bundles and a corona; Barbaceniopsis + Nanuza + Vellozia is not supported by an unambiguous character, but Barbaceniopsis is supported by five characters, including diclinous flowers, Nanuza + Vellozia is supported mainly by horizontal stigma lobes and stem inner cortex cells with secondary walls, and Vellozia alone is supported mainly by pollen in tetrads. Conclusions The results imply recognition of five genera (Acanthochlamys (Xerophyta (Barbacenia (Barbaceniopsis, Vellozia)))), solving the long-standing controversies among recent classifications of the family. They also suggest a Gondwanan origin for Velloziaceae, with a vicariant pattern of distribution.

Major gene and multifactorial inheritance of mandibular prognathism

Mandibular prognathism typically shows familial aggregation. Various genetic models have been described and it is assumed to be a multifactorial and polygenic trait, with a threshold for expression. Our goal was to examine specific genetic models of the familial transmission of this trait. The study sample comprised of 2,562 individuals from 55 families. Complete family histories for each proband were ascertained and the affection status of relatives were confirmed by lateral cephalograms, photographs, and dental models. Pedigrees were drawn using PELICAN and complex segregation analysis was performed using POINTER. Parts of some pedigrees were excluded to create one founder pedigrees, so the total N was 2,050. Analysis showed more affected females than males (P = 0.030). The majority of the pedigrees suggest autosomal dominant inheritance. Incomplete penetrance was demonstrated by the ratio of affected/unaffected parents and siblings. The heritability of mandibular prognathism was estimated to be 0.316. We conclude that there is a major gene that influences the expression of mandibular prognathism with clear signs of Mendelian inheritance and a multifactorial component. (C) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The development of blowouts and foredunes in the Ilha Comprida barrier (Southeastern Brazil): the influence of Late Holocene climate changes on coastal sedimentation

Middle to Late Holocene barriers are conspicuous landforms in southeastern and southern Brazilian regions. The barriers in the coastal zones of northern Santa Catarina, Parana and Sao Paulo states (27 degrees 19`-24 degrees 00`S) are formed mainly by beach ridge alignments and many barriers present foredune and blowout alignments in their seaward portion. The development of these eolian landforms appears to record a regional shift in coastal dynamics and barrier building. In this context, the Ilha Comprida barrier stands out for its well-developed and well-preserved foredunes and blowouts. Based on the presence or not and type of eolian landforms, the Ilha Comprida barrier can be divided seaward into inner, middle and outer units. The inner unit is formed entirely by beach ridges. The middle unit comprises a narrow belt of blowouts (up to 15 m high) aligned alongshore. Blowout lobes pointing NNW are indicative of their generation by southern winds. The outer unit is represented by low (<= 1 m high) active or stabilized foredunes and a small transgressive dunefield (similar to 1 km(2)). Twenty-seven luminescence ages (SAR protocol) obtained for the beach ridges, foredunes, and blowouts of these three units allow definition of a precise chronology of these landforms and calculation of rates of coastal progradation. The inner unit presents ages greater than 1004 +/- 88 years. The blowouts of the middle unit show ages from 575 +/- 47 to 172 +/- 18 years. The ages of the outer unit are less than 108 +/- 10 years. Rates of coastal progradation for the inner and outer units are 0.71-0.82 m/year and 0.86-2.23 m/year, respectively. The main phase of blowout development correlates well with the Little Ice Age (LIA) climatic event. These results indicate that southern winds in subtropical Brazil became increasingly more intense and/or frequent during the LIA. These conditions persist to the present and are responsible for the development of the eolian landforms in the outer unit. Thus, barrier geomorphology can record global climatic events. The sensitivity of barrier systems in subtropical Brazil to Late Holocene climate changes was favored by the relative sea level stillstand during this time. Luminescence dating makes it possible to analyze barrier geomorphology during Late Holocene climate changes operating on timescales of a hundred to thousand years. These results improve our knowledge of barrier building and will help in the evaluation of the impact of future climate changes on coastal settings. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Saliva flow rate, buffer capacity, and pH of autistic individuals

The objective of the study was to evaluate saliva flow rate, buffer capacity, pH levels, and dental caries experience (DCE) in autistic individuals, comparing the results with a control group (CG). The study was performed on 25 noninstitutionalized autistic boys, divided in two groups. G1 composed of ten children, ages 3-8. G2 composed of 15 adolescents ages 9-13. The CG was composed of 25 healthy boys, randomly selected and also divided in two groups: CG3 composed of 14 children ages 4-8, and CG4 composed of 11 adolescents ages 9-14. Whole saliva was collected under slight suction, and pH and buffer capacity were determined using a digital pHmeter. Buffer capacity was measured by titration using 0.01 N HCl, and the flow rate expressed in ml/min, and the DCE was expressed by decayed, missing, and filled teeth (permanent dentition [DMFT] and primary dentition [dmft]). Data were plotted and submitted to nonparametric (Kruskal-Wallis) and parametric (Student`s t test) statistical tests with a significance level less than 0.05. When comparing G1 and CG3, groups did not differ in flow rate, pH levels, buffer capacity, or DMFT. Groups G2 and CG4 differ significantly in pH (p = 0.007) and pHi = 7.0 (p = 0.001), with lower scores for G2. In autistic individuals aged 3-8 and 9-13, medicated or not, there was no significant statistical difference in flow rate, pH, and buffer capacity. The comparison of DCE among autistic children and CG children with deciduous (dmft) and mixed/permanent decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) did not show statistical difference (p = 0.743). Data suggest that autistic individuals have neither a higher flow rate nor a better buffer capacity. Similar DCE was observed in both groups studied.

Methods and background characteristics of the TOHNN study : a population-based study of oral health conditions in northern Norway

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the Tromstannen - Oral Health in Northern Norway (TOHNN) study was to investigate oral health and dental-related diseases in an adult population. This article provides an overview of the background of the study and a description of the sample characteristics and methods employed in data collection. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional population-based study including a questionnaire and clinical dental examination. METHODS: A randomly selected sample of 2,909 individuals (20-79 years old) drawn from the population register was invited to participate in the study. The data were collected between October 2013 and November 2014 in Troms County in northern Norway. The questionnaire focused on oral health-related behaviours and attitudes, oral health-related quality of life, sense of coherence, dental anxiety and symptoms from the temporomandibular joint. The dental examinations, including radiographs, were conducted by 11 dental teams in 5 dental offices. The examination comprised of registration of dental caries, full mouth periodontal status, temporomandibular disorders, mucosal lesions and height and weight. The participants were grouped by age (20-34, 35-49, 50-64 and 65-79) and ethnicity (Norwegian, Sámi, other European and other world). RESULTS: From the original sample of 2,909 individuals, 1,986 (68.3%) people participated, of whom 1,019 (51.3%) were women. The highest attendance rate was among women 20-34 years old (80.3%) and the lowest in the oldest age group of women (55.4%). There was no difference in response rate between rural and urban areas. There was a positive correlation between population size and household gross income (p < 0.001) and education level (p < 0.001). The majority of Sámi resided in smaller municipalities. In larger cities, most participants used private dental health care services, whereas, in rural areas, most participants used the public dental health care service. CONCLUSION: The TOHNN study has the potential to generate new knowledge on a wide range of oral health conditions beneficial to the population in Troms County. Due to the high participation rate, generalization both nationally and to the circumpolar area ought to be possible.

Placas maxilo-dentárias em Rincossauros Hyperodapedon Huxley, 1859. Histologia e morfogênese maxilo-dental: nova abordagem.

O estudo das estruturas da placas maxilo-dentárias dos rincossauros Hyperodapedon Huxley, 1859, do Triássico da Formação Santa Maria, em nova abordagem histológica e ontogênica resultou na identificação da natureza do esmalte aprismático verdadeiro, de variados elementos histológicos dentinários e osteológicos, e de um centro de ossificação periosteal primário. Também foram encontradas evidências histológicas dos mecanismos de fusionamento maxilo-dentinário e amelo-maxilar. Com estes elementos, inferimos os modelos de organogênese dental, da ontogênese maxilar e dos mecanismos de fusionamento maxilodental. Encontrou-se uma singular e raríssima coroa dental, imatura e ainda não erupcionada, na região posterior da placa dental e assim evidenciou-se a correta posição da margem odontogenicamente ativa. Adicionalmente inferiu-se a localização da posição da lâmina dentária embrionária. Constatou-se a não formação de alvéolos dentários, de cemento radicular e do espaço necessário à formação do ligamento periodontal e, assim, se deduziu a não formação do folículo dental embriônico. As presenças de especiais elementos anatômicos e histológicos nos tecidos ósseos periapicais evidenciam o crescimento radicular contínuo, enquanto a forma e o fusionamento radicular imediato depõe a favor de uma função dentária fisiológica diferenciada para as baterias dentárias maxilares dos Rincossauros do gênero Hyperodapedon. Os mecanismos que possibilitaram o controle embriônico para a deposição das lamelas de tecido ósseo coronal e seu preciso fusionamento sobre o esmalte dentário, declinam por modificações nas funções tardias do órgão reduzido do esmalte e pela presença de uma membrana oral com funções osteogênicas e também protetivas, situada nas porções posteriores da placa maxilo-dentária em desenvolvimento. Mudanças heterocrônicas no tempo de diferenciação das células da crista neural embriônica e em seus derivados, como a lâmina dentária e órgãos dentários embrionários ou correlacionadas com a organogênese das placas maxilo-dentárias e seus anexos periodontais, todos como condições plesiomórficas para Diápsidas Triássicos, poderiam ser as causas responsáveis pela origem e evolução deste estranho aparelho estomatognático nos clados de Hyperodapedon sp..