Red Gums Research Articles

Clinical Features, Etiopathogenesis, and Therapeutic Approaches of Acute Gingival Lesions: A Narrative Review.

A bacterial infection is typically the source of gingivitis, a non-destructive condition that produces gum inflammation. Unlike chronic lesions, which have well-defined features and a gradual onset, acute lesions are unpleasant. Usually, the first symptoms are bleeding, swollen, and red gums. If gingivitis is not treated, it can lead to periodontitis, a more serious condition where the gums separate from the teeth. It seems that gingival disease-induced inflammation is a necessary condition for the breakdown of connective tissue attachment apical to the cementoenamel junction (CEJ). This may result in damage to the bone and soft tissue that support the teeth, leading to loosening and unstable teeth, andif the infection worsens, eventual tooth loss may occur. While one of the most prevalent inflammatory diseases in humans is plaque-induced gingivitis, there are several less common but frequently very significant non-plaque-induced gingival illnesses. Maintaining regular dental hygiene can help prevent gingivitis and make it reversible. Non-plaque-induced gingival lesions might be pathologic alterations restricted to gingival tissues, but they are also frequent signs of systemic disorders. Diagnosing patients with these lesions and creating treatment regimens for them must be the aim of the therapy.

Photosynthesis adaptation to long- and short-term water restriction in commercial plantlets of Eucalyptus grandis and hybrids with Red Gums

Photosynthesis adaptation to long- and short-term water restriction in commercial plantlets of Eucalyptus grandis and hybrids with Red Gums

Correlation between Oxidative Stress Markers and Periodontal Disease in Dogs.

In dogs, periodontal disease (PD) is a highly common condition whose prevalence rises significantly with age. Studies on rats with experimentally induced PD and human clinical trials have found an association between oxidative stress (OS) and PD, as has been observed in many other inflammatory disorders. The objective of this research was to assess the main indicators of oxidative stress detected in the saliva of dogs and to compare them to the degree of inflammation and tartar amount on their teeth and gums. By identifying these correlations, we intended to identify early-stage PD markers that would allow us to diagnose the condition in dogs without requiring for invasive or traumatic procedures. The antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxyguanosine (8OHG), matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP8), and the quantity of total proteins are the markers that have been investigated in order to accomplish these objectives. The appearance of specific forms of periodontal disease has been confirmed by an increase in the saliva concentration of MMP8, a marker commonly used in the diagnosis of these pathologies in humans. The study was carried out on 22 dogs divided in a control group (C) and study groups (S), the second one being divided into three subgroups according to the severity of the gum inflammation and the presence or absence of tartar: S1-small accumulation of tartar, lack of infection-related signs; S2-moderate accumulation of tartar, gums swollen, red, and bled easily; S3-significant accumulation of tartar; gums bright red and bleeding; marked pain and halitosis. A correlation between the concentration of the tested parameters and the severity of the local appearance of the gum and teeth was noted. In comparison to the results of individuals from the control group, MMP8 reported increases of 1.2, 2, and 3.7 times, respectively, in the case of individuals from subgroups S1, S2, and S3. Oxidative stress is caused by inflammatory processes in the oral cavity. The presence of oxidative stress was demonstrated by the evaluation of different indicators in the saliva: an increase in the general antioxidant status, which was associated with an increase in SOD activity; intensification of the lipid peroxidation processes, as demonstrated by the accumulation of the MDA peroxidation product; and an increase in the DNA oxidation processes, as demonstrated by the accumulation of the oxidation product 8OHdG. In consequence, it was observed that there were up to 2-fold increases in protein levels, total antioxidant activity, SOD, and MDA, and up to 8.6-fold increases in the case of 8-OHdG when comparing dogs from the S3 group (significant tartar accumulation; bright red and bleeding gums; marked pain and halitosis) to those in the control group.

Drought effects on water status, plant hydraulics and growth in Eucalyptus grandis and clonal hybrids with red gums and E. urophylla

Afforestation with Eucalyptus species occupies over a million hectares in Uruguay, and E. grandis is one of the most cultivated species, mainly for the timber industry. However, the increasing frequency of drought and heat waves in the region raises the need to evaluate hybrids with red gums (E. camaldulensis and E. tereticornis), since they are known to sustain gas exchange and growth even under severe drought conditions. Hybrids with E. urophylla are also evaluated for plantations in subtropical regions. This study aimed to compare the effects of drought on plant water status, hydraulics, and growth of E. grandis (one clone; G), E. grandis × camaldulensis (one clone; GC), E. grandis × tereticornis (one clone; GT), and E. grandis × urophylla (two clones; GU1 and GU2). Two drought-stress cycles were applied to six-month rooted cuttings from mid-spring to early fall under greenhouse environmental conditions. Predawn leaf water potential (?pd), midday leaf water potential (?md), relative leaf water content (RWC), stomatal conductance (gs), and plant growth were measured across each cycle. Daily fluctuation of Ψ was calculated as ΔΨ = Ψpd - Ψmd. Specific (kS) and leaf-specific (kL) hydraulic conductivities and specific leaf area (SLA) were measured at the end of the experiment. Percentage loss of hydraulic conductivity (PLC) was calculated after removing the xylem embolism. Preliminary results suggest that both red-gum hybrids had higher PLC under moderate-to-severe drought, as a consequence of maintaining high water potential gradients to sustain transpiration and carbon fixation throughout the experiment. Under the well-watered condition, no clonal difference was observed. Also, GT showed a three-fold increase in cavitation and had 1.5 times stomatal opening (gs) than the most drought-sensitive clone (E. grandis, G), and exhibited the lowest reduction (17%) in diameter growth under drought. Also, GC attained the highest height at the end of the study, 40% higher than E. grandis, and increased by 25% the SLA under drought. GU clones reached the highest diameter at the end of the study. Correlations among functional variables are explored, and the water supply capacity to the foliage among clones is discussed for a better understanding of drought resistance strategies and growth performance of the different taxa.

Differential photosynthetic response to short- and long-term water deficit in Eucalyptus clones and hybrids with red gums

In Uruguay, there are more than a million hectares forested, and Eucalyptus species predominate. Drought events are becoming more frequent and affecting growth of the stands, especially during the early stages of the crop. Thus, the need arises to analyze the effects of such events on processes that determine growth, such as photosynthesis. The effect of water restriction on photosynthetic parameters was analyzed under greenhouse conditions in 6-months-old rooted cuttings of a clone of E. grandis (GG) and two hybrids with red gums: E. grandis × E. camaldulensis (GC) and E. grandis × E. tereticornis (GT). To define irrigation regimes water potential of substrate (MPa) was assessed using samples with increasing water content (%HR, w|w). Data was used to fit a water retention curve. Field’s capacity pot weight was determined on water drained pots. The control condition (WW) was established at Ψw = -0.15 MPa, while the water restricted (WR) was Ψw = -0.30 MPa. Treatments were maintained by manually water feeding for 16 weeks. Physiological parameters and photosynthetic pigments were recorded 6 and 16 weeks after water withholding to simulate short- and long-term water restriction scenarios, respectively. The following measurements were registered on current year fully expanded sun-exposed leaves: stomatal conductance (gs), maximum net assimilation rate (Amax), PSII quantum efficiency (FPSII), and proportion of chlorophyll and carotenoids in a HPLC elution (%Chl, %Carot). In the initial period, GG maintained Amax and gs between conditions. However, despite exhibiting lower gs in the restricted condition, GC maintained their Amax and GT increased in WR. There was no effect of treatment on photosynthetic pigments and energy partitioning varied little. At the end of the 16-week period, GG showed only decreased stomatal conductance values, and did not change photosynthetic pigment content nor Amax despite water restriction. Hybrids showed increasing values of FPSII, %Chl, and Amax. The PCA for long-term water restriction data showed that pigment content and FPSII may explain the increased assimilation rate of the hybrid clones under WR. Changes in water use efficiency due to higher % Chl in the restricted condition for both hybrids are discussed. There are few reports of increments in chlorophyll in Eucalyptus in drought. Recent information suggests that these types of strategies are adaptative responses that allow plants to cope with stress.

Basic periodontitis manual: what it is, symptoms and treatments.

Periodontitis is an inflammation and chronic infection in the gum, caused by the accumulation of plaque or tartar between the teeth and the gum, and excessive proliferation of bacteria, which over time, results in the destruction of the tissue that supports the tooth, which may affect a or more teeth.
 Periodontitis can be noticed by swelling in the gum, which can also be red and bleed during brushing and eating. Also, when you observe that your teeth are becoming crooked or gradually separated, it may be a sign that the supporting tissues of your teeth are weakened.
 It is important to consult the dentist whenever symptoms of periodontitis appear so that the diagnosis is made and the most appropriate treatment is indicated, which can be done with removal of bacterial plaque and tartar, use of antibiotics or surgery.
 
 Image 1: Teeth with generalized periodontitis.
 
 Symptoms of periodontitis
 The main symptoms of periodontitis are:
 
 - Bad breath;
 - Very red gums;
 - Swollen gums;
 - Gum bleeding after brushing your teeth or eating;
 - Red and swollen gums;
 - Crooked teeth;
 - Teeth softening;
 - Increased tooth sensitivity;
 - Loss of teeth;
 - Increased space between teeth;
 - Waking up with blood on the pillow.
 
 Periodontitis can be localized, affecting only one or the other tooth, or generalized, when it affects all teeth at the same time. The change in the appearance of the teeth is what most attracts the attention of the person, or people close to them.
 
 Most people suffer from an episode of gum inflammation at least once in their lives, being particularly common in women during pregnancy, due to hormonal changes, but not everyone will have periodontitis, which despite having gingivitis as a symptom, is a more serious condition, which may even require deep scaling of the gums and dental surgery.
 
 How to confirm the diagnosis
 The diagnosis of periodontitis can be made by the dentist by observing the person's teeth and gums, and assessing the health history, to identify lifestyle habits or use of medicines that may be leading to the emergence of symptoms.
 In addition, to confirm periodontitis, the dentist should request an image exam, such as a panoramic X-ray, in order to assess the bone loss in the affected region. Learn how the panoramic X-ray is done.
 
 Possible causes
 The main cause of periodontitis is the formation of bacterial plaque and tartar on the teeth and between the teeth and the gums, causing chronic inflammation in the gums, and the development of pockets containing bacteria, plaques and tartar, between the gums and the teeth, which can lead to deep infections and loss of bone tissue.
 
 Some factors can increase the risk of developing periodontitis, such as:
 
 - Poor oral hygiene;
 - Habit of smoking or chewing tobacco;
 - Hormonal changes in pregnancy or menopause;
 - Electronic cigarette or VAPE use;
 - Vitamin C deficiency;
 - Type 2 diabetes;
 - Obesity;
 - Rheumatoid arthritis;
 - Crohn's disease;
 - Use of oral contraceptives;
 - Use of drugs that reduce saliva production, such as antihistamines, antidepressants or antihypertensives.
 
 In addition, genetic factors or diseases that affect the immune system, such as HIV infection or leukemia, can also increase the risk of developing periodontitis.
 
 Treatment of periodontitis
 Treatment to end periodontitis involves scraping the root of the tooth, in the office and under anesthesia, to remove tartar plaque and bacteria that are destroying the bone structure that supports the tooth. The use of antibiotics may be part of the treatment in some cases.
 Maintenance at the dentist periodically decreases the evolution of this inflammation and helps to control the disease, reducing bone loss and preventing tooth loss. In addition, not smoking, brushing your teeth daily and flossing are ways to control and cure periodontitis.

A review: Treatment of gingivitis by buccal patches

Most of the population are affected by prevalent diseases which affect the oral cavity mostly inflamed gums every now and then. Several diseases can affect the mouth, such as oral cancer, dental caries, Lichen Planus and, of course, periodontal disease with its variants. This review discusses gingivitis, a gum inflammation usually doesn’t cause any major problems at first but when left untreated it may lead to tooth damage. Later it may spread to other parts of the oral cavity, the term periodontitis is nothing but the inflammation in the periodontium the soft tissue and bone which is responsible to keep our tooth firm. As the time precedes, this periodontitis. May lead to loosen the teeth. This article also discusses the usage of buccal patches a novel delivery route for the treatment of red, swollen and bleeding gums of gingivitis.

Urban billabong restoration benefits from Traditional Owner involvement and regular flooding

Context Floodplain wetlands (e.g. billabongs) in urban environments have significant ecological and cultural value, yet are often highly degraded. Impacts such as reduced flooding and weed invasion continue to threaten these critical ecosystems. Both ecological and Indigenous people’s knowledge are important for urban billabong restoration. Aims Our project aimed to (1) assess the response of billabong vegetation to flooding, and (2) increase the role of local Traditional Owners in billabong management. Methods Over 3 years, a team of wetland ecologists and local Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Narrap (‘Country’) Rangers surveyed responses of understorey vegetation and the condition and flowering of remnant river red gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) to flooding across seven degraded billabongs adjacent to the Birrarung (Yarra River) in Melbourne, Australia. Knowledge sharing during ‘On Country’ days guided restoration targets and management direction. Key results Regular (at least 2 in 3 years) and longer-duration (up to 8 months) flooding promoted native wetland plants, supressed weeds, and improved the condition and reproductive output of river red gums. Monitoring by Indigenous Rangers facilitated the cultural practice of caring for Country. Conclusions Regular flooding and Traditional Owner involvement promotes billabong health. Implications Collaborative research and knowledge sharing with Traditional Owners advances wetland restoration practice and improves care of Country.

Red gums as primary manifestations of skin diseases

Background: Red gums, as a manifestation of chronic mucocutaneous diseases, is an infrequent oral complaint and are commonly due to plaque-induced gingival diseases in which a microbial biofilm and bad oral hygiene may precipitate gingivitis. Patients and Methods: This is descriptive, case-series study was conducted during the period from October 2019 to October 2020. Ten patients were presented primarily with red gums without an apparent identifiable cause. A full clinical history and examination were done. Laboratory investigations and biopsy were performed selectively. Results: Ten patients during the period of one year were included in this work. Two (20%) males and eight (80%) females were complaining of red gums. Their age on presentation ranged from 7 to 55 years, with a mean of 39.6 ? 12.4 years. Oral burning and discomfort with a bad odor were recorded in all patients, and this was moderate to severe, thus interfering with the process of consuming food. Also, gum bleeding after brushing or when minimally traumatized was a complaint in all patients. This study revealed that pemphigus vulgaris was the main diagnosis behind red gums in seven (70%) patients, followed by lichen planus in two (20%) patients, and viral reactionary gingival hyperplasia in one (10%) pediatric patient. Minimal skin involvement was observed in seven (70%) patients, with some patients unaware of its presence and it being discovered accidentally. Conclusion: Red gums are a common manifestation of chronic orodental conditions, yet could be part of systemic diseases and oral manifestations of primary cutaneous diseases. The current study highlighted that pemphigus vulgaris and lichen planus may initially and/or primarily present themselves as red gums, possibly delaying the proper diagnosis for months or even years. Hence, dermatologists and oral physicians should be aware of this clinical finding.

Artificial light at night promotes bottom-up changes in a woodland food chain

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a recognised disruptor of biological function and ecological communities. Despite increasing research effort, we know little regarding the effect of ALAN on woody plants, including trees, or its indirect effects on their colonising invertebrates. These effects have the potential to disrupt woodland food webs by decreasing the productivity of invertebrates and their secretions, including honeydew and lerps, with cascading effects on other fauna. Here, we cultivated juvenile river red gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) for 40 weeks under experimentally manipulated light (ALAN) or naturally dark (control) conditions. To assess direct impacts on tree growth, we took multiple measures of growth at four time periods, and also measured physiological function, biomass and investment in semi-mature trees. To assess experimentally the direct and indirect (tree-mediated) impacts of ALAN on invertebrates, from 19 weeks onwards, we matched and mismatched trees with their original ALAN environments. We colonised trees with a common herbivore of E. camaldulensis, the red gum lerp psyllid (Glycaspis nr. brimblecombei) and then measured the effects of current and historic tree lighting treatment on the psyllid life cycle. Our data revealed direct effects of ALAN on tree morphology: E. camaldulensis trees exposed to ALAN shifted biomass allocation away from roots and into leaves and increased specific leaf area. However, while the intensity of ALAN was sufficient to promote photosynthesis (net carbon gain) at night, this did not translate into variation in tree water status or photosystem adaptation to dim night-time light for ALAN-exposed trees. We found some evidence that ALAN had broad-scale community effects—psyllid nymphs colonising ALAN trees produced more lerps—but we found no other direct or indirect impacts of ALAN on the psyllid life cycle. Our results suggest that trees exposed to ALAN may share morphological responses with trees under dim daylight conditions. Further, ALAN may have significant ‘bottom-up’ effects on Eucalyptus woodland food webs through both trees and herbivores, which may impact higher trophic levels including woodland birds, mammals and invertebrates.

Abundance of white lace lerp psyllids on understorey and canopy river red gums and relationships with foliar sugars and tannins

Abstract1. Trees present herbivorous insects with the greatest diversity of resources of any plant growth form. Both ontogeny and shading can alter suitability for arboreal insect herbivores.2. We conducted a longitudinal study of tagged ‘mature’ (>12 months old) Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves to compare the suitability of understorey and canopy trees for the leaf senescence‐inducing psyllid, Cardiaspina albitextura. We quantified sugars and tannins as possible predictors of nymphal abundance.3. Canopy leaves hosted double the number of nymphs as understorey leaves. Variation among individual trees (understorey and canopy) was the most important source of heterogeneity explaining psyllid abundance, although relative leaf age significantly influenced oviposition on canopy leaves. The diversity of foliar sugars was higher among canopy leaves than among understorey leaves. There was significant between‐tree diversity in total hydrolysable tannins (HTs) and total condensed tannins (CTs) among understorey trees but not among canopy trees. Heterogeneity among understorey and canopy trees was explained by greater diversity of ellagitannins (HTs) than of CTs.4. Shading is detrimental to the survival of nymphs on both host types, but sugars are unlikely to explain variation in suitability. Vescalagin (an ellagitannin) was negatively correlated with the abundance of nymphs on both host types.

Keeping your gums healthy

If you do not take care of your gums (Box), you can develop gum disease. Gum disease can develop when a thin layer of bacteria, called plaque, is allowed to collect along the gumline and between the teeth. This can cause your gums to swell and bleed and, if left untreated, can even cause tooth loss. There are mild forms of gum disease that may be reversed if caught early and more severe forms that involve specialized treatment from a dentist.Box.Caring for your gums.Here are some things you can do at home to help prevent gum disease:▪Brush your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes each time. Using a toothpaste with fluoride will help reduce your risk of cavities, too.▪Clean between your teeth once a day with floss, floss holders, water flossers, or special sticks, brushes, or picks designed for cleaning between your teeth.▪Avoid tobacco.▪Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and an examination. Here are some things you can do at home to help prevent gum disease:▪Brush your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes each time. Using a toothpaste with fluoride will help reduce your risk of cavities, too.▪Clean between your teeth once a day with floss, floss holders, water flossers, or special sticks, brushes, or picks designed for cleaning between your teeth.▪Avoid tobacco.▪Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and an examination. Mild gum disease is called gingivitis. It may cause your gums to become red and swell. They may even bleed. Fortunately, this form of gum disease can often be stopped in its tracks with a professional dental cleaning followed by improved care of your teeth and gums at home. More severe cases of gum disease are called periodontitis (pare-ee-oh-DON-tie-tis). Periodontitis develops when plaque builds up under the gumline and between the teeth. Sometimes this plaque hardens into a substance called tartar, which traps plaque beneath the gumline. The bacteria in the plaque produce acid and toxins that cause the gum tissue to become infected and inflamed. Your body reacts to this swelling, and the connection of the gum tissue to the supporting bone can break down. This forms pockets where plaque can collect further, and, if left untreated, the bone that holds your teeth can start to break down. Only a dentist can treat periodontitis. He or she uses a special tool that scrapes the tartar off your teeth and then smooths the bone, which allows your gum tissue to reattach. Once you have had periodontitis, you are at risk of developing it again. For this reason, you may need to schedule more frequent dental visits. In addition to red, swollen, and bleeding gums, other signs of gum disease may include the following:▪gums that have pulled away from the teeth, causing teeth to look longer▪bad breath or bad taste that will not go away▪permanent teeth that are loose or separating▪a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite▪a change in the fit of partial dentures Some things increase the risk of developing gum disease. In addition to poor care of your mouth at home, examples include the following:▪smoking or chewing tobacco▪crooked teeth that are hard to keep clean▪diabetes▪hormonal changes, like pregnancy▪medications, including steroids, certain types of antiepilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives Gum disease is caused by plaque that builds up along your gumline, which can break down the tissues (including bone) that help hold your teeth in place. Left untreated, gum disease can cause teeth to become loose and fall out or to have to be removed. Taking care of your teeth and making regular visits to your dentist can help prevent gum disease.

Crown Lengthening for Obtaining Biological Width in Dental Restoration: A Case Report

Background: Biological width is a natural defensive space for periodontal tissue which is important for maintaining healthy periodontal tissue so that it can support the success of dental restoration treatment. The localized alveolar bone loss, gingival recession, localized gingival hyperplasia or a combination of all three can be caused by poor biological width restoration. Biological width is obtained through crown lengthening when restoration of teeth have caries or subgingival fractures under the gingival attachment. The crown-lengthening procedure is performed to increase the height of the clinical crown for restoring and improving the esthetics of the teeth.
 Objective: This case report presents two cases of crown lengthening with osteotomy before the dental restoration procedure.
 Case Report: The first case was of a 43-year-old woman who was referred from the prosthodontics clinic RSKGM FKG UI before making permanent restorations on tooth 13. Clinical examination showed red gums, swelling and caries that extended to subgingival especially in the distal part. A crown-lengthening procedure with an osteotomy was performed distally to increase the height of the clinical crown so that it had a good ferrule effect for the restoration of the tooth. The second case was of a 25-year-old female patient who had undergone root canal treatment by a general dentist. The clinical appearance of the tooth showed an imbalance in the height of the gingival zenith with the tooth next to it, and the clinical crown looked short. Crown lengthening with osteotomy was done to get a balanced zenith height.
 Conclusion: Crown lengthening is a periodontal surgical treatment performed to obtain optimum biological width to support tooth restoration.
 Keywords: crown lengthening, osteotomy, biological width

Association of serum resistin with blood stasis syndrome in traditional Korean medicine for metabolic diseases: A cross-sectional multicenter observational study

BackgroundBlood stasis syndrome (BSS) is considered as the cause of several chronic disease including metabolic diseases in traditional East Asian medicine. In this study, we investigated the levels of serum resistin and other proteins related to metabolic syndrome (MS) and several other diseases categories to identify the association with BSS. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional, multicenter study of patients recruited from seven traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) hospitals. To identify whether there was an association with BSS in specific disease conditions, including MS, serum protein levels were evaluated using the multiplex method. ResultsA total of 885 patients (419 patients with BSS, 376 patients without BSS, and 90 healthy controls) participated in the study, and 139 patients had MS. The resistin and insulin levels were significantly higher in patients with BSS than in patients without BSS and normal subjects (P = 0.002 and P = 0.046, respectively). Patients with BSS who had MS exhibited significantly higher resistin levels than those in patients without BSS and normal subjects (P = 0.049). In addition, the levels of serum resistin were significantly correlated with symptoms of the BSS, especially dark red gums, dark facial complexion, and nocturnal pain. ConclusionsDespite several limitations, these results demonstrated that resistin levels are potentially associated with the pathogenesis of BSS in MS. Trial registration numberClinical Research Information Service (CRIS): KCT0000916.

Uranium in animals, vegetables and minerals: landscape geochemical and biogeochemical expressions of the Four Mile West sedimentary uranium deposit, South Australia

The sediment-hosted uranium deposit at Four Mile West is buried by 130–150 m of sediments yet has a landscape as well as a surficial geochemical and biogeochemical expression of the mineral system. The landscape expression includes exposure of stratigraphy with now-oxidised redox overprinting (including ‘roll-fronts’) equivalent to those in the buried mineralisation. The landscape also includes morpho-tectonic expressions of faults that have been responsible for the development and preservation of mineralisation. Most importantly, this faulting has produced an embayment in the range front corresponding to a down-faulted area on the plains that has hosted throughflow of surface and groundwater and preservation of underlying, chemically reduced, ore-hosting Mesozoic and Cenozoic sediments. Landscape geochemical and biogeochemical expressions of buried mineralisation are best represented in U2/Th and selected trace elements, rather than simply elevated U contents in isolation. These associations are especially important for distinguishing between the U-rich expressions of buried, sediment-hosted mineralisation and laterally transported U-rich detritus from the adjacent ranges. The surficial geochemical and biogeochemical expression of the underlying mineralised substrate, with higher U2/Th, is best expressed in regolith carbonates, river red gums and potentially ants and macropod droppings. The mechanism proposed for this vertical geochemical transfer is in part tree-root depth penetration (or burrowing in the case of ants) but most importantly upward groundwater flux. Important groundwater fluctuations are connected to low-frequency–high-intensity rainfall periods that drive groundwater recharge and significantly raises the water-table towards the land surface, especially along faults and fractures near the range front and the immediately adjacent plains. During seasons with high rainfall, this groundwater rise may even express itself as water discharge at springs along the range front. Other media, such as stream sediments, soils and inland tea tree are more closely associated with expressing lateral physical dispersion and re-accumulation of U within the landscape. This study shows that surficial mapping, geochemistry and biogeochemistry within a landscape processes/landscape system context can be invaluable for the detection of, and exploration for, buried sediment-hosted uranium mineral systems, and most especially understanding more about the behaviour of chemical elements in the Australian landscape.

Characteristics of hollows and hollow‐bearing trees in semi‐arid river red gum woodland and potential limitations for hollow‐dependent wildlife

AbstractUp to 37 species of the birds and microbats inhabiting inland Australia are dependent on tree cavities for breeding or roosting. The river red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), a well‐known hollow‐bearing tree species, occurs in linear semi‐arid woodland along thousands of kilometres of ephemeral river channels and is the only tree species that provides widespread, aggregated hollow resources across a landscape otherwise dominated by shrublands. Here we assess the type and quantity of hollows available along ephemeral rivers of the MacDonnell Ranges bioregion in central Australia and determine which characteristics of river red gums best predict the abundance and characteristics of different tree hollows, as first steps towards assessing the current availability of hollows in the region. Approximately a third of all river red gums sampled were hollow‐bearing, but individual trees with abundant hollows were rare. Further, 36% of hollows had an entrance ≤ 5 cm, and 37% had entrances which were 6–10 cm in diameter, whereas only 13% of hollows had an entrance diameter > 20 cm suitable for larger hollow‐using species. Large and high hollows only occurred on trees that did not display post‐disturbance resprouting. Trees with multiple and diverse hollows were rare and tended to be in advanced stages of senescence and had larger stems (82.3 ± 3.33 cm) and were taller (14.4 ± 0.53 m) compared to non‐hollow‐bearing trees (23.44 ± 1.68 cm, 8.0 ± 0.34 m). Further research is required to establish whether the current abundance of hollows and diversity of hollow types are limiting to cavity‐dependent wildlife, and to identify any threats to availability of hollows.

The semi-scholars

The semi-scholars

The presence of heartwood decay, a precursor to hollow formation, within Eucalyptus camaldulensis in relation to stem size

SummaryRiver Red Gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh.) are large trees that dominated many of continental Australia's riparian areas, providing abundant hollows for nesting and denning fauna. Land clearing and forestry have reduced the availability of large trees, and much of the remaining forest is dominated by small regrowth trees that lack visible hollow entrances. Inspection of recently felled River Red Gums revealed that heartwood decay, a precursor of hollow formation, can be common in relatively small trees. Internal decay and voids remain inaccessible until stochastic damage exposes them, which may not occur until the tree is old, and hence probably large. This discrepancy indicates that there is likely to be a size range of trees into which artificial entrances can be added to quickly increase hollow availability in landscapes undergoing active restoration as fauna habitat.

Case Report on Feline Polycythemia Vera

Polycythemia vera has been reported as a known condition in cats as early as 1966. This condition manifests as an increased mass in red blood cells and elevated hematocrit and is defined as an idiopathic chronic myeloproliferative disorder. The patient described in this paper presented with hyperemic gums and pinna and an acute onset of progressive ataxia and lethargy. Several possible underlying primary conditions such as cardiac disease and renal malignancy were excluded by running basic blood work and radiographic imaging. Initial blood work revealed a significantly elevated packed cell volume (88%). After diagnosis, treatment with phlebotomy and chemotherapy lead to a reduction in hematocrit and elimination of neurologic signs. This case study represents the diagnosis and successful management of this disease in a private practice setting. Polycythemia vera is relatively uncommon in dogs and cats, but should still be considered in cases of neurologic disorders, especially with the presence of bright red ears, paws, or gums.

Growth and carbon sequestration by remnant Eucalyptus camaldulensis woodlands in semi-arid Australia during La Niña conditions

Recent research has shown the value of native vegetation in semi-arid regions for sequestering large amounts of carbon (C), particularly in La Niña years. In 2011, above-average rainfall led to significant vegetation growth and a ‘greening’ of inland Australia. During the period 2008–2012, we measured aboveground growth rates, biomass accumulation and C sequestration by river red gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), a commonly occurring tree species in riparian and floodplain ecosystems in semi-arid inland Australia. We measured trees representing the full range of ages, stand densities, canopy conditions and landscape positions. Our data suggest that river red gums can grow up to 6cm (diameter at 1.3m aboveground) per year, with most trees growing at a rate of <3cm per year and sequestering on average, just over 2.5t Cha−1yr−1 in aboveground woody biomass during high-rainfall and flood conditions. In general, trees in riparian zones grew faster than trees on the floodplain and trees in dense stands grew more slowly than widely-spaced trees. Sites with high aboveground woody biomass at the start of the study had the highest growth and C sequestration rates, indicating that those sites had not reached their C carrying capacity. Healthy crown condition was associated with faster growth in trunk diameter. While stem increment decreased with tree size, C sequestration increased in aboveground woody biomass, illustrating the importance of mature and old-growth trees as C sinks. This study highlights the contribution of semi-arid riparian woodlands for sequestering large amounts of C in aboveground woody biomass during above-average rainfall periods and the need to factor this important sink into global C budgets.