Use of cooled bull semen as a strategy to increase the pregnancy rate in fixed-time artificial insemination programs-case report

Semen cryopreservation is still considered suboptimal due to lower fertility when compared to fresh semen. The reasons for the loss of fertility are various and related to irreversible damage caused to the cells during the freeze-thaw process. An alternative to conventional cryopreservation represents the use of chilled bull semen, preventing the damage associated with freezing, thereby guaranteeing greater sperm viability. The aim of this study was to describe the use of cooled bull semen as a strategy to increase the pregnancy for Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI) of Nellore (Bos indicus) cows. One ejaculate of a select Nellore bull obtained by electroejaculation was used; the semen sample was fractioned into two aliquots: one diluted in Botu-Bov® extender containing 6.4% glycerol for cryopreservation (BB-F, frozen group) and one diluted in the same extender, free from cryoprotectants and used for cooling (BB-C, cooled semen group). The samples in the BB-C group were chilled to 5°C using an isothermic box and maintained for 24 h prior to use. A total of 349 lactating Nellore cows (70-90 days after birth) were synchronized by the insertion of a progesterone releasing device (1.0 g) and estradiol benzoate (2.0 mg i.m.) on a random day of the estrous cycle (Day 0); FTAI was performed 44-48 h after the removal of the device. The pregnancy rates were 45.71 and 61.49% (P<0.05), respectively, for the cryopreserved or chilled bovine semen groups. In conclusion, the use of bull semen cooled for 24 h represents an alternative to conventionally cryopreserved semen, as determined by the increase the pregnancy per artificial insemination in bovine herds. © 2012 Science Publication.

Efficacy and safety of travoprost 0.004%/timolol 0.5% fixed combination as transition therapy in patients previously on prostaglandin analog monotherapy

Purpose: To assess the safety and efficacy of transitioning patients whose intraocular pressure (IOP) had been insufficiently controlled on prostaglandin analog (PGA) monotherapy to treatment with travoprost 0.004%/timolol 0.5% fixed combination with benzalkonium chloride (TTFC). Methods: This prospective, multicenter, open-label, historical controlled, single-arm study transitioned patients who had primary open-angle glaucoma, pigment dispersion glaucoma, or ocular hypertension and who required further IOP reduction from PGA monotherapy to oncedaily treatment with TTFC for 12 weeks. IOP and safety (adverse events, corrected distance visual acuity, and slit-lamp biomicroscopy) were assessed at baseline, week 4, and week 12. A solicited ocular symptom survey was administered at baseline and at week 12. Patients and investigators reported their medication preference at week 12. Results: Of 65 patients enrolled, 43 had received prior travoprost therapy and 22 had received prior nontravoprost therapy (n = 18, bimatoprost; n = 4, latanoprost). In the total population, mean IOP was significantly reduced from baseline (P = 0.000009), showing a 16.8% reduction after 12 weeks of TTFC therapy. In the study subgroups, mean IOP was significantly reduced from baseline to week 12 (P = 0.0001) in the prior travoprost cohort (19.0% reduction) and in the prior nontravoprost cohort (13.1% reduction). Seven mild, ocular, treatment-related adverse events were reported. Of the ten ocular symptom questions, eight had numerically lower percentages with TTFC compared with prior PGA monotherapy and two had numerically higher percentages with TTFC (dry eye symptoms and ocular stinging/burning). At week 12, TTFC was preferred over prior therapy for 84.2% of patients (48 of 57) by the patients themselves, and for 94.7% of patients (54 of 57) by their physicians. Conclusion: When TTFC replaced PGA monotherapy in patients whose IOP had been uncontrolled, the outcome was a significant reduction in IOP and an acceptable safety and tolerability profile. Most patients and investigators preferred TTFC to prior PGA monotherapy. © 2012 Costa et al, publisher and licensee Dove Medical Press Ltd.

Effects of vaccination against reproductive diseases on reproductive performance of beef cows submitted to fixed-timed AI in Brazilian cow-calf operations

The objectives were to assess incidence of pregnancy losses, associate this outcome with immunization programs against reproductive diseases, and evaluate the effects of vaccination against bovine herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), and Leptospira spp., on reproductive efficiency of Brazilian cow-calf operations. In experiment 1, 7614 lactating Nelore cows from 18 ranches were assigned to the same estrus synchronization and fixed-time AI protocol (ESFTAI; Days -11 to 0). Pregnancy status was determined with transrectal ultrasonography on Days 30 and 120 after AI. Pregnancy loss was deemed to have occurred when cows were pregnant on Day 30 but nonpregnant on Day 120. Incidence of pregnancy loss across all ranches was 4.1%; pregnancy losses were detected (P < 0.10) in 14 ranches but not detected (P > 0.11) in four ranches. Pregnancy loss was lower (P ≤ 0.02) in ranches that vaccinated against BoHV-1, BVDV, and Leptospira spp. compared with ranches that did not vaccinate, or only vaccinated against Leptospira spp. In experiments 2 and 3, lactating Nelore cows (N = 1950 and 2793, respectively) from ranches that did not have a history of vaccinating against reproductive diseases (experiment 2), or only vaccinated against Leptospira spp. (experiment 3), were assigned to the same ESFTAI used in experiment 1. Within each ranch, cows received (VAC) or not (CON) vaccination against BoHV-1, BVDV, and Leptospira spp. at the beginning of the ESFTAI (Day -11) and 30 days after (Day 41) AI. In experiment 2, VAC cows had greater (P ≤ 0.05) pregnancy rates compared with CON on Days 30 and 120. In experiments 2 and 3, pregnancy loss was reduced (P ≤ 0.03) in primiparous VAC cows compared with CON cohorts. In experiment 4, 367 primiparous, lactating Nelore cows previously vaccinated against Leptospira spp. were assigned to the same ESFTAI used in experiment 1. Cows received VAC, or the same vaccine 30 days before (Day -41) and at the beginning (Day -11) of the ESFTAI (PREVAC). Pregnancy rates on Days 30 and 120 were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in PREVAC cows compared with VAC cows. In conclusion, pregnancy losses affected reproductive and overall efficiency of Brazilian cow-calf operations, and might be directly associated with BoHV-1, BVDV, and Leptospira spp. infections. Hence, vaccinating cows against these pathogens, particularly when both doses are administered before fixed-time AI, improved reproductive performance in Brazilian cow-calf systems. © 2013 Elsevier Inc.

Clinical Satisfaction and Quality of Ceramic Fixed Dentures

It is known that several factors can affect the clinical success and durability of fixed partial dentures. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to present a literature review about the longevity, clinical success, and quality, as well as, patients' and dental surgeons' satisfaction of ceramic fixed dentures. High rate of patients' satisfaction has been observed in relation to the esthetic of ceramic crowns. In addition, the literature has shown that dental ceramics can be used in several clinical situations with high success rate and longevity. Despite of failures and complications of ceramic restorations, nowadays, with the improvement of mechanical properties of such materials, ceramic crowns present a favorable prognosis and can be used in several clinical situations with high success rate, clinical quality, and great patients' satisfaction. © 2013 The American Ceramic Society.

Comparison of different designs of implant-retained overdentures and fixed full-arch implant-supported prosthesis on stress distribution in edentulous mandible - A computed tomography-based three-dimensional finite element analysis

A finite element analysis was used to compare the effect of different designs of implant-retained overdentures and fixed full-arch implant-supported prosthesis on stress distribution in edentulous mandible. Four models of an human mandible were constructed. In the OR (O'ring) group, the mandible was restored with an overdenture retained by four unsplinted implants with O'ring attachment; in the BC (bar-clip) -C and BC groups, the mandibles were restored with overdentures retained by four splinted implants with bar-clip anchor associated or not with two distally placed cantilevers, respectively; in the FD (fixed denture) group, the mandible was restored with a fixed full-arch four-implant-supported prosthesis. Models were supported by the masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joints. A 100-N oblique load was applied on the left first molar. Von Mises (σvM), maximum (σmax) and minimum (σmin) principal stresses (in MPa) analyses were obtained. BC-C group exhibited the highest stress values (σvM=398.8, σmax=580.5 and σmin=-455.2) while FD group showed the lowest one (σvM=128.9, σmax=185.9 and σmin=-172.1). Within overdenture groups, the use of unsplinted implants reduced the stress level in the implant/prosthetic components (59.4% for σvM, 66.2% for σmax and 57.7% for σmin versus BC-C group) and supporting tissues (maximum stress reduction of 72% and 79.5% for σmax, and 15.7% and 85.7% for σmin on the cortical and trabecular bones, respectively). Cortical bone exhibited greater stress concentration than the trabecular bone for all groups. The use of fixed implant dentures and removable dentures retained by unsplinted implants to rehabilitate edentulous mandible reduced the stresses in the periimplant bone tissue, mucosa and implant/prosthetic components. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Tilted and Short Implants Supporting Fixed Prosthesis in an Atrophic Maxilla: A 3D-FEA Biomechanical Evaluation

Purpose: This study compared the biomechanical behavior of tilted long implant and vertical short implants to support fixed prosthesis in an atrophic maxilla. Materials and Methods: The maxilla model was built based on a tomographic image of the patient. Implant models were based on micro-computer tomography imaging of implants. The different configurations considered were M4S, four vertical anterior implants; M4T, two mesial vertical implants and two distal tilted (45°) implants in the anterior region of the maxilla; and M6S, four vertical anterior implants and two vertical posterior implants. Numerical simulation was carried out under bilateral 150N loads applied in the cantilever region in axial (L1) and oblique (45°) (L2) direction. Bone was analyzed using the maximum and minimum principal stress (σmax and σmin), and von Mises stress (σvM) assessments. Implants were analyzed using the σvM. Results: The higher σmax was observed at: M4T, followed by M6S/L1, M6S/L2, M4S/L2, and M4S/L1 and the higher σvM: M4T/L1, M4T/L2 and M4S/L2, M6S/L2, M4S/L1, and M6S/L1. Conclusions: The presence of distal tilted (all-on-four) and distal short implants (all-on-six) resulted in higher stresses in both situations in the maxillary bone in comparison to the presence of vertical implants (all-on-four). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Estrus synchronization and fixed time artificial insemination (FTAI) in dairy buffaloes during seasonal anestrus

The aim of this work was to study estrus synchronization and fixed time artificial insemination (FTAI) in dairy buffaloes during season anestrus. One hundred thirty-nine dairy buffaloes in seasonal anestrus were divided in two groups as G1(n=66) and G2(n=73). The protocols for both the groups were the same until day (D)14:D0 administration of 2.0 mg estradiol benzoate and implantation of progesterone device (P4) for 14 days; D14 removal of P4 plus 150 mg of cloprostenol and 400 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin. On D16, G1 received 10 mg of buserelin and G2 100 mg deslorelin acetate. On D17, both the groups were submitted to FTAI. Ultrasonographic examinations of ovaries were performed on D0, D14, D16 and D17. Results showed that pregnancy rates in G1 and G2 were 20 and 41% (p<0.05) and the ovulation rates were 16.6 and 37%, respectively (p<0.05). The dominant follicle (DF) diameter on D16 was 7.9 mm in G1 and 8.9 mm in G2 (p>0.05). Thirty-five percent of the animals in G1 and 54.1% in G2 showed a diameter DF greater than 8.0 mm on D16 (p>0.05). Thus, it could be concluded that the protocols synchronized the estrus, leading the concentration of the parturitions in the period of low milk production. Deslorelin was more efficient than buserelin due the higher percentage of DF ovulation and higher pregnancy rates.

The influence of insemination dose on pregnancy per fixed-time artificial insemination in beef cows is affected by semen extender

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Rehabilitation of the Maxillary Arch After Bone Graft Using Immediate Loading With Implant-Supported Fixed Restoration

Moderate and controlled loading environments support or enhance osteogenesis, and, consequently, a high degree of bone-to-implant contact can be acquired. This is because when osteoprogenitor cells are exposed to limited physical deformation, their differentiation into osteoblasts is enhanced. Then, some range of microstrain is considered advantageous for bone ingrowth and osseointegration. The primary stability has been considered one of the main clinical means of controlling micromotion between the implant and the forming interfacial tissue, which helps to establish the proper mechanical environment for osteogenesis. Based on the biological aspects of immediate loading (IL), the objective of this study is to present a clinical case of maxillary arch rehabilitation using immediate loading with implant-supported fixed restoration after bone graft. Ten dental implants were placed in the maxilla 6 months after the autogenous bone graft, removed from the mandible (bilateral oblique line and chin), followed by the installation of an immediate-load fixed cross-arch implant-supported restoration because primary stability was reached for 8 implants. In addition, instructions about masticatory function and how it is related to interfacial micromotion were addressed and emphasized to the patient. The reasons for the IL were further avoidance of an interim healing phase, a potential reduction in the number of clinical interventions for the patient, and aesthetic reasons. After monitoring the rehabilitation for 8 years, the authors can conclude that maxillary IL can be performed followed by a well-established treatment planning based on computed tomography, providing immediate esthetics and function to the patient even when autogenous bone graft was previously performed in the maxilla.

The influence of bone quality on the biomechanical behavior of full-arch implant-supported fixed prostheses

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

The role of superstructure material on the stress distribution in mandibular full-arch implant-supported fixed dentures. A CT-based 3D-FEA

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Non-linear 3D finite element analysis of full-arch implant-supported fixed dentures

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Eight-Year Follow-Up of a Fixed-Detachable Maxillary Prosthesis Utilizing an Attachment System: Clinical Protocol for Individuals With Skeletal Class III Malocclusions

The aim of this article is to describe a successful clinical protocol for prosthodontic rehabilitation of a patient with a skeletal Class III malocclusion using a fixed-detachable maxillary prosthesis supported by 6 implants and the MK1 attachment system. The patient was followed up for 8 years. A 46-year-old edentulous woman with a skeletal Class III malocclusion expressed dissatisfaction with her old existing maxillary denture from an esthetic point of view and frustration regarding its function. A fixed-detachable maxillary prosthesis using the MK1 attachment system was made. The patient was followed up clinically and radiographically for 8 years. No bone loss, fracture of prosthetic components, or fracture of the prosthesis was detected in that period. A fixed detachable maxillary prosthesis using the MK1 attachment system is a treatment option for patients with Class III malocclusions who opt not to undergo orthognathic surgery.

Microstrain Around Dental Implants Supporting Fixed Partial Prostheses Under Axial and Non-Axial Loading Conditions, In Vitro Strain Gauge Analysis

The current study used strain gauge analysis to perform an in vitro evaluation of the effect of axial and non-axial loading on implant-supported fixed partial prostheses, varying the implant placement configurations and the loading points. Three internal hexagon implants were embedded in the center of each polyurethane block with in-line and offset placements. Microunit abutments were connected to the implants using a torque of 20 N.cm, and plastic prosthetic cylinders were screwed onto the abutments, which received standard patterns cast in Co-Cr alloy (n = 10). Four strain gauges (SGs) were bonded onto the surfaces of the blocks, tangentially to the implants: SG 01 mesially to implant 1, SG 02 and SG 03 mesially and distally to implant 2, respectively, and SG 04 distally to implant 3. Each metallic structure was screwed onto the abutments using a 10-N.cm torque, and axial and non-axial loads of 30 kg were applied at 5 predetermined points. The data obtained from the strain gauge analyses were analyzed statistically through the repeated measures analysis of variance and the Tukey test, with a conventional level of significance of P < 0.05. The results showed a statistically significant difference for the loading point (P = 0.0001), with point E (nonaxial) generating the highest microstrain (327.67 mu epsilon) and point A (axial) generating the smallest microstrain (208.93 mu epsilon). No statistically significant difference was found for implant placement configuration (P = 0.856). It was concluded that the offset implant placement did not reduce the magnitude of microstrain around the implants under axial and non-axial loading conditions, although loading location did influence this magnitude.

Relaxation to Fixed Points in the Logistic and Cubic Maps: Analytical and Numerical Investigation

Convergence to a period one fixed point is investigated for both logistic and cubic maps. For the logistic map the relaxation to the fixed point is considered near a transcritical bifurcation while for the cubic map it is near a pitchfork bifurcation. We confirmed that the convergence to the fixed point in both logistic and cubic maps for a region close to the fixed point goes exponentially fast to the fixed point and with a relaxation time described by a power law of exponent -1. At the bifurcation point, the exponent is not universal and depends on the type of the bifurcation as well as on the nonlinearity of the map.