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The aims of this study were to investigate whether the number of antral follicles (AF) in the ovaries of Nelore cows is influenced with the developmental competence of oocytes to reach the blastocyst stage and to quantify the mRNA abundance of genes associated with folliculogenesis and oogenesis in granulosa and cumulus cells. A total of 168 cows were distributed into two experimental groups according to the number of AF, low (≤31) and high AF (≥92), which were determined based on the mean number of AF (61.14) ± SD (30.43). Granulosa and cumulus cells were used to assess the mRNA expression of 16 genes. Cumulus cells from cows with low AF had higher mRNA expression of genes involved in meiosis resumption (NPR-2, NPR-3) and cumulus cell expansion (FGF10), as well as a transcription factor involved in the regulation of oocyte maturation and cell proliferation (STAT3). Conversely, granulosa cells from females with high AF had higher expression of PGR and AMHR2a, which are involved in meiosis resumption and cumulus cell expansion. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected from 356 cows with low and high AF populations to evaluate embryo development. Cleavage and blastocyst rates did not differ between the groups. In conclusion, our findings revealed that genes involved in folliculogenesis and oogenesis are differently expressed in cumulus and granulosa cells of cows having low and high numbers of AF. These molecular differences suggest that the regulation of oocyte maturation, meiotic resumption and cumulus expansion may be influenced by the number of AFs. However, the variations in gene expression were not associated with in vitro oocyte developmental competence to reach the blastocyst stage, which confirms that oocytes from Nelore cows with low and high numbers of AF are similarly able to mature, regulate the fertilization process and support pre-implantation embryo development.

Summary Background Striae distensae are linear atrophic dermal scars with associated epidermal atrophy. This recurrent skin disorder causes a significant cosmetic and psychologic concern and remains a therapeutic challenge, especially when they are mature and hypopigmented (striae alba). Aims In this prospective single-center study, we evaluated the efficacy, safety, and patient's satisfaction of galvanopuncture for the treatment of striae alba. Patients/Methods Thirty-two female subjects with striae alba present on the buttocks were treated with galvanopuncture once a week over a period of 10 weeks. Photographs and a percentage category scale were used to assess striae improvement and patient's satisfaction. Biochemical analyses were performed to assess possible systemic inflammatory effects or oxidative stress induction by the treatment. Results All patients achieved a substantial increase in clinical improvement in their striae within 10 treatment sessions. Galvanopuncture did not induce any inflammatory effect; however, it reduced oxidative injury. Conclusion The use of galvanopuncture for the treatment of striae alba demonstrated a significant improvement in the lesions with visible results. This study supports the high degree of patient's satisfaction and demonstrate the safe and effective use of galvanopuncture in the treatment of striae alba on several skin types.

Background and Objectives As the population ages, osteometabolic diseases and osteoporotic fractures emerge, resulting in substantial healthcare resource utilization and impaired quality of life. Many types of mechanical stimulation have the potential of being recognized by bone cells after a mechanical sign is transformed into a biological one (a process called mechanotransduction). The therapeutic ultrasound (TU) is one of several resources capable of promoting bone cell mechanical stimulation. Therefore, the main purpose of present study was to evaluate the effect of TU on the proliferation of pre-osteoblasts using in vitro bioassays. Study Design/Materials and Methods We used MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblast lineage cells kept in Alpha medium. Cells were treated using pulsed mode therapeutic ultrasound, with frequency of 1 MHz, intensity of 0.2 W/cm2 (SATA), duty cycle of 20%, for 30 minutes. Nifedipine and rapamycin were used to further investigate the role of L-type Ca2+ channels and mTOR pathway. Intracellular calcium, TGF-β1, magnesium, and the mRNA levels of osteopontin, osteonectin, NF-κB1, p38α were evaluated. Results The results show that TU stimulates the growth of MC3T3-E1 cells and decreases the supernatant calcium and magnesium content. Also, it increases intracellular calcium, activates NF-κB1 and mTOR complex via p38α. Moreover, TU promoted a decrease in the TGF-β1 synthesis, which is a cell growth inhibitor. Conclusions Therapeutic ultrasound, with frequency of 1 MHz, intensity of 0.2 W/cm2 (SATA) and pulsed mode, for 30 minutes, was able to increase the proliferation of preosteoblast-like bone cells. This effect was mediated by a calcium influx, with a consequent activation of the mTOR pathway, through increased NF-κB1 and p38α. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:765–772, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The prognosis of tooth replantation is usually related to the need of endodontic treatment, which has a direct relationship with the occurrence of root resorptions. Several studies have been undertaken in an attempt to prevent, delay, or treat these complications, which are the main causes of loss of replanted teeth. This literature review examines research evidence on intracanal dressings and root canal filling materials used in cases of tooth replantation. A comprehensive search was performed in the Medline/Pubmed, Bireme and Scielo full-text electronic journal databases to retrieve English-language articles referring to these topics that had been published between 1964 and 2010. Calcium hydroxide (CH) remains the usually recommended choice as an intracanal medicament in replanted teeth; however, there is evidence to support the initial use of a corticosteroid-antibiotic combination such as Ledermix paste to control potential early resorption, prior to the introduction of CH where the beneficial effect in the treatment of progressive root resorption has been well proven. Regarding root filling materials, CH-containing sealers are a good option because of their biological properties. Accurate diagnosis and adequate treatment plan may constitute very complex tasks, particularly in tooth avulsion because several variables are involved. In addition to the technical knowledge and clinical experience directed toward the quality of treatment, patient education may favorably influence the survival of replanted teeth.

Post-traumatic complications occasionally lead to tooth loss as well as the need for future implants. However, rehabilitation with endosseous osseointegrated implants does not protect the patient from the risk of suffering a new trauma. Implant fracture and the damage of the hexagon are post-traumatic complications that guide the clinician to preparing a more intricate treatment plan. The authors present a clinical case of a recurrent trauma of maxillary implant fracture. The treatment plan was to remove the implants followed by autogenous bone grafting to correct the defect. Two titanium implants were replaced, followed by connective tissue graft after allowing complete the healing process of the bone graft to occur. In the postoperative period of 6 months, satisfactory results have been shown as regards soft and hard tissues wound healing.

Traumatic tooth injuries involve function and aesthetics and cause damage that range from minimal enamel loss to complex fractures involving the pulp tissue and even loss of the tooth crown. Technical knowledge and clinical experience are essential to establish an accurate diagnosis and provide a rational treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of Restorative Dentistry specialists about the management of crown and crown-root fractures based on treatment plans proposed by these professionals for these cases. A descriptive questionnaire was mailed to 245 Restorative Dentistry specialists with questions referring to their professional profile and the treatment plans they would propose for the management of crown and crow-root fractures resulting from dental trauma. One hundred and fifty-four questionnaires were returned properly filled. The data were subjected to descriptive statistics and the chi-square test was used to determine the frequency and the level of the significance among the variables. The analysis of data showed that in spite of having a specialist title, all interviewees had great difficulty in planning the treatments. As much as 42.8% of the participants were unable to treat all types of dental trauma. Complicated and uncomplicated crown-root fractures posed the greatest difficulties for the dentists to establish adequate treatment plans because these fractures require multidisciplinary knowledge and approach for a correct case planning and prognosis.

Background and Objective In the classic model of pleurisy there is little evidence about the anti-inflammatory effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as well the dosage characteristics, such as wavelength, total energy, number and pattern of treatment. In this study we investigated the potential effects of LLLT on modulating the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators of acute inflammation in a rat pleurisy model. Study Design/Materials and Methods A sample of 48 female Wistar rats were divided into control and experiential groups. An inflammation was induced by carrageenan (0.2 ml) injected into the pleural cavity. At 1, 2, and 3 hours after induction a continuous wave (20 mW) diode laser of the InGaAlP (660 nm) type was used in the four laser groups with different doses and treatment patterns. One group received a single dose of 2.1 J and the other three groups received a total energy of 0.9, 2.1, and 4.2 J. Four hours later the exudate volume, total and differential leukocytes, protein concentration, NO, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and MCP-1 were measured from the aspirated liquid. Results All the treatment patterns and quantity of energy studied show significant reduction of the exudate volume (P

The relationship between epilepsy and migraine is complex and remains to be determined. We report 3 cases that address 2 questions on this topic. The first and second cases showed an association between migraine without aura and the onset of epileptic seizures. The third case report describes a patient in whom migraine with aura occurred and was followed by the development of status epilepticus, which occurred 2 or 3 hours after the attack of migraine with aura. We discuss the present definition of migralepsy and reassess its definition by suggesting possible extensions to its current definition.

Background: The relationship between periodontal diseases in pregnancy and children born prematurely or with low birth weight has been increasingly investigated, showing inconclusive results. Objectives: To test the link between periodontal disease in pregnant women and low birth weight or prematurity. Methods: A population-based, cross-sectional study was carried out in Southern Brazil. The sample consisted of 449 parturients who were interviewed and examined up to 48 h post-partum. Three outcomes were investigated: low birth weight, prematurity and prematurity and/or birth weight. Periodontal disease, the exposure, was defined as (i) at least one site with a periodontal pocket; (ii) the presence of pockets at four or more sites. Socio-demographic information relating to health and maternal habits was collected through a questionnaire and by hospital medical records. Simple and multiple regression analysis was performed. Findings: There was no statistically significant association between periodontal disease and low birth weight. Periodontal pocket was not associated with low birth weight and/or pre-term birth after being adjusted. A periodontal pocket in at least one site was associated with prematurity (odds ratio=2.6; 95% confidence interval 1.0–6.9) even after adjusting for maternal schooling, parity, number of previous children of low birth weight, number of pre-natal consultations and body mass index. After the introduction of variables relating to maternal health during pregnancy, this association disappeared. Conclusions: No association was found between periodontal disease in the mother and the low birth weight. An association between prematurity and periodontal pockets was found but it was confounded by maternal health variables.

Summary: We assessed the effects of phenytoin (PHT) overdosage on ballistic arm abduction movements in nine epileptic patients receiving long-term PHT treatment. During the overdosage period, all but one showed clinical abnormalities referable to impaired cerebellar function; one also had slowness of movement. Ballistic movements showed abnormalities in all of the patients although a great variability was present in the type and severity of abnormalities. In four patients, kinematic and EMG recordings differed least from the normal, in four they resembled those described in patients with cerebellar deficits, and in one those described in patients with Parkinson disease. The type and severity of clinical disturbances of voluntary motor control as well as alterations of ballistic movements were not related to specific PHT plasma concentrations. One month after the adjustment of PHT dosage, the patients who had clinical abnormalities completely recovered or markedly improved. Previously observed kinematic and EMG abnormalities completely disappeared or improved markedly. RESUME Nous avons evalue les effets du surdosage de la diphenylhydantoine (PHT) sur les mouvements balistiques d'abduction du bras chez neuf patients epileptiques sous traitement au long cours avec PHT. Pendant la periode de surdosage tous les patients sauf un ont montre anomalies cliniques a mettre sur le compte de function cerebelleuse compromise; un patient avait ralentissement moteur. Les mouvements balistiques etaient alteres chez tous les patients mais on a observe une grande variabilite dans le type et dans la severite des anomalies. Chez quatre patients les enregistrements cinematiques et electromyographiques n'etaient pas tres differents de ceux des normaux; chez quatre ils ressemblaient a ceux decrits chez des patients avec des deficits cerebelleux; chez un autre patient les enregistrements ressemblaient a ceux decrits dans la maladie de Parkinson. Le type et la severite des anomalies cliniques du controle du mouvement volontaire et les alterations des mouvements balistiques n'etaient pas en rapport avec une concentration plasmatique specifique de la PHT. Un mois apres l'ajustement du dosage de la PHT, les patients qui avaient des anomalies cliniques ont completement recupere ou ils etaient tres ameliore. Les anomalies cinematiques et electromyographiques observees pendant la periode de surdosage ont disparu conpletement ou elles one ete tres ameliores. RESUMEN Hemos estudiado 10s efectos de la sobredosis de difenilhidantoina (PHT) en nueve pacientes epilepticos que eran sometidos a tratamiento cronico con este farmaco. Durante todo el periodo de la sobredosis, todos los pacientes excepto uno presentaron sintomas de leves o graves alteraciones de la funcion del cerebelo. Uno de ellos presento enlencimiento motorio. Los movimientos balisticos mostraban alteraciones en todos los pacientes si bien bas alteraciones eran diversas en tipo y gravedad. Las variables cinematicas y EMG se presentaron en cuatro pacientes con diferencias minimas en relacion a individuos normales. Cuatro pacientes presentaron alteraciones similares a las descritas en pacientes con enfermedad del cerebelo y un paciente tenia alteraciones parecidas a quellas observadas en pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson. El tipo y gravedad de los disturbios del control del movimiento voluntario asi como las alteraciones de los movimientos balisticos no estaban relacionados con las concentraciones plasmaticas de la PHT. Despues de un mes de haber reducido el dosaje de PHT, en los pacientes se observo un notable mejoramiento o completa desaparicion de los sintomas. Paralelamente, las alteraciones cinematicas y EMG de los movimientos balisticos desaparecieron o mejoraron notablemente. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Wir haben die Auswirkungen der uberdosierung von Difenylidantoin (PHT) in epileptischen Patienten, die mit diesem Pharmakurn auf lange Zeit behandelt wurden, untersucht. Wahrend der Zeit der uberdosierung zeigten alle Patienten, bis auf einen, eine Symptomatik, die auf veranderte cerebellare Funktion zuruckzufuhren ist; bei einem Patienten wurde auch eine motorische Verlangsamung festgestellt. Die ballistischen Bewegungen waren, trotz der groβen Unterschiede der Art und der Schwere der Veranderungen, in allen Patienten abnormal. Die kinetischen Aufzeichnungen und das EMG zeigten bei vier Patienten minimale Unterschiede im Vergleich zu normalen Patienten, bei weiteren vier Veranderungen, wie sie bei Patienten mit cerebellaren Storungen beschrieben werden und bei einem Veranderungen, wie man sie bei Patienten mit Parkinson'scher Krankheit beobachtet. Art un Schweregrad der Storungen der willkurlichen motorichen Kontrolle wie auch die Veranderungen der ballistichen Bewegungen waren nicht an eine spezifische Plasmakonzentration des PHT gebunden. Einen Monat nach der Verringerung der Dosis von PHT konnte bei den Patienten ein volliges Verschwinden oder eine beachtliche Besserung der Symptomatik festgestellt werden. Die kinematischen Veranderungen und die Abnormalitaten des EMG waren vollig verschwunden oder weitgehend verbessert.