Comparison between the ion-specific electrode and SPADNS methods for analysis of fluoride concentration in the water supply

The maintenance of adequate fluoride (F) concentration in the public water supply is fundamental for ensuring that the community use of F can reach the maximum benefit for caries control and minimum risk for dental fluorosis. Thus, surveillance systems must use accurate and valid analytical methods to determine F concentration and, according to the literature, give preference to the ion-specific electrode (F- ISE) analysis. Aim: The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of the ISE and SPADNS methods in the determination of the F concentration in the same water sample. Methods: Duplicate water samples were taken from 30 sampling sites in the municipality of Maringá, state of Paraná, monthly for 12 months, totaling 276 samples. An aliquot was analyzed by the FOP-UNICAMP Oral Biochemistry laboratory, using the F- ISE method, and the other one, by the SANEPAR laboratory in Maringá/PR, using the SPADNS method. Descriptive analysis and Pearson's correlation test were applied, with a significant level of p<0.05. Results: Results were expressed as ppm F (mg F/L), and a very strong positive correlation (r= 0.91; p<0.001) was detected between the two methods of analysis. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the determination of f luoride concentration in water can be made with accuracy by the SPADNS method, a standardized analysis protocol

Necessidade e urgência de revisão da regulamentação brasileira sobre dentifrícios fluoretados, e posicionamento da academia brasileira de odontologia / Necessity and urgency to change the brazilian regulation about fluoride toothpastes, and the statement of the brazilian academy of dentistry why the current brazilian regulation about fluoride toothpastes requires urgent revision?

Introdução: a primeira regulamentação sobre dentifrícios fluoretados do Brasil (Portaria no 22, de 20/12/1989, da ex-Secretaria Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária) estabelecia não só a concentração máxima de fluoreto total (1500 ppm F) que um dentifrício deveria conter em termos de segurança de produto de higiene, como a mínima de fluoreto quimicamente solúvel (potencialmente ativo contra cárie) para garantir o benefício anticárie da escovação dental. Objetivo: demonstrar a necessidade e urgência de revisão da vigente regulamentação brasileira sobre dentifrícios fluoretados e registrar o posicionamento da Academia Brasileira de Odontologia. Fonte de Dados: Lilacs, PubMed, SciELO e nos arquivos do laboratório de Bioquímica Oral da FOP-UNICAMP. Síntese dos Dados: desde 1994, a Portaria nº 22 sofreu contínuas modificações culminando com a resolução ANVISA RDC No 530 de 04/08/2021. As mudanças feitas não foram baseadas no conhecimento científico mundial, do qual a Odontologia brasileira é referência. Assim, desde a primeira mudança feita em 1994, não mais foi dada importância à qualidade do fluoreto de um dentifrício, priorizando apenas a quantidade máxima de fluoreto total que ele deveria conter. Dezenas de publicações científicas tem sido feitas alertando para esse erro histórico, mas até o momento se mostraram infrutíferas. Trata-se de problema de saúde pública, pois em acréscimo tem afetado a população mais vulnerável à cárie dentária. Conclusão: a necessidade e urgência da revisão da resolução ANVISA nº 530, requer ação da sociedade como um todo, razão desta revisão e posicionamento formal circunstanciado da Academia Brasileira de Odontologia (AcBO).

Introduction: the first Brazilian regulation on fluoride toothpastes (Ordinance No 22 of 12/20/1989, of the National Health Surveillance Secretariat) established not only the maximum concentration of total fluoride (1500 ppm F) that a toothpaste should contain in terms of safety oral hygiene product, but also the minimum concentration of fluoride chemically soluble fluoride (potentially active against caries) that should contain to have ensure the anticaries benefit of toothbrushing. Objective: to prove the need and urgency of reviewing the current Brazilian regulation on fluoridated toothpastes and record the statement of the Brazilian Academy of Dentistry. Sources of data: Lilacs, PubMed, and SciELO databases and in the files of the Laboratory of Oral Biochemistry from FOP-UNICAMP. Synthesis of data: since 1994, the Ordinance No. 22 underwent continuous changes, culminating in 08/04/2021 with the resolution ANVISA RDC No 530. The changes made were not based on the best scientific evidence of the subject, that has the Brazilian Dentistry as an international reference. Thus, since the first change made in 1994, less importance has been given to the quality of fluoride in a toothpaste than the maximum amount of total fluoride that it should contain. Dozens of scientific publications have been made warning of this historic mistake, but so far, they have been shown fruitless. It is a public health problem that affects mainly underprivileged populations, who are most vulnerable to dental caries. Conclusion: the need and urgency for a revision of the Brazilian regulation ANVISA RDC No 530 to ensure that the population receives fluoride toothpaste with a minimum concentration of soluble fluoride with anticaries potential is the reason of this review and the formal position of the Brazilian Academy of Dentistry (AcBO).

Fluoroacetate distribution, response to fluoridation, and synthesis in juvenile Gastrolobium bilobum plants.

Like angiosperms from several other families, the leguminous shrub Gastrolobium bilobum R.Br. produces and accumulates fluoroacetate, indicating that it performs the difficult chemistry needed to make a C-F bond. Bioinformatic analyses indicate that plants lack homologs of the only enzymes known to make a C-F bond, i.e., the Actinomycete flurorinases that form 5'-fluoro-5'-deoxyadenosine from S-adenosylmethionine and fluoride ion. To probe the origin of fluoroacetate in G. bilobum we first showed that fluoroacetate accumulates to millimolar levels in young leaves but not older leaves, stems or roots, that leaf fluoroacetate levels vary >20-fold between individual plants and are not markedly raised by sodium fluoride treatment. Young leaves were fed adenosine-13C-ribose, 13C-serine, or 13C-acetate to test plausible biosynthetic routes to fluoroacetate from S-adenosylmethionine, a C3-pyridoxal phosphate complex, or acetyl-CoA, respectively. Incorporation of 13C into expected metabolites confirmed that all three precursors were taken up and metabolized. Consistent with the bioinformatic evidence against an Actinomycete-type pathway, no adenosine-13C-ribose was converted to 13C-fluoroacetate; nor was the characteristic 4-fluorothreonine product of the Actinomycete pathway detected. Similarly, no 13C from acetate or serine was incorporated into fluoroacetate. While not fully excluding the hypothetical pathways that were tested, these negative labeling data imply that G. bilobum creates the C-F bond by an unprecedented biochemical reaction. Enzyme(s) that mediate such a reaction could be of great value in pharmaceutical and agrochemical manufacturing.

Role of renal function in the association of drinking water fluoride and plasma fluoride among adolescents in the United States: NHANES, 2013-2016.

CONTEXT: While fluoride has been added to drinking water and dental products for decades in order to prevent tooth decay, there are growing concerns about its potential toxicity. Given that fluoride is primarily excreted in urine, an important question that has not been examined is whether among those whose drinking water is fluoridated, impaired renal function is associated with higher levels of circulating fluoride. OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between drinking water and plasma fluoride and its modification by renal function. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2013 and 2016 with measures of fluoride in plasma and drinking water and renal function. These measures were only available in adolescent age 12-19 years. OUTCOMES: Plasma fluoride levels and their modification by strata of renal function, measured by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). RESULTS: Among 1841 healthy adolescents, a 10 ml/min/1.73 m (Penman et al., 1997) lower eGFR and a 1 mg/L higher drinking water fluoride concentration were associated with a 0.02 (95%CI -0.02, -0.03) umol/L and 0.23 (95%CI 0.15,0.30) umol/L higher adjusted plasma fluoride level, respectively. The association of water and plasma fluoride levels was most robust among those with lower renal function (multiplicative interaction p value < 0.001). For adolescents in the lowest eGFR quartile, a 1 mg/L higher drinking water fluoride concentration was associated with a 0.35 (95%CI 0.21,0.48) umol/L higher plasma fluoride level, compared to 0.20 (95%CI 0.14,0.26) umol/L in the highest eGFR quartile. Restriction to those with measurable plasma fluoride levels yielded similar results. CONCLUSIONS: Water fluoridation results in higher plasma fluoride levels in those with lower renal function. How routine water fluoridation may affect the many millions of Americans with Chronic Kidney Disease, who are particularly susceptible to heavy metal and mineral accumulation, needs to be further investigated.

Produção científica sobre fluorose em regiões endêmicas: estudo bibliométrico de Anais das Reuniões da Sociedade Brasileira de Pesquisa Odontológica / Scientific production on fluorosis in endemic regions: bibliometric study of Meeting Annals of the Brazilian Society of Dental Research

Objetivo: Identificar os resumos publicados nas Reuniões Anuais da Sociedade Brasileira de Pesquisa Odontológica sobre fluorose em regiões endêmicas e verificar a contribuição da Ciência Brasileira para o assunto. Métodos: Este estudo descritivo foi realizado com dados secundários do período entre 2005 e 2020; os estudos elegíveis foram identificados a partir dos descritores presentes no título e/ou resumo: flúor, fluorose, fluorose dental, fluorose dentária, fluoretação, intoxicação por flúor. Critérios de inclusão: estudos em regiões declaradas como de fluorose endêmica ou que citassem o teor de flúor acima de 0,8 mg F/L. Foram excluídos estudos que não declarassem estudar fluorose em regiões endêmicas ou não citassem o teor de flúor na água. Os dados foram coletados por dois examinadores de modo independente e a distribuição de frequências dos dados foi realizada (Microsoft Excel para Mac v.16.16.12). Resultados: Observou-se que de 41.953 resumos publicados durante esses 15 anos, 1190 (2,83%) foram elegíveis; 426 (1,01%) abordaram especificamente o tema fluorose e24 (0,06%) a fluorose em regiões endêmicas. Os assuntos abordados envolveram tratamento (n = 4; 14,81%); desenvolvimento de programas de promoção de saúde bucal (n = 2; 7,69%);avaliação da potabilidade da água (n = 2; 7,41%); implementação de sistemas de desfluoretação (n = 2; 7,41%); prevalência e severidade (n = 2; 7,41%); distribuição da fluorose na dentição (n = 1, 3,70%); impacto na qualidade de vida (n = 2; 7,41%); percepçãoestética(n = 5; 18,52%); uso e ingestão de flúor (n = 3; 11,11%); fluorose óssea (n = 2; 7,41%); análise da possibilidade de alteração no padrão cognitivo (n = 1; 3,70%), nas funções motoras e no equilíbrio (n=1; 3,70%).Conclusão: Diferentes aspectos relacionados à fluorose em região endêmica foram abordados. A Ciência Brasileira tem se dedicado ao tema ao longo dos anos. Entretanto, há um número restrito de estudos, em especial sobre a relação dose-reposta.

Aim: Identify the abstracts published at the Brazilian Society for Dental Research's Annual Meetings regarding Fluorosis in endemic regions, as well as verify the contribution of Brazilian science to the subject. Methods:This descriptive study was conducted using secondary data from the period between 2005 and 2020; the eligible studies were identified from the descriptors present in the title and/or abstract, as follows: fluoride, fluorosis, dental fluorosis, dental fluorosis, fluoridation, fluoride poisoning. Inclusion criteria: studies in regions with endemic fluorosis were included. Studies that did not address fluorosis in endemic regions were excluded. Data were collected by two independent examiners and the distribution frequency of the data was performed (Microsoft Excel for Mac v.16.16.12). Results: It was observed that of the 41,953 abstracts published during these 15 years, 1,190 (2.83%) were eligible; 426 (1.01%) specifically addressed the theme of fluorosis, and of these, 24 (0.06%) reported on fluorosis in endemic regions. The subjects addressed involved treatment (n = 4; 14.41%), the development of oral health promotion programs (n = 2; 7.41%), the evaluation of water potability (n = 2; 7.41%), the implementation of defluoridation systems (n = 2; 7.41%), prevalence and severity (n = 2; 7.41%), the distribution of fluorosis in dentition (n = 1, 3.70%), impacts on the quality of life (n = 2; 7.41%), esthetic perceptions (n = 4; 18.52%), fluoride use and ingestion (n = 3; 11.11%), bone fluorosis (n = 2; 7.41%), the analysis of alterations in the cognitive pattern (n = 1; 3.70%) and change in motor functions and balance (n=1; 3,70%).Conclusion: Different aspects related to fluorosis in an endemic region were addressed. Brazilian Science has been devoted to the theme over the years; however, there have been a limited number of studies published in the literature concerning the dose-response ratio.

Fluoride Concentration in Public Water Supply in a City in the Amazon Region

Abstract Objective: To analyze the fluoride concentration in the public water supply in Manaus, Brazil. Material and Methods: Water samples were collected in 50 mL polyethylene bottles, identified, and labeled. The collection was performed from September 2016 to August 2018. For the selection of collection points, all neighborhoods of the city of Manaus, divided into four health districts (North, South, East, and West), were mapped. From each district, 30 samples were collected, totaling 120 monthly samples. Water samples were analyzed using an ion analyzer, ORION 720-A, and a specific electrode, ORION 96-09. The ion analyzer and electrode were calibrated in standard solutions. The levels were classified in intervals based on technical consensus to guide the health surveillance agencies. Results: Of the 2,874 water samples, 50.3% were within the recommended range, and 49.7% were inadequate, with 31.6% considered above the parameters and 18.1% below. Among the districts, the North had the highest percentages of unsatisfactory samples, resulting in limited action to prevent tooth decay. During the 24 months of analysis, there were large oscillations in the values in all four districts of Manaus. Conclusion: Results reinforce the importance of heterocontrol for the city to guarantee the effectiveness of this public health measure.

Qualidade da fluoretação da água: o modelo de regulação e o arranjo institucional em três países selecionados / Quality of water fluoridation: the regulatory model and institutional arrangement in three selected countries

A cárie dentária não tratada é uma das doenças mais prevalentes afetando os dentes permanentes de aproximadamente 2,3 bilhões de pessoas no mundo. Cerca de 370 milhões de pessoas (5% da população mundial) tem acesso à água fluoretada (usualmente entre 0,5 a 1,0 mgF/L), que é considerada a maneira mais eficiente de prevenção da cárie. No entanto, concentrações acima de 1,5 mg/L de fluoreto acarretam um risco crescente de fluorose dentária e níveis muito mais altos levam à fluorose esquelética. Por isso, mecanismos regulatórios devem ser implementados para assegurar o monitoramento e o nível de qualidade da água em relação ao parâmetro fluoreto com a finalidade de alcançar o máximo de prevenção da cárie com o mínimo de fluorose dentária. Investigar o desenho e o tipo de arranjo institucional adotado em cada contexto pode auxiliar a compreender os diferentes efeitos produzidos por esses mecanismos e identificar limitações e oportunidades de aprimoramento. O objetivo foi descrever e comparar o modelo de regulação e o arranjo institucional para assegurar a qualidade da água a fim de garantir a segurança e efetividade do ajuste da concentração do fluoreto em três países selecionados. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo por meio de pesquisa documental utilizando fontes oficiais do Brasil, Estados Unidos da América (EUA) e Inglaterra. Foram elaborados quadros síntese comparando-se as agências e organizações, as missões, as funções, os mecanismos regulatórios, os dispositivos normativos e os instrumentos de disseminação da informação adotados em cada um dos países selecionados. Embora em todos os países sejam adotados dispositivos normativos para o controle da qualidade da fluoretação da água, os modelos regulatórios, os arranjos institucionais e as formas de vigilância e divulgação eram distintos. O valor máximo permitido para fluoreto de ocorrência natural era 4,0 mgF/L nos EUA enquanto nos demais países era 1,5 mgF/L. Os procedimentos de controle operacional eram definidos centralmente nos três países, mas sua aplicação podia variar entre as unidades federativas dos EUA. Inglaterra e EUA preconizam a coleta de amostras na rede de abastecimento, enquanto o Brasil apenas na saída do tratamento. Do ponto de vista da vigilância, Inglaterra e EUA utilizam dados que dependem das empresas responsáveis pelo tratamento da água, enquanto o Brasil, embora ainda em processo de implementação, adota um sistema vigilância independente que utiliza dados coletados na rede de distribuição pela autoridade sanitária local. Um ponto em comum entre EUA e Brasil é a construção de um sistema de informação que, sob os princípios da vigilância em saúde, propicie a produção de informações e sua divulgação a fim de atender as exigências para assegurar um elevado nível de qualidade da fluoretação da água. Embora os dispositivos normativos e as medidas regulatórias possuam diferentes abordagens e graus de centralização/descentralização nos países pesquisados, observou-se que há importante espaço para troca de informações e intercâmbio de tecnologias a fim de elevar o desempenho dos serviços, a efetividade da vigilância da qualidade da água para que os benefícios máximos de redução dos índices de cárie dentária em nível populacional sejam atingidos.

Untreated tooth decay is one of the most prevalent diseases affecting the permanent teeth of approximately 2.3 billion people worldwide. About 370 million people (5% of the world population) have access to fluoridated water (usually between 0.5 to 1.0 mgF/L), which is considered the most efficient way of preventing caries. However, concentrations above 1.5 mg/L of fluoride carry an increased risk of dental fluorosis, and much higher levels lead to skeletal fluorosis. Therefore, regulatory mechanisms must be implemented to ensure monitoring and the level of water quality in relation to the fluoride parameter in order to achieve maximum caries prevention with minimum dental fluorosis. Investigating the design and type of institutional arrangement adopted in each context can help to understand the different effects produced by these mechanisms and identify limitations and opportunities for improvement. The objective was to describe and compare the regulatory model and the institutional arrangement to ensure water quality in order to guarantee the safety and effectiveness of fluoride concentration adjustment in three selected countries. A descriptive study was carried out through documentary research using official sources from Brazil, the United States and England. Summary tables were prepared comparing agencies and organizations, missions, functions, regulatory mechanisms, regulatory provisions and information dissemination instruments adopted in each of the selected countries. Although regulatory provisions are adopted in all countries to control the quality of water fluoridation, the regulatory models, institutional arrangements and forms of surveillance and disclosure were different. The maximum allowable value for naturally occurring fluoride was 4.0 mgF/L in the US while in other countries it was 1.5 mgF/L. Operational control procedures were centrally defined in the three countries, but their application could vary across US states. England and the USA advocate the collection of samples in the supply network, while Brazil only at the end of the treatment. From a surveillance point of view, England and the USA use data that depend on the companies responsible for water treatment, while Brazil, although still in the process of implementation, adopts an independent surveillance system that uses data collected in the distribution network by the local health authority. A common point between the USA and Brazil is the construction of an information system that, under the principles of health surveillance, promotes the production of information and its dissemination in order to meet the requirements to ensure a high level of quality in the fluoridation of Water. Although normative provisions and regulatory measures have different approaches and degrees of centralization/decentralization in the countries surveyed, it was observed that there is important space for exchanging information and exchanging technologies in order to increase the performance of services, the effectiveness of surveillance of the water quality so that the maximum benefits of reducing dental caries rates at the population level are achieved.

Custo-benefício da fluoretação da água de abastecimento público / Cost-benefit analysis of community water fluoridation

OBJETIVO: Analisar potenciais fatores ligados à qualidade da fluoretação da água de abastecimento público, seu custo-benefício e custo-efetividade em diferentes portes populacionais e grupos etários no Brasil. MÉTODO: Foi realizado um estudo de avaliação econômica, em que tanto consumo de recursos, quanto os benefícios em saúde foram medidos. Inicialmente, foi realizado um estudo ecológico para avaliar fatores associados a qualidade da fluoretação, utilizando regressão de Poisson. Os custos com a medida foram analisados por meio de um estudo de caso e, foram considerados dados referentes aos custos de instalação inicial, do produto químico, da operacionalização do sistema e do controle dos teores de flúor. Para análise da efetividade da fluoretação, foi realizado uma revisão sistemática com estudos brasileiros que comparam a experiência de cárie em áreas fluoretadas e não fluoretadas. A avaliação econômica foi conduzida na perspectiva da sociedade, foram calculados o custo-efetividade e custo-benefício, e foram incluídos os custos diretos e indiretos dos procedimentos que poderiam ser evitados, com uma taxa de desconto de 3,5%. Foi realizada análise de sensibilidade para avaliar a robustez dos resultados. RESULTADOS: Os fatores associados a qualidade da fluoretação foram, porte populacional do município, conformidade da concentração de cloro, renda per capita e tipo de empresa de saneamento. O custo per capita anual da fluoretação variou de US$ 7,32 para o porte com menos de 2 mil habitantes a US$ 0,14 para o porte com cerca de 520 mil habitantes. Nos sistemas que servem até 30 mil habitantes, o custo de operacionalização foi responsável por maior parte dos gastos, variando de 98,20 a 84,00%. No porte de 520 mil habitantes, os custos com o produto químico corresponderam a 74,7% dos gastos. A diferença média do ceod entre áreas fluoretadas e não fluoretadas foi -2,28 (IC95% -3,26; -1,30) para crianças de 5 a 8 anos e -1,12 (IC95% CI -1,93; -0,32) para 3 a 12 anos. A diferença média no CPOD foi -0.61 (IC95% -0,80; -0,42) e a prevalência de cárie foi 1,4 vezes e 57% menor na dentição decídua e permanente, respectivamente. Os custos evitados decorrentes da fluoretação foram de US$ 174,40 e US$ 85,67 para crianças de 5-8 e 3-12 anos, respectivamente, e US$ 46,66 para crianças de 7-12 anos. Os resultados do custo-efetividade e custobenefício foram favoráveis em todos os cenários onde o tamanho da população atendida foi de 6.000 ou mais habitantes. Cenários desfavoráveis foram observados apenas em tamanho até 2.000 habitantes. CONCLUSÃO: A fluoretação se mantem como uma medida de baixo custo per capita e efetiva contra a cárie dentária mesmo com o amplo uso do dentifrício fluoretado. Além disso, é economicamente vantajosa principalmente em áreas mais populosas, tanto na dentição decídua quanto permanente. Como o processo de tomada de decisão no campo das políticas públicas sofre múltiplas influências em torno de diferentes alternativas de políticas, conhecer os fatores relacionados a qualidade da fluoretação, seus custos e sua efetividade é essencial para uma tomada de decisão informada.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze potential factors associated to the quality of fluoridation of public water supply, its cost-effectiveness and cost-effectiveness in different population sizes and age groups in Brazil. METHOD: An economic evaluation study was carried out, in which both resource consumption and health benefits were measured. Initially, an ecological study was carried out to evaluate factors associated with the quality of fluoridation, using Poisson regression. A case study was carried out to analyze the costs of fluoridation, and data referring to the costs of initial installation, chemical product, system operationalization and control of fluoride levels were considered. To analyze the effectiveness of fluoridation, a systematic review was carried out with Brazilian studies comparing the experience of caries in fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas. The economic evaluation was conducted from the perspective of society, cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit were calculated, and direct and indirect costs of procedures that could be avoided were included, with a discount rate of 3.5%. Sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the robustness of the results. RESULTS: The factors associated with the quality of fluoridation were population size of the municipality, compliance with chlorine concentration, per capita income, and type of sanitation company. The annual per capita cost of fluoridation ranged from US$ 7.32 for municipalities with less than 2 thousand inhabitants to US$ 0.14 for municipalities with approximately 520 thousand inhabitants. In systems that serve up to 30 thousand inhabitants, the cost of operation was responsible for most of the expenses, ranging from 98.2 to 84%. In the size of 520 thousand inhabitants, the costs with the chemical product corresponded to 74.7% of the expenses. The mean difference in dmft between fluoridated and nonfluoridated areas was -2.28 (95%CI -3.26; -1.30) for children aged 5 to 8 years and - 1.12 (95%CI -1.93; -0.32) for 3 to 12 years. The mean difference in DMFT was -0.61 (95%CI -0.80; -0.42) and caries prevalence was 1.4 times and 57% lower in primary and permanent dentition, respectively. Avoided costs from fluoridation were US$174.40 and US$85.67 for children aged 5-8 and 3-12 years, respectively, and US$46.66 for children aged 7-12 years. The cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit results were favorable in all scenarios where the population size served was 6,000 or more inhabitants. Unfavorable scenarios were observed only in size up to 2,000 inhabitants. CONCLUSION: Fluoridation remains a low-cost per capita and effective measure against dental caries even with the widespread use of fluoride toothpaste. In addition, it is economically advantageous mainly in more populated areas, both in deciduous and permanent dentition. As the decision-making process in the field of public policies is complex and decision-makers suffer multiple influences around different policy alternatives, knowing the factors related to the quality of fluoridation, its costs and its effectiveness is essential for an informed decision making.

Probing the fluorination effect on the self-assembly characteristics, in vivo fate and antitumor efficacy of paclitaxel prodrug nanoassemblies.

Rationale: Small-molecule prodrug nanoassembly is emerging as an efficient platform for chemotherapy. The self-assembly stability plays a vital role on the drug delivery efficiency of prodrug nanoassembly. It is reported that fluoroalkylation could improve the self-assembly stability of amphiphilic polymers by utilizing the unique fluorination effect. But the application of fluoroalkylation on small-molecule prodrug nanoassembly has never been reported. Methods: Here, fluoro-modified prodrug was developed by conjugating paclitaxel with perfluorooctanol (F8-SS-PTX), and the paclitaxel-octanol prodrug (C8-SS-PTX) was used as control. The fluoro-mediated self-assembly mechanisms were illustrated using molecular dynamics simulation. In addition, the impacts of fluoroalkylation on the pharmacy characters, in vivo fate and antitumor effect of small-molecule prodrug nanoassembly were investigated in details. Results: Fluoroalkylation significantly improved the self-assembly stability of F8-SS-PTX NPs both in vitro and in vivo, which could be attributed to the fluoro-mediated hydrophobic force and halogen bonds. The AUC0-24h and tumor accumulation of F8-SS-PTX NPs was 6-fold and 2-fold higher than that of C8-SS-PTX NPs, respectively. As a result, F8-SS-PTX NPs exhibited much better antitumor effect than C8-SS-PTX NPs and Abraxane. Conclusion: Fluoroalkylation could improve the self-assembly stability, in vivo fate, and antitumor efficacy of small-molecule prodrug nanoassemblies, which could be an effective strategy for the rational design of advanced nanomedicines.

Avaliação da fluoretação da água de abastecimento público da 15ª Regional de Saúde do Paraná / Assessment of public water supply fluoridation of the 15th Regional Health of Paraná

A fluoretação da água é uma estratégia de saúde coletiva fundamentada no ajuste da concentração de fluoreto na água para se obter o máximo benefício anticárie com o mínimo risco de fluorose dentária. Este trabalho teve como objetivos realizar o heterocontrole do fluoreto nas águas de abastecimento público dos 30 municípios que compõem a 15.ª Regional de Saúde do Paraná, conhecer o processo de fluoretação e sensibilizar gestores e profissionais para a importância e vigilância da fluoretação. Aplicou-se um questionário aos coordenadores de saúde bucal de cada município e foram realizadas coletas de água durante três meses. Apesar de 58% das amostras de água apresentarem a melhor faixa de relação benefício/risco do fluoreto de acordo com a classificação proposta pelo CECOL/USP, poucos municípios fazem sistematicamente o monitoramento e a avaliação da concentração de fluoreto nas águas. (AU)

Water fluoridation is a collective health strategy based on adjusting the fluoride concentration in water to obtain the maximum anti-caries benefit with the minimum risk of dental fluorosis. This study aimed to carry out the heterocontrol of flouride in the public water supply of the 30 municipalities that make up the 15th Health Region of Paraná, to understand the fluoridation process and to sensitize managers and professionals to the importance and surveillance of fluoridation. A questionnaire was applied to the oral health coordinators in each municipality and water collections were carried out for three months. Although 58% of the water samples present the best F benefit/risk range for fluoride according to the classification proposed by CECOL/USP, few municipalities systematically monitor and evaluate the flouride concentration in water. (AU)

Urinary Fluoride Levels among Canadians with and without Community Water Fluoridation.

Drinking water is a major source of dietary fluoride intake in communities with water fluoridation. We examined the association between urinary fluoride adjusted for specific gravity (UFSG) and tap water fluoride levels, by age and sex, among individuals living in Canada. Participants included 1629 individuals aged 3 to 79 years from Cycle 3 (2012-2013) of the Canadian Health Measures Survey. We used multiple linear regression to estimate unique associations of tap water fluoride levels, age, sex, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), use of fluoride-containing dental products, smoking in the home, and tea consumption with UFSG. UFSG concentration was significantly higher among participants who received fluoridated drinking water (mean = 1.06 mg/L, standard deviation = 0.83) than among those who did not (M = 0.58 mg/L, SD = 0.47), p < 0.01. UFSG increased over adulthood (ages 19 to 79). Higher UFSG concentration was associated with being female, tea drinking, and smoking in the home. In conclusion, community water fluoridation is a major source of contemporary fluoride exposure for Canadians. Lifestyle factors including tea consumption, as well as demographic variables such as age and sex, also predict urinary fluoride level, and are therefore important factors when interpreting population-based fluoride biomonitoring data.

Effect of fluoridated water on dental caries and fluorosis in schoolchildren who use fluoridated dentifrice

Abstract This cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence and severity of dental caries and fluorosis in children and adolescents using fluoridated toothpaste, from areas with and without fluoridated water. Parents of 5-year-old children and 12-year-old adolescents from neighbourhoods that are supplied with and without fluoridated water answered questionnaires for determining socio-economic and demographic characteristics and habits related to oral health. The individuals were examined, and dental caries and fluorosis were measured by dmft/DMFT and TF indexes, respectively. Descriptive, bivariate and logistic regression analyses were performed (p < 0.05). Of 692 participants, 47.7% were 5-year-olds and 52.3% were 12-year-olds. The mean dmft/DMFT in the 5-year-olds/ 12-year-olds from Exposed and Not Exposed fluoridated water groups was 1.53 (± 2.47) and 3.54 (± 4.10) / 1.53 (± 1.81) and 3.54 (± 3.82), respectively. Children (OR = 2.86, 95% CI = 1.71-4.75) and adolescents (OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.24-3.05), who did not consume fluoridated water, had greater caries experience. Among adolescents, there was an association between fluoridated water and the prevalence of very mild/mild fluorosis (OR = 5.45, 95% CI: 3.23-9.19) and moderate fluorosis (OR = 11.11, 95% CI = 4.43-27.87). Children and adolescents, who consumed fluoridated water, presented lower prevalence and severity of dental caries compared to those who used only fluoridated toothpaste as the source of fluoride. There is an association between water fluoridation and very mild/mild and moderate fluorosis in adolescents.

Resumo Este estudo transversal avaliou a prevalência e severidade de cárie dentária e fluorose em crianças de 5 anos e adolescentes de 12 anos usuários de dentifrício fluoretado, em áreas com e sem água fluoretada. Os responsáveis pelas crianças e adolescentes responderam questionários para determinação de características socioeconômicas e demográficas e hábitos relacionados à saúde. Os indivíduos foram examinados e a cárie e a fluorose foram mensuradas pelos índices ceo-d / CPOD e TF, respectivamente. Foram realizadas análises descritivas, bivariadas e de regressão logística (p <0,05). Dos 692 participantes, 47,7% tinham 5 anos e 52,3% tinham 12 anos. A média de ceod / CPOD em crianças de 5/12 anos dos grupos de exposto e não exposto à água fluoretada foi 1,53 (± 2,47) e 3,54 (± 4,10) / 1,53 (± 1,81) e 3,54 (± 3,82), respectivamente. Crianças (OR = 2,86, IC 95% = 1,71-4,75) e adolescentes (OR = 1,95, IC 95% = 1,24-3,05) que não consumiram água fluoretada tiveram maior experiência de cárie. Entre os adolescentes, houve associação entre a água fluoretada e a prevalência de fluorose muito leve / leve (OR = 5,45, IC 95%: 3,23-9,19) e fluorose moderada (OR = 11,11, IC 95% = 4,43-27,87). Crianças e adolescentes que consumiram água fluoretada apresentaram menor prevalência e severidade de cárie dentária em comparação com aqueles que usaram apenas dentifrício fluoretado como fonte de flúor. Houve uma associação entre a fluoretação da água e fluorose muito leve / leve e moderada em adolescentes.

Fluoreto e inteligência: avaliação crítica de um estudo de coorte prospectivo / Fluoride and intelligence: critical assessment of a prospective cohort study

Introdução: A fluoretação da água é considerada uma estratégia eficaz e segura para a prevenção de cárie dentária. Contudo, com base em um estudo de coorte realizado no Canadá que avaliou a associação entre exposição de gestantes a fluoreto (F) e inteligência (QI) da prole aos 3/4 anos de idade, publicações alarmistas nas redes sociais têm divulgado que o F adicionado à água reduz a inteligência de crianças. Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade da evidência sobre exposição à F e inteligência proporcionada por esse estudo. Apresentar as principais características do estudo seguida de análise crítica da evidência. Síntese dos dados: A concentração de F na água consumida pelas gestantes expostas à água fluoretada foi 4,5 vezes maior do que na água consumida pelas gestantes que viviam em região sem água fluoretada; o escore médio de QI das crianças dos dois grupos foi o mesmo. Houve associação estatisticamente significante entre excreção urinária materna de F e menor QI de meninos. O aumento de 1 mg F/l na ingestão autorrelatada de F materna foi associado a um decréscimo de 3 pontos no QI da prole. A análise crítica identificou risco de viés de seleção e de informação e confundimento residual, com potencial de comprometer a validade dos resultados. Conclusão: O estudo não proporciona evidência robusta sobre exposição ao fluoreto e diminuição da inteligência. Sua conclusão não deve ser extrapolada como suporte científico para propostas de mudanças na fluoretação da água de abastecimento público.

Introduction: Water fluoridation is considered an effective and safe strategy for preventing dental caries. However, based on a cohort study conducted in Canada that evaluated the association between exposure of pregnant women to fluoride (F) and intelligence (IQ) of offspring at 3/4 years of age, alarmist publications on social networks have reported that F added to water reduces children's intelligence. Objective: To evaluate the quality of the evidence regarding exposure to F and intelligence provided by this study. To describe of the study's main characteristics followed by critical appraisal. Synthesis of data: The concentration of F in water consumed by pregnant women exposed to fluoridated tap water was 4.5 times higher than in water consumed by pregnant women not exposed to fluoridated tap water; mean IQ score of the children in the two groups was the same. There was a statistically significant association between maternal urinary excretion of F and lower IQ in boys. The increase of 1 mg F / l in the self-reported intake of maternal F was associated with a decrease of 3 points in the offspring's IQ. We identified the risk of selection and information bias, as well as potential for residual confounding, which might have affected the validity of the results. Conclusion: the study does not provide robust evidence on exposure to fluoride and impaired intelligence. Its conclusion should not be extrapolated as scientific support for proposals for changes in the fluoridation of public water supply.

Cost-benefit analysis of drinking water fluoridation in 12-year-old children in the Biobío region, Chile / Análisis costo-ceneficio de la fluoración del agua potable en niños de12 años de la región del Biobío, Chile

Fluoridation has been shown to be an effective measure against caries in children. The present study evaluates the cost-benefit of the fluoridated water program for the reduction of dental caries in 12-year-old children in the Biobío Region, the only region in Chile that has not implemented this program. An economic cost-benefit evaluation was carried out, comparing two alternative interventions: non-fluoridated drinking water versus fluoridated drinking water. The prevalence of caries, direct and indirect costs of the treatments, the cost of implementing the programs and the benefits of both interventions were estimated. From this study it is concluded that the savings in oral health costs in 12-year-old children when using fluoridating drinking water in the Biobío region is significantly higher than the cost involved in implementing the water fluoridation program, resulting in total savings for the Chilean state of $129,861,645 (USD$ 152,833) as well as an estimated reduction of 15% in the history of caries in the study population.

Se ha demostrado que la fluoración es una medida efectiva contra disminución de la caries en la población infantil. La presente investigación buscó evaluar cual es el costo-beneficio del programa del agua fluorada para la disminución de caries dental en niños de 12 años de la Región del Biobío, única región de Chile que no adhiere a este programa. Se realizó una evaluación económica de costo-beneficio, comparando dos intervenciones alternativas: agua potable no fluorada versus agua potable fluorada. Para tal fin se estimó la prevalencia de caries, costos directos e indirectos de los tratamientos, el costo de implementación de los programas y el beneficio de ambas intervenciones. De este estudio se concluye que el ahorro en costos de salud bucal en niños de 12 años al fluorar el agua potable en la región del Biobío, es significativamente mayor al costo que implica la implementación del programa de fluoración de aguas, lográndose un ahorro total para el Estado de $129.861.645 (USD $152.833) así como una estimación de reducción del 15% en la historia de caries en la población de estudio.

Implantação da Política Nacional de Saúde Bucal e sua influência sobre a morbidade bucal em capitais brasileiras na primeira década do século XXI / Implementation of the Brazilian National Oral Health Policy and its influence on oral health conditions in Brazilian state capitals in the first decade of the 21st century / Implantación de la Política Nacional de Salud Bucal y su influencia sobre la morbilidad bucal en capitales brasileñas durante la primera década del siglo XXI

Objetivou-se analisar estratégias de implantação da Política Nacional de Saúde Bucal (PNSB) e sua possível influência sobre a morbidade bucal em capitais do Brasil na primeira década do século XXI. Trata-se de um estudo de avaliação de políticas. Os dados de morbidade bucal foram obtidos nos bancos das Pesquisas Nacionais de Saúde Bucal em 2003 e 2010 (SBBrasil 2003 e SBBrasil 2010), sendo calculada a modificação percentual anual de variáveis relativas às condições de saúde bucal como variáveis dependentes para as capitais brasileiras. A PNSB foi investigada relativamente às suas bases conceituais: modelo de atenção em saúde bucal, organização da oferta de serviços de saúde bucal, implementação de estratégias de promoção da saúde bucal e existência de fluoretação nas águas de abastecimento público. Para isso, foram utilizados dados dos sistemas de informação em saúde nacionais e aplicação de questionário face a face com coordenadores de saúde bucal de 13 capitais selecionadas. As análises foram controladas e ajustadas pelas condições socioeconômicas da população investigada. Observou-se uma associação entre as características de promoção de saúde bucal, da oferta de serviços e do modelo de atenção, o que representa que a dinâmica dos serviços públicos é dependente das prioridades de gestão e da condução da política. Conclui-se que a PNSB é implementada de forma diferente nas capitais brasileiras e o modo de condução de suas diretrizes, em cada capital, favorece ou não o desenvolvimento de melhores práticas e estratégias na atenção à saúde bucal. Contudo, a influência da PNSB sobre a modificação nos indicadores de saúde bucal entre 2003 e 2010 ainda é pouco clara.

The study aimed to analyze strategies for the implementation of the Brazilian National Oral Health Policy (PNSB) and its influence on oral health conditions in state capitals in the first decade of the 21st century. This is a policy assessment study. Data on oral health conditions were obtained from the databases of the Brazilian National Oral Health Surveys in 2003 and 2010 (SBBrasil 2003 and SBBrasil 2010), calculating the annual percent change in variables pertaining to oral health conditions as dependent variables for Brazilian state capitals. The PNSB was analyzed according to its conceptual foundations: oral healthcare model, organization of the supply of oral health services, implementation of oral health promotion strategies, and existence of fluoridation of the public water supply. Data were obtained from the national health databases and face-to-face interviews with oral health coordinators in 13 state capitals. The analyses were controlled and adjusted by the target population's socioeconomic conditions. An association was observed between the characteristics of oral health promotion, services supply, and model of care, indicating that the public services' dynamic is dependent on the management priorities and the policy's conduction. In conclusion, the PNSB is implemented differently in Brazil's state capitals according to the ways its guidelines are conducted in each capital and whether it favors best practices and strategies in oral healthcare. However, the influence of the PNSB is still not clear on the modification of oral health indicators from 2003 to 2010.

El objetivo fue analizar estrategias de implantación de la Política Nacional de Salud Bucal (PNSB) y su posible influencia sobre la morbilidad bucal en capitales de Brasil, durante la primera década del siglo XXI. Se trata de un estudio de evaluación de políticas. Los datos de morbilidad bucal se obtuvieron en los bancos de datos de las Encuestas Nacionales de Salud Bucal en 2003 y 2010 (SBBrasil 2003 y SBBrasil 2010), calculándose la modificación del porcentaje anual de variables relacionadas con las condiciones de salud bucal, como variables dependientes para las capitales brasileñas. Se investigó la PNSB respecto a sus bases conceptuales: modelo de atención en salud bucal, organización de la oferta de servicios de salud bucal, implementación de estrategias de promoción de la salud bucal y existencia de fluoración en las aguas de abastecimiento público. Para eso, se utilizaron datos de los sistemas de información en salud nacionales y la aplicación de un cuestionario cara a cara con coordinadores de salud bucal de 13 capitales seleccionadas. Se controlaron los análisis y se ajustaron por las condiciones socioeconómicas de la población investigada. Se observó una asociación entre las características de promoción de salud bucal, oferta de servicios y modelo de atención, lo que indica que la dinámica de los servicios públicos es dependiente de las prioridades de gestión, así como de su dirección de la política. Se concluye que la PNSB se implementa de forma diferente en las capitales brasileñas, y la forma en la que se implementan sus directrices, en cada capital, favorece o no el desarrollo de mejores prácticas y estrategias de atención en salud bucal. No obstante, la influencia de la PNSB sobre la modificación de los indicadores en salud bucal entre 2003 y 2010 todavía es poco clara.

Cárie dentária aos 12 anos: determinantes sociais e a importância da fluoretação para a equidade em saúde / Dental caries at age 12: social determinants and importance of water fluoridation for health equity

A fluoretação das águas de abastecimento público é uma medida de saúde pública para prevenção de cárie cientificamente consagrada, mas conforme outros métodos de uso tópico do flúor se disseminaram, surgiram hipóteses questionando a necessidade de sua continuidade. O objetivo neste estudo foi analisar a prevalência de cárie em escolares de 12 anos da cidade de Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brasil, no ano de 2019, comparando-se grupos de jovens de "escolas centrais" e "escolas periféricas", bem como entre os nascidos e não nascidos no município, que fluoreta regularmente suas águas. Trata-se de um estudo observacional, analítico, transversal, e de caso-controle, realizado em jovens de 12 anos do município de Araçatuba, que desde 1972 fluoreta ininterruptamente suas águas. Os critérios de inclusão foram: pelo menos 20 dentes na cavidade bucal; idade de 12 anos; estarem regularmente matriculados em escolas públicas do município; ausência de condições físicas que impossibilitassem o exame. Foram excluídos os indivíduos com síndromes e má formações congênitas, deficiências psicológicas, traumas faciais, e cujos responsáveis não assinaram o termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido. O estudo foi realizado por equipes compostas por examinadores, anotadores e monitores previamente treinados e calibrados, utilizando-se o índice CPOD para avaliação da cárie dentária. O processo de calibração foi realizado seguindo as etapas: apropriação dos fundamentos teóricos; compreensão dos critérios e códigos; aplicação dos critérios em situações reais; e cálculo dos erros intra e interexaminadores, coeficiente Kappa, cujo grau de concordância interexaminadores foi de 0,92. Os exames foram realizados nas próprias escolas, sob luz natural, em local bem iluminado e ventilado. A primeira etapa desta pesquisa consistiu em um estudo observacional, transversal, analítico, realizado com 454 adolescentes. Do total, 237 (52,20%) estudantes eram livres de experiência de cárie. O CPOD médio foi de 1,08±1,47, sendo encontrados os valores mínimos de 0 e máximo de 9. A média do índice CPOD foi significativamente maior (p-valor= 0,0424) nos estudantes do grupo "Escolas periféricas" (1,25±1,59) em comparação ao grupo "Escolas centrais" (0,96±1,38). Na segunda etapa desta pesquisa realizou-se um estudo de caso-controle com 164 adolescentes, divididos em 2 grupos: grupo controle com CPOD=0 (n=82); e grupo caso, com CPOD maior que 0 (n=82). O fato de não ter nascido e vivido sempre no município de Araçatuba foi considerado o fator de exposição para ocorrência da doença. A comparação entre os grupos caso e controle mostrou associação significante (p-valor= 0,0010) entre o fator de exposição e o CPOD maior que 0, com odds ratio de 3,0134 (IC 95%: 1,5944 - 5,6953). As médias do índice CPOD (nãoexpostos: 0,44±0,67; expostos: 1,31±1,32), do componente dentes cariados (nãoexpostos: 0,12±0,34; expostos: 0,49±0,89) e do componente dentes obturados (nãoexpostos: 0,40±0,73; expostos: 0,83±1,05) foram significativamente maiores (p< 0,05) nos indivíduos nascidos em outros municípios em comparação aos nascidos em Araçatuba. O CPOD médio dos jovens de 12 anos foi considerado muito baixo. Os jovens que frequentavam escolas periféricas apresentaram maior CPOD médio em relação aos das escolas centrais; houve associação entre nascer na localidade que fluoreta regularmente suas águas e menor experiência de cárie(AU)

The fluoridation of public water supply is a public health measure for the prevention of scientifically established caries, but as other methods of topical use of fluoride have spread, hypotheses have arisen questioning the need for its continuity. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of caries in 12-year-old schoolchildren in the city of Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil, in 2019, comparing groups of young people from "central schools" and "peripheral schools", as well as between those born and unborn in the municipality, who regularly fluoride their waters. This is an observational, analytical, cross-sectional, and case-control study, carried out on 12-year-olds from the municipality of Araçatuba, who since 1972 have fluorinated their waters continuously. Inclusion criteria were: at least 20 teeth in the oral cavity; age of 12 years; being regularly enrolled in public schools in the municipality; absence of physical conditions that would make the exam impossible. Individuals with congenital syndromes and malformations, psychological disabilities, facial traumas, and whose parents did not sign the informed consent form were excluded. The study was carried out by teams composed of examiners, note takers and monitors previously trained and calibrated, using the DMFT index to assess dental caries. The calibration process was carried out in the following steps: appropriation of theoretical foundations; understanding of criteria and codes; application of the criteria in real situations; and calculation of intra- and inter-examiner errors, Kappa coefficient, whose degree of inter-examiner agreement was 0.92. The examinations were carried out in the schools themselves, under natural light, in a well-lit and ventilated place. The first stage of this research consisted of an observational, transversal, analytical study, carried out with 454 adolescents. Of the total, 237 (52.20%) students were free from caries experience. The average DMFT was 1.08 ± 1.47, with a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 9. The average DMFT index was significantly higher (p-value = 0.0424) in students in the "Peripheral schools" group. (1.25 ± 1.59) compared to the "Central Schools" group (0.96 ± 1.38). In the second stage of this research, a case-control study was carried out with 164 adolescents, divided into 2 groups: control group with DMFT = 0 (n = 82); and case group, with DMFT greater than 0 (n = 82). The fact that the student was not born and always lived in the city of Araçatuba was considered the exposure factor for the occurrence of the disease. The comparison between the case and control groups showed a significant association (p-value = 0.0010) between the exposure factor and the DMFT greater than 0, with an odds ratio of 3.0134 (95% CI: 1.5944 ­ 5.6953). The average of the DMFT index (control: 0.44 ± 0.67; case: 1.31 ± 1.32), of the decayed teeth component (control: 0.12 ± 0.34; case: 0.49 ± 0,89) and the filling teeth component (control: 0.40 ± 0.73; case: 0.83 ± 1.05) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the control group compared to the case group. The average DMFT for 12-year-olds was considered to be very low. Young people who attended peripheral schools had a higher average DMFT than those in central schools; there was an association between being born in the locality that regularly fluorides its waters and less experience of caries(AU)

Sedentary behavior, unhealthy food consumption and dental caries in 12-year-old schoolchildren: a population-based study

Abstract: This study analyzed the association between sedentary behavior (SB), unhealthy food consumption, and dental caries amongst 12-year-old schoolchildren. An epidemiological survey was carried out in the five largest cities (> 80,000 inhabitants) of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Data were collected on decayed, missing and filled teeth index (DMFT), sociodemographic characteristics, SB, unhealthy food consumption, and water fluoridation status. The analysis was based on the theoretical framework established by J Sisson. Structural equation models were performed to test the association of dental caries experience with sociodemographic, contextual, and behavioral factors. The mean DMFT index in the five cities was 1.02 (95%CI: 0.39-1.66). Higher sedentary behavior (more than 2 hours/day) [standardized coefficient (SC) = 0.21 95%CI: 0.07-0.39] and higher unhealthy food consumption (more than 4 times/week) [SC = 0.23 (0.10-0.45)] were associated with higher DMFT index than their counterparts. Also, cities with fluoridated water were associated with lower DMFT index [SC = −0.85 (-1.20--0.50)]. Families who had a per capita income above the poverty line had a direct association with unhealthy food consumption [SC = −0.24 (-0.38--0.11)]. Unhealthy food consumption mediated the association of sedentary behavior on DMFT index [SC=0.07 (0.02-0.13)]. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the findings. Sedentary behavior mediated by unhealthy food consumption had a significant association with dental caries experience. Public policies must address transdisciplinary actions to reduce sedentary behavior and unhealthy food consumption and promote water fluoridation.

The Association between Community Water Fluoridation and Bone Diseases: A Natural Experiment in Cheongju, Korea.

The present study aimed to investigate the association between bone diseases and community water fluoridation (CWF). An ecological study with a natural experiment design was conducted in Cheongju, South Korea, from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2013. The community water fluoridation program was implemented in Cheongju and divided into CWF and non-CWF areas. To observe adverse health effects related to bone diseases, we conducted a spatio-temporal analysis of the prevalence of hip fracture, osteoporosis, and bone cancer in residents who have lived in CWF and non-CWF areas using National Health Insurance Service data. First, we used standardized incidence ratios to estimate the disease risk. Second, the hierarchical Bayesian Poisson spatio-temporal regression model was used to investigate the association between the selected bone diseases and CWF considering space and time interaction. The method for Bayesian estimation was based on the R-integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA). Comparing the CWF area with the non-CWF area, there was no clear evidence that exposure to CWF increased health risks at the town level in Cheongju since CWF was terminated after 2004. The posterior relative risks (RR) of hip fracture was 0.95 (95% confidence intervals 0.87, 1.05) and osteoporosis was 0.94 (0.87, 1.02). The RR in bone cancer was a little high because the sample size very small compared to the other bone diseases (RR = 1.20 (0.89, 1.61)). The relative risk of selected bone diseases (hip fractures, osteoporosis, and bone cancer) increased over time but did not increase in the CWF area compared to non-CWF areas. CWF has been used to reduce dental caries in all population groups and is known for its cost-effectiveness. These findings suggest that CWF is not associated with adverse health risks related to bone diseases. This study provides scientific evidence based on a natural experiment design. It is necessary to continue research on the well-designed epidemiological studies and develop public health prevention programs to help in make suitable polices.

Role of lead in dental diseases.

Lead (Pb) is ubiquitous in our environment and causes many pathophysiological health effects, including dental diseases. Dental Pb levels are considered good biological indicators of environmental and occupational Pb exposure. Pb in blood and saliva causes imbalances in the growth of oral microflora. The pH of saliva decreases, interferes with and interacts with bone-seeking elements, changes oral inflammatory parameters, generates reactive oxygen species, causes oxidative damage, and delays the mineralization process, leading to dental diseases. Pb's dental diseases include periodontitis, enamel lesions and defects, fluorosis, Burton's line, and tooth loss. Environmental and physiological factors, including age, gender, tooth type and position, pregnancy and lactation, eating and drinking habits, smoking habits, and exposures from Pb-contaminated residential and occupational areas, affect the distribution of Pb in blood, bone, and saliva, which contributes to dental diseases. However, living and working in Pb free areas can prevent environmental and occupational Pb exposure. Healthy lifestyles and eating habits, prohibiting smoking and alcohol drinking, further help prevent Pb exposure. Also, the fluoridation of water, salt, and milk provide nutritional supplements of trace elements, which can help prevent teeth from absorbing Pb from the environment, thereby reducing the risk of dental diseases.

Caries prevalence among 18 years old, an epidemiological survey in Israel.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of evidence on caries prevalence among 18 years old Israeli young adults with only a scarce evidence regarding this index age group. In the last few years dental care policy in Israel underwent substantial changes and a major reform in dental services was led by the Israeli Ministry of Health, including coverage of dental care for children by the state. In addition, a cessation of community water fluoridation was in a debate. The objective of the current study was to describe prevalence of caries among 18 years old Israeli young adults and to evaluate possible associations with personal and demographic variables. METHODS: The study was a cross sectional clustered survey. Participants were recruited to the study at their first day of military service. Participants completed a questionnaire for personal and demographic data, including: age, country of birth, education, and current smoking status. Then participants underwent clinical evaluation included DMFT and caries free rates. No radiographic evaluation was included in the current study. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis were performed. RESULTS: A total of 702 participants were included in the study, 58.4% were males. Their mean age was 19.03 ± 0.65 years, 91.3% of the participants were born in Israel. Mean DMFT was 1.95 ± 2.67, and 46.7% (n = 328) were caries free. Higher DMFT score was significantly associated with participant's parents' education, country of birth, and smoking status. Lower caries free rates were significantly associated with participant's parents' education, and smoking status. After linear regression for total DMFT, all variables were significant predictors to higher DMFT, except father's education, while logistic regression for caries free, only mother's education was found to be a significant predictor. CONCLUSIONS: The current study presents encouraging low DMFT levels. Participants in this study were not included in the dental care services reform, and did enjoy the benefits of water fluoridation, enabling the results to play an important baseline data for future reference. Additionally, results should be considered when planning intervention programs for at risk groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier No. NCT02958891 , November 8th, 2016) and was approved by the IDF Institutional Review Board (#1524-2015).