Predictive factors for the appearance of myringosclerosis after myringotomy with ventilation tube placement: randomized study.

Myringotomy with the insertion of ventilation tubes is the most frequent surgical procedure performed in children, and the appearance of myringosclerosis is one of its most frequent long-term complications. The objective of this study is to identify clinical factors and technique variations that may have a relation with the appearance of myringosclerosis, after tube insertion. Patients submitted to myringotomy with transtympanic short-term tube insertion were studied in a longitudinal prospective and analytical cohort study with the prospective randomized open, blinded endpoint (PROBE) methodology, to study the influence of the location of myringotomy (anterior-inferior quadrant or posterior-inferior), directions of the incision (radial or non-radial) and aspiration or not of the middle ear. Our study included 156 patients (297 ears). Myringosclerosis was observed in 35.7 % of the operated ears. It appeared more often in patients with greater number of otitis (p = .001) and with greater number of otorrhea episodes (p = .029) and in patients in whom the tympanogram after the tube extraction was type A (according to Jerger´s classification) (p = 0.016). We identified myringosclerosis in less patients, if the tube was in the tympanic membrane for less than 12 months (p = .009). Myringosclerosis was present more extensively if the tympanic incision was located in the anterior-inferior quadrant, with tympanic involvement superior to 25 % (p = .015). The results observed prove that, underlying the appearance of myringosclerosis, there exists an early inflammatory or infectious process and a final cicatricial process. It was also found that when myringotomy is made in the anterior-inferior quadrant, myringosclerosis appears in a higher percentage of the tympanic membrane; therefore, it is not recommended to do the incision in this quadrant, because it may lead to a reduction of the tympanic membrane vibration.

Comparison of Conventional Microwave and Focused Microwave-assisted Extraction to Enhance the Efficiency of the Extraction of Antioxidant Flavonols from Jocote Pomace (Spondias purpurea L.).

Jocote (Spondias purpurea L.) is rich in phenolic compounds which have antioxidant properties. The focused microwave-assisted extraction (FMAE) was compared with the conventional microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) to obtain flavonols from jocote pomace. The effects of parameters such as the extraction time, the temperature and the composition of the solvent mixture (i.e., the ethanol to water ration) were evaluated and optimized using a statistical experimental design approach. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to determine the important effects and interactions of these independent variables on the extractive yield and quantification of some flavonoids. In addition, the antioxidant activity was analyzed. The total phenolic and flavonoid content was determined according to the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods, respectively. The free radical scavenging activity of the extract was evaluated according to the DPPH assay. The results showed that the optimum extracting parameters used FMAE with extraction time of 20 min, temperature of 68 °C and ethanol composition of 80% in water. Under these conditions, a yield of 3.42% was obtained. Rutin and quercetin were quantified (0.19 mg/mL and 0.024 mg/mL, respectively) through HPLC-DAD. The total phenol and flavonoid contents were found to be 0.897 g GAE/g and 1.271 g QE/g, respectively. In the DPPH scavenging assay, the IC50 value of the extract occurred at 43.10 µg/mL. This study shows that FMAE is suitable as an efficient extraction procedure for the extraction of flavonols from jocote pomace.

Antinociceptive effect of ethanolic extract of Selaginella convoluta in mice.

BACKGROUND: Selaginella convoluta (Arn.) Spring (Selaginellaceae), commonly known as "jericó", is a medicinal plant found in northeastern Brazil. S. convoluta is used in folk medicine as an antidepressant, aphrodisiac, diuretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and it is used to combat amenorrhea, coughing and bleeding. This study was performed to evaluate the antinociceptive effects of ethanolic extract from S. convoluta in mice exposed to chemical and thermal models of nociception. METHODS: Preliminary phytochemical analysis of the ethanolic extract was performed. The ethanolic extract from Selaginella convoluta (Sc-EtOH) was examined for its intraperitoneal (i.p.) antinociceptive activity at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight. Acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin injection and hot plate tests were used to evaluate the antinociceptive activity of Sc-EtOH extract. The rota-rod test was used to evaluate motor coordination. RESULTS: A preliminary analysis of Sc-EtOH revealed that it contained phenols, steroids, terpenoids and flavonoids. In the acetic acid-induced writhing test, mice treated with Sc-EtOH (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, i.p.) exhibited reduced writhing (58.46, 75.63 and 82.23%, respectively). Secondly, Sc-EtOH treatment (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, i.p.) decreased the paw licking time in mice during the first phase of the formalin test (by 44.90, 33.33 and 34.16%, respectively), as well as during the second phase of the test (by 86.44, 56.20 and 94.95%, respectively). Additionally, Sc-EtOH treatment at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg increased the latency time in the hot plate test after 60 and 90 minutes, respectively. In addition, Sc-EtOH did not impair motor coordination. CONCLUSION: Overall, these results indicate that Sc-EtOH is effective as an analgesic agent in various pain models. The activity of Sc-EtOH is most likely mediated via the inhibition of peripheral mediators and central inhibitory mechanisms. This study supports previous claims of traditional uses for S. convoluta.

The posterosuperior quadrant of the tympanic membrane.

OBJECTIVE: To document the anatomic relationship of the posterosuperior segment of the tympanic membrane. STUDY DESIGN: Point-prevalence study of postmortem material. SUBJECTS AND MATERIALS: One hundred seventy temporal bones from adults without history of otologic pathology were studied. The anatomic details of the tympanic membrane were observed, histology was documented on 30 sectioned bones, and, with the use of the scanning electron microscope, lamina propria was studied in 40 bones. RESULTS: We established that the posterosuperior quadrant was the largest, representing 28.7 percent of the total area of the eardrum. This feature implies that this quadrant is more likely than are the other quadrants to exhibit changes prompted by pressure challenges. We also verified that the posterosuperior part of tympanic sulcus, above the chorda tympanic nerve, lost its depth in an unexpected way in 60 percent of the cases. In association, we established that at this level there was a decrease in annulus caliber. In 25 percent of cases, by the absence of the circular fibers of lamina propria, the posterosuperior quadrant had only the radial fiber layer. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomic and morphologic details in posterosuperior quadrant were newly described and may explain the greater incidence of retraction pockets and marginal perforations that provide origin for the cholesteatoma.

Does calcemia influence the onset of myringosclerosis after myringotomy with the insertion of ventilation tubes?

INTRODUCTION: Myringosclerosis is one of the most frequent late complications of the insertion of ventilation tubes, and its aetiopathogenesis remains unknown. The calcification that occurs in the formation of myringosclerosis plaque raises the hypothesis of the presence of a calcium metabolism disorder. The objective is to determine whether calcemia contributes to the development of myringoscelerosis after insertion of ventilation tubes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A longitudinal, prospective, analytical cohort study was conducted in patients undergoing myringotomy with the insertion of ventilation tubes due to otitis media with effusion. Calcemia was evaluated pre-operatively and in the follow-up the appearance of myringosclerosis and the percentage of the tympanum involved were evaluated. RESULTS: The study included 156 patients (297 ears), with calcemia values ranging from 7.6 to 10.2mg/dl. Myringosclerosis was identified in 35.4% of the operated ears. No relationship was found between the appearance of myringosclerosis and calcemia (p=.596). It was found, however, that the greater the percentage of the tympanum affected by myringosclerosis, the lower the calcemia values (p=.014). CONCLUSION: The population studied had calcemia values within the normal range, which allows us to infer that no changes in calcium metabolism are required for the development of myringosclerosis. Moreover, unlike in previous studies, higher calcium levels are not associated with more myringosclerosis. Calcemia did not influence the appearance of myringosclerosis after myringotomy with the insertion of ventilation tubes.

Betulinic Acid from Zizyphus Joazeiro Bark Using Focused Microwave-Assisted Extraction and Response Surface Methodology.

BACKGROUND: The effect of the extraction time (min) and temperature (°C) on the yield of betulinic acid (BA) from Zizyphus joazeiro barks using focused microwave-assisted extraction was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ethyl acetate was used as extractor solvent because it was shown to provide a betulinic acid-clean extract. A full two-level statistical factorial design was applied to determine the important effects and interactions of these independent variables upon the yield of BA. RESULTS: The conditions that produced the highest yield of BA were at temperature of 70°C and an extraction time of 15 min (3.33 mg per gram of plant). CONCLUSION: The BA has drawn attention due to its use as a raw material in the synthesis of active compounds against the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). SUMMARY: The extraction of betulinic acid (BA) from Zizyphus joazeiro barks using focused microwave was investigatedA full two-level statistical factorial design was applied to determine the effects and interactions of the independent variables (time and temperature) upon the yield of BAThe reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detector was used for quantification. Abbreviation used: BA: Betulinic acid; FMAE: Focused microwave assisted extraction; HPLC: High-performance liquid chromatography; RSD: Relative standard deviations.

Effects of the fibers distribution in the human eardrum: A biomechanical study.

The eardrum separates the external ear from the middle ear and it is responsible to convert the acoustical energy into mechanical energy. It is divided by pars tensa and pars flaccida. The aim of this work is to analyze the susceptibility of the four quadrants of the pars tensa under negative pressure, to different lamina propria fibers distribution. The development of associated ear pathology, in particular the formation of retraction pockets, is also evaluated. To analyze these effects, a computational biomechanical model of the tympano-ossicular chain was constructed using computerized tomography images and based on the finite element method. Three fibers distributions in the eardrum middle layer were compared: case 1 (eardrum with a circular band of fibers surrounding all quadrants equally), case 2 (eardrum with a circular band of fibers that decreases in thickness in posterior quadrants), case 3 (eardrum without circular fibers in the posterior/superior quadrant). A static analysis was performed by applying approximately 3000Pa in the eardrum. The pars tensa of the eardrum was divided in four quadrants and the displacement of a central point of each quadrant analyzed. The largest displacements of the eardrum were obtained for the eardrum without circular fibers in the posterior/superior quadrant.

Antinociceptive effect of Encholirium spectabile: A Bromeliaceae from the Brazilian caatinga biome.

BACKGROUND: Encholirium spectabile is a species found in outcrops rocky throughout the Brazilian Caatinga. OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to evaluate the antinociceptive effects of ethanolic extract of the leaves from E. spectabile (Es-EtOH) in mice using chemical and thermal models of nociception. MATERIAL AND METHODS: HPLC was used to determine the fingerprint chromatogram. The Es-EtOH was examined for its antinociceptive activity at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg intraperitoneal (i.p.). The evaluation of antinociceptive activity was carried out by the acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin and hot plate tests in mice. Rota-rod test was used for the evaluation of motor coordination. RESULTS: In the acetic acid-induced writhing test, the Es-EtOH (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced the number of writhings by 68.59, 79.33 and 65.28%, respectively. Additionally, Es-EtOH (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, i.p.) decreased by 34.14, 52.61 and 60.97% the paw licking time in the first phase, as well as 89.56, 79.90 and 96.71% in the second phase of the formalin test, respectively. Es-EtOH also showed effect in the hot plate test, since increased the latency time at dose of 100 mg/kg after 60 minutes. In addition, Es-EtOH did not impair motor coordination. The presence of phenolic compounds in the extract was confirmed using HPLC. These results indicate that Es-EtOH has antinociceptive activity, probably of peripheral origin. The mechanism involved is not completely understood but, at least in part there is the participation of opioid receptors.

Aussie current in students with chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial / Corrente Aussie em estudantes com cervicalgia crônica: um ensaio clínico randomizado

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neck pain is a painful acute or chronic syndrome that affects the region of the cervical spine. Electrostimulation is one type of treatment, which provides local analgesia bringing more comfort and functionality to the patient. However, there are still there are other current forms not fully explored. Therefore, the objective of the study was to evaluate the analgesic and functional effects of the Aussie current on students with chronic neck pain. METHODS: Twenty-four individuals were separated in a control group (n=11) and an electrostimulation group (n=13) with current intensity at the sensory level. There were 3 interventions per week for 4 weeks, totaling 12 interventions per individual. The assessment was performed applying the Neck Disability Index, the visual analog scale of pain, the handgrip dynamometer, and the cervical spine goniometry before the intervention, shortly after the treatment period, and after a month of follow-up. RESULTS: In relation to all the assessed items, there was no significant difference between the three evaluations in the control group and in the treated group. CONCLUSION: The Aussie current at the sensory level did not provide significant analgesic and functional effects in students with chronic neck pain.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A cervicalgia é uma síndrome dolorosa, aguda ou crônica, que acomete a coluna cervical. Uma das formas de tratamento é a eletroestimulação, que proporciona analgesia local trazendo mais conforto e funcionalidade ao paciente. Contudo ainda existem formas de corrente pouco exploradas. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar os efeitos analgésicos e funcionais da corrente Aussie em estudantes com cervicalgia crônica. MÉTODOS: Vinte e quatro indivíduos foram separados em grupo controle (n=11) e grupo de eletroestimulação (n=13), com intensidade da corrente em nível sensorial. Foram realizadas 3 intervenções por semana, durante 4 semanas, totalizando 12 terapias por indivíduo. A avaliação foi feita com a aplicação do questionário Neck Disability Index, da escala analógica visual, do dinamômetro de preensão manual, e da goniometria da coluna cervical antes da intervenção, logo após o período de tratamento, e depois de um mês de seguimento. RESULTADOS: Em relação a todos os quesitos avaliados, não se verificou diferença significativa entre as três avaliações no grupo controle e no grupo tratado. CONCLUSÃO: A corrente Aussie, atingindo apenas o nível sensorial, não proporcionou efeitos analgésicos e funcionais significativos em estudantes com cervicalgia crônica.

Synthesis of naringin 6"-ricinoleate using immobilized lipase.

BACKGROUND: Naringin is an important flavanone with several biological activities, including antioxidant action. However, this compound shows low solubility in lipophilic preparations, such as is used in the cosmetic and food industries. One way to solve this problem is to add fatty acids to the flavonoid sugar unit using immobilized lipase. However, there is limited research regarding hydroxylation of unsaturated fatty acids as an answer to the low solubility challenge. In this work, we describe the reaction of naringin with castor oil containing ricinoleic acid, castor oil's major fatty acid component, using immobilized lipase from Candida antarctica. Analysis of the 1H and 13 C NMR (1D and 2D) spectra and literature comparison were used to characterise the obtained acyl derivative. RESULTS: After allowing the reaction to continue for 120 hours (in acetone media, 50°C), the major product obtained was naringin 6″-ricinoleate. In this reaction, either castor oil or pure ricinoleic acid was used as the acylating agent, providing a 33% or 24% yield, respectively. The chemical structure of naringin 6″-ricinoleate was determined using NMR analysis, including bidimensional (2D) experiments. CONCLUSION: Using immobilized lipase from C. antarctica, the best conversion reaction was observed using castor oil containing ricinoleic acid as the acylating agent rather than an isolated fatty acid. GRAPHICAL

In vitro photoprotective effects of Marcetia taxifolia ethanolic extract and its potential for sunscreen formulations

AbstractThe species Marcetia taxifolia (A. St.-Hil.) DC., Melastomataceae, which is endemic of the rupestrian fields of northeastern Brazil, contains a significant amount of flavonoids. In this work, the potential of the ethanolic extract of M. taxifolia as the active principle in a sunscreen photoprotection (UV-A and UV-B) formulation was investigated. The Liquid Chromatography High Performance-Diode Array Detector quantification (quercetin), total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity through 2.2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazil method, photoprotective activity against UV-B and UV-A radiation in vitro (spectrophotometric method) and potential for eye irritation using the methodology of the hen egg test-chorioallantoic membrane were performed in the extract. After that, the formulations were prepared using different concentrations of active ethanolic extract (5, 10, 20 and 30%) and the evaluation of the sun protection factor was carried out using the same methodology used for the crude extract. The crude extract showed UV-A photoprotection and low eye irritation in the hen egg test-chorioallantoic membrane test. All formulations containing M. taxifolia extract had ≥ 6 sun protection factor. Its shows the possibility to use this extracts as a sunscreen in pharmaceutical preparations.

Avaliação de formulações tópicas magistrais para o tratamento da acne / Assessment of topical formulations for the treatment of acne

A acne é uma afecção inflamatória que atinge 80% da população entre 11 e 30 anos de idade. A seleção do tratamento dependerá do tipo de pele e da gravidade da acne que o paciente apresenta, sendo as formulações tópicas magistrais as mais indicadas devido à vantagem de serem realizadas de acordo com as necessidades dos pacientes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a composição das formulações tópicas para o tratamento da acne aviadas em cinco farmácias de manipulação da cidade de Feira de Santana - BA. Os dados foram obtidos através das informações contidas na ordem de manipulação sendo avaliado um total de 402 formulações. Na análise dos dados, verificou-se que o ácido retinoico foi o ativo mais empregado. As formas farmacêuticas mais prescritas foram o gel (39,1%) e o creme (29,6%). Pode-se perceber uma variedade de ativos antiacneicos empregados, sendo que 31% das formulações continham associações de dois ou mais ativos. A avaliação das faixas de concentração de alguns ativos indicou valores acima das adequações às concentrações usuais. Na maioria das formulações, as associações entre os ativos não apresentaram incompatibilidades, sendo que 96,5% das formulações avaliadas apresentaram-se corretas quanto aos aspectos relacionados à concentração, à associação dos ativos, veículos ou excipientes empregados, apresentando-se confiáveis para utilização no tratamento da acne. Pelo exposto faz-se necessária a constante atuação e capactação do profissional farmacêutico com intuito de evitar possíveis incopatibilidades nas formulações evitando danos maiores a saúde do paciente.

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting 80% of the population between 11 and 30 years of age. The treatment depends on skin type and severity of the acne that the patient presents, so that topical formulations are highly recommended, having the advantage of being made up according to the specific needs of the patient. The objective of this study was to assess the composition of topical formulations for the treatment of acne dispensed in five pharmacies in the city of Feira de Santana in Bahia, Brazil. The data were obtained from information contained in the compounding prescriptions for the 402 formulations assessed. In analyzing the data, it was found that the active principle used most frequently was retinoic acid. The commonest vehicles prescribed were gel (39.1%) and cream (29.6%). A wide variety of anti-acne active ingredients were found, and 31% of the formulations contained combinations of two or more. Analysis of the concentration ranges of the active principles revealed some values above the usual recommended concentrations. In most formulations, the combinations of active substances showed no incompatibilities, as 96.5% of the formulations studied were correct with respect to concentration, the active combination used, vehicles and excipients, and thus were safe for use in the treatment of acne. This study confirmed the need for the constant performance and training of the pharmacist, so as to avoid incompatibilities in compounded medicines and thus prevent further damage to the patient´s health.

Fenóis totais, flavonoides totais e atividade antioxidante de Selaginella convoluta (Arn. ) Spring (Selaginellaceae) / Total phenols, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity of Selaginella convoluta (Arn. ) Spring (Selaginellaceae)

Selaginella convoluta é uma espécie conhecida no Nordeste do Brasil como “jericó”, e bastante utilizada na medicina popular para tratamento de doenças. Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar o teor de compostos fenólicos e avaliar a atividade antioxidante in vitro do extrato etanólico e das frações obtidas por partição de S. convoluta. O conteúdo de fenóis totais foi determinado pelo método de Folin-Ciocalteu. O teor de flavonoides totais também foi avaliado. A atividade antioxidante dos extratos foi avaliada usando o método do sequestro do radical DPPH e inibição da auto-oxidação do sistema β-caroteno-ácido linoleico e comparada com os compostos de referência ácido ascórbico, BHA, BHT, quercetina e pirogalol. O conteúdo fenólico total foi de 209,90 ± 19,84 e 61,13 ± 2,50 mg equivalente de ácido gálico/g para os extratos AcOEt e EEB, respectivamente. O conteúdo de flavonoides totais foi de 155,70 ± 6,21 e 62,13 ± 4,10 para os dois extratos, respectivamente. Os extratos AcOEt e EEB apresentaram boas atividades antioxidantes. BHA foi o antioxidante mais efetivo, com um valor de IC50 de 1,62 ± 0,69 μg/mL. Os resultados obtidos mostram que S. convoluta pode ser uma boa fonte de compostos fenólicos antioxidantes. Estudos posteriores serão realizados para se chegar ao isolamento e identificação dos principais constituintes fenólicos dos extratos.

Selaginella convoluta is a species of "spike moss" (an order of pteridophytes) known in Northeast Brazil as "jericó" and widely used in popular medicine to treat several diseases. Phenolic compounds were determined in extracts of whole Selaginella convoluta plants. The total phenolics content was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Total flavonoid content was also measured. Antioxidant activities of the extracts were assayed by DPPH radical scavenging and inhibition of β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching and compared with ascorbic acid, BHA, BHT, quercetin and pyrogallol, used as reference compounds. The total phenolics contents of ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and crude ethanol extract (CEE) were 209.90 ± 19.84 and 61.13 ± 2.50 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g, respectively. The total flavonoids contents were 155.70 ± 6.21 and 62.13 ± 4.10 mg of catechin equivalent/g for the two extracts, respectively. The EtOAc and CEE extracts exhibited good antioxidant activities. BHA was the most effective antioxidant, with an IC50 of 1.62 ± 0.69 μg/ml. The results show that S. convoluta could be a good source of antioxidant phenolics. Further research will be carried out to achieve the isolation and identification of the main phenolic constituents of the extracts.

Freqüência de relatos de parafunções nos subgrupos diagnósticos de DTM de acordo com os critérios diagnósticos para pesquisa em disfunções temporomandibulares (RDC/TMD) / Frequency of relates of parafunctions in the diagnostic subgroups of TMD according to research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD)

INTRODUÇÃO: as disfunções temporomandibulares (DTM) podem ser definidas como um conjunto de condições dolorosas e/ou disfuncionais, que envolvem os músculos da mastigação e/ou as articulações temporomandibulares (ATM). Um dos meios usados para o diagnóstico é o "Critério Diagnóstico para Pesquisa em Disfunções Temporomandibulares" (RDC/TMD). Hábitos parafuncionais são aqueles não relacionados à execução das funções normais do sistema estomatognático. O bruxismo é caracterizado por atividade parafuncional noturna involuntária dos músculos mastigatórios, enquanto o apertamento dentário é considerado uma parafunção diurna envolvendo esta musculatura, embora possa ocorrer também à noite. OBJETIVOS: o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a freqüência do relato de parafunções orais diurna e/ou noturna em pacientes com DTM nos diferentes subgrupos diagnósticos do RDC/TMD. METODOLOGIA: foram utilizados dados provenientes de 217 pacientes que procuraram tratamento na Clínica de DTM e Dor Orofacial da Faculdade de Medicina de Petrópolis, sendo avaliados através do questionário e exame físico que compõem o RDC/TMD. RESULTADOS: dos 182 pacientes com DTM estudados, 76,9 por cento relataram algum tipo de parafunção, podendo ser diurna, noturna ou a associação de ambas. A parafunção diurna foi a mais freqüentemente relatada entre os subgrupos de DTM, sendo encontrada em 64,8 por cento dos casos contra 55,5 por cento dos casos com relato de bruxismo. O relato de ambas as parafunções foi constatado em 43,4 por cento dos pacientes com DTM. CONCLUSÕES: considerando cada subgrupo diagnóstico, os relatos de parafunções diurna e noturna foram mais freqüentes nos pacientes com dor miofascial.

INTRODUCTION: temporomandibular disorders (TMD) can be defined as a group of painful and/or dysfunctional conditions that involve masticatory muscles and/or the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). One of the methods used to the diagnostic is the "Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders" (RDC/TMD). Parafunctional habits are those not related to the execution of normal functions of stomatognatic system. Bruxism is characterized by nocturnal involuntary parafunctional activity of masticatory muscles, while clenching is considered as a diurnal parafunction involving this musculature, although this may also occur at night. OBJECTIVE: the goal of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of relates of diurnal and/or nocturnal oral parafunctions in patients with TMD in different diagnostic subgroups of RDC/TMD. METHODOLOGY: it has been used data from 217 patients that seek for treatment at TMD and Orofacial Pain Clinic of Petropolis Medicine School, being evaluated through questionnaire and physical examination that compose RDC/TMD. RESULTS: from 182 TMD patients studied, 76.9 percent has related some kind of parafunction, that could be diurnal, nocturnal or both. Diurnal parafunction was the most frequent related among TMD subgroups, present in 64.8 percent of cases against 55.5 percent of cases with relates of bruxism. Relate of both parafunctions was verified in 43.4 percent of TMD patients. CONCLUSION: regarding each diagnostic subgroup, relates of diurnal and nocturnal parafunctions has been more frequent in patients of miofascial pain group.