Fertility and fertility problems in the Swedish and in the Finish Lapphund : a comparative study

The Swedish Lapphund is one of our eleven Swedish domestic breeds of dogs and one of Sweden’s oldest dogbreeds. The Finnish Lapphund’s origin and physical conformation is similar to that of the Swedish Lapphund. One aim of this study was to examine whether the average litter size differs between these two closely related breeds, and if so, try to find causes for this. The study has been restricted to only include the fertility of the bitch. The investigative part is based on a questionnaire survey sent to active breeders, processing of the Swedish kennel club registration forms for the period 2000-2007, and data on inbreeding and litter size from the Swedish Kennel Club's data base “avelsdata”. The results showed that the average litter size differed between the breeds in terms of number of pups born, stillbirths/euthanized pups and registered pups per litter. The Swedish Lapphund gave birth to fewer pups, had more stillborn/euthanized pups and therefore fewer registered pups per litter than the Finnish Lapphund. Fewest pups born and the highest number of stillbirths/euthanized pups per litter were seen in the bitches’ first litter in both breeds, while the largest number of pups born and registered per litter were seen in the bitches’ third or more litter. A seasonal reproductive pattern was seen in both breeds in which the largest number of pups born and registered per litter were seen in season 4 (September-November), while most Swedish Lapphund litters were born in season 1 (December-February) and most Finnish Lapphund litters were born in season 2 (March - May). Litter size had a significant negative regression (p = <0.001) on gestation length in the Finnish Lapphund. Each extra pup above the average litter size caused a shortening of the gestation length with 0.25 days, and for each pup less the gestation length increased accordingly. In the Swedish Lapphund the regression on gestation length was almost significant (p = 0.052), where each extra pup above the average litter size decreased gestation length with 0.18 days and for each pup less the gestation length increased accordingly. The average change in inbreeding coefficient during the studied period was always higher in the Swedish Lapphund compared to in the Finnish Lapphund. In conclusion, the study showed that the Swedish and Finnish Lapphunds seem to be breeds with normal reproduction. Inbreeding depression in the Swedish Lapphund is the most likely cause of the differences observed between the Swedish and Finnish Lapphund, although this vas not proven in this study. It would be interesting to study the link between individual inbreeding in specific litters and the litter size

A review of implant provision for hypodontia patients within a Scottish referral centre

Background: Implant treatment to replace congenitally missing teeth often involves multidisciplinary input in a secondary care environment. High quality patient care requires an in-depth knowledge of treatment requirements. Aim: This service review aimed to determine treatment needs, efficiency of service and outcomes achieved in hypodontia patients. It also aimed to determine any specific difficulties encountered in service provision, and suggest methods to overcome these. Methods: Hypodontia patients in the Unit of Periodontics of the Scottish referral centre under consideration, who had implant placement and fixed restoration, or review completed over a 31 month period, were included. A standardised data collection form was developed and completed with reference to the patient's clinical record. Information was collected with regard to: the indication for implant treatment and its extent; the need for, complexity and duration of orthodontic treatment; the need for bone grafting and the techniques employed and indicators of implant success. Conclusion: Implant survival and success rates were high for those patients reviewed. Incidence of biological complications compared very favourably with the literature

Characterization of macrophage polarization in periodontal disease

AimTo explore the M1/M2 status of macrophage polarization from healthy, gingivitis, and periodontitis patient samples.Materials and methodsGingival biopsies were collected from 42 individuals (14 gingivitis, 18 periodontitis, and 10 healthy samples) receiving periodontal therapy. Histomorphology analysis was performed with haematoxylin and eosin staining. Immunofluorescence was performed using a combination of CD68 (macrophages), iNOS (M1), and CD206 (M2) in order to acquire changes in macrophage polarization at a singleâ cell resolution. Macrophages were quantified under microscopy using narrow wavelength filters to detect Alexa 488, Alexa 568, Alexa 633 fluorophores, and Hoechst 33342 to identify cellular DNA content.ResultsGingivitis and periodontitis samples showed higher levels of macrophages compared with healthy samples. Unexpectedly, periodontitis samples displayed lower levels of macrophages dispersed in the stromal tissues compared with gingivitis samples; however, it remained higher than healthy tissues. The polarization of macrophages appears to be reduced in periodontitis and showed similar levels to those observed in healthy tissues.ConclusionsOur study found that gingivitis and periodontitis differ from each other by the levels of macrophage infiltrate, but not by changes in macrophage polarization.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/150506/1/jcpe13156_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/150506/2/jcpe13156.pd

Head Coverings in the Courtroom: A Question of Respect for the Judge or of Judicial Tolerance?

The Human Rights Centre at Ghent University (the HRC) first initiated the present research while preparing an amicus curiae brief in the Lachiri v. Belgium case before the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). The applicant in Lachiri, who was a civil party in legal proceedings concerning the murder of her brother, was denied access to a Brussels courtroom after refusing to remove her Islamic headscarf . Ms. Lachiri’s admission was refused in reliance on Article 759 of the Belgian Judicial Code (Gerechtelijk Wetboek/ Code Judiciaire), which provides that “[t]he audience will attend the sessions with their heads uncovered, respectfully and silently; whatever the judge commands for the maintenance of order will be punctually and immediately executed.” In its third-party intervention, the HRC sought to supply the ECtHR with additional information concerning three points: the debate on the wearing of Islamic headscarves in Belgium, the history, object and purpose of Article 759 of the Belgian Judicial Code, and the scope of the State margin of appreciation in prohibiting religious items of clothing

Caesarean section rate in Nigeria between 2013 and 2018 by obstetric risk and socio-economic status.

OBJECTIVES: Caesarean section (CS) can be life-saving for both mother and child, but in Nigeria the CS rate remains low, at 2.7% of births. We aimed to estimate the rate of CS and early neonatal mortality in Nigeria according to obstetric risk and socio-economic background and to identify factors associated with CS. METHODS: We used the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, encompassing 33 924 live births within the last 5 years, to estimate the CS rate and early neonatal mortality rate (ENMR) by obstetric risk group, informed by the Robson classification. The CS rate and ENMR were assessed within each Robson group and stratified by socio-economic background. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore determinants of CS. RESULTS: Almost three-quarters (72.4%) of all births were to multiparous women, with a singleton baby of normal birthweight, thus a low-risk group similar to Robson 3, and with a CS rate of 1.0%. CS rates in the two high-risk groups (multiple pregnancy and preterm/low birthweight) were low, 7.1% (95% CI: 5.2-9.7) and 1.8 % (95% CI: 1.4-2.4), respectively. The ENMR was particularly high for multiple pregnancy (175 per 1000 live births; 95% CI: 131-230). Greater number of antenatal visits, unwanted pregnancy, multiple pregnancy, household wealth, maternal education, Christians/Others versus Muslims and referral during childbirth were positively associated with CS. CONCLUSION: Inequitable access to CS is not limited to socio-economic determinants, but also related to obstetric risk factors, calling for increased efforts to improve access to CS for high-risk pregnancies

A prospective cohort study on the impact of smoking on soft tissue alterations around single implants

Objectives: To compare smokers to non-smokers in terms of soft tissue alterations following single implant treatment in healed bone. Material and methods: Non-smoking and smoking patients with sufficient bone volume in need of a single implant in the anterior maxilla (15-25) were consecutively recruited in 3 centres. Conventional single implant surgery was performed and an immediate provisional crown was installed. Eight to 12 weeks later, the latter was replaced by a permanent one (baseline). Papilla regrowth and midfacial recession was registered after 2 years of function. Results: The sample consisted of 39 non-smokers (21 females; mean age 42) and 46 smokers (22 females; mean age 45). Smokers had 3 early failures whereas all implants integrated successfully in non-smokers. Statistically significant papilla regrowth was observed in non-smokers (mesial 0.63 mm, distal 0.75 mm), whereas smokers showed stable papillae (between cohorts: p ≤ 0.025). Midfacial soft tissue level demonstrated statistically significant overgrowth in non-smokers (0.53 mm), whereas it remained stable in smokers (between cohorts: p = 0.004). Conclusion: Smokers failed to demonstrate papilla regeneration and showed more midfacial recession following single implant treatment when compared to non-smokers

Prevention and treatment of peri-implant diseases-The EFP S3 level clinical practice guideline.

BACKGROUND The recently published Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) for the treatment of stages I-IV periodontitis provided evidence-based recommendations for treating periodontitis patients, defined according to the 2018 classification. Peri-implant diseases were also re-defined in the 2018 classification. It is well established that both peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis are highly prevalent. In addition, peri-implantitis is particularly challenging to manage and is accompanied by significant morbidity. AIM To develop an S3 level CPG for the prevention and treatment of peri-implant diseases, focusing on the implementation of interdisciplinary approaches required to prevent the development of peri-implant diseases or their recurrence, and to treat/rehabilitate patients with dental implants following the development of peri-implant diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS This S3 level CPG was developed by the European Federation of Periodontology, following methodological guidance from the Association of Scientific Medical Societies in Germany and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation process. A rigorous and transparent process included synthesis of relevant research in 13 specifically commissioned systematic reviews, evaluation of the quality and strength of evidence, formulation of specific recommendations, and a structured consensus process involving leading experts and a broad base of stakeholders. RESULTS The S3 level CPG for the prevention and treatment of peri-implant diseases culminated in the recommendation for implementation of various different interventions before, during and after implant placement/loading. Prevention of peri-implant diseases should commence when dental implants are planned, surgically placed and prosthetically loaded. Once the implants are loaded and in function, a supportive peri-implant care programme should be structured, including periodical assessment of peri-implant tissue health. If peri-implant mucositis or peri-implantitis are detected, appropriate treatments for their management must be rendered. CONCLUSION The present S3 level CPG informs clinical practice, health systems, policymakers and, indirectly, the public on the available and most effective modalities to maintain healthy peri-implant tissues, and to manage peri-implant diseases, according to the available evidence at the time of publication

Prevention and treatment of peri-implant diseases-The EFP S3 level clinical practice guideline.

BACKGROUND: The recently published Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) for the treatment of stages I-IV periodontitis provided evidence-based recommendations for treating periodontitis patients, defined according to the 2018 classification. Peri-implant diseases were also re-defined in the 2018 classification. It is well established that both peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis are highly prevalent. In addition, peri-implantitis is particularly challenging to manage and is accompanied by significant morbidity. AIM: To develop an S3 level CPG for the prevention and treatment of peri-implant diseases, focusing on the implementation of interdisciplinary approaches required to prevent the development of peri-implant diseases or their recurrence, and to treat/rehabilitate patients with dental implants following the development of peri-implant diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This S3 level CPG was developed by the European Federation of Periodontology, following methodological guidance from the Association of Scientific Medical Societies in Germany and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation process. A rigorous and transparent process included synthesis of relevant research in 13 specifically commissioned systematic reviews, evaluation of the quality and strength of evidence, formulation of specific recommendations, and a structured consensus process involving leading experts and a broad base of stakeholders. RESULTS: The S3 level CPG for the prevention and treatment of peri-implant diseases culminated in the recommendation for implementation of various different interventions before, during and after implant placement/loading. Prevention of peri-implant diseases should commence when dental implants are planned, surgically placed and prosthetically loaded. Once the implants are loaded and in function, a supportive peri-implant care programme should be structured, including periodical assessment of peri-implant tissue health. If peri-implant mucositis or peri-implantitis are detected, appropriate treatments for their management must be rendered. CONCLUSION: The present S3 level CPG informs clinical practice, health systems, policymakers and, indirectly, the public on the available and most effective modalities to maintain healthy peri-implant tissues, and to manage peri-implant diseases, according to the available evidence at the time of publication

The 5 EAO Consensus Conference 7-10 February 2018, Pfäffikon, Schwyz, Switzerland

Article, editorial lette