bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of abutment's height and framework alloy on the load distribution of mandibular cantilevered implant‐supported prosthesis
Authors: Suedam Valdey , Capello Souza Edson Antonio , Moura Márcio Silva , Jacques Letícia Borges , Rubo Jose Henrique 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjectives: In cantilevered implant‐supported complete prosthesis, the abutments' different heights represent different lever arms to which the abutments are subjected resulting in deformation of the components, which in turn transmit the load to the adjacent bone. The purpose of this in vitro study was to quantitatively assess the deformation of abutments of different heights in mandibular cantilevered implant‐supported complete prosthesis.Material and methods: A circular steel master cast with five perforations containing implant replicas (Ø3.75 mm) was used. Two groups were formed according to the types of alloy of the framework (CoCr or PdAg). Three frameworks were made for each group to be tested with 4, 5.5 and 7 mm abutments. A 100 N load was applied at a point 15 mm distal to the center of the terminal implant. Readings of the deformations generated on the mesial and distal aspects of the abutments were obtained with the use of strain gauges.Results: Deformation caused by tension and compression was observed in all specimens with the terminal abutment taking most of the load. An increase in deformation was observed in the terminal abutment as the height was increased. The use of an alloy of higher elastic modulus (CoCr) also caused the abutment deformation to increase.Conclusion: Abutment's height and framework alloy influence the deformation of abutments of mandibular cantilevered implant‐supported prosthesis.
Barriers to restorative care as perceived by dental patients attending government hospitals in Tanzania
Authors: Kikwilu E. N. , Frencken J. E. , Mulder J. , Masalu J. R. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract –  Objectives:  Perceptions of dental patients in Tanzania regarding barriers to restorative care were examined.Methods:  A total of 1138 dental patients aged 15 years and above, attending 12 selected government dental clinics in January 2005, completed a pre‐tested questionnaire. anova and logistic regression were used to identify the effects of independent variables upon the barrier factors.Results:  Ten barriers to restorative care in Tanzania were identified. The five main barriers included: No advice received from dentist (mean = 3.82); Lack of knowledge on restorative care (mean = 3.58); Lack of habits for going for dental check‐ups (mean = 3.31); Bother that one may get in seeking restorative care (mean = 3.28) and Past experience with dental treatment (mean = 3.25). Less respondents in the middle economic zone perceived issues related to beliefs and misinformation, lack of knowledge on restorative care and past experience with dental treatment to be barriers than respondents in low and high economic zones (P < 0.01). However, more of them perceived issues related to high fee for restoration, bother that one may get in seeking restorative care and few clinics rendering restorative care (P < 0.0001) to be barriers than respondents in the high economic zone did. Women, more than men, perceived few clinics rendering restorative care and no advice received from dentist as barriers to restorative care (P < 0.01). Respondents who had received a restoration and/or had relatives who had received a restoration perceived bother that one may get in seeking restorative care and no advice received from dentist more as barriers to restorative care than did those who lacked that experience and whose relatives had not received a restoration (P < 0.05).Conclusions:  No advice received from dentist and lack of knowledge on restorative care, were the two major barriers to restorative care, as perceived by dental patients in Tanzania. Implementation of the Atraumatic Restorative Treatment approach may overcome many of the barriers identified.
Hypocholesterolemia in adult patients with thalassemia: a link with the severity of genotype in thalassemia intermedia patients
Authors: Ricchi Paolo , Ammirabile Massimiliano , Spasiano Anna , Costantini Silvia , Di Matola Tiziana , Cinque Patrizia , Pagano Leonilde , Prossomariti Luciano 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjectives:  Hypocholesterolemia has been previously described in patients affected by thalassemia. In this study we retrospectively evaluated the cholesterol level in two groups of patients affected by either thalassemia major (TM) or thalassemia intermedia (TI), with the aim of establishing factors correlated to hypocholesterolemia within both populations.Methods:  All patients referring to our Unit of Thalassemia were considered. Observation time, defined as the interval between the first and last set of laboratory test, was 2 yr (January 2005–December 2006).Results:  We found that patients with TI had significantly lower cholesterol and hemoglobin level as compared with TM patients. In addition there was no correlation between groups with identical genotype and cholesterol levels in both populations. However, within the TI group, lower values of cholesterol were found in patients with more severe genotype and lower body mass index.Conclusions:  Our data support the hypothesis that, independently from single genotype involved, the reduced level of cholesterol in patients with TI are sustained by active erythropoiesis which increases cholesterol requirement.
Using programme theory to assess the feasibility of delivering micronutrient Sprinkles through a food‐assisted maternal and child health and nutrition programme in rural Haiti
Authors: Loechl Cornelia U. , Menon Purnima , Arimond Mary , Ruel Marie T. , Pelto Gretel , Habicht Jean‐Pierre , Michaud Lesly 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis paper uses programme theory to assess, in the context of an effectiveness evaluation, the feasibility and acceptability of distributing micronutrient Sprinkles through a food‐assisted maternal and child health and nutrition programme in rural Haiti. We laid out the steps related to programme delivery and household utilization of Sprinkles and used qualitative and quantitative methods to gather data on these steps. Methods included structured observations, checks of beneficiary ration cards, exit interviews, focus group discussions (FGD), individual interviews and survey data from the effectiveness evaluation. Results are as follows: (1) information on use of Sprinkles was provided before mothers first received them, as planned; (2) Sprinkles were re‐packaged and distributed as planned and in the appropriate amount; (3) almost all mothers (96%) received two monthly rations of Sprinkles and received timely information on their use; (4) mothers understood instructions about use of Sprinkles and acceptance was high, and no selling of the product was reported or observed; and (5) mothers reported using Sprinkles as instructed, every day (63% in survey; 86% at exit interviews), and for the child only (99%). FGD with staff highlighted the acceptance of the intervention, with a reported ‘modest’ increase in workload. Within this well‐established programme, it proved feasible to distribute Sprinkles and to ensure appropriate use by beneficiary mothers. Existing programme venues were suitable for distributing Sprinkles and educating mothers about their use. Use of programme theory helped to assess feasibility and acceptability of the Sprinkles intervention and provided useful information for programme replication or scale‐up.
Maternal autonomy is inversely related to child stunting in Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Shroff Monal , Griffiths Paula , Adair Linda , Suchindran Chirayath , Bentley Margaret 
Published: December 2008

AbstractChild stunting, an outcome of chronic undernutrition, contributes to poor quality of life, morbidity and mortality. In South Asia, the low status of women is thought to be one of the primary determinants of undernutrition across the lifespan. Low female status can result in compromised health outcomes for women, which in turn are related to lower infant birthweight and may affect the quality of infant care and nutrition. Maternal autonomy (defined as a woman's personal power in the household and her ability to influence and change her environment) is likely an important factor influencing child care and ultimately infant and child health outcomes. To examine the relationship between maternal autonomy and child stunting in Andhra Pradesh, India, we analysed data from National Family Health Survey (NFHS)‐2. We used cross‐sectional demographic, health and anthropometric information for mothers and their oldest child <36 months (n = 821) from NFHS‐2. The main explanatory variables of autonomy are presented by four dimensions – decision making, permission to travel, attitude towards domestic violence and financial autonomy – constructed using seven binary variables. Logistic regression models were used to test associations between indicators of female autonomy and the risk of having a stunted child. Women with higher autonomy {indicated by access to money [odds ratio (OR) = 0.731; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.546, 0.981] and freedom to choose to go to the market [OR = 0.593; 95% CI 0.376, 0.933]} were significantly less likely to have a stunted child, after controlling for household socio‐economic status and mother's education. In this south Indian state, two dimensions of female autonomy have an independent effect on child growth, suggesting the need for interventions that increase women's financial and physical autonomy.
Effects of Nimesulide, Acetylsalicylic Acid, Ibuprofen and Nabumetone on Cyclooxygenase‐1‐ and Cyclooxygenase‐2‐Mediated Prostanoid Production in Healthy Volunteersex vivo
Authors: Kerola Markku , Vuolteenaho Katriina , Kosonen Outi , Kankaanranta Hannu , Sarna Seppo , Moilanen Eeva 
Published: December 2008

Abstract: The beneficial actions of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been associated with inhibition of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), whereas some of their adverse effects are associated mainly with inhibition of COX‐1. Selective COX‐2 inhibitors reduce the risk of gastrointestinal adverse events, but increase the risk of thromboembolic events pointing to importance of optimal COX‐1/COX‐2 inhibition in drug safety. We compared the effects of acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, nabumetone and nimesulide on COX‐1 and COX‐2 pathways in healthy volunteers in anex vivoset‐up using single oral doses commonly used to treat acute pain. In a randomized, double‐blind four‐phase cross‐over study, 15 healthy volunteers were given orally a single dose of either acetylsalicylic acid 500 mg, ibuprofen 400 mg, nabumetone 1 g or nimesulide 100 mg. Blood samples were drawn before and 1, 3, 6, 24 and 48 hr after the drug for the assessment of COX‐1 and COX‐2 activity. COX‐1 activity was measured as thromboxane2production during blood clotting and COX‐2 activity as endotoxin‐induced prostaglandin E2synthesis in blood leucocytes. The data show that after a single oral dose these four NSAIDs have different profiles of action on COX‐1 and COX‐2. As expected, acetylsalicylic acid appeared to be COX‐1‐selective and ibuprofen effectively inhibited both COX‐1 and COX‐2. Nabumetone showed only a slight inhibitory effect on COX‐1 and COX‐2. Nimesulide caused almost complete suppression of COX‐2 activity and a partial reduction of COX‐1 activity. This confirms the relative COX‐2 selectivity of nimesulide.
Chronic Pharmacological and Safety Evaluation of Hematide™, a PEGylated Peptidic Erythropoiesis‐Stimulating Agent, in Rodents
Authors: Woodburn Kathryn W. , Wilson Susan D. , Fong Kei‐Lai , Schatz Peter J. , Spainhour Charles B. , Norton Daniel 
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  Hematide™ is a synthetic peptide‐based, PEGylated erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent, which is being developed for the chronic treatment of anaemia associated with chronic renal failure. To support the safety of long‐term dosing of chronic renal failure patients, a comprehensive toxicology programme was implemented including rat subchronic and chronic studies. Rats were administered 0, 0.1, 1 and 10 mg/kg of Hematide every 3 weeks for 3 months via subcutaneous injection or for 6 months via intravenous injection. The dosing period was followed by a 6‐week follow‐up period. The primary pharmacology of Hematide resulted in erythroid polycythemia as measured by elevated haemoglobin levels that were time‐ and dose‐dependent. The pharmacology profiles were similar regardless of administration route. For example, for male rats at Day 90, subcutaneous dosing resulted in haemoglobin increases of 2.7, 4.5 and 6.9 g/dl for 0.1, 1 and 10 mg Hematide/kg respectively, compared to 2.8, 5.7 and 7.4 g/dl increases for intravenous dosing. Histopathological changes were related to the prolonged severe polycythemia induced in normocythemic animals administered an erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent. The findings included extramedullary haematopoiesis in the spleen and liver, bone marrow hypercellularity and organ congestion. Microscopic findings were reversible, demonstrating a return towards control findings within 6 weeks following cessation of dosing. Systemic exposures, based on both area under the curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax), were substantially greater for intravenous than subcutaneous administration. No Hematide‐specific antibodies were detected. In conclusion, Hematide is a potent erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent, and the studies provide support for the safety of clinical development, including chronic dosing, for the treatment of anaemia associated with chronic renal failure.
Floristic compositions of Inner Mongolian grasslands under different land‐use conditions
Authors: Ao Min , Ito Misako , Ito Kanji , Yun Jin Feng , Miura Reiichi , Tominaga Tohru 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe severe degradation of grasslands caused by overgrazing and other diverse human operations has become widespread in Inner Mongolia, China. In this study, the vegetations of several grasslands under different land‐use conditions were compared to examine the relationships between the vegetation and the disturbance of the grassland. Floristic and life‐form compositions of the stands representing the six different sites were researched by the quadrat method: a non‐grazed grassland (G1), a lightly grazed grassland (G2), a path (P), an abandoned field (AF) and two artificial meadows (M1 and M2). P, AF, M1 and M2 were located in a part of the grazed grassland. AF, M1 and M2 had been tilled when planted. The dominant species found in G1 and G2 were Potentilla fragarioides, Poa annua, and Cleistogenes squarrosa. Artemisia annua, Chenopodium album, Cannabis sativa f. ruderalis and Calystegia hederacea were found in P and AF, being scarce in the grassland areas. Amaranthus retroflexus, Kochia scoparia and Setaria viridis, which are cosmopolitan weeds, were dominant only in AF. Leymus chinensis, Agropyron cristatum, Potentilla bifurca, and Potentilla tanacetifolia were widely observed across all the surveyed sites. The land‐use change from grassland to path caused a decrease of perennial species and an invasion of annual species by heavy trampling. A similar vegetational change occurred with the land‐use change from grassland to abandoned field due to the destruction of original vegetation by tillage. Human disturbance such as tillage and trampling also resulted in a decrease in the species with the tufted‐ and branched‐form and an increase in the species with the erect‐form. Tillage could produce a more serious impact on the grassland vegetation as compared to grazing.
Forage and biomass feedstock production from hybrid forage sorghum and sorghum–sudangrass hybrids
Authors: Venuto Brad , Kindiger Bryan 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAs the bioenergy industry expands, producers choosing to shift current forage crop production to dedicated biomass crops can benefit from growing lower risk multipurpose crops that maximize management options. Hybrid forage sorghums (HFS) and sorghum–sudangrass hybrids (SSG) are capable of impressive biomass yields and tolerance to environmental stress. Multiple vegetative harvests (ratoon harvests) of sorghum are possible and there are photoperiod‐sensitive sorghums that remain vegetative. However, the response of newer HFS and SSG cultivars to harvest management practices designed for forage or cellulosic feedstock production has not been fully investigated in all environments. The objectives of this study were to: (i) determine biomass production and quality characteristics of a genetically diverse range of HFS, SSG and sudangrass cultivars and evaluate their interaction with harvest system; and (ii) provide data to aid selection of sorghum cultivars for both forage and biofuel uses. Mean yield across all entries and years for a single late season harvest was 27.1 Mg ha−1 of dry matter per year. Mean total yield for a first harvest plus a ratoon crop was 25.5 Mg ha−1 of dry matter per year. However, entries varied for yield and interacted with harvest system. Mean caloric value was 16.5 Gj Mg−1 and modest differences were observed among cultivars evaluated. The best performing entry (cv. Tentaka) yielded 40.3 Mg ha−1 of dry matter for a single late season harvest, demonstrating the biomass potential of existing sorghum cultivars, specifically those possessing photoperiod‐ and/or thermosensitive genotypes.
Affiliative group size influences grazing and recumbency behaviors in heifers immediately after beginning grazing and in high‐density grazing situations
Authors: Takeda Ken‐ichi , Sato Shusuke , Sugawara Kazuo 
Published: December 2008

AbstractWe compared grazing and recumbency behaviors of grazing heifers in affiliative groups of two and five immediately after beginning grazing and in high‐density grazing situations in a pasture. Fourteen heifers were divided into two experimental groups of two individuals and two groups of five individuals that were familiar with each other. These heifers were then grazed with unfamiliar cattle in a pasture. Four heifers from each affiliative group (eight heifers in all) were selected as focal animals in three grazing situations: (i) treatment 1, immediately after beginning grazing (0.5 ha animal unit [AU]−1); (ii) control, 1 month after beginning grazing (0.3 ha AU−1); and (iii) treatment 2, high‐density grazing (0.1 ha AU−1). Each focal animal was followed by an individual observer for 12 h beginning at sunrise. Posture and maintenance behaviors at 1‐min intervals were recorded continuously. The mean duration and total time spent grazing during the 12‐h observation period were significantly affected by group size and grazing situation (P < 0.001) and the interaction between these factors (P < 0.01). The mean duration of grazing behavior in the group of two was considerably (P < 0.05) reduced in treatment 2 compared to control, whereas there was no significant difference in the group of five. Although the total time spent in maintenance behavior (grazing and recumbency) in the groups of two and five was the same in each treatment in the former, the difference between the total time spent grazing and recumbency behaviors was greater than that in the latter (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that an affiliative group size may provide a calming effect for cattle in a pasture and contribute to the stability of their lives in a socially competitive situation. An affiliative group of five may be better adapted behaviorally to a changing grazing environment compared to a group of two.
Development of an automatic classification system for eating, ruminating and resting behavior of cattle using an accelerometer
Authors: Watanabe Nariyasu , Sakanoue Seiichi , Kawamura Kensuke , Kozakai Takaharu 
Published: December 2008

AbstractMonitoring behavior of grazing animals is important for the management of grazing systems. We developed a new automatic classification system for eating, ruminating and resting activities of cattle using a three‐axis microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometer. We fitted the accelerometer to a Holstein cow in a tie‐stall barn and to a Japanese Black cow at pasture, and measured their under‐jaw accelerations at 1‐s intervals. The behavior of the animals was also video‐recorded. The raw acceleration data was processed to create 12 variables: the mean, variance and inverse coefficient of variation (ICV; mean/standard deviation) per minute for the x‐, y‐ and z‐axis and the resultant. Quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA) was employed to classify eating, ruminating and resting activities, using 11 combinations of the variables as explanatory variables. In all axes and their resultant, approximately 99.6% of the raw acceleration values ranged between –19.6 m s−2 (–2 G) and 19.6 m s−2 (2 G), with an amplitude tendency of eating > ruminating > resting. Seven combinations of the variables produced total percent correct discriminations exceeding 90% in both tie‐stalled and grazing cows. Overall, the highest discriminant score was obtained in the combination of the ‘Means and ICV’. Our results demonstrate that processing acceleration data with QDA is effective in statistically classifying eating, ruminating and resting activities of cattle.
Spatial and seasonal variation of climate on steppe slopes of the northern Mongolian mountain taiga
Authors: Dulamsuren Choimaa , Hauck Markus 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe local climate of two south‐facing, steppe‐covered slopes was studied in the Eroo River valley in the western Khentey Mountains, northern Mongolia, and compared to the climate of a floodplain meadow. The microclimate of these sites is of special interest because: (i) the climate‐dependent forest–steppe border runs through northern Mongolia; and (ii) the area encountered late 20th century warming far above the global average. The overall climate of the study area is characterized by highly variable, low annual precipitation (<300 mm), an annual average of air temperature around the freezing point and a high seasonal amplitude of temperature of 80°C. South‐facing slopes were warmer and drier than the floodplain. High soil temperatures with maxima of nearly 60°C at 1 cm depth and low soil moisture are capable of inhibiting tree growth on the south‐facing slopes. Soils on the open slope are warmer than at the treeline between taiga forests and grasslands and, thus, less suited for tree growth. On the open slopes, soil temperatures primarily depend on the inclination and the vegetation cover suggesting an interrelationship between the present vegetation, microclimate and the potential for the establishment of trees. Because climate in Mongolia is predicted to become warmer and drier at many places, hot and dry soil conditions inhibiting the establishment of trees may be expected to be more common in future. An expansion of such unfavorable conditions could cause the spread of grasslands to slopes in western and eastern aspects, which are presently occupied by forest.