Effect of age and genetic group on characteristics of the scrotum, testes and testicular vascular cones, and on sperm production and semen quality in AI bulls in Brazil

The objectives were to determine the effects of age and genetic group on characteristics of the scrotum, testes and testicular vascular cones (TVC), and on sperm production and semen quality in 107 Bos indicus, B, taurus and cross-bred bulls at three artificial insemination (AI) centers in Brazil. In addition, predictors of sperm production and semen quality were identified. In general, scrotal circumference (SC), scrotal shape score, scrotal neck perimeter, and testicular size (length, width and volume) increased (P < 0.05) with age. Although there were no significant differences among genetic groups for SC or testicular size, B. indicus bulls had the least pendulous scrotal shape, the shortest scrotal neck length, and the greatest scrotal neck perimeter (P < 0.05). Fat covering the TVC was thinner (P < 0.05) in bulls <= 36 months of age and in B. taunts bulls than in older bulls and B. indicus bulls, respectively. Age and genetic group did not affect testicular ultrasonic echotexture. B. indicus bulls tended (P < 0.1) to have the lowest average scrotal surface temperature (SST). In general, ejaculate volume, total number of spermatozoa and number of viable spermatozoa increased (P < 0.05) with age. However, there was no significant effect of age on sperm concentration, motility, major and total defects. The proportion of spermatozoa with minor defects was highest (P < 0.05) in bulls 37-60 months of age. B. indicus bulls had higher (P < 0.01) sperm concentration, total number of spermatozoa and number of viable spermatozoa than B. taunts bulls, with intermediate values for cross-bred bulls. Increased sperm production was associated with increased testicular volume, SC, TVC fat cover, and SST top-to-bottom gradient. Decreased semen quality was associated with increased SC and bottom SST, and decreased scrotal shape, scrotal neck perimeter and vascular cone diameter. In summary, age and genetic group affected the characteristics of the scrotum, testes, and TVC, sperm production and semen quality. In addition, characteristics of the scrotum, testes and TVC were associated with sperm production and semen quality in bulls and could be assessed for breeding soundness evaluation. (c) 2002 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Temperature Changes in Gutta-Percha and Resilon Cones Induced by a Thermomechanical Compaction Technique

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

Effectiveness of 2% peracetic acid for the disinfection of gutta-percha cones

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 2% peracetic acid for the disinfection of gutta-percha cones contaminated in vitro with Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans and Bacillus subtilus (in spore form). Two hundred and twenty-five gutta-percha cones were contaminated with standardized suspensions of each microorganism and incubated at 37 degrees C for 24 h. The cones were divided into 10 experimental groups (n = 15), according to the microorganism tested and disinfection testing times. The disinfection procedure consisted of immersing each cone in a plastic tube containing the substance. The specimens remained in contact with the substance for 1 or 2.5 minutes. Afterwards, each cone was transferred to a 10% sodium thiosulphate solution (Na2S2O3) to neutralize the disinfectant. Microbial biofilms adhering to the cones were dispersed by agitation. Aliquots of 0.1 ml of the suspensions obtained were plated on Sabouraud dextrose agar, or brain and heart infusion agar, and incubated at 37 degrees C for 24 h. The results were expressed in colony forming units (CFU/ml) and the data were submitted to the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test (level of significance at 0.05). A significant reduction was observed, after 1 minute of exposure, in the test solution for C. albicans (p = 0.0190), S. aureus (p = 0.0001), S. mutans (p = 0.0001), B. subtilis (p = 0.0001), and E. coli (p = 0.0001). After 2.5 minutes of exposure, 100% of the microbial inocula were eliminated. It was concluded that the 2% peracetic acid solution was effective against the biofilms of the tested microorganisms on gutta-percha cones at 1 minute of exposure.

Efeitos da autoclavação na velocidade e capacidade absorvente de cones de papel empregados em Endodontia

A presença de umidade no interior do sistema de canais radiculares, após o preparo biomecânico e sua desinfecção, pode influenciar no selamento apical e no êxito da obturação endodôntica. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência do número de esterilizações em autoclave, sobre a capacidade e velocidade de absorção dos cones de papel empregados em Endodontia. Foram analisados 440 cones de papel número 40, dos quais dez cones de cada marca comercial receberam de zero à dez ciclos de esterilização em autoclave (134°C/15 psi/15 minutos). Após cada ciclo de esterilização, os cones foram avaliados quanto a capacidade e velocidade de absorção de solução de hipoclorito de sódio a 1%. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística por meio dos testes da ANOVA (dois critérios) e Tukey (5%). Pôde-se concluir que, quanto à capacidade de absorção, os cones que sofreram menor influência dos diversos ciclos de esterilização em autoclave foram, em ordem decrescente: Tanari, Tanari cell pack, Conne e Diadent cell pack. Quanto à velocidade de absorção, os cones que obtiveram os melhores resultados foram: Tanari cell pack, Tanari, Conne e Diadent cell pack. A autoclavação mostrou-se um procedimento viável, em até 10 ciclos, apenas para a esterilização de cones de papel absorvente da marca Tanari utilizados em Endodontia.

Tratamento endurecedor para cones de guta-percha.

The subject of this work was to study a hardening procedure for gutta-percha points, in order to make ease their introduction in very curved root canals. Gutta-percha points of different brands and dimensions were submitted to treatment with alcohol 96 degrees for 1 to 3 days. After this treatment the weight necessary to make a bending of 35 degrees on the tip of the gutta-percha was evaluated. The obtained results were submitted to statistic analysis and the following conclusions can be observed: a. The treatment with alcohol make hard the gutta-percha points in a significant level. b. There was not significant differences between the results obtained with more than one day of alcohol treatment. c. The treatment with alcohol do not make hard all the brands of gutta-percha points.

Evaluation of the thermoplasticity of different gutta-percha cones and the TC system

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the thermoplasticity of three commercial brands of gutta-percha (Tanari, Dentsply 0.06, and Roeko), and of the TC system. Materials and Methods: Standardized specimens were fabricated from the materials to be evaluated. Specimens were placed in water at 70°C for 60 seconds. Following that, they were positioned between two glass slabs and each set was compressed by a 5kg weight. Images of the specimens before and after compression were digitized and analyzed by the Image Tool software. The flow capacity of each material was confirmed by the difference between the initial and final areas of each sample. Results: The resulting data were analyzed by ANOVA. The TC system presented the greatest thermoplasticity values (p<0.05). Among the gutta-percha cones, the Roeko brand showed higher thermoplasticity than the others (p<0.05). Conclusion: The gutta-percha from TC system present good thermoplasticity capacity.

Evaluation of the thermoplasticity of different gutta-percha cones and Resilon®

The goal of this study was to evaluate the thermoplasticity of conventional and thermoplastic gutta-percha and Resilon®, a polyester polymer-based material. Specimens with standardised dimensions were made from the following materials: conventional and thermoplastic gutta-percha (Dentsply), conventional and thermoplastic gutta-percha (Endopoints) and Resilon®. After 24 h, the specimens were placed in water at 70°C for 60 s, and thereafter positioned between two glass slabs. Each set was compressed by a 5-kg weight. Digital images of the specimens before and after compression were obtained and analysed. The thermoplasticity of each material was confirmed by the difference between final and initial areas of each sample. The data were analysed statistically by ANOVA and Tukey's test at a 5% significance level. Resilon® had the highest thermoplasticity means (P < 0.05). Among the gutta-percha cones, Endopoints TP (thermoplastic) presented the highest thermoplasticity means and differed significantly from the other commercial brands (P < 0.05). Resilon® had good thermoplasticity, endorsing its use as a thermoplastic root canal filling material. © 2007 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2007 Australian Society of Endodontology.

Thermoplasticity of microseal and TC gutta-percha (Tanaka de Castro) and three gutta-percha cones

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the thermoplasticity of materials used in root canal filling. Methods: Specimens with standardized dimensions were fabricated using Tanari, Roeko and Activ Point gutta-percha cones, as well as Microseal and TC gutta-percha. After 24 hours, the specimens were placed in water at 70 °C for 60 seconds and positioned between two glass slabs. Each set was compressed by a 5 g weight. Digital images of the specimens before and after compression were obtained and analyzed. The thermoplasticity was evaluated based on the difference between the final and initial areas. Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's tests at a 5% significance level. Results: TC and Microseal gutta-percha presented the highest thermoplasticity (p < 0.05). Among the gutta-percha cones, Tanari and Roeko presented the highest thermoplasticity and differed when compared to Activ Point (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results of the present study showed that TC and Microseal gutta-percha filling systems present better thermoplastic properties.

Análise da biocompatibilidade de cones de biovidro e biovitrocerâmico em cavidade eviscerada de coelho

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Análise morfológica de cones de guta-percha submetidos a diferentes tratamentos de desinfecção e sua influência na microinfiltração

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Análise morfológica da superfície dos cones de guta-percha submetidos à desinfecção com hipoclirito de sódio a 1% e a 2,5% e sua influência no selamento marginal da obturação

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

A ferrovia e o automóvel: ícones da modernidade na cidade de Bauru (1917-1939)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)