GI Groups Research Articles

102 Age-related differences in seminal parameters and expression of fertility marker genes in Marwari stallion

The objective of the present study was to observe age-related differences in seminal parameters and expression of fertility marker genes in Marwari stallions. Semen was collected from 9 Marwari stallions (6 ejaculates per stallion) of 3 different age groups (2 to 4 years, GI; 4 to 6 years, GII; and >6 years, GIII) twice a week using an artificial vagina by allowing the stallions to mount a mare. The collected ejaculate was divided into 2 parts. Part A was used for evaluation of various seminal parameters (colour, consistency, total volume, gel volume, gel-free volume, pH, progressive sperm motility, sperm concentration, sperm viability, total sperm morphological abnormalities, plasma membrane integrity, acrosomal integrity, and DNA integrity). Part B was centrifuged to obtain the sperm pellet for DNA extraction. Six fertility-related marker genes (SPATA1, SP17, PLCz, CRISP3, UBB, and PRM1) were examined in the spermatozoa DNA using PCR. Expression levels of these genes were also studied using quantitative real-time PCR. Data obtained were analysed statistically by one-way or two-way analysis of variance using the SPSS computer program (version 20.0; IBM Corp.). No significant difference was observed among the GI, GII, and GIII stallions for seminal parameters, except mean sperm concentration, which was lowest in 2- to 4-year-old stallions (146.06±11.50 million mL−1), intermediate in stallions >6 years old (182.03±8.51 million mL−1), and highest in stallions of 4 to 6 years (270.92±9.12 million mL−1; P<0.01). The study demonstrated that all six fertility-related genes showed differential expression in stallions from the GI, GII, and GIII groups. In addition, expression levels of the same genes varied across individuals. Expression of SPATA1, SP17, PLCz, CRISP3, UBB, and PRM1 genes was reduced in stallions below 4 years of age compared with older stallions. This result suggests that expression of these genes increases with age, although possibly only up to a certain age. We inferred that stallions around 4–6 years of age can be considered optimum to use for breeding purposes, provided seminal parameters are normal.

Analyses on the roller structure of equivalent honeycombs for forest harvester under impact loading

The roller honeycomb feeding roller (RHFR) of forest harvester in logging was raised for reducing damage to logs. The equivalent relationship of roller double V-wings honeycomb (RDWH) were proposed and analytically derived in the mass, platform stress and elastic modulus. The finite element models of RDWH with various cell densities under the equivalent relation were established. The mechanical properties, energy absorption characteristics, impact response, structural stability, structure efficiency and improvement performance efficiency of RDWH under compression impact were investigated in comparison with roller hexagonal honeycomb (RHH). The RDWHs with equivalent relationship had approximate mechanical properties under unit compression displacement. The RDWH, benefiting from the NPR enhancement phenomenon in deformation, possessed about multiple times of mechanical properties and energy absorption efficiency than RHH. The performance efficiency of RDWH related to cell densities and cell layers in “PVP” and “Bunching Phase” trend. The RHFR exceeded that of the steel feeding roller (SFR) with about 2 times in maximum contact area under the corresponding contact force. The phenomenon of “sequential increment” and “uprush stage” appeared in contact area of RHFR for Gi groups were recorded with relating of cell densities and cell layers, which provided significance on reducing damage to logs.

Mutans streptococci growth on glass ionomer incorporated with chlorhexidine: in-vivo study

Background: glass ionomer is one of the most frequently used restorative materials for primary teeth restoration. It has been in use for more than 30 years. Their restoration usefulness is preferential compared to other restorations due to their fluoride release and recharge, chemical adhesion to the structure of the dentin and their range of uses. Increasing the antibacterial efficacy of restorative materials is one of the primary goals to decrease the incidence of recurrent caries. Chlorhexidine is the gold standard antibacterial agent in dentistry. Objectives: the objective of this study is to evaluate the antibacterial effect of Chlorhexidine incorporated with glass ionomer on streptococcus mutans. Methods: Thirty Children between ages ranged 6-9 years old were selected to participate in this study. Children with bilateral caries in lower second primary molars affecting the occlusal and proximal surfaces without pulpitis were included in the study. All cavities were divided into two groups; group (A) restored with Glass Ionomer and group (B) restored with Glass Ionomer Chlorhexidine mixture. The sound proximal surfaces in all cavitated teeth acted as a control. After one month, two months and three months’ plaque samples were obtained and streptococcus mutans counts were calculated. Results: The number of SM taken from sound proximal surfaces for all groups were not changed significantly in whole periods of study. At the all-time interval, the mean log10 of SM in CHX group was lower than GI group and the difference was statistically significant. There is a significant difference in the mean log10 of SM in CHX group between the 1St month and the 3rd month. Conclusion: The growth of SM was found to be higher in the sound tooth than in GI groups and in GI group was higher than in CHX- GI mixture up to three months.

Undetected Excess Cement at Marginal Areas of Zirconia Crown Copings: In Vitro Analysis of Two Luting Agents and Their Influence on Retention.

To evaluate the amount of residual cement (ECL) around the margins of zirconia crown copings after careful luting and cleaning procedures and to investigate these factors in relation to two tested luting materials. An experimental model of a maxillary arch was selected for this in vitro study. The maxillary first molar was prepared to receive an all-ceramic, single, full-crown restoration with a finish line located 1 mm below the artificial gingiva. After scanning of the prepared tooth, 20 paired zirconia coping-abutment assemblies were CAD/CAM fabricated. A slot in the model allowed for insertion and removal of the assemblies for each new test. Specimens were divided into two groups according to the cementation procedure: half (n = 10) were luted using a resin-modified glass-ionomer (RMGI) (Ketac-Cem Plus) (GI group), and the other half with a dual-curing self-adhesive resin agent (RelyX Unicem 2) (UN group). The substructures were loaded with cement, and a customized preseating device was adopted for preliminary reduction of excess. The zirconia copings were finally seated on their respective abutments located on the simulation model. A blinded investigator attempted to remove all excess cement with clinically available instruments. The amount of excess cement left in situ after cleaning procedures was weighed in grams. Dislodging forces of luted coping-abutment assemblies were obtained by using pull-off tests in a universal testing machine (crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/minute) after 24 hours of water storage. Means and standard deviations were calculated for ECL and for retention force values, and Mann-Whitney and ANOVA tests were carried out to detect significant differences (α = .05) among groups. Cement remnants were found in all specimens despite the cleaning procedures, with a typical distribution in interproximal areas. Mean ECL values for the GI and UN groups were 0.0079 ± 0.0060 and 0.0107 ± 0.0081, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between tested cements (P = .3284). Removal stress values (MPa) were significantly higher (P = .0313) for the UN group (12.4 ± 6.5) than for the GI group (6.57 ± 4.69). Similar amounts of undetected cement remnants were discovered around the esthetic margins of zirconia crown copings regardless of cement type. The luting procedure using the self-adhesive resin cement provided significantly higher early retention values than the RMGI material.

Surface Evaluation of Enamel Etched by Er,Cr:YSGG Laser for Orthodontic Purpose

To compare the effect of erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser at different irradiation parameters and acid etching on the shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic brackets to enamel. Forty bovine incisors were randomly distributed into groups (n = 10): GI: 37% phosphoric acid etching; GII: Er,Cr:YSGG laser etching 19.1 J/cm2; GIII: Er,Cr:YSGG, 29.3 J/cm2; and GIV: Er,Cr:YSGG, 42.4 J/cm2. After treatments, metallic brackets were bonded using Transbond XT adhesive system. After light curing, the samples were subjected to 500 thermal cycles, debonded with a universal testing machine, and the SBS values were recorded. After debonding, surface morphology was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). The values of SBS testing were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post hoc test, at 5% significance level. The mean SBS values of GI, GII, GIII, and GIV groups were 6.2 ± 1.7 MPa, 4.6 ± 2.5 MPa, 7.0 ± 2.2 MPa, and 8.0 ± 3.6 MPa, respectively. Laser irradiation promoted rough surfaces in all parameters used, and the OCT analysis revealed higher optical changes on lased groups when compared with phosphoric acid. Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation operated at 42.4 J/cm2 and 29.3 J/cm2 is a better alternative for etching enamel prior to the orthodontic treatment than the phosphoric acid. Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation is better than the phosphoric acid for etching enamel prior to the orthodontic treatment because laser irradiation promotes similar SBSs and preventing demineralization around orthodontic brackets.

Needle hygiene reduces the occurrence of post-vaccine abscesses in cattle

Although vaccination is indispensable for animal production, the use of unhygienic needles can lead to post-vaccine abscesses and consequently loss of meat products and higher production costs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of needle hygiene in the prevention of post-vaccine abscesses in cattle, estimate economic losses caused by post-vaccine abscesses, and verify whether cattle farmers sanitize the needles used in vaccination. Four groups containing 120 cattle were vaccinated against the foot-and-mouth disease. The GI, GII, and GIII groups were vaccinated using needles sanitized by different methods, while the GIV group served as control. Six months after vaccination, ultrasound exams were performed and abscesses were quantified. Subsequently, cattle were slaughtered, carcass losses due to the presence of abscesses were quantified, and economic losses were calculated. In slaughterhouses, 100 cattle farmers were interviewed on the adoption of needle hygiene for vaccines and the number of cattle they slaughtered. The numbers of abscesses diagnosed per group were as follows: GI (n = 3, 2.5%), GII (n = 5, 4.2%), GIII (n = 4, 3.3%), and GIV (n = 11, 9.2%). The occurrence of abscesses in GI, GII, and GIII did not differ statistically from each other but was statistically lower than that observed in GIV. The economic losses due to the presence of abscesses in the carcasses varied from R$ 0.12 to R$ 0.31 per animal of the herd whose needles were sanitized or not, respectively. Only 13% of the interviewed cattle farmers carried out some method of needle hygiene for vaccination. 78.8% of the slaughtered cattle were vaccinated with needles without any sanitization method. Thus, needle hygiene for cattle vaccination decreases the occurrence of post-vaccine abscesses. This practice minimizes losses by R$ 0.19 per animal due the damages caused by the removal of abscesses during the slaughter of animals. Most cattle farmers do not adopt needle hygiene for cattle vaccination.

Partial diallel and potential of super sweet corn inbred lines bt 2 to obtain hybrids

ABSTRACT The aims of this study were to determine the potential of S4 super sweet corn inbred lines for hybrid synthesis, identify the predominant types of gene action and correlations among different traits, significant for breeding programs. The 81 hybrids obtained from a partial diallel 9x9 and three checks were evaluated. A complete randomized block design, with three replicates, and two sowing seasons was used. We could notice significant hybrid effects, general combining ability (GCA) of GI and GII groups and specific combining ability (SCA) in relation to evaluated traits, highlighting the existence of hybrids with superior performance and the expression of additive and non-additive effects. The inbred lines: L1, L3, L6 and L9 (GI) and L1’, L7’ and L9’ (GII) showed the best GCA and SCA estimates, being present in the nine selected hybrids with superior and competitive performance in relation to the checks. The estimated correlations indicate that, for a breeding program aiming to increase grain productivity, evaluating, at least, the dehusked ears, prioritizing genotypes with larger ear diameters and longer ear lengths is important.

The Eff ect of resistance training and growth hormone injection on circulating IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels in a rat model

Growth hormone has mitotic and anti-apoptotic effects which may increase proliferation and transformation of cells when it is expressed aberrantly. This study investigated the effects of resistance training and growth hormone injection on circulating IGF-1, IGFBP-3 levels and IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio in male Wistar rats. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to a control group (C, n = 8), a resistance training group (RT, n = 8), a growth hormone injection group (GI, n = 8) and a resistance training + growth hormone injection group (RG, n = 8). The resistance training protocol comprised of climbing a ladder (5 days/week, 3 sets/5 reps) while carrying a weight suspended from the tail. The growth hormone (2 mg/kg/day, 5 days/week) was injected before an exercise session. Serum IGF-1, IGFBP-3 levels, and IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio were measured after 8 weeks. One-way ANOVA analysis was used for comparison of serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels between groups. Serum IGF-1 levels and IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio signifi cantly decreased, but serum IGFBP-3 levels showed no significant change in the RT group compared to the C group. Also, both serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels and IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio in GI and RG groups significantly increased compared to the other groups. In conclusion, resistance training decreases serum IGF-1 levels and/or IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio in normal condition. On the other hand, the growth hormone injection with and without the resistance training increases serum IGF-1 levels and IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio which could be noted as a condition with a higher risk of neoplasm.

Decline in tongue pressure during perioperative period in cancer patients without oral feeding

Systemic muscle wasting during perioperative periods has a major impact on postoperative morbidity. However, data on oropharyngeal muscle weakness after surgery are scarce. We examined whether maximum tongue pressure (MTP) and hand grip strength (HGS) diminished during the perioperative period without and with oral feeding in patients receiving cancer surgery. A total of 258 patients undergoing cancer surgery who had visited a hospital dental clinic were prospectively recruited between October 2015 and February 2016. MTP and HGS were measured on the day before and 4 days after surgery. Data on age, sex, tumor location, surgical procedure, and oral feeding status were obtained from patient medical records. We analyzed for differences in the perioperative changes of MTP and HGS according to surgical procedure, oral feeding, and tumor location using ANOVA. Neither MTP nor HGS differed significantly among tumor locations before surgery. The proportion of patients with an oral diet at 4 days after surgery was 36.7% and 34.5% for upper GI and colorectum groups versus 89.2% and 86.4% for genitourinary and lung groups, respectively. During the perioperative period, MTP decreased more significantly in patients without oral feeding than in those with oral feeding at 4 days after surgery (P<0.01). HGS was not affected by postoperative oral feeding status. Both MTP and HGS decreased more significantly in the upper gastrointestinal group than in the genitourinary and lung groups (P<0.05), except for MTP between upper GI and genitourinary groups (P=0.10). MTP, but not HGS, diminishes significantly during the perioperative period without oral feeding. As tongue muscle disuse after surgery may adversely impact postoperative oropharyngeal muscle decline, perioperative tongue muscle strengthening exercises may assist in maintaining muscle strength and good oral feeding.

Effect of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide regimen versus taxane on liver enzymes in Iraqi women with breast cancer.

Objective: To investigate the effect of doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide and taxane chemotherapy on the liver enzymes in Iraqi women with breast cancer. Methods: This cohort prospective study was carried out at the Biochemistry Department, College of Medicine, University of Baghdad and at the Oncology Clinic, Oncology Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq. It included 56 women with regular menstrual cycle (25-45 y) who were newly diagnosed with breast cancer. The women were classified into 3 groups: GI (pre-treatment): 29 women with breast cancer before starting chemotherapy and the post treatment group: the same 29 women of GI (pre-treatment) who finished 4 cycles of anthracycline chemotherapy (course 1), and GII: which involved another 27 women who had finished both courses of chemotherapy, (course 1) and 4 cycles of taxanes (course 2), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), serum alkaline phosphatase (ALK) and serum total proteins were measured using colorimetric methods. Results: Concerning the liver biochemical parameters (ALT and AST); there was no significant difference between GII and both GI (pre-treatment and post treatment) groups. While the serum levels of these enzymes increased significantly in GI (post treatment) compared to the (pre-treatment) group. According to the serum ALP; there was no significant difference between all groups. While the serum TP shows a significant increase in GI (post treatment) compared to the (pre-treatment) group. And a highly significant increase in GII compared to both GI (pre-treatment and post treatment) groups. Conclusion: Breast cancer chemotherapeutic agents’ combinations cause hepatic toxicity indicated by changes in liver enzymes levels and activity.

Effect of Chitosan Coating Enriched with 6-gingerol on Red Drum Fillets Quality and Shelf Life during Refrigerated Storage

ABSTRACTThe effect of chitosan coating enriched with 6-gingerol on the quality and shelf life of red drum fillets during refrigerated storage was investigated in this study. Samples were applied with chitosan coating (CH), 6-gingerol (GI), and chitosan coating with 6-gingerol (CH+GI) before storing at 4°C for 20 days. The data in this study showed that treatment with CH+GI could significantly decrease pH value, K-value, thiobarbituric acid value, and total volatile basic nitrogen in red drum fillets during refrigerated storage. The counts of microorganisms, such as Enterobacteriaceae, psychrotrophic, mesophilic bacteria, and lactic acid bacteria, were also significantly lower in the CH+GI group compared with those in the CH and GI groups. Moreover, the combination of chitosan coating and 6-gingerol was more effective in relieving the deterioration of tissue texture and sensory characteristics in the red drum fillets. In addition, the results suggested that chitosan coating and 6-gingerol had a synergistic effect on the quality improvement of red drum fillets. This work demonstrates that chitosan coating enriched with 6-gingerol may be a promising natural preservative for red drum during refrigerated storage.

Scheduling non-operating room anesthesia cases in endoscopy: Using the sandbox analogy

Study objectiveFor many hospitals, the non-operating room anesthesia (NORA) workload continues to expand. We developed a new NORA scheduling process with shared block time – a sandbox - amongst all of the gastroenterology groups and measured the efficacy of the intervention using basic operating room management metrics. DesignProspective analysis, statistical process control. SettingAcademic, rural hospital; endoscopy suite; postoperative recovery area. PatientsAdults and pediatric patients undergoing elective and/or urgent endoscopic procedures. InterventionsIn 2014, we divided the NORA block allocations on Thursdays into one afternoon block for pediatric GI, and 1.5 blocks to be shared between the two adult GI groups. We made a provision for an additional afternoon block available if necessary. No changes were made in the release policy. For scheduling, shared block time was released between the three endoscopy groups at 7days and then opened to the general pool at 48h. MeasurementsCase volumes, under-utilized time (opportunity-unused), elective time-in-block, over-utilized time. Main resultsWith the addition of a pediatric gastroenterologist, the number of cases per month increased after the change in scheduling procedure from a mean of 107 cases per month to 131, an increase of 23% (p=<0.01) (see Chart 1). Elective time-in-block increased after the intervention by 13% (p=0.09), while under-utilized time (opportunity-unused time) decreased in a reciprocal fashion (15%, p=0.03). Pre-intervention mean over-utilized time was 101min/month, while post-intervention over-utilized time decreased by 84.5% (99% CI ±3.29) to a mean of 16min/month. ConclusionsBy using a multi-disciplinary, team-based approach, we were able to increase throughput without increasing under-utilized or over-utilized time, thereby increasing efficiency. Despite the additional cases brought in by the pediatric gastroenterologist, opportunity-unused time decreased only moderately—lending support to our prediction that opening an additional NORA block was not only unnecessary to accommodate expansion of the gastroenterology service, but was also financially unviable. One of the challenges in reducing under-utilized time lies in the relatively new role played by anesthesia in the NORA environment. In our study, we showed that the open access policy applies when the block allocations have under-utilized time. As anesthesiologists continue to expand their practice into the NORA environment, good communication, interdepartmental collaboration, and flexible scheduling processes are essential to improving efficiency.

Poor sensitivity of rapid tests for the detection of antibodies to the hepatitis B virus: implications for field studies.

Rapid tests (RTs) can be used as an alternative method for the conventional diagnosis of hepatitis B virus (HBV). This study aims to evaluate antibodies to HBsAg (anti-HBs) and antibodies to HBeAg (anti-HBe) RTs under different Brazilian settings. The following three groups were included: GI: viral hepatitis outpatient services; GII: low resource areas; and GIII: crack users and beauticians. Imuno-rápido anti-HBsAg™ and Imuno-rápido anti-HBeAg™ RTs were evaluated and showed specificities greater than 95% in all groups. The sensitivity values to anti-HBs were 50.38%, 51.05% and 46.73% and the sensitivity values to anti-HBe were 76.99%, 10.34% and 11.76% in the GI, GII and GIII groups, respectively. The assays had a low sensitivity and high specificity, which indicated their use for screening in regions endemic for HBV.

Efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab combined with pan retinal photocoagulation versus panretinal photocoagulation alone in treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Objective:To compare effectiveness of pan-retinal photocoagulation alone versus panretinal photocoagulation combined with intravitreal bevacizumab on visual acuity and central macular thickness in patients presenting with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.Methods:This Randomized controlled trial was carried out at Armed Forces Institute of ophthalmology, Pakistan from Jan 2016 to Aug 2016. Seventy six eyes of 50 patients having proliferative diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema were included in the study. All the patients were subjected to detailed clinical examination that included Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit lamp examination of anterior and posterior segments. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) were carried out and patients were divided in two groups (GP and GI). Three monthly sessions of Pan retinal photocoagulation (PRP) using Pattern Scan Laser (PASCAL) alone was performed in group GP while PRP along with three monthly intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) was performed in group GI. BCVA and CMT was recorded 04 weeks after the third PRP session in both the groups.Results:Seventy six eyes of 50 patients (38 in each group) were treated with three sessions of PRP alone and PRP with IVB in Group GP and GI respectively. Mean age of the patient in group GP was 57.47± 6.08 years while that in group GI was 55.69 ±6.58. The magnitude of induced change in BCVA was 0.09 ± 0.15 in GP while 0.22 + 0.04 in GI groups while mean induced change in CMT after treatment was 77.44 ± 92.30 um and 117.50 ± 93.82 um in group GP and GI.Conclusion:Laser PRP combined with IVB has superior visual and anatomical outcome than PRP alone in patients with combined presentation of PDR and DME.

Effect of extent of glottal incompetence on phonation in excised canine larynx models

Objective: To compare the acoustic signal, mucosal wave and aerodynamic parameter (phonation threshold pressure, PTP) under different sub-glottal pressure (SGP) on the excised canine models with different extent of glottal incompetence. Methods: Perturbation measures and nonlinear dynamic measures were applied to analyze the acoustic signal (jitter, shimmer), mucosal wave [frequency(F), amplitude(A), phase(P)] and PTP from our study including 11 excised canine larynges with different extent of glottal incompetence (0 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, n=11, respectively) under 1-4 kPa sub-glottal pressure. Results: There were significant differences between different groups in jitter, shimmer, amplitude, frequency and PTP under various SGPs and extent of glottal incompetence (all P<0.05), inversely, there was no significant difference in P between groups (P>0.05). Jitter and shimmer changed obviously when the SGP increased to 3 kPa in the control group and GI 1 mm group. Jitter and shimmer changed obviously when the SGP increased to 2 kPa in the GI 2 mm and 3 mm groups. The F and A of mucosal wave increased with increasing SGP, decreased with increasing GI, and the P changed irregularly. There was statistically significant difference of PTP between different GI groups. Conclusions: The SGP and the extent of GI had obvious affection on the the acoustic signal, mucosal wave and aerodynamic parameters.

Relationship among Periodontal Disease, Insulin Resistance, Salivary Cortisol, and Stress Levels during Pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a period involving important metabolic changes that enable the maintenance of the mother's health and development of the fetus. This study aimed to assess the relationship among periodontal disease, insulin resistance, salivary cortisol concentration and level of perceived stress in pregnant women. This was a cross-sectional study. The sample comprised 96 pregnant women between the fifth and seventh month of pregnancy registered at the Basic Health Units of the Unified Health System (SUS). The periodontal condition was assessed after obtainment free and informed consent from the participants. Participants were divided into three groups: control subjects with a healthy periodontal condition (CN; n=46), patients with gingivitis (GI; n=26), and patients with periodontitis (PI; n=24). Saliva and blood samples were collected for evaluation of salivary cortisol concentration, glycemia, insulinemia and Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance index. A validated survey for the assessment of perceived stress levels was also performed. PI group showed significantly higher (p<0.05) blood glucose levels (CN: 4.43±0.05; GI: 4.46±0.04; PI: 4.68±0.08), insulinemia (CN: 6.93±0.45; GI: 8.87±0.79; PI: 12.77±1.30), insulin resistance (CN: 1.40±0.10; GI: 1.81±0.18; PI: 2.66±0.29) compared with the CN and GI groups. The levels of perceived stress were higher (p<0.05) in PI and GI groups when compared to CN group (CN: 20.5±1.26; GI: 25.8±1.95; PI: 26.6±1.36). There was no significant difference in the concentration of salivary cortisol between the groups (CN: 11.13±0.58; GI: 11.96±0.74; PI: 11.47±0.74). It was concluded that there is a relationship between higher levels of perceived stress, insulin resistance and the occurrence of periodontal disease during pregnancy. This study emphasizes the importance of preventing periodontitis in order to avoid insulin resistance and stress during pregnancy since these can cause systemic complications for the mother and the fetus.

In situ effect of a CPP-ACP chewing gum on enamel erosion associated or not with abrasion.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the in situ effect of a casein phosphopeptide-stabilized amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) chewing gum on human enamel erosion lesion associated or not with abrasion. A three-way crossover study of 7days was conducted involving 10 volunteers subjected to the same protocol: (G1) CPP-ACP sugar-free chewing gum, (G2) regular sugar-free chewing gum without CPP-ACP, and (G3) saliva-no chewing gum. An abrasion test was included in each phase. A 3D non-contact profilometry measurement of lesion depth and surface roughness was obtained of sound and eroded surfaces. A salivary calcium concentration was determined for all volunteers. ANOVA followed by Tukey's test were used with a p<0.05. The enamel depth and the enamel surface roughness of the CPP-ACP gum group were significantly lower than the others (ANOVA, p<0.05). No significant differences were observed between the treatments when associated with abrasion (p>0.05). A positive and significant correlation was seen between the lesion depth and enamel surface roughness for GI (r=0.87, p=0.00) and GIII (r=0.79, p=0.00) groups. The estimated total calcium presented in the saliva after the chewed CPP-ACP gum showed no statistical significance between the mean absorbance values at the different time collections (p>0.05). It is demonstrated that the incorporation of the CPP-ACP into a sugar-free gum significantly increased the remineralization/protection of eroded enamel surface. The CPP-ACP added to gum may be a suitable alternative vehicle, to deliver calcium ions to saliva and therefore protecting enamel.

Effect of different adhesive strategies on microtensile bond strength of computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing blocks bonded to dentin.

The aim of this study was to determine the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of ceramic and composite computer aided design-computer aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) blocks bonded to dentin using different adhesive strategies. In this in vitro study, 30 crowns of sound freshly extracted human molars were sectioned horizontally 3 mm above the cementoenamel junction to produce flat dentin surfaces. Ceramic and composite CAD/CAM blocks, size 14, were sectioned into slices of 3 mm thick. Before bonding, CAD/CAM block surfaces were treated according to the manufacturer's instructions. Groups were created based on the adhesive strategy used: Group 1 (GI) - conventional resin cement + total-etch adhesive system, Group 2 (GII) - conventional resin cement + self-etch adhesive system, and Group 3 (GIII) - self-adhesive resin cement with no adhesive. Bonded specimens were stored in 100% humidity for 24h at 37΀C, and then sectioned with a slow-speed diamond saw to obtain 1 mm × 1 mm × 6 mm microsticks. Microtensile testing was then conducted using a microtensile tester. μTBS values were expressed in MPa and analyzed by one-way ANOVA with post hoc (Tukey) test at the 5% significance level. Mean values and standard deviations of μTBS (MPa) were 17.68 (±2.71) for GI/ceramic; 17.62 (±3.99) for GI/composite; 13.61 (±6.92) for GII/composite; 12.22 (±4.24) for GII/ceramic; 7.47 (±2.29) for GIII/composite; and 6.48 (±3.10) for GIII/ceramic; ANOVA indicated significant differences among the adhesive modality and block interaction (P < 0.05), and no significant differences among blocks only, except between GI and GII/ceramic. Bond strength of GIII was consistently lower (P < 0.05) than GI and GII groups, regardless the block used. Cementation of CAD/CAM restorations, either composite or ceramic, can be significantly affected by different adhesive strategies used.

Assessing the Serum Levels of Ferritin and Selenium in three Important Infections of Childhood, Compared to a Control Group

The purpose of this study is to evaluate serum levels of selenium and ferritin in acute infections of childhood. Patients aged 2-15, hospitalized from autumn 2010-2011 in infectious ward of Rasoul-e-Akram hospital were recruited to the study. Patients with documented diagnosis of GI, RTI, UTI were case groups, who were compared to one control group, including patients hospitalized in the same hospital in surgery ward without any active infection. Blood samples were gathered from all patients and ferritin and selenium serum levels were measured in serum specimens. Diagnosis of the three infections was made by a unique infectious specialist. The mean and standard deviation of serum selenium concentration of GI, RTI, UTI and control groups were 64.70±21.43 µg/l, 61.60±19.25 µg/l, 66.37±22.11 µg/l and 62.20±22.08 µg/l, respectively without significant differences in serum selenium levels between these groups (P-value =0.608). The median of serum ferritin levels in GI, RTI, UTI and control groups were 60.05 (48.82-78.01), 62.00 (49.07- 79.35), 60.60 (51.78-79.52) and 58.75 (45.32-76.72), respectively. The difference in ferritin levels between these groups was statistically significant (P-value <0.001). Compared with the control, the RTI and GI groups had significantly higher levels (P<0.001); however, the UTI group was not statistically different from the control (P=0.098). None of the children had ferritin constrictions below 12. As far as selenium and ferritin deficiency is an important issue in developing countries, it would be valuable to assess the role of micronutrients in infectious diseases, as we may be able to prevent such fatal infections by micronutrient supplementations. Keywords: Selenium, ferritin, respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections.

Influence of cavity preparation with Er,Cr:YSGG laser and restorative materials on in situ secondary caries development.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of cavity preparation and restorative materials containing fluorides in the prevention of secondary caries lesion development in situ. A total of 120 blocks obtained from human teeth were divided into two groups and standardized cavities were prepared using diamond burs (DB) or Er,Cr:YSGG-laser [20 Hz, 4.0W, 55% water, 65% air (LA)]. They were divided into three subgroups according to the restorative material (n=20): glass-ionomer cement (GI), resin modified glass-ionomer (RM) or composite resin (CR). Blocks were fixed in palatal intra-oral appliances worn in situ by 20 human volunteers, who dropped 20% sucrose solution eight times daily. After 21 days, blocks were removed and restorations were cross-sectioned to evaluate microhardness [Knoop hardness number (KHN)] underneath enamel surface from 30 to 200 μm. Factors "cavity preparation," "restorative materials," and "depth" were evaluated by three way ANOVA, followed by Tukey test (p<0.05). The results showed lower microhardness in cavities prepared with DB than in cavities prepared with LA. At 30 μm, there were no statistical significant differences with regard to "cavity preparation" or "restorative materials" factors. In depth evaluation, the enamel microhardness progressively increased as a function of depth for the GI groups. In the groups prepared with LA at 60 μm/90 μm, there were no significant differences between GI and RM materials, whose microhardnesses were significantly higher than that of CR. Cavity preparation using Er,Cr:YSGG laser increases caries resistance of enamel walls, and reduce caries lesion depth development regardless of fluoride presence in the restorative material. CR showed higher caries lesion development than GI, and RM showed intermediate results.