Cereal bar enriched with ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Miller): physicochemical and sensory characterization.

Ora-pro-nobis (OPN) is an unconventional food plant with high nutritional value, and its nutritional composition can be altered according to cultivation. Cereal bars are a popular nutrient-poor foods, and OPN could be incorporated to improve the nutritional quality. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics and sensory acceptability of cereal bars enriched with OPN flour (OpnF) from different forms of cultivation. OpnF was obtained by dehydrating and grinding OPN leaves collected in rural (ROpnF) and urban (UOpnF) municipalities. Two formulations of cereal bars, peanut flavor (Bpn) and mango flavor (Bmg), each with 10% OpnF, were prepared. The macronutrients and mineral composition, oxalate content, water activity, texture, color profile, and acceptability were evaluated. ROpnF had the highest protein, iron, and manganese content, whereas UOpnF had the highest ash and magnesium content. The oxalic acid/calcium ratio was 1.43 and did not imply calcium bioavailability. In addition to nutritional and protein values, Bpn and Bmg presented a good sensory acceptability index of > 77.5% with market potential. Bmg has the highest mineral content and is a source of iron, manganese, and magnesium. OpnF can be used in cereal bars and potentially improve nutritional attributes and used in other foods in a similar way.

Antifungal Susceptibility and Candida sp. Biofilm Production in Clinical Isolates of HIV-Positive Brazilian Patients under HAART Therapy.

The aim of the present study was to characterize biofilms formed by Candida spp. clinical isolates (n = 19), isolated from the oral mucosa of HIV-positive patients. For characterizing the biofilms formed by several Candida sp. strains, isolated from HIV-positive patients, in terms of formed biomass, matrix composition and antifungal susceptibility profile, clinical isolates (n = 19) were collected from oral mucosa and identified. The biofilm of the samples was cultured with fluconazole (1250 mg/L), voriconazole (800 mg/L), anidulafungin (2 mg/L) or amphotericin B (2 mg/L). Afterwards, the quantification of the total biomass was performed using crystal violet assay, while the proteins and carbohydrates levels were quantified in the matrix. The results showed a predominance of C. albicans, followed by C. krusei. Around 58% of the Candida spp. biofilm had susceptibility to fluconazole and voriconazole (800 mg/L), 53% to anidulafungin and 74% to amphotericin B. C. krusei presented both the lowest and the highest biofilm matrix contents in polysaccharides and proteins. The low resistance to antifungal agents reported here was probably due to the fact that none of the participants had a prolonged exposure to these antifungals. A predominance of less virulent Candida spp. strains with low or no resistance to antifungals was observed. This can be attributed to a low fungal selective pressure. This most probably happened due to a low fungal selective pressure but also due to a good adherence to HAART therapy, which guarantees a stable and stronger immune patient response.

Determinantes sociais de saúde de crianças em consulta de puericultura: das condições socioeconômicas aos aspectos relacionados à saúde bucal / Social determinants of health of children in child care consultation: from socioeconomic conditions to aspects related to oral health / Determinantes sociales de la salud de los niños en la consulta infantil: de las condiciones socioeconómicas a los aspectos relacionados con la salud bucal

A imaturidade do sistema imunológico, associado a Determinantes Sociais de Saúde (DSS), promove doenças na infância. Especificamente, na cavidade oral, os DSS, representados pelo consumo elevado de açúcar, limitado acesso aos serviços de saúde e deficiência na higiene bucal, favorecem transtornos locais e sistêmicos. Assim, o estudo objetivou associar os DSS, no contexto das condições socioeconômicas, do acompanhamento pelo serviço de saúde e dos aspectos relacionados à saúde bucal de crianças atendidas em Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS) de um município cearense. Trata-se de estudo observacional, analítico, transversal e de abordagem quantitativa, conduzido com crianças e suas mães em Acarape - CE. Após consentimento, essas preencheram um questionário. Os dados foram analisados. Das 70 mães, 87,14% e 90,00% tinham idade inferior ou igual a 30 anos e renda de até um salário mínimo, respectivamente. Das 70 crianças, 87,14% tinham seus dentes/gengiva higienizados por seus pais ou responsável. Do total, 94,29% nunca se submeteram a atendimento odontológico. Observou-se associação significativa entre a mãe ter escolaridade superior ao ensino fundamental incompleto e higienizar os dentes/gengiva do filho com escova dental e dentifrício. Constatou-se associação significativa entre a criança ingerir bolacha doce/recheada, não consumir refrigerante e usar escova dental e dentifrício na higienização oral. Conclui-se que as crianças eram acompanhadas nas UBS regularmente; no entanto, esse serviço não esteve relacionado ao atendimento odontológico. Apesar da ausência desse tipo de acompanhamento e do consumo de alimentos cariogênicos, as mães se preocupavam com a saúde bucal das crianças, higienizando a cavidade oral diariamente, com meios adequados.

The immaturity of the immune system, associated with Social Determi- nants of Health (SDH), promotes diseases in childhood. Specifically, in the oral cavity, SDH, represented by high sugar consumption, limited access to health services, and poor oral hygiene, favors local and systemic disorders. Thus, the study aimed to associate the SDH, in the context of socioeconomic conditions, monitoring by the health service and aspects related to children's oral health assisted in Basic Health Units (BHU) of a muni- cipality in Ceará. This is an observational, analytical, cross-sectional study with a quan- titative approach conducted with children and their mothers in Acarape - CE. After con- sent, they filled out a questionnaire. Data were analyzed. Of the 70 mothers, 87.14% and 90.00% were aged less than or equal to 30 years and had income up to one minimum wage, respectively. Of the 70 children, 87.14% had their teeth/gums cleaned by their pa- rents or guardian. Of the total, 94.29% never underwent dental care. There was a signifi- cant association between the mother having higher education than incomplete elementary school and cleaning the child's teeth/gums with a toothbrush and toothpaste. A significant association was found between the child eating sweet/stuffed biscuits, not consuming soft drink, and using a toothbrush and dentifrice for oral hygiene. It is concluded that the chil- dren were regularly monitored at the BHU; however, this service was not related to dental care. Despite the absence of this type of follow-up and the consumption of cariogenic foods, the mothers were concerned about their children's oral health, cleaning the oral cavity daily with adequate means.

La inmadurez del sistema inmunológico, asociada a los Determinantes So- ciales de la Salud (DSS), promueve enfermedades en la infancia. Específicamente, en la cavidad bucal, los DSS, representados por el alto consumo de azúcar, el acceso limitado a los servicios de salud y la mala higiene bucal, favorecen los trastornos locales y sisté- micos. Así, el estudio tuvo como objetivo asociar el DSS, en el contexto de las condicio- nes socioeconómicas, el seguimiento por el servicio de salud y los aspectos relacionados con la salud bucal de los niños atendidos en las Unidades Básicas de Salud (UBS) de un municipio de Ceará. Se trata de un estudio observacional, analítico, transversal con enfo- que cuantitativo, realizado con niños y sus madres en Acarape ­ CE. Después del consen- timiento, completaron un cuestionario. Los datos fueron analizados. De las 70 madres, 87,14% y 90,00% tenían edad menor o igual a 30 años e ingresos hasta un salario mínimo, respectivamente. De los 70 niños, al 87,14% se les limpió los dientes/encías por sus pa- dres o tutores. Del total, el 94,29% nunca realizó atención odontológica. Hubo una aso- ciación significativa entre la madre con educación superior a la primaria incompleta y la limpieza de los dientes/encías del niño con cepillo y pasta dental. Se encontró una asoci- ación significativa entre el niño que come galletas dulces/rellenas, no consume gaseosas y usa cepillo de dientes y dentífrico para la higiene bucal. Se concluyó que los niños eran monitoreados periódicamente en la UBS; sin embargo, este servicio no estaba relacionado con el cuidado dental. A pesar de la ausencia de este tipo de seguimiento y del consumo de alimentos cariogénicos, las madres se preocupan por la salud bucal de sus hijos, reali- zando la limpieza de la cavidad bucal diariamente, con medios adecuados.

The anti-infective crotalicidin peptide analog RhoB-Ctn[1-9] is harmless to bovine oocytes and able to induce parthenogenesis in vitro.

Crotalicidin is a cathelicidin-related anti-infective (antimicrobial) peptide expressed in the venom glands of the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus. Congener peptides of crotalicidin, named vipericidins, are found in other pit vipers inhabiting South America. Crotalicidin is active against bacteria and pathogenic yeasts and has anti-proliferative activity for some cancer cells. The structural dissection of crotalicidin produced fragments (e.g., Ctn [15-34]) with multiple biological functionalities that mimic the native peptide. Another structural characteristic of crotalidicin and congeners is a unique repetitive stretch of amino acid sequences in tandem embedded in their primary structures. One of the encrypted vipericidn peptides (Ctn [1-9]) was synthesized, and the analog covalently conjugated with rhodamine B (RhoB-Ctn [1-9]) displayed considerable antimicrobial activity and selective cytotoxicity. Methods to evaluate antimicrobial peptides' toxicity include lysis of red blood cells (hemolysis) in vitro and cytotoxicity of healthy cultured cells (e.g., fibroblasts). Here, as a non-conventional model of toxicity, the bovine oocytes were exposed to two standardized concentrations of RhoB-Ctn [1-9], and embryo viability and development at its first stage of cleavage (division of cells) and blastocyst formation were evaluated. Oocytes treated with peptide at 10 and 40 µM induced cleavage rates of 44.94% and 51.53%, resulting in the formation of blastocysts of 7.07% and 11.73%, respectively. Light sheet microscopy and in silico prediction analysis indicated that RhoB-Ctn [1-9] peptide interacts with zona pellucida and internalizes into bovine oocytes and developing embryos. The ADMET prediction estimated good bioavailability of RhoB-Ctn [1-9]. In conclusion, the peptide appeared harmless to bovine oocytes and, remarkably, activated the parthenogenesis in vitro.

Characterization of Oral Candida spp. Biofilms in Children and Adults Carriers from Eastern Europe and South America.

BACKGROUND: Candida albicans and non-Candida albicans Candida species (NCACs) are known to colonize and invade various tissues, including the oral mucosa. In this work, we aimed to characterize mature biofilms of several Candida spp. clinical isolates (n = 33) obtained from the oral mucosa of children, adults, and elders of Eastern Europe and South America. METHODS: Each strain was evaluated for its capacity to form biofilms in terms of total biomass using the crystal violet assay and for matrix components production (proteins and carbohydrates) using the BCA and phenol-sulfuric tests, respectively. The effect of different antifungals on biofilm formation was studied. RESULTS: in the children's group, a predominance of C. krusei (81%) was observed, while, among adults, the main species was C. albicans (59%). Most strains showed a reduced response to antimicrobial drugs when in biofilm form (p < 0.01). Moreover, it was observed that strains isolated from children produced more matrix, with higher levels of protein and polysaccharides. CONCLUSIONS: children were more likely to be infected by NCACs than adults. More importantly, these NCACs were able to form biofilms richer in matrix components. This finding is of clinical importance, particularly in pediatric care, since stronger biofilms are highly associated with antimicrobial resistance, recurrent infections, and higher therapeutic failure.

Cell-Penetrating Antimicrobial Peptides with Anti-Infective Activity against Intracellular Pathogens.

Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are natural or engineered peptide sequences with the intrinsic ability to internalize into a diversity of cell types and simultaneously transport hydrophilic molecules and nanomaterials, of which the cellular uptake is often limited. In addition to this primordial activity of cell penetration without membrane disruption, multivalent antimicrobial activity accompanies some CPPs. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with cell-penetrability exert their effect intracellularly, and they are of great interest. CPPs with antimicrobial activity (CPAPs) comprise a particular class of bioactive peptides that arise as promising agents against difficult-to-treat intracellular infections. This short review aims to present the antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antiviral effects of various cell-penetrating antimicrobial peptides currently documented. Examples include the antimicrobial effects of different CPAPs against bacteria that can propagate intracellularly, like Staphylococcus sp., Streptococcus sp., Chlamydia trachomatis, Escherichia coli, Mycobacterium sp., Listeria sp., Salmonella sp. among others. CPAPs with antiviral effects that interfere with the intracellular replication of HIV, hepatitis B, HPV, and herpes virus. Additionally, CPAPs with activity against protozoa of the genera Leishmania, Trypanosoma, and Plasmodium, the etiological agents of Leishmaniasis, Chagas' Disease, and Malaria, respectively. The information provided in this review emphasizes the potential of multivalent CPAPs, with anti-infective properties for application against various intracellular infections. So far, CPAPs bear a promise of druggability for the translational medical use of CPPs alone or in combination with chemotherapeutics. Moreover, CPAPs could be an exciting alternative for pharmaceutical design and treating intracellular infectious diseases.

Ingestion of cariogenic foods, oral health and oral microbiota of university students / Hábitos alimentarios y su relación con la salud bucal y la microbiotaoral de estudiantes universitarios / Hábitos alimentares e sua relação com a saúde bucal e microbiota oral de estudantes universitários

Objective: To evaluate the relation between the ingestion of cariogenic foods by university students from African countries, the presence of dental caries and Candida spp. and the valueof salivary pH. Methods: Transversal and analytic study, carried out at a Brazilian university. The ingestion of cariogenic foods was evaluated through a questionnaire and the rate of decayed, missing and filled teeth was determined (DMFT Index). To quantify the pH, an indicator strip was immersed in collected saliva. Identification of Candida spp. was carried out through a culture of the sample in CHROMagar Candida™. To analyze the data, we applied Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney and Qui-Square tests, considering a value of p < 0.05. Results: Out of 133 participants, 57.89% were Guinean, 20.30% had Candida spp. in their oral cavity and the majority ingested cariogenic foods and had a salivary pH of 7. The highest average in DMFT Index was observed among thosewho ingested dessert, chocolate and juice boxes. As for the ingestion of cariogenic foods among students with Candidaspp. in their oral cavity, 44.44% and 33.33% ingested sweetened cookies and dessert once a week, respectively. The majority of participants who ingested dessert, chocolate, juice boxes and chocolate milk, regardless of frequency of ingestion, showed a pH of 7. Conclusion: In general, students, despite ingesting cariogenic foods, even with a weekly frequency, had low DMFT Index, adequate salivary pH and Candidawasn't present.

Objetivo:Evaluar la relación entre la ingesta de alimentos cariogénicos por estudiantes universitarios de países africanos, la presencia de caries dental y Candida spp. y el valor del pH salival. Métodos:Estudio transversal y analítico realizado en una universidad brasileña. Se evaluó la ingesta de alimentos cariogénicos mediante un cuestionario y se determinó el Índice de dientes cariados, perdidos y obturados (Índice CPOD). Para cuantificar el pH, se sumergió una tira indicadora en la saliva recolectada. La identificación de Candida spp. se realizó cultivando la muestra en CHROMagar Candida™. Para el análisis de los datos, se aplicaron las pruebas de Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney y Chi-Cuadrado, considerando un valor de p < 0,05. Resultados:De los 133 participantes, el 57,89% eran guineanos, el 20,30% tenían Candida spp. en la cavidad bucal y la mayoría ingirió alimentos cariogénicos y presentó pH salival igual a 7. El promedio más alto del Índice CPOD se observó entre los que ingirieron postre, chocolate y jugo industrializado. En cuanto a la ingestade alimentos cariogénicos en escolares con Candida spp. en la cavidad oral, el 44,44% y el 33,33% comían galletas azucaradas y postre una vez por semana, respectivamente. La mayoría de los participantes que ingirieron postre, chocolate, jugo industrializado y leche chocolatada, independientemente de la frecuencia de ingestión, tuvieron un pH de 7. Conclusión:En general, los estudiantes, a pesar de ingerir alimentos cariogénicos, incluso con una frecuencia semanal, presentaron índice CPOD bajo, pH salival adecuado y Candida sp. no estaba presente.

Objetivo: Avaliar a relação entre a ingestão de alimentos cariogênicos por universitários de países africanos, a presença de cárie dentária e Candida spp. e o valor do pH salivar. Métodos:Estudo transversal e analítico, realizado em uma universidade brasileira. A ingestão de alimentos cariogênicos foi avaliada por meio de questionário e foi determinada o Índice de Dentes Cariados, Perdidos e Obturados (Índice CPOD). Para quantificar o pH, uma tira indicadora foi imersa na saliva coletada. A identificação de Candidaspp. foi realizada através da cultura da amostra em CHROMagar Candida ™. Para análise dos dados, foram aplicados os testes de Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney e Qui-Quadrado, considerando um valor de p <0,05. Resultados:Dos 133 participantes, 57,89% eram guineenses, 20,30% tinham Candidaspp. na cavidade oral e a maioria ingeria alimentos cariogênicos e apresentava pH salivar igual a 7. A maior média do Índice CPOD foi observada entre aqueles que ingeriram sobremesa, chocolate e suco industrializado. Quanto à ingestão de alimentos cariogênicos entre escolares com Candida spp. na cavidade oral, 44,44% e 33,33% ingeriam biscoitos açucarados e sobremesa uma vez por semana, respectivamente. A maioria dos participantes que ingeriu sobremesa, chocolate, suco industrializado e leite com chocolate, independente da frequência de ingestão, apresentou pH 7. Conclusão:Em geral, os alunos, apesar de ingerirem alimentos cariogênicos, mesmo com frequência semanal, apresentaram Índice CPOD baixo, pH salivar adequado e Candidasp. não estava presente.

Anti-inflammatory activities of arthropod peptides: a systematic review.

Peptides obtained from different animal species have gained importance recently due to research that aims to develop biopharmaceuticals with therapeutic potential. In this sense, arthropod venoms have drawn attention, not only because of their toxicity but mainly for the search for molecules with various bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory activity. The purpose of the present study is to gather data available in the literature on new peptides derived from arthropod species with anti-inflammatory potential. This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies on peptides from arthropods that display anti-inflammatory activity were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. The bibliographic research started in 2020 and searched papers without a limit on the publication date. The articles were analyzed using a search string containing the following terms: "Peptides" and "Anti-inflammatory", in combinations such as "Ant", "Bee", "Wasp", "Crab", "Shrimp", "Scorpion", "Spider", "Tick" and "Centipedes". Besides, a search was carried out in the databases with the terms: "Peptides", "Antitumor", or "Anticancer", and "Arthropods". Articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria totalized 171, and these served for data extraction. Additionally, the present review included anti-inflammatory peptides with anticancer properties. Peptides with confirmed anti-inflammatory activity were from insects (ants, bees, and wasps), crustaceans (shrimp and crabs), arachnids (scorpions, spiders, and ticks), and centipedes. These arthropod peptides act mainly by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines as analyzed in vitro and in vivo. Some showed significant antineoplastic activity, working in essential cellular pathways against malignant neoplasms.

Anti-inflammatory activities of arthropod peptides: a systematic review

Peptides obtained from different animal species have gained importance recently due to research that aims to develop biopharmaceuticals with therapeutic potential. In this sense, arthropod venoms have drawn attention, not only because of their toxicity but mainly for the search for molecules with various bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory activity. The purpose of the present study is to gather data available in the literature on new peptides derived from arthropod species with anti-inflammatory potential. This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies on peptides from arthropods that display anti-inflammatory activity were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. The bibliographic research started in 2020 and searched papers without a limit on the publication date. The articles were analyzed using a search string containing the following terms: "Peptides" and "Anti-inflammatory", in combinations such as "Ant", "Bee", "Wasp", "Crab", "Shrimp", "Scorpion", "Spider", "Tick" and "Centipedes". Besides, a search was carried out in the databases with the terms: "Peptides", "Antitumor", or "Anticancer", and "Arthropods". Articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria totalized 171, and these served for data extraction. Additionally, the present review included anti-inflammatory peptides with anticancer properties. Peptides with confirmed anti-inflammatory activity were from insects (ants, bees, and wasps), crustaceans (shrimp and crabs), arachnids (scorpions, spiders, and ticks), and centipedes. These arthropod peptides act mainly by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines as analyzed in vitro and in vivo. Some showed significant antineoplastic activity, working in essential cellular pathways against malignant neoplasms.(AU)

Anti-inflammatory activities of arthropod peptides: a systematic review

Abstract Peptides obtained from different animal species have gained importance recently due to research that aims to develop biopharmaceuticals with therapeutic potential. In this sense, arthropod venoms have drawn attention, not only because of their toxicity but mainly for the search for molecules with various bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory activity. The purpose of the present study is to gather data available in the literature on new peptides derived from arthropod species with anti-inflammatory potential. This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies on peptides from arthropods that display anti-inflammatory activity were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. The bibliographic research started in 2020 and searched papers without a limit on the publication date. The articles were analyzed using a search string containing the following terms: Peptides and Anti-inflammatory, in combinations such as Ant, Bee, Wasp, Crab, Shrimp, Scorpion, Spider, Tick and Centipedes. Besides, a search was carried out in the databases with the terms: Peptides, Antitumor, or Anticancer, and Arthropods. Articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria totalized 171, and these served for data extraction. Additionally, the present review included anti-inflammatory peptides with anticancer properties. Peptides with confirmed anti-inflammatory activity were from insects (ants, bees, and wasps), crustaceans (shrimp and crabs), arachnids (scorpions, spiders, and ticks), and centipedes. These arthropod peptides act mainly by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines as analyzed in vitro and in vivo. Some showed significant antineoplastic activity, working in essential cellular pathways against malignant neoplasms.

Saúde bucal de universitários internacionais: da importância ao conhecimento e condutas frente às patologias orais / Oral health of international undergraduates: from importance to knowledge and conducts toward oral pathologies / Salud bucal de universitarios internacionales: de la importancia al conocimiento y conductas frente a las patologías orales

Objetivo: Investigar a importância da saúde bucal e a frequência e os meios utilizados na higienização da cavidade oral, assim como o conhecimento e as condutas de universitários frente às doenças bucais. Método: Estudo descritivo e qualitativo desenvolvido com universitários de diferentes nacionalidades. Os dados foram coletados pela aplicação de questionário. Resultados: Para os participantes, a importância da saúde bucal estava vinculada à prevenção de doenças, à estética, à autoestima e à saúde geral. Quanto à frequência e aos meios utilizados na escovação, todos higienizavam a cavidade oral diariamente e a maioria utilizava escova e creme dental. Eles associavam as doenças orais à dor, ao sangramento, aos problemas dentários e à falta de escovação. Além do dentista, buscavam o médico e o enfermeiro para resolução de problemas odontológicos. Conclusão: Apesar de reconhecerem a importância da saúde oral, o conhecimento dos universitários sobre as patologias bucais foi escasso e muito limitado

Objective: To investigate the importance of oral health and the frequency and means used to clean the oral cavity, as well as the knowledge and behavior of undergraduates regarding oral diseases. Method: Descriptive and qualitative study developed with undergraduates of different nationalities. The data were collected by the application of a questionnaire. Results: For the participants, the importance of oral health was linked to disease prevention, aesthetics, self-esteem and general health. As for the frequency and means used in brushing, they all cleaned the oral cavity daily and most of them used toothbrush and toothpaste. They associated oral diseases with pain, bleeding, dental problems and lack of brushing. Besides the dentist, they sought the doctor and the nurse to solve dental problems. Conclusion: Although they recognize the importance of oral health, the knowledge of undergraduates about oral pathologies was scarce and very limited

Objetivo: Investigar la importância de la salud bucal y la frecuencia y los medios utilizados en la higienizacíon de la cavidade oral, así como el conocimiento y las conductas de universitarios frente a las enfermidades bucales. Método: Estudio descriptivo y cualitativo desarrollado com universitarios de diferentes nacionalidades. Los datos fueron recolectados por la aplicación de cuestionario. Resultados: Para los participantes, la importancia de la salud bucal estaba vinculada a la prevención de enfermidades, a la estética, a la autoestima ya la salud general. Em cuanto a la frequencia y los medios utilizados en el cepillado, todos higienizaban la cavidad oral diariamente y la mayoría utilizaba cepillo y crema dental. Ellos asociaban las enfermedades orales al dolor, al sangrado, a los problemas dentales ya la falta de cepillado. Además del dentista, buscaban al médico y al enfermero para la resolucíon de problemas odontológicos. Conclusión: A pesar de reconocer la importancia de la salud oral, el conocimiento de los universitarios sobre las patologías buçales fue escaso y muy limitad

Conhecimento de usuários da Estratégia Saúde da Família sobre o câncer de boca / Useful knowledge of the family health strategy regarding oral cancer

Objetivo: Identificar o conhecimento sobre o câncer de boca dos pacientes da Estratégia Saúde da Família do Município de Quixadá, Ceará, Brasil. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, observacional, descritivo e analítico, realizado com 90 usuários de Unidades Básicas de Saúde no município de Quixadá, Ceará, Brasil. Participaram da pesquisa usuários dos serviços da Estratégia Saúde da Família. Para a coleta de dados, foi aplicado um questionário estruturado. Os dados foram analisados no programa estatístico Epi Info versão 7, considerando um nível de significância de 5%. O presente estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa do Centro Universitário Católica de Quixadá com o protocolo de número 1.499.677. Resultados: Quanto aos aspectos socioeconômicos, identificamos um maior número de participantes do sexo feminino (66,7%), idade entre 45 e 50 anos (31,1%), residem na zona urbana (60%), com ensino fundamental incompleto (41,1%) e renda familiar de um salário mínimo (47,8%). Quanto aos hábitos de saúde e conhecimento, 87,8% não são fumantes e 81,1% não fazem uso de álcool. Dentre os entrevistados 67,8 % não possuem nenhum tipo de conhecimento sobre câncer de boca; 75,6% nunca ouviram falar sobre o autoexame e 93,3% não sabem como realiza-lo. Observou-se associação estatisticamente significativa em ser do sexo masculino e o elevado consumo de álcool (p = 0,002) e entre ouvir falar do autoexame e residir em área de zona urbana (p = 0,001). Conclusão: O conhecimento sobre o câncer de boca dos usuários da Estratégia Saúde da Família do município de Quixadá mostra-se insuficiente.

Objective: To identify the knowledge about mouth cancer among patients from the Family Health Strategy of the Municipality of Quixadá, Ceará, Brasil. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational, descriptive, and analytical study, carried out with 90 users of the Basic Health Units of the city of Quixadá, Ceará, Brasil. Users of the services of the Family Health Strategy participated in the survey. A structured questionnaire was applied for data collection. The data were analyzed in the statistical program Epi Info 7, considering a 5% level of significance. The present study was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee of the Catholic University Center of Quixadá, logged under protocol number 1,499,677. Results: Regarding socioeconomic aspects, we identified a greater number of female participants (66.7%), between 45 and 50 years of age (31.1%), living in the urban area (60%), with incomplete elementary education (41.1%), and a family income of one minimum wage (47.8%). Regarding health and knowledge habits, 87.8% were not smokers and 81.1% had not used alcohol. Among those interviewed, 67.8% had no prior knowledge of oral cancer; 75.6% had never heard of self-examination; and 93.3% do not know how to perform this examination. A statistically significant association was observed between males and high alcohol consumption (p = 0.002), and between hearing about self-examination and residing in an urban area (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The knowledge about mouth cancer in users of the Family Health Strategy of the municipality of Quixadá is insufficient.

Mesenchymal and embryonic characteristics of stem cells obtained from mouse dental pulp.

OBJECTIVE: Several studies have demonstrated that human dental pulp is a source of mesenchymal stem cells. To better understand the biological properties of these cells we isolated and characterized stem cells from the dental pulp of EGFP transgenic mice. METHODS: The pulp tissue was gently separated from the roots of teeth extracted from C57BL/6 mice, and cultured under appropriate conditions. Flow cytometry, RT-PCR, light microscopy (staining for alkaline phosphatase) and immunofluorescence were used to investigate the expression of stem cell markers. The presence of chromosomal abnormalities was evaluated by G banding. RESULTS: The mouse dental pulp stem cells (mDPSC) were highly proliferative, plastic-adherent, and exhibited a polymorphic morphology predominantly with stellate or fusiform shapes. The presence of cell clusters was observed in cultures of mDPSC. Some cells were positive for alkaline phosphatase. The karyotype was normal until the 5th passage. The Pou5f1/Oct-4 and ZFP42/Rex-1, but not Nanog transcripts were detected in mDPSC. Flow cytometry and fluorescence analyses revealed the presence of a heterogeneous population positive for embryonic and mesenchymal cell markers. Adipogenic, chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation was achieved after two weeks of cell culture under chemically defined in vitro conditions. In addition, some elongated cells spontaneously acquired a contraction capacity. CONCLUSIONS: Our results reinforce that the dental pulp is an important source of adult stem cells and encourage studies on therapeutic potential of mDPSC in experimental disease models.