Evaluation of residual dentin after conventional and chemomechanical caries removal using SEM

The purpose of this in vitro study was to analyze the residual dentinal surfaces following caries removal using rotatory instruments and two chemomechanical methods (Papacárie and Carisolv), by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thirty primary incisors were divided into three groups, according to the caries removal method used, and their residual dentin was examined under SEM (15). After caries removal, 15 of these teeth were restored with Single Bond (3M) adhesive system and Z100 Filtek composite resin (3M). The tags of the replicas were observed under SEM. The chemomechanical caries removal methods (Papacárie and Carisolv) formed an amorphous layer, similar to the smear layer and few exposed dentinal tubules; the conventional caries removal method produced a smooth and regular dentinal surface, with typical smear layer and exposed dentinal tubules. All groups showed abundant tag formation. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed a difference between dentin treated with rotatory instruments and that treated with chemomechanical methods in spite of the occurrence of a similar tag formation in both groups.     

Early diagnosis and surgical treatment of the lower labial frenum in infancy: a case report

The lower labial frenum attached to the free gingival margin can promote local tension, resulting in tissue ischemia, promoting the development of gingival recession, as well as complicating oral hygiene, resulting in a local biofilm accumulation and chronic inflammation. In such cases, periodontal surgery is recommended and the local anatomic characteristics will be improved as early as school age. In this case report, a 7 years old patient had the lower labial frenum repositioned. After this procedure, the suture of the mucosa to the periosteum was performed around the surgical wound to provide local healing by secondary intention. This case report suggests that early diagnosis and surgical treatment of the lower labial frenum in school age children is fundamental in eliminating etiological factors, reestablishing normal anatomic characteristics and preventing periodontal diseases.     

Effect of co-culture of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells with pancreatic islets on viability and function outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The maintenance of viable and functional pancreatic islets is crucial for successful islet transplantation from brain-dead donors. To overcome islet quality loss during culture, some studies have co-cultured islets with mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC). However, it is still uncertain if MSC-secreted factors are enough to improve islet quality or if a physical contact between MSCs and islets is needed. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the effect of different culture contact systems of islets with MSCs on viability and insulin secretion outcomes. Pubmed and Embase were searched. Twenty studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis and/or meta-analysis. For both outcomes, pooled weighted mean differences (WMD) between islet cultured alone (control group) and the co-culture condition were calculated. Viability mean was higher in islets co-cultured with MSCs compared with islet cultured alone [WMD = 18.08 (95% CI 12.59–23.57)]. The improvement in viability was higher in islets co-cultured in indirect or mixed contact with MSCs than in direct physical contact (P <0.001). Moreover, the mean of insulin stimulation index (ISI) was higher in islets from co-culture condition compared with islet cultured alone [WMD = 0.83 (95% CI 0.54–1.13)], independently of contact system. Results from the studies that were analyzed only qualitatively are in accordance with meta-analysis data. Co-culture of islets with MSCs has the potential for protecting islets from injury during culture period. Moreover, culture time appears to influence the beneficial effect of different methods of co-culture on viability and function of islets.     

Sociodemographic,sexual, reproductive and relationship characteristics of adolescents having an abortion in Portugal: a homogeneous or a heterogeneous group?

Objectives: The aims of the study were to describe the sociodemographic, sexual, reproductive and relational characteristics of adolescents having an abortion in Portugal and to explore the differences between three adolescent age groups.

Methods: We recruited a nationally representative sample of 224 adolescents (<16 years, n?= 18; 16–17 years, n?= 103; 18–19 years, n?= 103) who had an abortion. Data were collected from 16 health care services that provide abortion.

Results: The adolescents were predominantly single, were from non-nuclear families, had low-socioeconomic status and were students. Mean age at first sexual intercourse was 15 years and mean gynaecological age was 5 years. Most had had multiple sexual partners, and for most it was their first pregnancy. At conception, the majority were involved in a long-term romantic relationship, were using contraception but did not identify the contraceptive failure that led to the pregnancy. Significant age group differences were found. Compared with the younger age groups, the 18–19 year age group was more frequently married or living with a partner, had finished school, had attained a higher educational level (as had their partner), intended to go to university, and had a greater number of sexual partners. Compared with the other groups, those under 16 years of age reported earlier age at menarche and at first sexual intercourse, and had a lower gynaecological age.

Conclusions: Our study characterises the life contexts of Portuguese adolescents who had an abortion. It highlights the need to recognise the heterogeneity of this group according to age. The findings have important implications for the development of age-appropriate guidelines to prevent unplanned pregnancy.     

Comparison of anthropometric and physical profiles of futsal athletes from under-17 and adult categories

Purpose

To compare the anthropometric and physical profiles of futsal athletes from under-17 to adult categories.

Methods

The study included 11 under-17 male futsal athletes and 15 male adult futsal athletes. Anthropometric evaluations and evaluations of aerobic power, anaerobic power and capacity, leg maximal isometric strength, lower limbs power, agility, and flexibility were performed.

Results

Under-17 athletes showed higher (p < 0.05) values of height (under-17: 180 ± 5 cm, adult: 174 ± 5 cm) and ectomorphy (under-17: 3.4 ± 0.8, adult: 2.2 ± 1.0), and lower values of mesomorphy (under-17: 3.7 ± 1.0, adult: 4.8 ± 0.7) and body fat (under-17: 11.7 ± 6.7 %, adult: 7.2 ± 3.5 %). In the physical tests, higher values of leg isometric strength in the under-17 athletes (under-17: 113 ± 29 kgf, adult: 83 ± 2 kgf) were found. No differences (p > 0.05) were found for aerobic power (under-17: 52.4 ± 4.4 ml/kg/min, adult: 53.3 ± 2.5 ml/kg/min), peak power (under-17: 686 ± 158 W, adult: 642 ± 141 W), mean power (under-17: 518 ± 85 W, adult: 533 ± 110 W), fatigue index (under-17: 9.0 ± 4.1 W s^?1, adult: 6.8 ± 3.6 W s^?1), lower limbs power (under-17: 221 ± 21 cm, adult: 218 ± 24 cm), agility (under-17: 9.7 ± 0.5 s, adult: 9.3 ± 0.4 s), and flexibility (under-17: 33 ± 7 cm, adult: 37 ± 6 cm).

Conclusions

Despite some anthropometric differences and differences in maximum isometric strength of the lower limbs, it can be inferred that under-17 athletes have characteristics similar to those of adult athletes.

     

Glutamine in vitro supplementation partly reverses impaired macrophage function resulting from early weaning in mice

OBJECTIVE: Glutamine is one of the most abundant amino acids found in maternal milk, and its concentration increases throughout lactation. Because glutamine is essential for macrophage functionality, it is hereby suggested that early weaning in conjunction with the absence of glutamine consumption impairs the functioning of macrophages, which could in turn be reversed with an in vitro supplementation with glutamine. METHODS: Swiss Webster mice were early weaned at 14 d of age (EW group) or at 21 d of age (control group, n = 8 per group). The EW group was fed a glutamine-free diet from days 14 to 21 of life. RESULTS: Mice in the EW group presented a significant decrease in plasma and muscle concentrations of glutamine and an increase in the activity of glutamine synthetase in the muscle. Peritoneal macrophages obtained from animals in the EW group presented a significant increase in the production of interleukin (IL)-10 and a significant decrease in the synthesis of IL-1beta, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, nitric oxide, and hydrogen peroxide and in their ability to adhere, spread, phagocytize, and kill fungi. Glutamine in vitro supplementation reversed the decrease in IL-6, nitric oxide, and hydrogen peroxide synthesis and the decrease in the capacity to adhere, spread, and phagocytize in animals of the EW group. CONCLUSION: These new data may imply that a lack of glutamine intake in early weaned mice hampers the functioning of peritoneal macrophages.