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The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on various economic sectors in Indonesia, including the education system. Consequently, the educational landscape has undergone substantial changes, such as the shift from traditional classroom instruction to online learning. All students, regardless of their academic or non-academic backgrounds, have benefited from this transition in numerous ways. We are interested in identifying the most crucial factors that determine long-term learning outcomes and how academic and non-academic factors influence students' academic performance. The study will be conducted in October 2022 at SMK Negeri 6 Pekanbaru, and 529 out of 1400 participants will be randomly selected. We will use a Google Form with 22 questions to collect quantitative data.

This paper presents ‘Daily Video’, an innovative application designed to facilitate longitudinal studies in the realm of quality of experience (QoE). The application simulates real-life video service consumption and collects daily subjective quality assessments from users, promoting an in-depth understanding of user engagement and habits over time. Key features include scheduling, customised queries, user feedback, device orientation tracking and instant access to results, all of which enhance the application’s adaptability and usability for a variety of experimental conditions. The application, available as open-source code, supports state-of-the-art QoE research.

The aim of this study is to compare long-term outcomes (7–10 years) between vaginal hysterectomy with uterosacral ligament suspension (VHUSLS) and sacrospinous hysteropexy with the Uphold™ Lite mesh System (SHU) for management of apical prolapse. Patients undergoing VHUSLS or SHU from 2008 to 2012 at a single tertiary referral center were included. Patients were contacted, asked to return for physical examination, and to complete the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) questionnaire. Our primary outcome was anatomic failure defined as Stage 2 POP or higher of any compartment. The secondary outcome was subjective changes in symptoms based upon PFDI-20 responses. Two-hundred and two women were identified to have undergone the index surgeries from 2008 to 2012. Sixty-three agreed to return for follow up symptom evaluation and examination (30 VHUSLS and 33 SHU). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Clinical cure was high for both groups reaching 93.4 % and 94.0 % for the VHUSLS and SHU groups, respectively (p = 0.721). Anatomical success was lower with 44.7 % and 66.7 % of patients in the VHUSLS and SHU groups, respectively, meeting criteria for success (p = 0.138). There were no mesh complications among patients returning for exams. However, two patients who were contacted and were not interested in this study reported mesh complications and need for additional surgeries. Anterior vaginal wall support was noted to be significantly better supported for SHU (Ba −2.03 ± 0.75 vs −1.42 ± 0.92, p = 0.008). There were no differences between groups for overall PFDI-20 scores postoperatively. However, SHU patients reported higher rates of stress urinary incontinence compared to VHUSLS patients. In women with apical prolapse, VHUSLS and SHU afford similar long-term outcomes. SHU patients reported higher rates of stress urinary incontinence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Until 2014 Mar del Plata city discharged its untreated sewage effluents to the intertidal sector. This city has a marked seasonality in the urban discharge, varying between 2.8 and 3.5 m3.sec.-1 of effluents before/after summer. The effect on the intertidal benthic community was evaluated in both spatially, in sewage-impacted and reference sites, and temporarily in both the short term, before/after summer, and in long term along nine periods between 1997 - 2014. The bivalve Brachidontes rodriguezii, the ecosystem engineer, reach the maximum dominance and frequency in reference areas. Spatially the presence of opportunistic and tolerant species characterized the impacted areas, while in reference sites sensitive species were prevalent. The opportunistic polychaete species Capitella "capitata" sp. and Alitta succinea were dominant near the sewage discharge in firsts periods. In other periods the indicator species were Rhynchospio glutaea or Boccardia spp. From 2008 the invader Boccardia proboscidea characterized the sewage-impacted sites building massive reefs. The crustaceans Jassa falcata and Caprella sp. were very abundant at intermediate distances from the sewage discharge, while Monocorophium insidiosum was very abundant in sewage-impacted areas. The tolerant and opportunistic species are favored after the summer due to the extra organic matter input. All community parameters showed lower values after the summer, and also a trend to diminish along the studied period.

Modified surgical lip repositioning (MLR) is a conservative method for correcting gummy smile (GS). However, its long-term evaluation in the prevention of relapse following lip repositioning surgeries remains questionable. This long-term study was therefore conducted to assess MLR with and without an adjunctive internal dual muscle traction approach (iMTA) in the treatment of GS. This study was performed on 20 cases with GS. They were randomly and equally distributed to be treated either by MLR alone (Control) or augmented with iMTA (Test). Participants were assessed for GS reduction at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The patient's satisfaction scores were assessed at 12 months in both groups. The control participants revealed in a remarkable decrease in gingival exposure (2.7 mm ± 0.48) (P-value ≤ 0.05), while the test ones demonstrated a more significant reduction in GS (1.6 mm ± 0.52) (P-value ≤ 0.05). Satisfaction scores were significantly reported in the test group (9.3 ± 0.78 when compared to the control group (7.8 ± 1.3), (P-value ≤ 0.05). Within the limits of this study, our long-term results revealed that MLR is an effective method for treating GS, while iMTA offered more stable results at 12 months when used as an adjunct to MLR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Modifications of facial and oral structures affect aesthetic appearance, orofacial functions, and have impact on quality of life. Purpose This study determined alterations of articulation, oromyofunctional behavior, and Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) in patients replacing complete removable dentures by implant retained overdentures in the mandible. Materials and methods: Twenty‐one fully edentulous patients received mandibular overdenture retained on a bar connecting two titanium dental implants. Patients were evaluated after receiving a new set of fully removable dentures (stage 1), after surgery during provisionalization on healing abutments (stage 2), and after final connection to the bar (stage 3). Assessments were taken by speech therapists and included evaluation of: articulation (picture naming and reading); oromyofunctional behavior; OHRQoL (OHIP‐14 questionnaire), and overall satisfaction and speech (VAS). To measure changes over time, Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed‐rank‐test and McNemar test was used. Results: There was no significant impact of the treatment on speech nor on the results of oromyofunction. In stage 1, patients had different kinds of articulation errors (mean:1.21) which evolved to 0.71 and 0.67. In stage 3, especially problems with the /s/ sound are seen in 37% (7/19) of the participants. Results of OHRQoL and satisfaction reveal that the average of satisfaction with oral health evolved from 67% to 63% and finally 78%. OHIP‐14 total score was 17.4/56 in stage 1, remained unchanged in stage 2 and evolved in stage 3 to 9.8/56 (P:.010). This indicates improvement. Satisfaction with speech evolved significantly from 68% pretreatment to 82% in stage 3 (P:.013). Conclusion: Despite existing articulation and oromyofunctional disorders after treatment, people are very satisfied with their OHRQoL and their speech. Impact of mandibular denture wearing on OHRQoL declines once connected. It's important to inform patients that speech and oromyofunctional disorders may occur during treatment where especially the /s/ sound is vulnerable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study describes changes in the Hungarian population of the European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) that occurred between 1950 and 2019. Data before 1990 were collected from local communities who were familiar with this mammal (an example of citizen science). The comparison was based on the area occupied by the animals. The studied region was in the Komárom-Esztergom County, north-western Hungary, where the species was widespread in the middle of the 20th century. It was common in the lowlands, low hilly country and even in suitable habitats in uplands. By 1990 the population had drastically declined, to about 1.5% of the previous levels, and today 99.7% of the population has disappeared with only small, vulnerable populations surviving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macroinvertebrates are a crucial component of wetland trophic webs. Many taxa are used as bioindicators of ecosystem change. However, relationships between macroinvertebrates and the environmental factors in peat pool habitats are still not well recognized. The present study shows the results of long-term studies during the years 2010–2020, on the responses of macroinvertebrates to the changes of environmental variables in a peat pool habitat formed as a result of peat exploitation on continental raised bog. The RDA analysis significantly explained 87.3% of the variance in macroinvertebrates abundances. Assemblages of most taxa (Anisoptera, Chironomidae, Ceratopogonidae, Coleoptera, Hydrachnidia and Tabanidae) showed a strong relationship with N-NO3 and pH. Moreover, densities of Chaoboridae larvae were explained by chlorophyll-a concentrations. Dominant taxon, Chironomidae, constituted from 48% to 87% of total faunal density. The highest proportions showed larvae of Psectrocladius sp. (gr. sordidellus) and Chironomus sp. Changes in the composition of macroinvertebrate fauna over a period of 10 years reflect the eutrophication process of the peat pool and deterioration of habitat conditions.

Purpose: Perfectionism has been found to predict outcomes in the treatment of eating disorders (ED). In the present study, we took advantage of longitudinal data to: a) investigate whether there are different patterns of perfectionism during the first six months after admission in a clinical sample of patients with ED, and b) describe how these patterns are related to long-term outcome. Methods: A sample of patients (N=294) from the Coordinated Evaluation and Research at Specialized Units for Eating Disorders database was divided into clusters according to perfectionism patterns measured with the EDI-2 perfectionism scale at baseline, and six months in treatment. Cluster analysis was performed on the extent and perseverance/changeability of self-oriented and socially described perfectionism. Outcome was measured with the EDI-2 and the SCL-63. Frequencies of eating disorder diagnoses were investigated. Results: Five clusters were identified. Low perfectionism was associated with lower levels of ED and psychiatric symptomatology at baseline. There were no significant differences between clusters on outcome variables at 36-month follow-up. Conclusions: Results indicated better psychiatric and psychological health three years after the initial measure. Patterns of relations between the extent and possible changes of perfectionism, measured with the EDI-P at baseline and after six months, did not appear to be associated with long-term outcomes on psychiatric health ratings.

Process-based biogeochemical models such as the DeNitrification-DeComposition (DNDC) and DayCent models can provide reliable estimations of components of the nitrogen (N) cycle but have rarely been evaluated for a more complete N balance. This is important in order to assess the long-term effects of management practices on soil and environmental quality. Using published data collected from a long term study in the Canadian semi-arid prairie, the Canadian DNDC version (DNDC v.CAN) and DayCent models were evaluated for their ability to simulate the long term nitrogen dynamics and budgets as well as nitrogen use efficiencies (NUEs) in a loam/silt loam soil for three distinct spring wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) cropping systems. Both DNDC v.CAN and DayCent models predicted the spring wheat grain yields, above-ground plant biomass and nitrogen uptake well. The predicted NUEs in DNDC v.CAN, calculated using two approaches with respect to grain yield and grain N concentration, indicated good correlations to the observed values with r ≥ 0.70 and low biases and average relative errors. The N balances were also simulated well in the two models, however DayCent showed a higher estimate of the deficit between N inputs and outputs, termed ‘Unaccounted N’, in all three systems compared to DNDC v.CAN. For both model simulations and the observed data, N outputs in the form of grain N uptake and N losses (nitrogen leaching, N gas emissions) were greater than N inputs except in the ContW (NP) system. In general, a multiple linear regression for estimations of NUEs with respect to N balance and N inputs across all three cropping systems showed that, DNDC v.CAN correlated better with the observed data compared to DayCent. Thus, based on model performance in this study, DNDC v.CAN as a process-based model offers promise as a tool for analyzing different cropping systems with varying N rates in terms of N dynamics and subsequent environmental impacts and benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Implant esthetics may benefit from individualized zirconia abutments copying the emergence profile of the natural tooth and delivered within days after immediate implant insertion. Purpose To investigate the esthetic outcome of the Copy-Abutment technique using the Pink Esthetic Score (PES). Materials and Methods A total of 77 patients with single-tooth implants in the anterior maxilla restored at the day of immediate implant placement using Copy-Abutments and provisional crowns were followed-up after 1 week, 1 month, 4 months, 6 months, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years to assess implant esthetics. Results PES ranged between 7 and 14 (median: 13) and improved significantly between the 6 month and 1 year follow-up ( p < .001), then remained stable up to the fifth year. Significant improvement was seen for the variables PES-6 soft tissue color ( p = .002) and PES-7 soft tissue texture ( p < .001) up to the 1 year follow-up, while PES-5 alveolar process deficiency deteriorated ( p = .016). Mean mucosal recession was 0.26 ± 0.86 mm (range: 0-1.6) after 5 years and not related to gingival biotype. Conclusion Copy-Abutments for immediate restoration of implants in the esthetic zone show satisfactory long-term esthetic outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Long-term data on clinical outcomes of restorations attached to implants via zinc oxide ( ZnO) cement have been sparse. Purpose The purpose of this study was to retrospectively investigate decementation rates and peri-implant tissue status of implant-supported fixed restorations retained by ZnO cement. Materials and Methods Between 1989 and 2003, 63 partially edentulous patients received 93 implants. Of these, 27 patients received 36 screwed single crowns ( SC) and served as a control ( C group). The other 36 patients had their restorations cemented using ZnO cement. They were subdivided into a SC group and a fixed dental prosthesis ( FDP) group. After between 10 and 23 years (mean: 13.22 ± 3.21), all decementation events and peri-implant soft tissue status were evaluated using patient records. Results Decementation was assessed in 57 implants supporting 30 SCs and 16 FDPs. Five cases of decementation (8.77%) were recorded after a mean of 9.27 ± 7.05 years (range: 4.81-21.79). In the control group of vertically screwed SCs, five events of screw loosening (13.89%) were recorded in five patients (18.52%) after a mean of 5.84 ± 5.96 years (range: 0.56-15.05) within a 14.30 year observation period. No cases of peri-implantitis were observed in any group. The mean values of periodontal probing depths and bleeding on probing (BOP+) were 3.74 mm and 31.58%, respectively, for ZnO-cemented restorations, versus 3.76 mm and 25%, respectively, for the C group. No significant correlations regarding technical/biologic complications between the groups were detected. Conclusions Within the limitations of this study, we conclude that the use of ZnO cement provides sufficient retention of implant-supported fixed restorations over long periods without biologic complications in form of peri-implantitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European beech ( Fagus sylvatica ) increases its dominance in various forest types in Central Europe. In this context we investigated a very exceptional process, in which beech have been partly outcompeted by sycamore maple ( Acer pseudoplatanus ) in unmanaged forest without severe disturbances. Main research questions were as follows: (i) How did the spatial patterns of beech and sycamore develop, and can these patterns be described by known spatial models?; (ii) What were the spatial relationships between beech and sycamore?; (iii) Does the spatial relationship of advance regeneration to gap-makers differ for the two species?; (iv) Did the presence of a road influence the spread of the sycamore population? The study was conducted in beech-dominated forest Žákova hora in the central part of the Czech Republic which has been left to spontaneous development for 85 years. We studied long-term forest dynamics using stem position maps of trees with DBH ⩾ 10 cm carried out in 1974, 1995 and 2011. We used standard methods for calculating recruitment, mortality and population change. Various types of the pair correlation function were applied to describe the development of tree spatial patterns. Our results showed that sycamore regenerated in the close vicinity of other conspecific trees. Sycamore recruits were not spatially associated to individual gap makers. Sycamore individuals had a highly clustered distribution, and the number of individuals grew mostly through the increasing of existing clusters. We successfully fitted the Matérn cluster process for sycamore spatial patterns. The radius of the model cluster ranged between 6 and 16 m. By contrast, beech recruits were negatively correlated to older conspecific trees and showed independence or positive correlation to sycamore veterans. The vicinity of the road significantly promoted sycamore recruitment (opposed to the beech). If the sycamore expansion is connected with the vicinity of the road and thickening of existing sycamore clusters only, as our results indicate, then it can be spatially and temporally limited process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main focus of this paper was the dynamics of Fraxinus angustifolia tree spatial patterns after the frequency of flooding events has markedly declined, especially as regards competition with Carpinus betulus and Acer campestre, the most rapidly expanding species in alluvial hardwood forests in Central Europe. The study was conducted in alluvial forests at the confluence of the Morava and Dyje rivers in the Czech Republic. A pair correlation function was used to describe the variability in tree density. Analyses were carried out for datasets from 1973, 1994 and 2006. Over the study period, F. angustifolia populations were characterised by stagnation in the number of individuals, while the number of C. betulus and A. campestre trees increased. Recruitment rates of F. angustifolia were the lowest of all species with the exception of Quercus robur. Recruits of F. angustifolia showed a strong connection to newly available space after decay of the Q. robur layer. Analysis of the elevational distribution of populations showed an increase in the stand intersection of tree species. In the absence of regular floods, F. angustifolia comes into direct competition with C. betulus and A. campestre, which are more adapted to grow in densely shaded, closed stands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Normally, butterfly behavior and population size are studied intensively for brief periods or occasionally for long periods, not in detail for long periods, producing an incomplete view in both cases. How time limitation affects studies has been unknown for a long time. This paper analyses this problem based on an intensive long term study of Vanessa atalanta (L.) that covered nearly 8000 days, most of them consecutive, for 22 years (April 15, 1977-April 14, 1999), in a subtropical habitat near Orlando, Florida. There is no evidence that ethological studies are affected by their normally brief duration (one year or less), but the analysis of yearly values hid the associations of number of individuals and arrival time with climate. In small areas, isolated population counts lasting less than two weeks are not reliable, according to this study. We found no difference in number of visitors for El Niño years. The daily number of visitors was inversely correlated with temperature and precipitation, but arrival time of the first visitor was positively correlated with both. The number of visitors reaches a peak near the end of Winter. The activity period span is greater than in more seasonal climates. Individuals were active even at 10° C and with 9 m/s winds. Individuals with fresh wing condition were most common from January to June. There were 82 atypical cases of individuals arriving before 12:00 hr. Aerial interactions were seen whenever there was more than one individual in the site (i.e. 41 % of days, N=7634 total days). Only once in these 22 years was predation seen.

Urbanization is thought to lead to the loss of biodiversity both because of habitat disturbance and the increased abundance of invasive species. However, most studies of biodiversity in cities are conducted on a short time scale, usually less than 3 years, and so miss the long-term dynamics of communities inhabiting these ecosystems. Here we use a study performed in the early 70's on North Carolina State University (Raleigh, USA) as a baseline to evaluate the long term effects of disturbance and introduced species on native ant communities. Ant species were sampled almost 40 years later using a variety of sampling techniques in order to maximize species collection. Our results show that while the number of exotic species increased, including three major invasive ants, native ant species richness remained high. Furthermore, our survey was able to add several new records for the area considered, in comparison of the 70's study, for a total of 89 species known from NCSU campus. After comparison with other studies, our results represent one of the most species-rich urban environments monitored and thus open encouraging perspective on how urban ecosystems could contribute to the preservation of the biodiversity of small-bodies organisms such as ants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polish Journal of Sports Medicine / Medycyna Sportowa is the property of Agencja Wydawnicza Medsportpress Sp. z o. o. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of calcium phosphate mineral content on the bone in-growth at the expense of composite of co-polylactide polymer charged with 2 different ratios of β-TCP granules (10 and 24 w-% of β-TCP). The evaluation was realized in a long term rabbit bone model. After 24, 48 and 76 weeks, the implants were examined by micro CT, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) using backscattered electron (BSE) and light microscopy (polarized and blue light microscopy). No foreign body reaction was detected during the 76 weeks follow-up in any of the test samples. Polymer hydrolysis began at approximately 24 weeks, by 76 weeks, the pure polymer implant had begun to release P(96L/4D)LA particles and show signs of peripheral localized bone resorption. A decrease in the amount of CaP was noticed between 24 and 76 weeks in both 10 wt-% and 24 wt-% β-TCP/P(96L/4D)LA composites. The study showed that the highest bone in-growth was with 24 wt-% β-TCP/P(96L/4D)LA composite. Bone in-growth and mineralization were evident for the composites associated with specific peripheral bone architecture. Fluorescent labelling demonstrated high bone in-growth and remodeling at the interface, while for pure co-polymer no bone remodeling or bone activity was maintained after 48 weeks. The study demonstrated the positive effect of calcium phosphate content into P(96L/4D)LA. This kind of composite is a suitable resorbable osteoconductive matrix, which provides long term stability required for ligament fixation device. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Our study reports a sub-group of patients with developmental dysplasia from a previously published larger series, with particular emphasis on the use of the uncemented RM acetabular component. We evaluated the long term results of 93 consecutive uncemented THAs in 80 patients using the titanium-coated RM acetabular component and the CLS femoral component in a prospective study. Eighteen hips in 16 patients had osteoarthritis secondary to developmental dysplasia of the hip. The mean follow-up was 19.6 years (18.2 to 20.9). Fourteen patients with 15 hips were clinically and radiographically examined and evaluated. Two patients with 3 hips died. No patient was lost to follow-up. No implant had to be revised, and no cases showed evidence of radiographic loosening. Nine acetabular components were not completely covered by host bone but this did not affect the outcome. At the latest follow-up the mean Harris Hip Score was 92 (81 to 100). The mean annual wear rate was 0.12 mm. The RM acetabular component performed well over 20 years in this selected group of patients. Complete acetabular containment was not needed, thus allowing reliable reconstruction of the anatomical centre of rotation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background and aims: Assess longer-term (12 weeks) effects of a diabetes-specific feed on postprandial glucose response, glycaemic control (HbA1c), lipid profile, (pre)-albumin, clinical course and tolerance in diabetic patients. Methods: In this randomized, controlled, double-blind, parallel group study 25 type 2 diabetic patients on tube feeding were included. Patients received a soy-protein based, multi-fibre diabetes-specific feed or isocaloric, fibre-containing standard feed for 12 weeks, while continuing on their anti-diabetic medication. At the beginning, after 6 and 12 weeks, several (glycaemic) parameters were assessed. Results: The postprandial glucose response (iAUC) to the diabetes-specific feed was lower at the 1st assessment compared with the standard feed (p =0.008) and this difference did not change over time. HbA1c decreased over time in the diabetes-specific and not in the standard feed group (treatment*time:p=0.034): 6.9±0.3% (mean±SEM) at baseline vs. 6.2±0.4% at 12 weeks in the diabetes-specific group compared to 7.9±0.3% to 8.7±0.4% in the standard feed group. No significant treatment*time effect was found for fasting glucose, insulin, (pre-) albumin or lipid profile, except for increase of HDL in the diabetes-specific group. Conclusions: The diabetes-specific feed studied significantly improved longer-term glycaemic control in diabetic patients. This was achieved in addition to on-going anti-diabetic medication and may affect clinical outcome. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The biomaterial bacterial cellulose (BC) represents an innovative approach for overcoming reconstructive problems associated with extended vascular diseases by providing small caliber vascular grafts (diameter 1.0–3.7, length 5.0–10.0, and wall-thickness 0.7 mm). In a first microsurgical study, the BC implants were attached in an artificial defect of the carotid artery of rats for 1 year. These long term results show the incorporation of the BC under formation of neointima and ingrowth of active fibroblasts. In a second study, the grafts were used to replace the carotid arteries of pigs. After 3 months, these grafts were removed and analyzed both macro- and microscopically. Seven grafts (87.5%) were patent whereas one graft was found occluded. These data indicate that the innovative BC engineering technique results in the production of stable vascular conduits and confirm a highly attractive approach to in vivo tissue engineered blood vessels as part of programs in cardiovascular surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition from arithmetic to algebra in general, and the use of symbolic generalizations in particular, are a major challenge for beginning algebra students. In this article, we describe and analyze students’ learning in a “computer intensive environment” designed ad hoc and implemented in two seventh grade classrooms throughout two consecutive school years. In particular, this article focuses on the description and analysis of how students initial generalizations (which relied on computerized tools that enabled different students’ to work with different strategies) shifted to recursive and explicit symbolic generalizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the zooplankton groups the Calanoida copepods present a high degree of endemism with a very restricted geographic distribution. This endemism can be a response to the sensibility of these organisms to changes in chemical and physical factors such as pH, conductivity and ionic ratios. Studies on the composition and distribution of the Calanoida species in 21 reservoirs of São Paulo State, carried out from 1979 onwards, and the studies on Barra Bonita Reservoir show a complete change in species composition including the appearance of a new species. Species which were frequent such as Notodiaptomus conifer in the majority of the reservoirs of the Middle Tiete and Paranapanema River basins, disappeared completely, being substituted by other species. At the Barra Bonita Reservoir, species such as Argyrodiaptomus furcatus, and Scolodiaptomus corderoi, which are typical of waters of low conductivity (up to 100 μS cm-1 ) and pH near 7.0, were substituted by species of Notodiaptomus iheringi and N. cearensis dwellers in waters of conductivity much higher than 100 μS cm-1 (up to 500 μS cm-1) and lower pH than 7.0. Structural changes in the zooplankton community can be the first step towards large scale changes in reservoir functions as a consequence of eutrophication and toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lake Lucerne, Switzerland, "Kreuztrichter"-basin, was investigated between 1961 and 1992. This time period offered a unique opportunity to study an eutrophication event lasting some ten years and the following recovery period as well as the limnological behavior of a deep pre-alpine lake. Results are presented as isopleths and long-term trends. Five year averages show clear patterns in the dynamics of ammonia or nitrite. Lake Lucerne (Kastanienbaum basin) is a monomictic lake, with only one complete overturn every six years. Other basins of Lake Lucerne such as the southernmost basin (Lake Uri), destratify each year, because of its wind-channel orientation.¶Kreuztrichter Basin was physically stabilized for years by trophic-induced processes. As the lake recovered, the density gradient in the bottom water layer decreased and turnover frequency increases. The oxygen peak in summer was usually overridden by temperature effects. Nitrogen concentration increased steadily during the 30 year period. Data for N, P, Si and O2 suggested the concept of compensation depth could be applied. The results were e.g. settling seston had no effect on nitrogen but caused a decrease in soluble phosphorus. In the most productive years silica use was more intense. The abyssal part of the wind-shielded Weggis-Vitznau basin is the most sensitive spot to the effects of nutrients in the lake. This paper is a summary of a more extensive report of the data (Bührer and Ambühl 1996). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macroinvertebrates are a crucial component of wetland trophic webs. Many taxa are used as bioindicators of ecosystem change. However, relationships between macroinvertebrates and the environmental factors in peat pool habitats are still not well recognized. The present study shows the results of long-term studies during the years 2010–2020, on the responses of macroinvertebrates to the changes of environmental variables in a peat pool habitat formed as a result of peat exploitation on continental raised bog. The RDA analysis significantly explained 87.3% of the variance in macroinvertebrates abundances. Assemblages of most taxa (Anisoptera, Chironomidae, Ceratopogonidae, Coleoptera, Hydrachnidia and Tabanidae) showed a strong relationship with N-NO3 and pH. Moreover, densities of Chaoboridae larvae were explained by chlorophyll-a concentrations. Dominant taxon, Chironomidae, constituted from 48% to 87% of total faunal density. The highest proportions showed larvae of Psectrocladius sp. (gr. sordidellus) and Chironomus sp. Changes in the composition of macroinvertebrate fauna over a period of 10 years reflect the eutrophication process of the peat pool and deterioration of habitat conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Italian Journal of Neurological Sciences is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim: Treatment-associated lymphedema is a common side effect after multimodal therapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC). This study aims to evaluate potential prognostic factors for head and neck lymphedema (HNL) and its potential impact on clinical outcome.Methods: This is a prospective data registry analysis on 280 patients treated for locally advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC). All patients received surgery and risk-adapted platinum-based adjuvant intensity modulated radio(chemo)therapy (R(C)T, IMRT). Treatment- related toxicity was prospectively registered in a data base in regular intervals (baseline 3 months after R(C)T, every 3 months for 3 years, and every 6 months thereafter) and documented according to RTOG/EORTC toxicity criteria.Results: Predictive for any grade HNL 3 months after R(C)T were age, BMI, number of removed nodes and RT modality. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that in the acute toxicity phase (3 months after R(C)T) higher body mass index (BMI), extracapsular spread (ECE), linac-based IMRT, bilateral treatment to the neck (surgery and RT), and the addition of chemotherapy increase the risk for grade 2 HNL. For chronic HNL, higher BMI, linac-based IMRT and ECE were predictive for grade 2 HNL. Higher BMI is associated with better local control rates. Advanced age and ECE had a negative impact on OS.Conclusion: HNL is a common acute and late side effect after multimodal therapy for LAHNC. Knowing risk factors for HNL prior to therapy enables caregivers and patients to take measures prior to treatment to prevent or limit the effects of HNL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Perfectionism has been found to predict outcomes in the treatment of eating disorders (ED). In the present study, we took advantage of longitudinal data to: a) investigate whether there are different patterns of perfectionism during the first six months after admission in a clinical sample of patients with ED, and b) describe how these patterns are related to long-term outcome., Methods: A sample of patients (N=294) from the Coordinated Evaluation and Research at Specialized Units for Eating Disorders database was divided into clusters according to perfectionism patterns measured with the EDI-2 perfectionism scale at baseline, and six months in treatment. Cluster analysis was performed on the extent and perseverance/changeability of self-oriented and socially described perfectionism. Outcome was measured with the EDI-2 and the SCL-63. Frequencies of eating disorder diagnoses were investigated., Results: Five clusters were identified. Low perfectionism was associated with lower levels of ED and psychiatric symptomatology at baseline. There were no significant differences between clusters on outcome variables at 36-month follow-up., Conclusions: Results indicated better psychiatric and psychological health three years after the initial measure. Patterns of relations between the extent and possible changes of perfectionism, measured with the EDI-P at baseline and after six months, did not appear to be associated with long-term outcomes on psychiatric health ratings., Competing Interests: The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© Person-Oriented Research.)

Choice of appropriate biomaterial is a key factor for the success of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP)-2 therapy. Inspired by osteogenic cell-differentiating and osteoclast-suppressing capabilities of alendronate (ALN), we manufactured a composite type of ALN-loaded collagen sponge (ALN-CS), which controls the early detrimental effect of high-dose rhBMP-2. This study aimed to evaluate ALN-CS as a high-dose rhBMP-2 carrier by investigating its initial biomolecular effect and efficacy on intramembranous ossification at 1, 4, 8, and 24 weeks using a rat calvarial defect model compared with nonloaded CS. The in vitro rhBMP-2 release in the ALN-CS showed a low initial burst and steady release phase during the rest period despite lack of calcium compared with that in CS alone. ALN release showed the same tendency as rhBMP-2 release. In vitro characterization showed that osteoblast differentiation and mineralization of mesenchymal stromal cells were more enhanced with ALN-CS. The ALN-CS-BMP group showed higher expression of bone-forming and -resorbing markers in vivo than the CS-BMP group after the first 7 days, which might be attributable to the relatively large amount of rhBMP-2 remaining. However, osteoclast activation in the ALN-CS-BMP group was significantly reduced compared with the CS-BMP group. Radiological and histological analyses revealed that ALN-CS-BMP promoted early and dense ossification at the initial defect, with 100% greater bone mass, 20% greater bone density, and less fatty marrow tissue than CS-BMP, which continued during the whole healing period. However, CS or ALN-CS alone failed to show complete defect closure even at the 24-week healing interval. Our results demonstrate that ALN-CS has remarkable advantages over CS alone in high-dose BMP-2 delivery, with potent suppression of resorption, early and dense ossification at the target area with less fatty marrow formation, and continuation of bone quality over the long term, which highlights its great clinical potential as a rhBMP carrier for bone regeneration at intramembranous ossification sites.

Presents an abstract of the article "A Long-Term Bird-Banding Study in Upland Tropical Rainforest, Paluma Range, Northeastern Queensland With Notes on Breeding," by C. B. Frith and D. W. Frith in a 2005 issue of "Corella."