bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estrogen Regulates Expression of Osteoprotegerin and RANKL in Human Periodontal Ligament Cells Through Estrogen Receptor Beta
Authors: Liang Li , Yu Ji‐feng , Wang Yan , Ding Yin
Published: September 2008

Background: The function of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells may be affected by estrogen. PDL cells synthesize the receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa B ligand (RANKL) and its decoy receptor, namely, osteoprotegerin (OPG), which directly controls osteoclastogenesis. The primary aim of this study was to investigate how estrogen affects the expression of OPG and RANKL in human PDL (hPDL) cells.

Methods: We used a short interfering RNA technique to inhibit estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) expression in hPDL cells; the cells were cultured with a saturating concentration of 17β‐estradiol (10−7 M) for 48 hours. Changes in the expression of OPG and RANKL were determined by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and supported by Western blot analysis.

Results: Estradiol caused an increase in OPG expression and decreased RANKL expression in hPDL cells. However, it had no effect on the expression of OPG and RANKL in hPDL–siERβ (the short interfering RNA to block ER β) cells.

Conclusion: Estrogen may play an important role in exerting antiresorptive effects on alveolar bone, at least in part, by increasing the expression level of OPG versus that of RANKL via ERβ in hPDL cells.
Resolution of Oral Lesions After Tobacco Cessation
Authors: Shibly Othman , Cummings K. Michael , Zambon Joseph J.
Published: September 2008

Background:Dentists and other health care professionals are familiar with the impact of tobacco on oral and general health. However, oral health care professionals do not often provide tobacco‐cessation counseling to their patients, thus reflecting a significant disconnect between research and clinical practice. This report demonstrates the benefits of tobacco cessation in resolving oral lesions and improving overall periodontal and oral health.

Methods:A 51‐year‐old white male presented to the University at Buffalo, School of Dental Medicine clinic requesting an oral and periodontal examination as part of a presurgical protocol prior to cardiac surgery. A review of the patient's history from a health questionnaire revealed that he was using smokeless tobacco every day. An oral examination revealed several white lesions (5 × 10 mm) on the maxillary right and left labial mucosa. The patient was provided with tobacco‐cessation counseling as well as oral hygiene instructions and professional dental prophylaxis.

Results:An oral examination 2 weeks after tobacco cessation revealed complete resolution of the oral lesions and overall improvement of periodontal and oral health.

Conclusion:Although the findings presented in this article are based only on a single case report, the improvement in the patient's oral health after cessation of tobacco use was dramatic and reinforces the belief that tobacco‐cessation counseling should be a routine component of the standard of care for tobacco‐using patients.
Clinical and Serologic Markers of Periodontal Infection and Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Fisher Monica A. , Taylor George W. , Papapanou Panos N. , Rahman Mahboob , Debanne Sara M.
Published: September 2008

Background: Chronic kidney disease and its concomitant sequelae represent a major public health problem. Recent data suggest periodontal infection contributes to chronic kidney disease.

Methods: This United States population–based study of 4,053 adults ≥40 years of age investigated the association between chronic kidney disease and clinical measures and serologic markers of periodontal infection. Chronic kidney disease was defined as moderate‐to‐severe reduction of kidney function with glomerular filtration rate of 15 to 59 ml/minute/1.73 m2 based on stages 3 and 4 of the Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative. Chronic oral inflammatory burden was measured as 1) clinical periodontal infection categorized as no periodontal disease, periodontal disease (at least one tooth with ≥4 mm loss of attachment and bleeding on probing as an indicator of inflammation), or edentulism and 2) serum immunoglobulin G antibody response to Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (previously Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans) and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Multiple logistic regression modeling quantified the association between chronic kidney disease and chronic inflammatory burden and other risk factors.

Results: Nine percent of the study population had chronic kidney disease, 22% had high A. actinomycetemcomitans antibody titer, 24% had high P. gingivalis antibody titer, 9% had periodontal disease, and 17% were edentulous. After simultaneously adjusting for recognized risk factors, adults with a high A. actinomycetemcomitans titer were less likely to have chronic kidney disease (adjusted odds ratio [ORAdj] = 0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.46 to 0.98), and adults with edentulism were more likely to have chronic kidney disease (ORAdj = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.11 to 2.44).

Conclusion: These results support considering edentulism and low serum titer to A. actinomycetemcomitans as risk indicators for chronic kidney disease.
Risk Indicators for Increased Probing Depth in an Isolated Population in Brazil
Authors: Corraini Priscila , Baelum Vibeke , Pannuti Cláudio Mendes , Pustiglioni Alessandro Nautili , Romito Giuseppe Alexandre , Pustiglioni Francisco Emílio
Published: September 2008

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, extent, and severity of probing depth (PD) and to investigate the associations between demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral risk indicators and PD in a periodontally untreated and isolated population in Brazil.

Methods: The target population consisted of all individuals aged ≥12 years as identified by a census. Consenting participants were submitted to a full‐mouth clinical examination of six sites per tooth and were interviewed using a structured written questionnaire.

Results: Among the 214 subjects who were interviewed and clinically examined, PD ≥4 mm was observed in 54% to 83% of the subjects, depending on age, whereas the age‐dependent prevalence of PD ≥6 mm ranged from 5% among 12‐ to 19‐year‐olds to 50% among 40‐ to 49‐year‐olds, decreasing to 40% among subjects ≥50 years of age. Multivariate analyses identified supragingival calculus (odds ratio [OR] = 5.4 to 10.3; 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 2.5 to 11.6 and 4.0 to 26.2 for 20% to 50% and >50% of the sites, respectively) as a risk indicator for PD ≥4 mm, whereas age ≥40 years (OR = 9.0; 95% CI: 1.7 to 48.5), being a moderate/heavy smoker (OR = 3.7; 95% CI: 1.4 to 10.1), and having supragingival calculus in 20% to 50% of sites (OR = 6.8; 95% CI: 1.4 to 32.4) or in >50% of sites (OR = 15.3; 95% CI: 3.2 to 73.6) were risk indicators for PD ≥6 mm. Having undergone urgency dental treatment was a protective factor for PD ≥4 and ≥6 mm (OR = 0.4; 95% CI: 0.2 to 0.8).

Conclusions: Increased PD is highly prevalent in this isolated population. Behavioral factors played a significant role as risk indicators for increased PD in this isolated population.
Light‐Microscopic Evaluation of the Dimensions of Peri‐Implant Mucosa Around Immediately Loaded and Submerged Titanium Implants in Monkeys
Authors: Quaranta Alessandro , Piattelli Adriano , Scarano Antonio , Quaranta Manlio , Pompa Giorgio , Iezzi Giovanna
Published: September 2008

Background: Immediate loading of dental implants is a successful treatment concept. The importance of healthy peri‐implant soft tissues for the long‐term success of dental implants has been widely recognized. The aim of this study was to evaluate the peri‐implant soft tissues around immediately loaded and submerged implants in monkeys.

Methods: A total of 48 implants were inserted in six Macaca fascicularis monkeys. For 24 implants (test implants), the prosthetic abutments were inserted immediately, and a custom‐made metal superstructure was cemented after 3 days; the other 24 implants were left unloaded (control implants). Block sections of bone segments containing the implants were retrieved 9 months after surgical placement. A histomorphometric measurement of sulcular epithelium (SE), junctional epithelium (JE), and connective tissue (CT) contact percentage of the soft tissues around test and control implants was carried out.

Results: In some specimens, the peri‐implant epithelium was very similar to a pocket epithelium, whereas in others it was possible to observe an SE and a long junctional‐like epithelium with a moderate amount of inflammatory cells. The supracrestal peri‐implant CT was dense and organized in collagen fibrous bundles in an annular pattern around the implant. No statistically significant differences were present in the dimensions of SE, JE, and CT in test and control implants (P >0.05).

Conclusion: Immediate loading did not produce changes in the dimensions of the peri‐implant soft tissues.
Long‐Term Follow‐Up and Tomographic Assessment of an Intrabony Defect Treated With Enamel Matrix Derivative
Authors: Bhatavadekar Neel B. , Paquette David W.
Published: September 2008

Background: Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) has an extensive documentation of use in the treatment of periodontal defects. Digital volume tomography (DVT) has been in use in dental medicine since the late 1990s, with a major advantage of decreased radiation and cost‐effectiveness compared to conventional computed tomography (CT). To the best of our knowledge, there is no peer‐reviewed report documenting long‐term tomographic assessment of an intrabony defect treated with EMD alone.

Methods: In this case report, we document the long‐term response of an isolated intrabony defect treated with flap surgery plus EMD and monitored for 30 months with a DVT scan. We also compare clinical and radiographic findings for the defect at 7 and 30 months postoperatively.

Results: With regenerative treatment, significant improvements in probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were observed both short and long term. No recession occurred, and papillary heights were maintained throughout the monitoring period. Although intraoral radiography suggested bone fill at the defect site at 7 months, DVT confirmed that the intrabony defect was eliminated at 30 months.

Conclusions: Treatment of an intrabony defect with surgery plus EMD demonstrated excellent bone fill as assessed with conventional radiographic and tomographic examinations performed over 30 months. Larger studies are needed to further assess the use of DVT imaging as an appropriate adjunctive diagnostic tool for evaluating the responses of intrabony defects to regenerative techniques.
Clinical, Histologic, and Histomorphometric Analyses of Regenerated Bone in Maxillary Sinus Augmentation Using Fresh Frozen Human Bone Allografts
Authors: Stacchi Claudio , Orsini Giovanna , Di Iorio Donato , Breschi Lorenzo , Di Lenarda Roberto
Published: September 2008

Background: The purpose of the present study was the clinical and the histologic evaluation of fresh frozen human bone (FFB) allografts used for maxillary sinus‐augmentation procedures.

Methods: Ten subjects were treated with maxillary sinus augmentations using FFB. Radiologic measurements were recorded on computed tomography scans preoperatively and 5 months after the sinus surgeries. At 5 months, during implant placement, 10 core biopsies were retrieved and processed for histomorphometric evaluation under light microscopy (LM). Clinical and histomorphometric measurements are presented as mean ± SD.

Results: At baseline, the height of the alveolar ridge measured 4.3 ± 1.3 mm (mean); after augmentation procedures, at implant positioning, it had a mean height of 16.0 ± 1.8 mm. All 22 dental implants were clinically healthy after 5 months. LM showed that most of the specimens presented newly formed bone that was completely integrated with preexisting bone. The interface areas between new and old bone were not discernible. Woven bone was present in some areas of the biopsies; however, in the majority of the examined regions, there was mature osseous tissue presenting features of trabecular bone. There was no evidence of an acute inflammatory infiltrate. Histomorphometry revealed that the percentage of bone was 48.15% ± 14.32%, whereas marrow spaces occupied the rest of the area.

Conclusion: FFB is a biocompatible material that can be successfully used for maxillary sinus augmentations without interfering with normal reparative bone processes.
Photodynamic Therapy as an Adjunct to Non‐Surgical Periodontal Treatment: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Christodoulides Nicos , Nikolidakis Dimitris , Chondros Panagiotis , Becker Jürgen , Schwarz Frank , Rössler Ralf , Sculean Anton
Published: September 2008

Background: Recent preclinical and clinical data have suggested a potential benefit of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of periodontitis. However, there are very limited data from controlled clinical trials evaluating the effect of PDT in the treatment of periodontitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and microbiologic effects of the adjunctive use of PDT to non‐surgical periodontal treatment.

Methods: Twenty‐four subjects with chronic periodontitis were randomly treated with scaling and root planing followed by a single episode of PDT (test) or scaling and root planing alone (control). Full‐mouth plaque score (FMPS), full‐mouth bleeding score (FMBS), probing depth (PD), gingival recession, and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured at baseline and 3 and 6 months after therapy. Primary outcome variables were changes in PD and CAL. Microbiologic evaluation of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (previously Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans), Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Tannerella forsythia (previously T. forsythensis), Treponema denticola, Parvimonas micra (previously Peptostreptococcus micros or Micromonas micros), Fusobacterium nucleatum, Campylobacter rectus, Eubacterium nodatum, Eikenella corrodens, and Capnocytophaga spp. was performed at baseline and 3 and 6 months following therapy by using a commercially available polymerase chain reaction test.

Results: At 3 and 6 months after treatment, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups with regard to CAL, PD, FMPS, or microbiologic changes. At 3 and 6 months, a statistically significantly greater improvement in FMBS was found in the test group.

Conclusion: The additional application of a single episode of PDT to scaling and root planing failed to result in an additional improvement in terms of PD reduction and CAL gain, but it resulted in a significantly higher reduction in bleeding scores compared to scaling and root planing alone.
Accuracy of Real‐Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Versus Anaerobic Culture in Detection of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Atieh Momen A.
Published: September 2008

Background: Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been used to assist in the detection and quantification of several periodontal pathogens. The aim of this study was to perform a meta‐analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of real‐time PCR aimed at detecting Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (previously Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans) and Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Methods: Studies comparing real‐time PCR versus anaerobic bacterial culture were identified via electronic and manual searches. Meta‐analyses examined the areas under summary receiver operator characteristic curves (SROCs), and diagnostic odds ratios (DORs) were calculated to evaluate the test accuracy.

Results: Five studies met the inclusion criteria and showed some degree of heterogeneity. The areas under SROCs for real‐time PCR in identifying A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis were 95.9% and 99.5%, respectively. The DORs in detecting A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis were 18.5 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.25 to 152.02) and 40.47 (95% CI: 1.99 to 822.26), respectively.

Conclusions: The present review showed a high diagnostic accuracy of real‐time PCR in detecting A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis compared to the culture technique. However, the choice of the microbiologic test is determined by several factors, including diagnostic accuracy, cost, availability, and the need for an antibiotic susceptibility test.
Modeling of Trabecular Bone and Lamina Dura Following Selective Alveolar Decortication in Rats
Authors: Sebaoun Jean‐David , Kantarci Alpdogan , Turner John W. , Carvalho Roberto S. , Van Dyke Thomas E. , Ferguson Donald J.
Published: September 2008

Background: Modifying the balance between resorption and apposition through selectively injuring the cortical plate of the alveolus has been an approach to speed tooth movement and is referred to as periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics. The aim of this study was to investigate the alveolar response to corticotomy as a function of time and proximity to the surgical injury in a rat model.

Methods: Maxillary buccal and lingual cortical plates were injured in 36 healthy adult rats adjacent to the upper left first molars. Twenty‐four animals were euthanized at 3, 7, or 11 weeks. In one group, the maxillae were removed and stripped of soft tissues, and histomorphometric analysis was performed to study alveolar spongiosa and periodontal ligament (PDL) modeling dynamics. Catabolic activity was analyzed with tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase–positive osteoclasts and preosteoclasts. Anabolic actions were measured using a fluorescent vital bone stain series followed by sacrifice at 30 and 51 days. To further analyze the new bone formation, a separate group of animals were fed with calcein fluorescent stain and processed for non‐decalcified fluorescent stain histology.

Results: At 3 weeks, the surgery group had significantly (P <0.05) less calcified spongiosa bone surface, greater periodontal ligament surface, higher osteoclast number, and greater lamina dura apposition width. The catabolic activity (osteoclast count) and anabolic activity (apposition rate) were three‐fold greater, calcified spongiosa decreased by two‐fold, and PDL surface increased by two‐fold. Surgical injury to the alveolus that induced a significant increase in tissue turnover by week 3 dissipated to a steady state by postoperative week 11. The impact of the injury was localized to the area immediately adjacent to the decortication injury.

Conclusion: Selective alveolar decortication induced increased turnover of alveolar spongiosa, and the activity was localized; dramatic escalation of demineralization‐remineralization dynamics is the likely biologic mechanism underlying rapid tooth movement following selective alveolar decortication.
Analysis of the Occlusal Stress Transmitted to the Inferior Alveolar Nerve by an Osseointegrated Threaded Fixture
Authors: Sammartino G. , Marenzi G. , Citarella R. , Ciccarelli R. , Wang H‐L
Published: September 2008

Background: Altered sensation can occur after the placement or loading of mandibular implants. Limited evidence exists with regard to the proper distance between the implant and the mandibular nerve to ensure the nerve's integrity and physiologic activity. The proper distance should come from evaluation of clinical data as well as from biomechanical analyses.

Methods: A numeric mandibular model based on the boundary element method was created to simulate a mandibular segment containing a threaded fixture so that the pressure on the trigeminal nerve, as induced by the occlusal loads, could be assessed. Such pressure distributions were evaluated with different distances of the fixture from the mandibular canal and considering different bone densities. Although all simulations considered a canal that was orthogonal to the implant axis, in one case, the effects of an inclined canal were analyzed.

Results: The nerve pressure increased rapidly with a bone density decrease. A low mandibular cortical bone density caused a major nerve pressure increase.

Conclusion: Our study suggested a distance of 1.5 mm to prevent implant damage to the underlying inferior alveolar nerve when biomechanical loading was taken into consideration.
Simultaneous Hard and Soft Tissue Augmentation for Implants in the Esthetic Zone: Report of 37 Consecutive Cases
Authors: Fagan Mark C. , Owens Heather , Smaha John , Kao Richard T.
Published: September 2008

Background: A recent report documented a tissue engineering approach to simultaneously augment hard and soft tissues for implant site preparation. The technique used freeze‐dried mineralized bone allograft (FDBA), recombinant human platelet‐derived growth factor mixture with a titanium‐reinforced membrane, and a pediculated connective tissue graft (PCTG) to simultaneously augment the hard and soft tissue. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of this technique in delayed and immediate implant cases in which specific augmentation materials differed.

Methods: This retrospective analysis reports on the clinical treatment of subjects requiring maxillary anterior extractions with concomitant loss of the buccal plate. In preparation for an implant‐supported restoration, 37 defects were treated with FDBA, differing guided bone regeneration barrier membranes, and PCTG. Twelve subjects underwent immediate implant placement.

Results: All 37 grafted sites healed uneventfully with no complications. Thirty‐six implants osseointegrated and were stable and successful at the 6‐ and 12‐month postrestoration evaluations. One immediate implant failed to integrate. The overall success rate was 97.3%.

Conclusions: This analysis suggested that the interpositional vascularized augmentation neogenesis (IVAN) technique can be used effectively to simultaneously augment hard and soft tissue. This technique is effective when used in conjunction with the immediate or delayed placement of dental implants in the maxillary anterior segment. Furthermore, when using this technique, the specific membrane and FDBA source can be chosen by the practitioner to treat individual defects.
A Licorice Extract Reduces Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Proinflammatory Cytokine Secretion by Macrophages and Whole Blood
Authors: Bodet Charles , La Vu Dang , Gafner Stefan , Bergeron Chantal , Grenier Daniel
Published: September 2008

Background: Periodontal diseases are a group of inflammatory disorders initiated by specific Gram‐negative periodontopathogenic bacteria that lead to the destruction of tooth‐supporting tissues. In this study, we tested whether a carbon dioxide–supercritical extract of Glycyrrhiza uralensis (licorice) can reduce the periodontopathogen‐induced inflammatory response.

Methods: Monocyte‐derived macrophages were treated with various concentrations of the licorice extract prior to being stimulated with Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (previously Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans) and Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The capacity of the licorice extract to mediate the inflammatory response was also tested in an ex vivo whole blood model stimulated with P. gingivalis LPS. The secretion of interleukin (IL)‐1β, −6, and −8 and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) in both models was assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Changes in the phosphorylation state of macrophage intracellular kinases induced by A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS and the licorice extract in the macrophage model were characterized by immunoblotting.

Results: The licorice extract exhibited potent anti‐inflammatory properties, inhibiting the periodontopathogen LPS‐induced IL‐1β, −6, and −8 and TNF‐α responses of macrophages. The licorice extract inhibited the phosphorylation of important macrophage intracellular signaling proteins, including nuclear factor‐kappa B p65 nuclear transcription factor and Jun proto‐oncogene‐encoded activator protein (AP) 1 transcription factor, which are involved in inflammatory signaling pathways. The licorice extract was also a potent inhibitor of the proinflammatory cytokine response in the ex vivo human whole blood model.

Conclusion: This CO2‐supercritical licorice extract is a potential candidate for the development of a new therapy to prevent and/or treat periodontitis‐associated tissue destruction.
Early Implant Placement With Simultaneous Guided Bone Regeneration Following Single‐Tooth Extraction in the Esthetic Zone: A Cross‐Sectional, Retrospective Study in 45 Subjects With a 2‐ to 4‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Buser Daniel , Bornstein Michael M. , Weber Hans Peter , Grütter Linda , Schmid Bruno , Belser Urs C.
Published: September 2008

Background: The concept of early implant placement is a treatment option in postextraction sites of single teeth in the anterior maxilla. Implant placement is performed after a soft tissue healing period of 4 to 8 weeks. Implant placement in a correct three‐dimensional position is combined with a simultaneous guided bone regeneration procedure to rebuild esthetic facial hard and soft tissue contours.

Methods: In this retrospective, cross‐sectional study, 45 patients with an implant‐borne single crown in function for 2 to 4 years were recalled for examination. Clinical and radiologic parameters, routinely used in implant studies, were assessed.

Results: All 45 implants were clinically successful according to strict success criteria. The implants demonstrated ankylotic stability without signs of a peri‐implant infection. The peri‐implant soft tissues were clinically healthy as indicated by low mean plaque (0.42) and sulcus bleeding index (0.51) values. None of the implants revealed a mucosal recession on the facial aspect as confirmed by a clearly submucosal position of all implant shoulders. The mean distance from the mucosal margin to the implant shoulder was −1.93 mm on the facial aspect. The periapical radiographs showed stable peri‐implant bone levels, with a mean distance between the implant shoulder and the first bone–implant contact of 2.18 mm.

Conclusions: This retrospective study demonstrated successful treatment outcomes for all 45 implants examined. The mid‐term follow‐up of 2 to 4 years also showed that the risk for mucosal recession was low with this treatment concept. Prospective clinical studies are required to confirm these encouraging results.
CQESTR Simulation of Management Practice Effects on Long‐Term Soil Organic Carbon
Authors: Liang Y. , Gollany H. T. , Rickman R. W. , Albrecht S. L. , Follett R. F. , Wilhelm W. W. , Novak J. M. , Douglas C. L.
Published: September 2008

Management of soil organic matter (SOM) is important for soil productivity and responsible utilization of crop residues for additional uses. CQESTR, pronounced “sequester,” a contraction of “C sequestration” (meaning C storage), is a C balance model that relates organic residue additions, crop management, and soil tillage to SOM accretion or loss. Our objective was to simulate SOM changes in agricultural soils under a range of climate and management systems using the CQESTR model. Four long‐term experiments (Champaign, IL, >100 yr; Columbia, MO, >100 yr; Lincoln, NE, 20 yr; Sidney, NE, 20 yr) in the United States under various crop rotations, tillage practices, organic amendments, and crop residue removal treatments were selected for their documented history of the long‐term effects of management practice on SOM dynamics. CQESTR successfully simulated a substantial decline in SOM with 50 yr of crop residue removal under various rotations at Columbia and Champaign. The increase in SOM following addition of manure was simulated well; however, the model underestimated SOM for a fertilized treatment at Columbia. Predicted and observed values from the four sites were significantly related (r2 = 0.94, n = 113, P < 0.001), with slope not significantly different from 1. Given the high correlation of simulated and observed SOM changes, CQESTR can be used as a reliable tool to predict SOM changes from management practices and offers the potential for estimating soil C storage required for C credits. It can also be an important tool to estimate the impacts of crop residue removal for bioenergy production on SOM level and soil production capacity.
Comparing Spectral Soil Inference Systems and Mid‐Infrared Spectroscopic Predictions of Soil Moisture Retention
Authors: Tranter G. , Minasny B. , McBratney A. B. , Rossel R. A. Viscarra , Murphy B. W.
Published: September 2008

Mid‐infrared spectroscopy has been proposed as a cheap yet accurate alternative to a number of laboratory methods for measuring soil properties. While accurate predictions of a number of basic soil constituents have been reported, properties associated with soil structure have received far less attention. In this study, we looked at the efficacy of mid‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy in predicting moisture retention and whether better predictions can be achieved using pedotransfer functions using spectroscopic predictions of basic soil constituents as inputs. Three methods were used to predict volumetric moisture retention: (i) mid‐infrared (MIR) spectra and partial least squares regression, (ii) a neural network pedotransfer function (PTF) using laboratory particle‐size distribution and bulk density data, and (iii) a pedotransfer function with MIR‐predicted particle‐size distribution and bulk density as inputs. We used Lin's concordance correlation coefficient as a goodness‐of‐fit measure. Predictions of volumetric moisture retention on intact structured soils were generally poor, particularly at the wet end. Improved predictions were observed at dry‐end matric potentials, where moisture retention was more correlated with particle‐size distribution than soil structure. The neural network PTF was found to have better goodness of fit for all matric potentials; however, predictions at larger matric potentials (wet end) were still poor due to poor bulk density predictions. In light of this work, we propose that while MIR spectroscopy may be a valuable predictor of fundamental soil constituents such as particle‐size fractions and organic C, predictions of soil properties dependant on soil structure, such as volumetric moisture retention, may prove difficult. Mid‐infrared spectroscopy in combination with PTFs should provide improvements to moisture retention predictions through improved representation of the influential processes, namely soil structure and adsorptive forces.
The Importance of French Tropical Research in the Development of Pedology1
Authors: Feller Christian , Blanchart Eric , Herbillon Adrien
Published: September 2008

This paper aims to illustrate how different research performed by French scientists in the tropics contributed to the recognition and development of pedology as a discipline. We illustrate the important role tropical research played in the development of pedology from the end of 19th century to about 1980. Between 1897 and 1900, an important and complete soil survey was accomplished in Madagascar and about 500 soil samples were analyzed in Paris by the famous chemist Alfred Müntz and his colleague E. Rousseaux. This major event marks the beginning of the French colonial pedology. But even before (in 1881) Octave Hayot—a planter from Martinique—published at his own expense a book which went unnoticed in the history of French pedology in spite of its interest. In this book, Hayot compared weathering in tropical and temperate regions and observed that under different climates the weathering and corresponding soils developed from similar substrates were different. The first treatise on French pedology was published by Henri Erhart in 1935; this was based on his own work on soils from Madagascar performed in 1926. This treatise was followed in 1936 by that of Valérien Agafonoff based on his experience on soils from Tunisia. Concerning weathering processes and soil mineralogy, French pedology owes much to Alfred Lacroix and to his numerous works in French colonial territories. At last, just after World War II, one of the most important French pedologist was Georges Aubert who studied tropical soils and founded the Office de la Recherche Scientifique et Technique Outre‐Mer (ORSTOM) pedology section. His career and the influence of his works on pedology, soil survey, and classifications at an international level are briefly related in this paper for the period 1940–1980.
Flue Gas Desulfurization Products as Sulfur Sources for Corn
Authors: Chen Liming , Kost David , Dick Warren A.
Published: September 2008

Nitrogen deficiency in the soil often limits corn (Zea mays L.) production. Recently, S deficiency in several crops, including corn, has been observed. Little information is available, however, related to the interactive effects of N and S fertilization on corn growth and yield using modern corn hybrids. Field experiments were conducted from 2002 to 2005 to test corn response to seven rates (0–233 kg ha−1) of N and two rates (0 and 33 kg ha−1) of S applied to a silt loam soil at Wooster, OH. The S was applied as flue gas desulfurization (FGD) products and was primarily in the form of gypsum. Corn grain yields were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased by N fertilizer addition from 2003 to 2005. Sulfur addition also significantly increased the average yield of corn in 2002 and 2003. An N × S interaction for corn yield was observed in 2005. Sulfur application at 33 kg ha−1 significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased corn yield at the intermediate N rate of 133 kg ha−1, and showed a general tendency to increase yield at lower N rates in 2004 and 2005. Nitrogen and S concentrations in corn grain were increased by application of 200 kg N ha−1, and S concentration was increased by S application in 2005. These results suggest that application of S fertilizer, with N, can promote the uptake of N by corn in S‐responsive soils. This will decrease the amount of N required for high‐yield corn production and reduce production costs and degradation of water quality associated with oversupply of N.
Sensitivity of Labile Soil Organic Carbon to Tillage in Wheat‐Based Cropping Systems
Authors: Dou Fugen , Wright Alan L. , Hons Frank M.
Published: September 2008

To investigate the sensitivity of labile, or active, soil organic C (SOC), such as soil microbial biomass C (SMBC), mineralizable C, particulate organic matter C (POM C), dissolved organic C (DOC), and hydrolyzable C, to changes in management, we sampled soils in a 20‐yr experiment with tillage (no‐till [NT] and conventional tillage [CT]), cropping sequence, and N fertilization treatments in south‐central Texas. Sensitivity is defined as how rapidly soil properties respond to changes in management. No‐till significantly increased the size of SOC and all labile SOC pools compared with CT, especially at 0 to 5 cm. Intensified cropping also increased SOC and these labile pools, which generally decreased with depth. Labile pools were highly correlated with each other and SOC, but their slopes were significantly different, being lowest for DOC and highest for hydrolyzable C. In our study, SMBC was 5 to 8%, mineralized C was 2%, POM C was 14 to 31%, hydrolyzable C was 53 to 71%, and DOC was 1 to 2% of SOC. Model II orthogonal regression and simple linear regression both provided similar results, indicating that both methods were appropriate for evaluation of sensitivity to changes in management; however, using our proposed equation for sensitivity to tillage, no labile SOC pool was more sensitive than SOC. Further studies are needed to examine the effectiveness of this model.
Phosphorus in Poultry Litter and Soil: Enzymatic and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Characterization
Authors: He Zhongqi , Honeycutt C. Wayne , Cade-Menun Barbara J. , Senwo Zachary N. , Tazisong Irenus A.
Published: September 2008

Knowledge of the P forms in poultry litter (PL) and their transformations in soil will help improve our understanding of the long‐term role of P in eutrophication. In this study, samples of PL and pasture soils with and without 20 yr of PL application were sequentially extracted to separate P into H2O, 0.5 mol L−1 NaHCO3, 0.1 mol L−1 NaOH, and 1 mol L−1 HCl fractions. After appropriate dilution and pH adjustment, the fractions were incubated in the presence of orthophosphate‐releasing enzymes. Cross‐examination of the solution 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of the enzymatically treated and untreated fractions revealed that the peaks of organic P (Po) species of the enzymatically treated fractions became very weak or disappeared, confirming enzymatic hydrolysis of Po in the untreated fractions. Although the majority of P in the NaOH and HCl fractions of PL was in organic forms, these stable Po forms could be subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis after being applied to soil, an occurrence that was supported by the soil P data. Compared with soil without litter applied, 20 yr of PL application increased the pools of both labile and stable inorganic P in the soil; however, repeated application of PL did not lead to a significant accumulation of hydrolyzable Po in NaOH and HCl fractions, indicating that the stable Po must have been converted to other forms. The transformation of stable PL Po observed in this study could be an important mechanism for maintaining a balance between labile and immobile P in soils.
Chemical and Physical Treatment Effects on Aggregate Breakup in the 0‐ to 2‐mm Size Range
Authors: Stanchi S. , Bonifacio E. , Zanini E. , Perfect E.
Published: September 2008

The <2‐mm size range in soils may contain aggregates as well as primary particles. We investigated the breakup of aggregates <2 mm after applying different chemical and physical agents to 10 samples. Mass‐size distributions were obtained by combining wet sieving and x‐ray centrifugation after five treatments: water dispersion, chemical dispersion, organic matter removal, physical dispersion, and all of the above combined. The <2‐mm range was subdivided into 20 size classes and the fragment production was evaluated with respect to water dispersion. Cluster analysis helped identify similar fragmentation patterns among samples for each determination method. The effectiveness of the single methods differed considerably among samples. Only their combination resulted in pronounced permanent dispersion. An empirical effectiveness index was developed to provide a quantitative assessment of the overall effectiveness of each method. This index indicated that both organic and inorganic binding agents contribute to topsoil aggregation in the <2‐mm size range.
Using High‐Resolution Computed Tomography Analysis To Characterize Soil‐Surface Seals
Authors: Lee Sang Soo , Gantzer Clark J. , Thompson Allen L. , Anderson Stephen H. , Ketcham Richard A.
Published: September 2008

High‐resolution X‐ray computed tomography (HRCT) acquires three‐dimensional (3D) images of objects using rapid, nondestructive, and noninvasive procedures. Data from HRCT scanners may be useful for quantitative analyses of soil‐surface seals. Raindrop impact decreases porosity and increases density (ρ) through a process known as surface sealing. Few studies have attempted porosity measurements of intact seals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of HRCT scans of surface seals from a silt loam soil to measure ≥ 15‐μm equivalent diameter (e.d.) pores within developing seals. Soil was either treated with anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) or untreated, and subjected to simulated rainfall durations of 7.5, 15, 30, and 60 min at a 55‐mm h−1 rainfall intensity. Seal analysis included: pore‐size distribution, cumulative porosity of the 0‐ to 2‐mm depth and cumulative porosity of the upper 0‐ to 1‐ and lower 1‐ to 2‐mm zones through seals. The difference in cumulative porosity between PAM‐treated vs. untreated soil significantly increased with rainfall duration. Pore frequency was greatly reduced in pores with pore sizes from 1 × 10−4 to 1 × 10−5 mm3 The modal pore‐size frequency with 1 × 10−5‐mm3 pores for the PAM‐treated soil was reduced from 992 to 812 pores between 7.5 and 60 min of rain, whereas pores in the untreated soil were reduced from 649 to 217 pores in the same conditions. The cumulative porosity of the 0‐ to 2‐mm sample after 7.5‐min of rainfall was 0.018 mm mm−1 with no difference between PAM‐treated and untreated soil. After 60 min of rainfall the cumulative porosity was reduced to 0.0156 mm mm−1 for PAM‐treated soil and 0.0004 mm mm−1 for untreated soil. The cumulative porosity for the 0‐ to 1‐mm depth zone for PAM‐treated and untreated soil after 60 min of rainfall was 0.011 mm mm−1 vs. < 0.001 mm mm−1, and 0.043 mm mm−1 vs. 0.008 mm mm−1 for the 0‐ to 1‐mm depth zone, documenting that PAM‐treated soil had significantly less reduction in porosity over the 60‐min rainfall duration. Results show that HRCT provides quantitative measurements of changes of ≥ 15‐μm pore characteristics over time.
Computerized Visual Feedback: An Adjunct to Robotic-Assisted Gait Training
Authors: Banz Raphael , Bolliger Marc , Colombo Gery , Dietz Volker , Lünenburger Lars
Published: September 2008

Background and Purpose

Robotic devices for walking rehabilitation allow new possibilities for providing performance-related information to patients during gait training. Based on motor learning principles, augmented feedback during robotic-assisted gait training might improve the rehabilitation process used to regain walking function. This report presents a method to provide visual feedback implemented in a driven gait orthosis (DGO). The purpose of the study was to compare the immediate effect on motor output in subjects during robotic-assisted gait training when they used computerized visual feedback and when they followed verbal instructions of a physical therapist.

Subjects

Twelve people with neurological gait disorders due to incomplete spinal cord injury participated.

Methods

Subjects were instructed to walk within the DGO in 2 different conditions. They were asked to increase their motor output by following the instructions of a therapist and by observing visual feedback. In addition, the subjects’ opinions about using visual feedback were investigated by a questionnaire.

Results

Computerized visual feedback and verbal instructions by the therapist were observed to result in a similar change in motor output in subjects when walking within the DGO. Subjects reported that they were more motivated and concentrated on their movements when using computerized visual feedback compared with when no form of feedback was provided.

Discussion and Conclusion

Computerized visual feedback is a valuable adjunct to robotic-assisted gait training. It represents a relevant tool to increase patients’ motor output, involvement, and motivation during gait training, similar to verbal instructions by a therapist.
Use of Transabdominal Ultrasound Imaging in Retraining the Pelvic-Floor Muscles of a Woman Postpartum
Authors: Ariail Allison , Sears Trace , Hampton Elizabeth
Published: September 2008

Background and Purpose

Postpartum stress urinary incontinence (SUI) often compromises a woman's ability to participate in normal daily routines or physical activities. Pelvic-floor muscle (PFM) training has been shown to be effective in improving urinary incontinence. Transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS) imaging is a new, noninvasive method for assessing the function of the PFMs. This case report describes the use of TAUS imaging in the strengthening of a patient's PFMs.

Case Description

The patient was a 29-year-old woman experiencing SUI with high-impact activities following a history of 2 vaginal deliveries, 1 resulting in a grade III perineal laceration. Intervention included PFM training with the use of TAUS imaging. A 1-year follow-up examination was performed to assess the long-term functional outcomes experienced by the patient. The patient's ability to maintain a PFM contraction during motor tasks was documented throughout the course of treatment to demonstrate her gain in PFM control.

Outcomes

The patient gained strength in her PFMs, enabling her to maintain a PFM contraction during various motor tasks. She was able to return to a running program with no SUI symptoms. Her satisfaction level was high at 1 year.

Discussion

The use of TAUS imaging was a helpful assessment and biofeedback tool for re-education and rehabilitation of the PFMs for this patient.
Effects of topography and surface roughness in analyses of landscape structure - A proposal to modify the existing set of landscape metrics
Authors: Hoechstetter Sebastian , Walz Ulrich , Dang Le Hai , Thinh Nguyen Xuan
Published: September 2008

Topography and relief variability play a key role in ecosystem functioning and structuring. However, the most commonly used concept to relate pattern to process in landscape ecology, the so-called patch-corridor-matrix model, perceives the landscape as a planimetric surface. As a consequence, landscape metrics, used as numerical descriptors of the spatial arrangement of landscape mosaics, generally do not allow for the examination of terrain characteristics and may even produce erroneous results, especially in mountainous areas. This brief methodological study provides basic approaches to include relief properties into large-scale landscape analyses, including the calculation of standard landscape metrics on the basis of "true" surface geometries and the application of roughness parameters derived from surface metrology. The methods are tested for their explanatory power using neutral landscapes and simulated elevation models. The results reveal that area and distance metrics possess a high sensitivity to terrain complexity, while the values of shape metrics change only slightly when surface geometries are considered for their calculation. In summary, the proposed methods prove to be a valuable extension of the existing set of metrics mainly in "rough" landscape sections, allowing for a more realistic assessment of the spatial structure.
The use of 'ecological risk' for assessing effects of human activities: An example including eutrophication and offshore wind farm construction in the north sea
Authors: Nunneri Corinna , Lenhart Hermann Josef , Burkhard Benjamin , Colijn Franciscus , Müller Felix , Windhorst Wilhelm
Published: September 2008

This paper takes the move from the uncertainty surrounding ecosystem thresholds and addresses the issue of ecosystem-state assessment by means of ecological integrity indicators and 'ecological risk'. The concept of 'ecological risk' gives a measure of the likelihood of ecosystem failure to provide the level of natural ecological goods and services expected/desired by human societies. As a consequence of human pressures (use of resources and discharge into the environment), ecosystem thresholds can be breached thus resulting in major threats to human health, safety and well-being. In this study we apply the concept of 'ecological risk' to two case-studies in the German exclusive economic zone: eutrophication and construction of offshore wind farms. The effects of different future scenarios for single-uses upon ecosystem integrity are analysed as well as the effects of one combined scenario. We conclude that in the short term construction of offshore wind farms can influence some processes to a much larger degree than eutrophication, however, combined impacts deriving from eutrophication and offshore wind farm construction need a more detailed analysis. Due to non-linear ecosystem processes, effects of combined or multiple uses of marine resources in terms of 'ecological risk', cannot be extrapolated from single-use scenarios.