Suckering response of aspen to traffic-induced-root wounding and the barrier-effect of log storage

In a growth chamber, we tested how the seasonal timing of placing a physical barrier (simulating a possible effect of log storage) and inflicting root damage impacted aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) root systems and their suckering capability. Roots from 4-year-old saplings were used, and one half of these root systems had the above-ground portion cut in the winter (dormant) while the other half was cut during the growing season in the summer. Damage was inflicted to the roots by driving a large farm tractor over them, and a covering treatment was applied using a polystyrene board to prevent suckers from emerging from the soil. Soil temperatures for the winter-cut root systems were kept at 5 8C over the growing season, using a water bath, while for the summer-cut root systems soil temperatures were maintained at 17 8C over the growing season. In the winter-cut root systems, both log storage and root wounding caused a 40% reduction in living root mass and carbohydrate reserves, as well as reducing sucker numbers and their growth performance. In the summer-cut root systems log storage and root wounding reduced living root mass by approximately 35% as well as sucker growth, but had less of an impact on the number of suckers produced

Aspen regeneration on log decking areas as influenced by season and duration of log storage

This study assessed aspen regeneration on decking areas as affected by season of log deck building and duration of log storage; as well as root wounding, soil com- paction, and slash depth. On former decking areas that were built after a summer harvest, aspen regeneration was 50% lower and root death 35% greater compared to former decking areas of a fall harvest. Duration of log storage after a fall harvest had little effect on aspen regeneration; short (1.5–3 months) or long (11 months) storage resulted in similar regeneration. Slash load was greatly increased on decking areas while root wounding and soil bulk density were only slightly increased compared to controls. For best management practices, log storage after summer harvest should be avoided especially when logs are kept over the growing period when suckering occurs. Additionally, removing the inter- woven mat of slash covering decking areas and limiting machine traffic to frozen soil will ensure vigorous suckering

Clinical Integration of Genome Diagnostics for Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract

Revolutions in genetics, epigenetics, and bioinformatics are currently changing the outline of diagnostics and clinical medicine. From a nephrologist's perspective, individuals with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are an important patient category: not only is CAKUT the predominant cause of kidney failure in children and young adults, but the strong phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity of kidney and urinary tract malformations has hampered standardization of clinical decision making until now. However, patients with CAKUT may benefit from precision medicine, including an integrated diagnostics trajectory, genetic counseling, and personalized management to improve clinical outcomes of developmental kidney and urinary tract defects. In this review, we discuss the present understanding of the molecular etiology of CAKUT and the currently available genome diagnostic modalities in the clinical care of patients with CAKUT. Finally, we discuss how clinical integration of findings from large-scale genetic, epigenetic, and gene-environment interaction studies may improve the prognosis of all individuals with CAKUT

Volumetric changes in the upper airway on CBCT after dentofacial orthopedic interventions - a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE To provide a critical overview of the effect of various orthodontic and/or dentofacial orthopedic interventions on three-dimensional volumetric changes in the upper airway. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four databases were searched for clinical studies concerning 3D volumetric assessments based on CBCT before and after orthodontics interventions. The quality of the studies was assessed using the quality assessment tool of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. After the use of inclusion and exclusion criteria, the pre-and post-treatment volumes were used to visualize the effect of various orthodontics interventions. RESULTS A total of 48 studies were included in this review and none of which were RCTs. The quality of all included studies was assessed as medium. Overall, there is a tendency for an increase in airway volumes after various orthodontic interventions, except for studies concerning extraction therapy with fixed appliances in adults, in which both increases and decreases in airway volumes have been reported. CONCLUSION Orthodontic treatment by growth modification and non-extraction therapy with fixed appliances, regardless of the malocclusion, generally showed positive effects on the airway volume. Orthodontic treatment in combination with extractions does not provide an unambiguous insight. A consensus on the methodology of the airway measurement and nomenclature is urgently needed in order to gain insight into the effect of different interventions on three-dimensional airway changes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Various orthodontic treatments do not negatively influence the upper airway volume. However, extraction therapy in adults should be chosen with caution, especially in subjects belonging to a group susceptible to airway obstruction

State of the science on controversial topics: orthodontic therapy and gingival recession (a report of the Angle Society of Europe 2013 meeting).

BACKGROUND: Controversy exists in the literature between the role of orthodontic treatment and gingival recession. Whilst movement of teeth outside the alveolar bone has been reported as a risk factor for gingival recession, others have found no such association. FINDINGS: The Angle Society of Europe devoted a study day to explore the evidence surrounding these controversies. The aim of the day was for a panel of experts to evaluate the current evidence base in relation to either the beneficial or detrimental effects of orthodontic treatment on the gingival tissue. CONCLUSIONS: There remains a relatively weak evidence base for the role of orthodontic treatment and gingival recession and thus a need to undertake a risk assessment and appropriate consent prior to the commencement of treatment. In further prospective, well designed trials are needed

Triggers of defensive medical behaviours: a cross-sectional study among physicians in the Netherlands.

Objectives This study investigated whether the attitudes of physicians towards justified and unjustified litigation, and their perception of patient pressure in demanding care, influence their use of defensive medical behaviours. Design Cross-sectional survey using exploratory factor analysis was conducted to determine litigation attitude and perceived patient pressure factors. Regression analyses were used to regress these factors on to the ordering of extra tests or procedures (defensive assurance behaviour) or the avoidance of high-risk patients or procedures (defensive avoidance behaviour). Setting Data were collected from eight Dutch hospitals. Participants Respondents were 160 physicians and 54 residents (response rate 25%) of