scholarly journals Sustainable Land Management, Adaptive Silviculture, and New Forest Challenges: Evidence from a Latitudinal Gradient in Italy

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 2520 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gianfranco Fabbio ◽  
Paolo Cantiani ◽  
Fabrizio Ferretti ◽  
Umberto di Salvatore ◽  
Giada Bertini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Standing Crop ◽  
Latitudinal Gradient ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Forest Health ◽  
Fixed Number ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Crown Thinning ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
The Impact

Aimed at reducing structural homogeneity and symmetrical competition in even-aged forest stands and enhancing stand structure diversity, the present study contributes to the design and implementation of adaptive silvicultural practices with two objectives: (1) preserving high wood production rates under changing environmental conditions and (2) ensuring key ecological services including carbon sequestration and forest health and vitality over extended stand life-spans. Based on a quantitative analysis of selected stand structure indicators, the experimental design was aimed at comparing customary practices of thinning from below over the full standing crop and innovative practices of crown thinning or selective thinning releasing a pre-fixed number of best phenotypes and removing direct crown competitors. Experimental trials were established at four beech forests along a latitudinal gradient in Italy: Cansiglio, Veneto; Vallombrosa, Tuscany; Chiarano, Abruzzo; and Marchesale, Calabria). Empirical results indicate a higher harvesting rate is associated with innovative practices compared with traditional thinning. A multivariate discriminant analysis outlined significant differences in post-treatment stand structure, highlighting the differential role of structural and functional variables across the study sites. These findings clarify the impact of former forest structure in shaping post-treatment stand attributes. Monitoring standing crop variables before and after thinning provides a basic understanding to verify intensity and direction of the applied manipulation, the progress toward the economic and ecological goals, as well as possible failures or need for adjustments within a comprehensive strategy of adaptive forest management.

Small spate disturbance and the complexity of habitat architecture in Mountain River, Tasmania

1996 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 851 ◽  
Author(s):  
BJ Robson
Keyword(s):  
Benthic Invertebrates ◽  
Base Flow ◽  
Temporal Context ◽  
Population Fluctuations ◽  
Mountain River ◽  
Similar Magnitude ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
The Impact

Densities of benthic invertebrates were counted over several weeks before and after a small winter spate (15.5 times base flow) in two riffle types of contrasting architectural complexity in Mountain River, Tasmania. Complex benthic architecture reduced the impact of this spate on invertebrate densities over the short term (seven days). Longer-term recovery (several weeks) was unaffected by riffle architecture, with one of the riffles recovering much more slowly than the others. Refuges from small spates in Mountain River may exist in mid channel in complex boulder-cobble riffles. Within its temporal context, the effects of the spate on the study sites were of a similar magnitude to other unexplained population fluctuations.

scholarly journals Inpatient Acupuncture at a Major Cancer Center

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 148-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Kay Garcia ◽  
Lorenzo Cohen ◽  
Michael Spano ◽  
Amy Spelman ◽  
Yousra Hashmi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Disturbance ◽  
Symptom Assessment ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Hospital Environment ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Integrative Therapies ◽  
The Impact

Background: Use of complementary and integrative therapies is increasing among cancer patients, but data regarding the impact treatments such as acupuncture have in an inpatient oncology setting are limited. Methods: Patients who received acupuncture in an inpatient hospital environment between December 2014 and December 2015 were asked to complete a modified Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS; 0-10 scale) before and after each visit. Pre- and post-treatment scores were examined for each symptom using paired t tests. Results: A total of 172 inpatients were treated with acupuncture in their hospital beds (257 visits). Thirty percent (n = 51) received at least one additional follow-up treatment (mean visits/patient = 1.5). Completion rate of the modified ESAS after acupuncture was 42%. The most common reasons for not completing the post-treatment ESAS were “patient too drowsy” or “patient fell asleep” (72%). For patients who reported a baseline symptom score ≥1, the greatest improvements (mean change ± SD) after acupuncture on the initial visit were found for pain (−1.8 ± 2.2; n = 69; P < .0001), nausea (−1.2 ± 1.9; n = 30; P < .001), anxiety (−0.8 ± 1.8; n = 36; P = .01), drowsiness (−0.6 ± 1.8; n = 57; P = .02), and fatigue (−0.4 ± 1.1; n = 67; P = .008). For patients who received at least one follow-up visit, significant improvement from baseline was found for sleep disturbance (−2.5 ± 4.4; n = 17; P = .03), anxiety (−2.4 ± 1.7; n = 9; P = .002), pain (−2.3 ± 2.7; n = 20; P = .001), and drowsiness (−2.0 ± 2.6; n = 16; P = .008). Conclusions: Patients who received inpatient acupuncture at a major cancer center experienced significant improvement after treatment for pain, sleep disturbance, anxiety, drowsiness, nausea, and fatigue.

scholarly journals Neuropsychological assessment before and after radiotherapy in a child with an intracranial tumor: case report

2013 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 299-303
Author(s):  
Alessandra Pereira Lopes ◽  
Alina Lebreiro Teldeschi ◽  
Flavia Miele ◽  
Cintia Mesquita ◽  
Manuela Correa Borges ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Intracranial Tumor ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
New Information ◽  
Academic Deficits ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Iq Scores ◽  
Nonverbal Skills ◽  
The Impact

INTRODUCTION: Brain tumors are the most common solid tumors and the second largest group of neoplasms diagnosed in childhood. Treatment includes surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, radiotherapy can cause complications, e.g., cognitive deficits. CASE DESCRIPTION: We describe the case of a child diagnosed with a brain tumor evaluated before and after radiotherapy to investigate cognitive decline after treatment. The results showed a decline in Intelligence Quotient (IQ) scores and reversal of the predominance of verbal and nonverbal skills. After radiotherapy, the subject showed slowness, academic deficits, and difficulties learning new information. COMMENTS: Even though the post-treatment evaluation showed scores compatible with the average, comparison between pre- and post-treatment evaluations demonstrated the impact of radiotherapy on the subject's cognitive profile. These results highlight the importance of evaluating patients who undergo radiotherapy before and after treatment and understanding neuropsychological scores associated with the subjects' complaints.

scholarly journals 68Ga-DOTATATE PET-CT as a tool for radiation planning and evaluating treatment responses in the clinical management of meningiomas

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily S. Kowalski ◽  
Rahul Khairnar ◽  
Anton A. Gryaznov ◽  
Vivek Kesari ◽  
Antony Koroulakis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Volume ◽  
Somatostatin Receptor ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Signed Rank ◽  
Pet Ct ◽  
Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Signed Rank Test ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background and purpose Meningiomas express the somatostatin receptor (SSTR), which normal bone and brain lack. PET imaging with SSTR ligands such as 68 Ga-DOTATATE have been recently shown to aid in the imaging and identification of menginiomas. We hypothesize that 68 Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT in conjunction with MRI aids in radiation (RT) target volume delineation and evaluating treatment response. Materials and methods Nineteen patients with meningiomas underwent 68 Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT and MRI for RT planning and/or post-treatment follow-up. Meningiomas were grade I (n = 9) or not biopsied (n = 8) and frequently involved base of skull (n = 10). Ten (53%) patients received post-operative RT and 9 (47%) received fractaionted RT. In the subgroup that underwent both pre- and post-RT 68 Ga-DOTATATE PET as well as MRI (n = 10), ROVER (ABX GmbH, Radeberg, Germany) adaptive thresholding software was utilized to measure total lesion activity (mean and max) before and after treatment. Tumor volume based on MRI was calculated before and after treatment. Total lesion activity and tumor volume changes were compared using Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results 68 Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT identified intraosseous (n = 4, 22%), falcine (n = 5, 26%) and satellite lesions (n = 3, 19%) and clarified the diagnosis of meningioma, resulting in a change in management in three patients. Mean total lesion activity decreased 14.7% (median), from pre to post-RT 68 Ga-DOTATATE PET [range 97–8.5% (25–75%),S = − 26.5, p = 0.0039]. Max total lesion activity decreased 36% (median) over the same period [range 105–15% (25–75%), S = − 26.5 p = 0.0039]. In contrast, meningioma volumes based on MRI measurements did not significantly change per RECIST criteria and Wilcoxon signed rank test (S = − 3, p = 0.7422). Conclusion 68 Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT helped confirm suspected diagnoses and delineate target volumes particularly when lesions involved osseous structures and the falx. Mean and max total tumor 68 Ga-DOTATATE activity on PET/CT decreased at three months following RT despite stable tumor volumes on MRI. Future studies are warranted to (1) assess the sensitivity and specificity of 68 Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT, (2) evaluate the impact of 68 Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT-based planning on treatment outcomes, and (3) assess the prognostic significance of these post-treatment imaging changes.

scholarly journals The esthetic profile preferences of Class II malocclusion patients treated with extraction or non-extraction

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 179
Author(s):  
Victor De Miranda Ladewig ◽  
Milena Fabri Sanches Trecenti ◽  
Renata Rodrigues Almeida Pedrin ◽  
Marcio Rodrigues Almeida ◽  
Ana Claudia de Castro Ferreira Conti
Keyword(s):  
Negative Impact ◽  
Class Ii ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Class Ii Malocclusion ◽  
Treatment Protocols ◽  
Facial Profile ◽  
Class Ii Treatment ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The treatment of Class II can have a positive or a negative impact on the facial profile aesthetic. The present study aims to evaluate the impact of two methods of orthodontic treatment of Class II malocclusion on the facial profile aesthetics. The facial profiles of 46 patients with Class II malocclusion were outlined by radiography before and after treatment; 23 of the patients were treated by the extraction of two maxillary first premolars (EXT group), and the other 23, with the Thurow Appliance (TA group), followed by braces. The profile silhouettes were filled in using the Corel Draw program. An album containing the patient’s silhouettes of both groups was created randomly, with two profiles of a patient per page. The preferences of 30 orthodontists, 30 dentists, and 30 laypersons in relation to the profile were recorded along with their perceived differences between the pre-treatment and post-treatment profiles, according to the visual analog scale. All groups of evaluators preferred the post-treatment profile more frequently. There were statistically significant differences in the evaluators’ preferences only between the orthodontists’ and the laypersons’ groups. None of the evaluators’ groups indicated substantial differences between the pre-treatment and post-treatment profiles. It may be concluded that both Class II treatment protocols, i.e., the double-extraction of the first premolars and the use of TA, improved the patients’ facial profile aesthetics.Keywords: Face. Malocclusion, Angle Class II. Tooth Extraction.Resumo As modalidades de tratamentos da Classe II tem um impacto sobre a estética da face que pode ser positivo ou negativo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o impacto da estética do perfil facial decorrente de dois tipos de tratamento para a Classe II. Foram traçados os perfis faciais das telerradiografias pré e pós-tratamento de 46 pacientes Classe II, sendo 23 de um grupo tratado com extração de dois primeiros pré-molares superiores e 23 de um grupo tratado com AEB Conjugado seguido de aparelho fixo, e estes traçados foram preenchidos com o programa Corel Draw. Foi montado um álbum com as silhuetas dos pacientes (AEB e EXO) de forma aleatória, sendo dois perfis em cada folha do mesmo paciente. Foi pedido para 30 ortodontistas, 30 cirurgiões-dentistas e 30 leigos para verificarem a sua preferência em relação ao perfil e a quantidade de diferença entre os perfis pré e pós-tratamento, de acordo com a escala analógica visual. Os 3 grupos de avaliadores preferiram o perfil pós-tratamento com maior frequência. Houve diferenças estatisticamente significantes somente entre os grupos de avaliadores ortodontistas e leigos; os 3 grupos de avaliadores indicaram que os perfis pré e pós-tratamento, não diferiram substancialmente. Pode-se concluir que o tratamento da Classe II, com extração de dois primeiros pré-molares, e com o uso do aparelho AEB Conjugado produziu um impacto positivo na estética do perfil.Palavras-chave: Face. Má Oclusão de Angle Classe II. Extração Dentária. 

scholarly journals The effect of slash and burn agriculture on plant nutrients in the Tertiary Region of Central Amazonia ()

1973 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. L. F. Brinkmann ◽  
J. C. do Nascimento
Keyword(s):  
Standing Crop ◽  
Analytical Data ◽  
Soil Layer ◽  
Plant Nutrients ◽  
Nutrient Return ◽  
Hydromorphic Soils ◽  
Slash And Burn ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The Impact

SUMMARY The slash and burn method was studied with respect to changes on the chemical composition in the top-soil layer (upper 20 cm) of yellow latosols (about 85% of the total area) and hydromorphic soils (about 1% of the total area) before and after fire was set on the cleared forest. The obtained analytical data prove the following result : 1) the soil fertility of latosols and hydromorphic soils is considerably low as far as natural conditions are concerned, 2) after burning a considerable amount of plant nutrients normally bound to the standing crop is lost in the form of volatiles and particles during the burning procedures, 3) a great amount of plant nutrients is rapidly released to the soil after burning, 4) great quantities of temporarily available nutrients are lost by leaching as the nutrient uptake capacity of the crops is not able to match the excess of available plant nutrients, 5) strong nutrient fixation will reduce the availability of present plant nutrients remarkably, 6) the nutrient return from standing crop bound nutrients by means of fire is not able to guarentee long-term tropical agriculture, 7) correction of soil pH by means of heavy liming and the application of fertilizers is a basic need in tropical landuse systems, 8) the treatment with herbicides, insecticides and fungicides is indispensable to reduce root competion and plant deseases and 9) favourable conditions as far as the impact of atmospheric agents on the crops is concerned has to be set up by means of crop specific shelter-wood systems.

scholarly journals Effects of an urban sanitation intervention on childhood enteric infection and diarrhea in Maputo, Mozambique: a controlled before-and-after trial

eLife ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jackie Knee ◽  
Trent Sumner ◽  
Zaida Adriano ◽  
Claire Anderson ◽  
Farran Bush ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Poor Quality ◽  
Enteric Pathogens ◽  
Enteric Infection ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Governmental Organization ◽  
Urban Sanitation ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Comparable Control ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
The Impact

We conducted a controlled before-and-after trial to evaluate the impact of an onsite urban sanitation intervention on the prevalence of enteric infection, soil transmitted helminth re-infection, and diarrhea among children in Maputo, Mozambique. A non-governmental organization replaced existing poor-quality latrines with pour-flush toilets with septic tanks serving household clusters. We enrolled children aged 1-48 months at baseline and measured outcomes before and 12 and 24 months after the intervention, with concurrent measurement among children in a comparable control arm. Despite nearly exclusive use, we found no evidence that intervention affected the prevalence of any measured outcome after 12 or 24 months of exposure. Among children born into study sites after intervention, we observed a reduced prevalence of Trichuris and Shigella infection relative to the same age group at baseline (<2 years old). Protection from birth may be important to reduce exposure to and infection with enteric pathogens in this setting.

Cytoprotective Effect of Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction and α-Tocopherol Vitamin E Isoforms Against Glutamate-Induced Cell Death in Neuronal Cells

2014 ◽  
Vol 84 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 0140-0151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thilaga Rati Selvaraju ◽  
Huzwah Khaza’ai ◽  
Sharmili Vidyadaran ◽  
Mohd Sokhini Abd Mutalib ◽  
Vasudevan Ramachandran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin E ◽  
Cell Viability ◽  
Neuronal Cells ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Mitochondrial Activity ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Tocotrienol Rich Fraction ◽  
Major Mediator

Glutamate is the major mediator of excitatory signals in the mammalian central nervous system. Extreme amounts of glutamate in the extracellular spaces can lead to numerous neurodegenerative diseases. We aimed to clarify the potential of the following vitamin E isomers, tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) and α-tocopherol (α-TCP), as potent neuroprotective agents against glutamate-induced injury in neuronal SK-N-SH cells. Cells were treated before and after glutamate injury (pre- and post-treatment, respectively) with 100 - 300 ng/ml TRF/α-TCP. Exposure to 120 mM glutamate significantly reduced cell viability to 76 % and 79 % in the pre- and post-treatment studies, respectively; however, pre- and post-treatment with TRF/α-TCP attenuated the cytotoxic effect of glutamate. Compared to the positive control (glutamate-injured cells not treated with TRF/α-TCP), pre-treatment with 100, 200, and 300 ng/ml TRF significantly improved cell viability following glutamate injury to 95.2 %, 95.0 %, and 95.6 %, respectively (p < 0.05).The isomers not only conferred neuroprotection by enhancing mitochondrial activity and depleting free radical production, but also increased cell viability and recovery upon glutamate insult. Our results suggest that vitamin E has potent antioxidant potential for protecting against glutamate injury and recovering glutamate-injured neuronal cells. Our findings also indicate that both TRF and α-TCP could play key roles as anti-apoptotic agents with neuroprotective properties.

Strategic Role of Zakat in Multidimensional Quality of Life in Sijunjung, Indonesia

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-72
Author(s):  
Herlin Hamimi ◽  
Abdul Ghafar Ismail ◽  
Muhammad Hasbi Zaenal
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Wealth Distribution ◽  
Absolute Poverty ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Status ◽  
Being There ◽  
The Impact

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam which has a function of faith, social and economic functions. Muslims who can pay zakat are required to give at least 2.5 per cent of their wealth. The problem of poverty prevalent in disadvantaged regions because of the difficulty of access to information and communication led to a gap that is so high in wealth and resources. The instrument of zakat provides a paradigm in the achievement of equitable wealth distribution and healthy circulation. Zakat potentially offers a better life and improves the quality of human being. There is a human quality improvement not only in economic terms but also in spiritual terms such as improving religiousity. This study aims to examine the role of zakat to alleviate humanitarian issues in disadvantaged regions such as Sijunjung, one of zakat beneficiaries and impoverished areas in Indonesia. The researcher attempted a Cibest method to capture the impact of zakat beneficiaries before and after becoming a member of Zakat Community Development (ZCD) Program in material and spiritual value. The overall analysis shows that zakat has a positive impact on disadvantaged regions development and enhance the quality of life of the community. There is an improvement in the average of mustahik household incomes after becoming a member of ZCD Program. Cibest model demonstrates that material, spiritual, and absolute poverty index decreased by 10, 5, and 6 per cent. Meanwhile, the welfare index is increased by 21 per cent. These findings have significant implications for developing the quality of life in disadvantaged regions in Sijunjung. Therefore, zakat is one of the instruments to change the status of disadvantaged areas to be equivalent to other areas.

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