Antioxidative effects of cysteamine,hyaluronan and fetuin on post‐thaw semen quality,DNA integrity and oxidative stress parameters in the Brown Swiss bull

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of antioxidants including cysteamine (2.5, 7.5 mm ), hyaluronan (0.25, 1 mg ml^?1) and fetuin (5, 10 mg ml^?1) in the freezing of Brown Swiss bull semen. The best percentages of CASA motilities were achieved with 10 mg ml^?1 of fetuin and 2.5 mm of cysteamine. For sperm morphology, 10 mg ml^?1 of fetuin and 2.5 mm of cysteamine had better protective effects (P < 0.001). The results of hypo‐osmotic swelling test showed that the percentage values of membrane integrity in all the groups, excluding that supplemented with 5 mg ml^?1 of fetuin, were higher than those of the control group (P < 0.001). Results obtained for the DNA damage of sperm cells demonstrated that 0.25 mg ml^?1 of hyaluronan, and 2.5 and 7.5 mm of cysteamine led to lower rates of spermatozoa with damaged DNA, compared with the control group (P < 0.001). The maintenance of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase antioxidant activities following freeze‐thawing with 2.5 and 7.5 mm of cysteamine and 10 mg ml^?1 of fetuin was demonstrated to be at a higher level in comparison with the control group (P < 0.001). Malondialdehyde formation was found to be lower in the groups supplemented with 0.25 mg ml^?1 of hyaluronan and 7.5 mm of cysteamine after the freeze‐thawing process (P < 0.001).     

Influence of tooth clench on the soleus H-reflex

The Hoffmann (H) reflex is elicited by electrical stimulation of a mixed nerve and is used to measure the excitability of the spindle-motoneuron synapse. Recent investigations have indicated a positive correlation between increases in bite force and H-reflex facilitation. However, these investigations did not examine the H-reflex in detail or the possible role of periodontal mechanoreceptors (PMRs) in this facilitation. The current investigation was performed to determine whether PMRs play a role in H-reflex facilitation during tooth clench (TC). The H-reflex was elicited in the soleus muscle of human subjects while bite level was maintained at rest (0 N), 40 N, 80 N and maximal TC. The front teeth that contributed to the (40 N and 80 N) bite force were then locally anaesthetised (LA), and the protocol was repeated. The current data suggest that the effect of TC on the H-reflex amplitude in the human limb muscles is variable from one subject to the next. Statistical analysis has shown that the H-reflex was significantly smaller during the rest condition than during the 80 N bite (p<0.05) in both non-LA and LA conditions. Since LA did not alter the response, our results do not support that the PMRs play a major role in the facilitation of distal muscle activity.     

Long-term results of the application of solvent-dehydrated bone xenograft and duramater xenograft for the healing of oroantral osseous defects: a pilot experimental study

Abstract –  The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effects of the use of human cadaveric solvent-dehydrated bone graft and duramater as a barrier membrane for the treatment of oroantral communication. Standard oroantral osseous defects were created in five minipigs. Subjects received cancellous bone graft in the form of block or microchips, duramater or a combination of bone and membrane. Uneventful healing was achieved in all of the subjects, clinically including the control site which did not receive any material. The operated bone segments were evaluated both by radiological and histological examinations after 6 months. Radiological evaluation was carried out using bone density analysis software and histological evaluation made by light microscopy. Radiological and histological results revealed that bone grafting of oroantral osseous defects improved the bone quality. However, application of duramater did not change this activity, both alone or combined with bone grafts. Within the limits of this experimental study, although solvent-dehydrated bone grafts were found superior and could be applied for the healing of osseous oroantral defects, resorbable membranes did not contribute to this process.     

The effect of mineral trioxide aggregate on the contractility of the rat thoracic aorta

Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is being advocated for vital pulp therapy. In the case of direct pulp capping, hemorrhage control is an important step on success, but little is known about the effect of MTA on pulpal bleeding. In addition, there has been a lack of information on the effect of MTA on smooth muscle contraction, such as can occur in the blood vessels of dental pulp. The present study assessed the vascular effects of MTA, using the rat aortic ring preparations as a tissue model. MTA (100-500 mg) induced dose-dependent contraction in rat thoracic aorta. The contractile effect of MTA was blocked by calcium channel blocker nifedipine (1 muM). These data suggest that the vasoconstrictor property of MTA is related to calcium influx and it may allow proper control of hemorrhage which is critical for the success of any pulp-capping treatment.     

The effects of two methods of Class III malocclusion treatment on temporomandibular disorders

The aim of this research was to evaluate, within a controlled clinical study, the effects of a Delaire-type facemask or a modified Jasper Jumper (JJ) used in the treatment of children with Class III malocclusions due to maxillary retrognathia on temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Forty-six patients with Class III malocclusions referred for orthodontic treatment were divided into two groups, a test and a control. The test group comprised 33 randomly chosen patients (15 females, 18 males) aged 8-11 years. The control group included 13 patients (eight females, five males) with similar features. TMD assessment was performed before and after treatment using a two-axis questionnaire, the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMDs). Qualitative data were evaluated using chi-square and McNemar tests. No statistically significant differences related to the presence of TMD were observed pre- or post-treatment (P > 0.05). The most commonly encountered diagnosis was arthralgia in the JJ group both before and after treatment. Evaluation of joint and muscle regions showed decreased symptoms, apart from the diagnosed discomforts, in the JJ group (P < 0.05). Reduced symptoms were observed in the Delaire group; however, this reduction was not statistically significant. An increase, not considered to be statistically significant, was observed in the control group. The Delaire-type facemask and modified JJ used in the early phase of Class III malocclusion treatment did not result in TMD.