Eating disorder symptoms are serious and prevalent problems in industrialized societies. Although many studies have individually investigated the influence of environmental factors on the development of eating disorder symptoms, few have considered the relative and cumulative impact of various contexts within the same study. The current study was conducted to examine the influence of the mass media, mothers, and peers on the development of eating disorder symptomology in male and female adolescents using an ecological model proposed by Bronfenbrenner (1977, 1979, 1986, 1988, 1995). Specifically investigated were students' perceptions of pressures exerted by the media and significant others to lose weight and be physically attractive. Tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade adolescents in a suburban community were surveyed through self-report questionnaires; the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT), select subscales of the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2), and a modified version of the Multidimensional Media Influence Scale (MMIS). Multivariate analyses of variance indicated that female students acknowledged higher levels of eating disorder symptomology and higher perceived pressures from mothers and the media than did males. Significant grade level differences were found only in levels of body dissatisfaction between sophomores and juniors. Canonical correlations showed that those students who perceived greater pressures across environmental contexts also reported more eating disorder symptomology. Further analyses of these findings are described. Implications for future research and prevention programs are discussed. / Department of Educational Psychology

Stat6 is a protein that activates the transcription of IL-4-stimulated genes. Amino acids critical for Stat6 function were examined in a mutational analysis of the Src homology (SH2) domain of the Stat6 protein. One mutation, substitution of two Alanines for Valine and Threonine in the N-terminal portion of the SH2 domain, produced a constitutively active form of the molecule that did not require IL-4 for activation. This mutant was named Stat6VT. Mice expressing Stat6VT in lymphocytes were generated, and it was found that approximately 10% of the population of Stat6VT mice, a lympho-proliferative disorder (LPD) occurred. In this study, we are examining genes that have a possible role in the development of this proliferative condition. Specifically, we examined the expression levels of Tiam1, Tacstdl, and Gfi-1 and Gfi-1B (genes known to regulate cellular proliferation and survival) in wildtype, normal Stat6VT and Stat6VT/LPD splenocytes by RT-PCR. Tiam1 results were inconclusive, and Tacstdl was not expressed at levels different from those seen in controls. Interestingly, Gfi-1 B, the homolog of Gfi-1, was expressed at increased levels in a specific subpopulation of cells from Stat6VT/LPD mice. Taken together, these data suggest that in cells expressing a constitutively active Stat6, increased expression of Gfi-1B may play a role in the mechanism of lymphoma development. / Department of Biology

The present study was undertaken to determine the relationship between perinatal complications and subsequent development of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other behavioral characteristics. The biological mothers of 74 children diagnosed with ADHD and 77 children displaying no characteristics of the disorder completed the Maternal Perinatal Scale (MPS), the Behavior Assessment System for Children-Parent Rating Scales (BASC-PRS), and a demographic survey. In addition, the biological mothers of 120 children with no characteristics of ADHD or any other behavior disorders completed only the MPS so that exploratory factor analysis of the MPS could be completed.Following factor analysis, stepwise discriminant analysis of the resulting five factors was utilized to explore the nature of the relationship between such perinatal factors and ADHD. Results of this analysis indicated that emotional factors, or the amount of stress encountered during pregnancy and the degree to was planned, were the items that maximized the separation between the ADHD and Non-ADHD groups. Additional discrimination between the groups was attributed to the extent of insult or trauma to the developing fetus and the outcome of prior pregnancies. ADHD children were also found to have experienced twice as many behavioral, social, or medical problems, and were more likely to reach developmental milestones with delays.Stepwise discriminant analysis also revealed the Attention Problems and Hyperactivity scales of the BASC-PRS were most significant in differentiating between the ADHD and Non-ADHD subjects. Using the BASC-PRS resulted in approximately 90% of the total sample being correctly classified as ADHD or NonADHD. Canonical correlation analysis indicated that emotional factors and the general health of both the mother and the developing fetus were the best predictors of later behavioral patterns reported on the BASC-PRS. / Department of Educational Psychology

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a severe form of stroke, with a high mortality rate and often resulting in irreversible neurological deterioration. Although animal studies have provided insight into the etiology of the disease, many of the causative genes and mechanisms implicated in cerebral-vascular malformations are unknown. Treatment options remain ineffective. With the present models, the pathophysiological consequences of ICH can only be assessed in situ and after histological analysis. Furthermore, common deficiencies of the current models include the heterogeneity, low expression and low reproducibility of the desired phenotype. Hence, there is a requirement for novel approaches to model ICH pathogenesis. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) has gained recognition as a vertebrate model for stroke research. Through a combination of pharmacological blockers, metabolite rescue, genetic approaches, and confocal imaging analysis, I demonstrate a requirement for the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR) pathway in regulating developmental cerebral-vascular stabilization. A transient loss in HMGCR function induces ICH, characterised by progressive dilation of blood vessels, vascular permeability and vessel rupture. These effects are likely due to reduced prenylation of Rho GTPases, evidenced by morpholino-mediated blocking of the prenylation pathway and in vivo assessment of endothelial-specific localization of cdc42, a Rho GTPase family protein. These results are in conformity with recent clinical and experimental evidence. I have further shown that this model consistently replicates common pathoghysiological processes associated with ICH. The hemorrhages are associated with the disruption of the blood-brain barrier, vessel disintegration, hematoma expansion and edema into the adjacent brain regions. Also, enhanced apoptosis, activation of inflammatory mediators in the periphery of the hematoma, enriched heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) expression and localised thrombosis were observed in these embryos. I show that the patterning and distribution of catecholaminergic neurons, response to sensory stimulus and swimming speed were impaired as a consequence of ICH. These results suggest that HMGCR contributes to cerebral-vascular stabilisation through Rho GTPase mediated-signalling and that zebrafish can serve as a powerful paradigm for the systemic analysis of the etiological and pathophysiological underpinnings of ICH and can help establish the basis for future studies into screening for putative therapeutics and elucidating mechanisms aiding functional recovery.

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: SEPARATION STUDY Traumatic experiences during childhood can have a negative impact on behaviour later in life. Kendier et al. (1992) found that the loss of a parent during childhood increased the risk to develop major anxiety disorders and could also lead to depressive-like behaviour (Furukawa et al., 1999). Methods: We subjected rat pups to maternal separation and determined the effects thereof on adult behaviour. We removed rat pups from their mothers for 3 hours daily from postnatal day 2 to 14. On day 60, the behaviours of the rats were tested using the elevated plus-maze and the open field test. Controls were reared normally. Behaviours: Amount of time spent and the number of entries into the arms of the maze were noted on the elevated plus-maze, while the total time spent in each zone (inner versus outer) and the number of zone crossings were noted for each rat on the open field arena. The latency to move from the initial placement in the outer zone to the inner zone as well as the number of quadrant crossings was also determined. Defecation, freezing, rearing and grooming behaviours were also noted. Neurotransmitter levels: Noradrenaline, serotonin and their metabolites were evaluated in maternally separated rats and compared to controls. Their concentrations at basal level, immediately after restraint stress and 15 minutes after restraint stress, were also determined. A HPLC method was followed in these determinations. ACTH Determinations: All rats were subjected to restraint stress for a lO-minute period. Trunk blood was collected for basal, as well as 15 and 60 minutes postrestraint stress for ACTH determinations. Results: Behaviours: The amount of entries was significantly reduced in the separated animals, indicating decreased locomotion. They spent significantly more time in the closed maze arms. A significant increase in defecation frequency and rearing behaviour was noted. These observations are typical of anxious behaviour. In the open field test, the behavioural results were less convincing. Only a significant increase in defecation frequency and a significant decrease in rearing behaviour in separated animals, were observed. Neurotransmitter levels: No significant differences were noted between separated animals and controls with respect to basal monoamine levels. However, noradrenaline levels were significantly decreased in the frontal cortex 15 minutes after restraint stress and immediately after restraint stress in the hypothalamus and hippocampus in separated animals. MHPG levels were significantly decreased in the frontal cortex immediately after restraint stress. No significant differences were found with respect to serotonin levels. However, significant increases were found in 5HIAA levels in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of separated rats, 15 minutes after restraint stress. The basal turnover ratios of serotonin (5HIAA/5HT) and noradrenaline (MHPGINA) did not yield significant results. However, immediately after restraint stress, a significant increase was found in serotonin turnover in the hypothalamus of separated rats when compared to controls. This turnover rate was also increased in separated rats, 15 minutes after restraint stress in the frontal cortex and hypothalamus. ACTH Determinations: Basal ACTH levels were significantly higher in separated animals. At 15 minutes post-restraint stress, the levels were significantly lower than controls, indicating a blunted stress response. Our results therefore showed that maternal separation could lead to anxious behaviours in adult life. These behavioural abnormalities were associated with alterations in the central nervous and neuroendocrinological systems, particularly in response to stressful situations. CRF STUDY The maternal separation study indicated that elevated CRF levels could possibly be causally related to abnormalities observed in the anxious animals. We therefore hypothesised that adverse development factors, such as maternal separation, predisposes individuals to develop psychopathologies later in life and that this process was driven by a presence of high CRF levels. Methods: Cannulas were implanted into the left lateral ventricles of normal rats, making use of stereotaxic procedures. CRF (3 flg/fll) was injected into the ventricles daily for 5 days. Saline controls were handled similarly, but only injected with saline for the same time period. Both groups of animals were then compared to naïve controls. Histology was performed to determine the correct placement of the cannulas. Behaviours: The Elevated Plus-maze was employed to determine whether their behaviours were anxious. The number of entries into the various arms of the maze as well as the amount of time spent in the open and closed arms was accumulated. Rearing, freezing, defecation and grooming were also noted. ACTH Determinations: The ACTH levels ofCRF-injected, saline-injected and naïve rats were determined 15 minutes after restraint stress. Results: Behaviours: A decrease in the number of entries into the closed arms of the maze was noted in the CRF-injected rats when compared to naïve controls. No significant differences were found between the groups with respect to the amount of time spent in the various arms and the behaviours noted during the experiment. ACTH Determinations: A decrease in ACTH levels was noted in CRF-injected rats 15 minutes after restraint stress when compared to naïve controls. Therefore, although the CRF injections did not alter the behaviour of the rat, they did exhibit a blunted stress response to the stressor. Conclusion: Our experiments led us to conclude that early adverse experiences, such as maternal separation, can lead to the development of psychopathologies later in life. CRF, however, is not pivotal in the development of these abnormalities; rather it seems that the neurochemical abnormalities (serotonin and noradrenaline) play a more important role in the development of these mental disturbances. Finally, we hypothesise that combination drug therapy that targets both the noradrenergic and serotonergic neurotransmitter systems could be preferred above those aimed at rectifying the individual neurotransmitter systems in the treatment of psychopathologies, such as anxiety disorders. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: MOEDERLIKE SKEIDINGS STUDIE Traumatiese gebeurtenisse wat gedurende kinderjare ervaar word, kan 'n negatiewe impak op die gedrag van dieselfde individue hê, as hulle volwassenheid bereik het. Kendier et al. (1992) het waargeneem dat die verlies van 'n ouer tydens die kinderjare, die risiko om angssteumisse te ontwikkel, dramaties verhoog en kan ook lei tot 'n depressiewe gemoedtoestand (Furukawa et al., 1999). Metodes: Ons het neonatale rotte aan moederlike skeiding blootgestel en die effekte daarvan op gedrag tydens hul volwasse lewe beoordeel. Ons het daagliks die moeders vir 3 ure van die kleintjies afweggeneem, vanafpostnatale dag 2 tot 14. Op dag 60, het ons die gedrag van die diere op die "elevated plus-maze" en die" open field test" getoets. Kontrole rotte het onder normale omstandighede opgegroei. Gedrag parameters: Die hoeveelheid tyd en aantal kere wat die rotte in die verskillende arms van die "elevated plus-maze" gespandeer het, was waargeneem. Die totale tyd in die "open field" toets se binneste ofbuitenste sones, die hoeveelheid kruisings tussen die twee sones, die tyd wat dit neem om beweging in die binneste sone te inisiëer, sowel as die hoeveelheid kwadrante wat gekruis was, is genotuleer. Defekasie, botstilstande, steiering, en versorgingsgedragte was ook waargeneem terwyl die rotte in die doolhowe was. Neurochemiese oordragstowwe: Die hippokampus, hipotalamus en frontale korteks van moerderlik-geskeide rotte en kontroles, was uit hul brein gedissekteer om die vlakke van noradrenalien, serotonien en hul metaboliete daarin te bepaal. Basale vlakke sowel as hul konsentrasies onmiddelik na stres en 15 minute na stres, was gedetermineer. 'n HPLC metode was gebruik vir hierdie bepalings. ACTH bepalings: Rotte, moederlik-geskei en kontroles, was onderwerp aan beperkingstres vir 'n tydsduur van 10 minute. Bloed was op die volgende tydsintervalle gekollekteer vir die bepaling van ACTH vlakke, naamlik basaal, 15 minute en 60 minute na die einde van stresperiode. Resultate: Gedrag: Op die "elevated plus-maze" was moederlik-geskeide rotte minder beweeglik omdat hul aanmerklik minder die arms van die doolhowe binne gegaan het. Hulle het ook baie meer tyd in die geslote arms gespandeer. Verder het die eksperimentele rotte meer defekasie bolusse uitgeskei en was die aantal steieringe uitgevoer, ook aanmerklik verhoog. Hierdie patroon van gedrag is tipies die van angstigheid. Neurochemiese oordragstowwe: Daar was geen betekenisvolle verskil tussen die basale neurotransmitter vlakke van moederlik-geskeide rotte en hul kontroles. Daarenteen was die vlakke van noradrenalien in die frontale korteks dramaties verhoog by die 15 minute tydsinterval na die stres, asook onmiddelik na die stres in die hipotalamus en hippokampus. MHPG vlakke was egter aanmerklik verlaag in die frontale korteks onmiddelik na die stres. Terwyl daar geen noemenswaardige verskil in serotonien vlakke waargeneem is nie, was die vlakke van 5HlAA betekenisvol verhoog in die frontale korteks en hippokampus van moederlik-geskeide rotte, 15 minute na die beperkingstres. Geen verskil in die omsettingsverhoudinge van basale serotonien (5HlAA/5HT) ofnoradrenalien (MHPGINA) vlakke is gevind nie. Daar was egter 'n betekenisvolle verhoging in die serotonien omset in die hipotalamus van moerdlik-geskeide rotte, onmiddelik na beperkingstres. Hierdie verskil het ook voorgekom 15 minute na die stresperiode in die hipotalamus, sowel as in die frontale korteks. ACTH bepalings: Rotte wat onderwerp was aan moederlike skeiding het verhoogde basale konsentrasies van ACTH getoon. Die ACTH vlakke was egter aanmerklik laer 15 minute na stres toe dit met kontrole groepe vergelyk is. Ons resultate toon dus dat moerderlike-skeiding wel tot angstige gedrag tydens die volwasse lewe kan lei. Hierdie afwyking in gedrag was geassosieër met abnormaliteite in die sentrale senuwee sisteem sowel as die neuroendokrienologiese sisteem van die dier, veralonder toestande van stres. Na gelang van ons bevindinge in die moerderlike skeidingstudie, het dit geblyk dat CRF 'n belangrike rol speel tot daarstelling van angstige gedrag. Daarom het ons in die tweede deel van ons studie gaan kyk ofverhoogde vlakke van CRF in die brein moontlik die gedrag van die rot kon verander. CRF STUDIE Metodes: Kannules was in die linker ventrikel van die breine van normale rotte geïmplanteer deur gebruik te maak van stereotaktiese prosedures. CRF (3 Ilg/IlI) was daagliks vir 5 dae aan die rotte toegedien. Rotte wat presies dieselfde gehanteer was het 'n fisiologiese soutoplossing ontvang. Hierdie rotte was met naïewe rotte vergelyk. Die korrekte plasing van kannules was met histologiese metodes bevestig. Gedrag: Die "elevated plus-maze" was gebruik om te bepaal of angstige gedragte by behandelde rotte ontlok was. Die aantal kere wat 'n rot die verskillende arms van die doolhofbinne gaan, sowel as die tyd wat die dier op elke arm deurbring was genotuleer. Die aantal steierings, botstilstande, defekasies en versorgingsbewegings was weereens waargeneem. ACTH bepalings: Die vlakke van ACTH was bepaal in al die rotgroepe, 15 minute nadat hulle aan 10 minute beperkingstres onderwerp was. Resultate: Gedrag: Rotte wat met CRF toegedien was, het op minder geleenthede die toe arms van die "elevated plus-maze" binne gegaan toe hulle met die naïewe groep rotte vergelyk was. Hierdie verskil was betekenisvol. Daar was geen ander noemenswaardige verskille ten opsigte van die ander gedragsparameter nie. ACTH bepalings: Daar was 'n afname in die ACTH vlakke, 15 minute na die stres toegedien was in rotte wat CRF ontvang het, in vergelyking tot die naïewe kontrole groep. Hierdie resultate dui daarop dat die toediening van CRF in die brein nie die rot se gedrag, maar wel die dier se respons op stres, beïnvloed het. Gevolgtrekking: In die lig van die voorafgaande resultate verky, blyk dit dat moederlike-skeiding tydens die vroeë kinderjare wel kan aanleiding gee tot angstige gedrag tydens volwassenheid. Ons studies dui ook aan dat CRF nie die primêre bron van hierdie gedrags afwykings is nie, maar dat abnormaliteite in die neurochemiese oordragstowwe (serotonien en noradrenalien) eerder die bepalende faktore is. Ten slotte, ons beveel aan dat geneesmiddels wat geskoei is om die serotonerge sowel as die noradrenerge sisteme aan te spreek, voordeel moet geniet in die behandeling van gedragstoomisse, soos angs.

The thoracolumbar transversospinal muscles are vital in normal function and are implicated in the pathogenesis of different forms of spinal pathology and pain. They are the target for specific forms of clinical intervention such as exercise regimens and the release of �trigger points�, and are often analysed through imaging studies and electromyographic recordings. Despite the importance of these muscles, there is a paucity of knowledge in regard to aspects of their functional morphology. The aim of this thesis was to examine the thoracolumbar transversospinal muscles between the mid-thoracic spine and sacrum, examining their gross morphology, fibre arrangement, fibre types, and an animal model in order to provide a better understanding of their functional morphology. The gross morphology of these muscles was studied by micro-dissection of cadaveric material. Their form was found to differ from that published in either text book or peer reviewed articles, clearly indicating the existence of a �semispinalis� muscle in the lumbar spine. In addition, the arrangement of these muscles was found to be homologous between the thoracic and lumbar regions, which is contrary to published descriptions. Arrangement of the muscle fibres was examined by identifying motor endplates with acetylcholinesterase histochemistry in all muscles throughout the area of interest. Only one endplate per fibre was observed, and no in-series fibres were found. All muscles showed a complex multipinnate form with large areas of muscle tendon intruding into each muscle. Fibre type proportions in each muscle were investigated by immunohistochemistry. Results indicate the percentage of total muscle area occupied by type I fibres decreased the more caudad the vertebral level of origin, for all muscles. There were significant differences in the area percentage of type I fibres between many different vertebral levels. These differences were mostly found between the most cranial and most caudal levels examined. The percentage of type I fibres recorded suggest all muscles are likely postural in function, and the gradual decrease in type I fibres and the lack of a distinct thoracic / lumbar boundary in the data suggests the thoracic and lumbar transversospinal muscles are homologous. The thoracolumbar transversospinal muscles of the MLC3F nlacZ transgenic mouse were micro-dissected to determine their morphology, and their fibre arrangement subsequently determined using acetylcholinesterase histochemistry. These muscles showed a homogeneous form throughout the thoracolumbar spine, and no in-series muscle fibres were observed with all muscles having one motor endplate per fibre. Results indicated similarities between the morphology of mouse and human transversospinal muscles, perhaps indicative of an adaptation to an upright posture. This thesis provides information that facilitates a more complete understanding of the morphology and function of the thoracolumbar transversospinal muscles. In addition, results indicate that these muscles are homologous through the thoracic and lumbar spine, and therefore the classification and nomenclature used to describe these muscles should be re-examined. Furthermore, the morphological evidence, combined with recent embryological studies, supports the use of the term �spinotransverse� to more accurately describe this muscle group.

Includes a list of thesis related publications, reviews and thesis related abstracts, awards, book chapters and invited presentations (leaves vii-xii). / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 179-234). / xvii, 234 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / A systematic evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging and its use in the ex vivo and in vivo setting, in the aorta and coronary arteries in rabbit and porcine models, leading to the potential for human coronary atherosclerotic imaging. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Adelaide University, Dept. of Medicine, 2001

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karol. inst. / Härtill 6 uppsatser.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karol. inst. / Härtill 7 uppsatser.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:33:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2005-02-16Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:45:00Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 traversomartinez_ae_dr_arafo.pdf: 265959 bytes, checksum: 4d4ed4b0dacd2d55f96b02084a0d8a78 (MD5) / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar em mulheres menopáusicas, com e sem reposição hormonal, possíveis diferenças na resposta inicial ao tratamento periodontal básico, assim como determinar se a reposição hormonal com estrógeno influencia na estabilidade das condições clínicas periodontais após tratamento periodontal e terapia de manutenção. Foram selecionadas 38 mulheres na fase da menopausa com periodontites crônica, sendo divididas em dois grupos segundo seus níveis plasmáticos de estrógeno: 18 mulheres no grupo estrógeno-suficiente (>40 pg/ml) e 20 mulheres no grupo estrógeno-deficiente (<30 pg/ml). Todas as pacientes fizeram exame de sangue para avaliar os níveis plasmáticos de 17-beta estradiol, no início e no final do estudo, também foi feito o exame dos níveis de FSH só no início do estudo, para comprovação da menopausa. Os parâmetros clínicos de avaliação foram: índice de placa visível, índice de sangramento marginal, sangramento à sondagem, profundidade de sondagem e nível de inserção clínico. Um operador calibrado (Kappa 0.711) e cego para os grupos experimentais realizou todas as avaliações. Todos os parâmetros clínicos foram avaliados em 6 momentos: inicial, reavaliação (após 40 dias do tratamento básico), avaliações sucessivas a cada 3, 6 , 9, e 12 meses do final do tratamento. O tratamento periodontal básico foi realizado por dois pesquisadores segundo a necessidade individual de cada paciente. O grupo estrógeno-suficiente apresentou maior proporção de sítios com placa visível em todos os períodos de avaliação. Após sessão inicial houve reduções significativas dos níveis de placa visível tanto para o grupo estrógeno-deficiente como para o grupo estrógeno-suficiente. Em relação ao sangramento (marginal e a sondagem) ambos os grupos apresentaram uma tendência de redução dos níveis de sangramento... . / The aim of the present study was investigated if estrogen replacement therapy influences the response to the active periodontal therapy (scaling and root planning), or stability of clinical periodontal conditions in women during menopause. Thirty-eight menopausal women with chronic periodontitis were recruited and divided in two groups according serum estrogen levels: 1) estrogen-sufficient (> 40 pg/ml, n = 18) or 2) estrogen-deficient (< 30 pg/ml, n = 20). At the beginning and at the end of the study the women suffer blood exam to evaluate the serum levels of 17-ß-estradiol, and at the beginning of the study the FSH levels was examined to prove the menopausal period. Clinical measurements for evaluation were: visible plaque, marginal bleeding, bleeding on probing, probing depths and clinical attachment level. An examiner (Kappa 0.711), blind to the experimental groups, made the evaluations. Clinical measurements were taken in 6 times: initial, reevaluation (40 days after the basic treatment) and successive evaluations in each 3, 6, 9 and 12 months from the final treatment. The active periodontal therapy was made for two researchers according to the individual needs of each patient. The estrogen-sufficient group presented bigger proportions of supragingival plaque in all periods of evaluation. After the first section there was significant reduction of supragingival plaque for both estrogen-sufficient and estrogen-deficient groups. Concern about the bleeding (marginal or on probing) both groups presented a tendency to reductions on bleeding levels after the periodontal treatment, however the estrogen-deficient group presented greater percentiles of visible plaque sites in all periods after initial evaluation. The clinical attachment level was different between the groups... (Complete abstract, click electronic address below).