In-vitro evaluation of the anti-cariogenic effect of a hybrid coating associated with encapsulated sodium fluoride and stannous chloride in nanoclays on enamel

Abstract Objective The aim of this study is to test, in vitro, the anti-cariogenic effect of experimental hybrid coatings, with nano clays of halloysite or bentonite, loaded with sodium fluoride or with a combination of sodium fluoride and stannous chloride, respectively. Methodology The varnish Fluor Protector (1,000 ppm of F-) was used as positive control and no treatment was the negative control. Enamel specimens (5 mm × 5 mm) were obtained from bovine teeth. The specimens (n=10) had their surfaces divided into two halves (5 mm × 2.5 mm each), in which one half received one of the treatments (Hybrid; Hybrid + NaF; Hybrid + NaF + SnCl2; Hybrid + NaF Loaded; Hybrid + NaF + SnCl2 Loaded). The specimens were submitted to a cariogenic challenge using a biofilm model (S. mutans UA159, for 5 days). Enamel surfaces both under and adjacent to the treated area were analyzed for mineral loss and lesion depth, by transverse microradiography. The pH of the medium was measured twice a day, and the fluoride release was analyzed. Additional specimens were submitted to confocal analysis. Results Data were statistically analyzed by two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test (α=0.05). None of hybrid groups were able to reduce the lesion depth; the Hybrid + NaF group, however, was able to reduce mineral loss differing from the negative control (p=0.008). The groups showed no significant difference in the pH measurement and fluoride release. Confocal analysis confirmed that for all groups the biofilm growth was similar. Conclusion None of the hybrid groups reduced lesion depth, but the Hybrid + NaF group was able to promote protection against mineral loss.

Evaluation of the impact of pain from dental urgencies on the patients' oral health- related quality of life: a cross- sectional study

Background. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the impact of pain from dental urgencies on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Methods. A sample of sixty-eight patients seeking urgent attention to a primary health unit were included. Clinical diagnosis and sociodemographic data were assessed, dental pain measured by visual analog scale (VAS) and numerical pain rating scale (NPRS). The Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) instrument was used to measure the OHRQoL. Associations were analyzed using the Student t-test, except for types of urgencies, that were evaluated with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. Results. The most prevalent urgency type was of endodontic origin (81%). There was no difference between pain and other variables. The type of tooth showed significant differences in OHIP-14 scores. Conclusion. Dental urgencies were associated with a high level of pain and impacted negatively on the patients' OHRQoL. The type of tooth had a positive association the OHRQoL measures.

Use of electromagnetic stimulation on an Enterococcus faecalis biofilm on root canal treated teeth in vitro.

Root canal disinfection is of utmost importance in the success of the treatment, thus, a novel method for achieving root canal disinfection by electromagnetic waves, creating a synergistic reaction via electric and thermal energy, was created. To study electromagnetic stimulation (EMS) for the disinfection of root canal in vitro, single rooted teeth were instrumented with a 45.05 Wave One Gold reciprocating file. Specimens were sterilized and inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29,212, which grew for 15 days to form an established biofilm. Samples were treated with 6% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 1.5% NaOCl 1.5% NaOCl with EMS, 0.9% saline with EMS or 0.9% saline. After treatments, the colony forming units (CFU) was determined. Data was analyzed by Wilcoxon Rank Sums Test (α = 0.05). One sample per group was scored and split for confocal laser scanning microscopy imaging. There was a significant effect with the use of NaOCl with or without EMS versus 0.9% saline with or without EMS (p = 0.012 and 0.003, respectively). CFUs were lower when using 0.9% saline with EMS versus 0.9% saline alone (p = 0.002). Confocal imaging confirmed CFU findings. EMS with saline has an antibiofilm effect against E. faecalis and can potentially be applied for endodontic disinfection.

Multiparameter Optimization of Trypanocidal Cruzain Inhibitors With In Vivo Activity and Favorable Pharmacokinetics.

Cruzain, the main cysteine protease of Trypanosoma cruzi, plays key roles in all stages of the parasite's life cycle, including nutrition acquisition, differentiation, evasion of the host immune system, and invasion of host cells. Thus, inhibition of this validated target may lead to the development of novel drugs for the treatment of Chagas disease. In this study, a multiparameter optimization (MPO) approach, molecular modeling, and structure-activity relationships (SARs) were employed for the identification of new benzimidazole derivatives as potent competitive inhibitors of cruzain with trypanocidal activity and suitable pharmacokinetics. Extensive pharmacokinetic studies enabled the identification of metabolically stable and permeable compounds with high selectivity indices. CYP3A4 was found to be involved in the main metabolic pathway, and the identification of metabolic soft spots provided insights into molecular optimization. Compound 28, which showed a promising trade-off between pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, caused no acute toxicity and reduced parasite burden both in vitro and in vivo.

Comprehensive biomedical applications of low temperature plasmas.

The main component of plasma medicine is the use of low-temperature plasma (LTP) as a powerful tool for biomedical applications. LTP generates high reactivity at low temperatures and can be activated with noble gases with molecular mixtures or compressed air. LTP reactive species are quickly produced, and are a remarkably good source of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species including singlet oxygen (O2), ozone (O3), hydroxyl radicals (OH), nitrous oxide (NO), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Its low gas temperature and highly reactive non-equilibrium chemistry make it appropriate for the alteration of inorganic surfaces and delicate biological systems. Treatment of oral biofilm-related infections, treatment of wounds and skin diseases, assistance in cancer treatment, treatment of viruses' infections (e.g. herpes simplex), and optimization of implants surfaces are included among the extensive plasma medicine applications. Each of these applications will be discussed in this review article.

Hit-to-lead optimization of a benzene sulfonamide series for potential antileishmanial agents.

A series of benzene sulphonamides with good potency and selectivity against Leishmania spp. intracellular amastigotes was identified by high-throughput screening. Approximately 200 compounds were synthesized as part of a hit-to-lead optimization program. The potency of the series appears to be strongly dependent on lipophilicity, making the identification of suitable orally available candidates challenging due to poor pharmacokinetics. Despite not identifying a clinical candidate, a likely solvent exposed area was found, best exemplified in compound 29. Ongoing detailed mode-of-action studies may provide an opportunity to use target-based medicinal chemistry to overcome the issues with the current series.

Efeito da aplicação de plasma não-térmico atmosférico no reparo de cerâmicas CAD/CAM de matriz resinosa com resina composta / Effect of non-thermal atmospheric plasma application on the resin composite repair of resin matrix CAD/CAM ceramics

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do plasma atmosférico não-térmico (PANT), sozinho ou associado ao jateamento ou adesivo, e do tempo de armazenamento em água na resistência de união por cisalhamento (RUC) do reparo de cerâmicas CAD/CAM de matriz resinosa (CMR) com resina composta. Amostras de 14x7x1mm de três CMRs, Enamic (VITA Zahnfabrik), Cerasmart (GC Corp.) e Lava Ultimate (3M Oral Care), foram obtidas e submetidas ao envelhecimento artificial (EQ-UV, Equilam) por 300 horas. Os seguintes tratamentos de superfície foram realizados: (1- Controle) jateamento + silano + adesivo; (2) PANT; (3) PANT + adesivo; (4) jateamento + PANT. Cilindros de resina composta (Spectra Smart, Dentsply Sirona, 1,5 mm diâmetro e altura) foram aderidos às superfícies tratadas e a RUC foi avaliada em uma máquina de ensaio universal (EZ Test, Shimadzu) após 24 horas ou 1 ano de imersão em água, a 37oC (n=10). No geral, o tratamento controle obteve os melhores resultados de RUC, comparado aos grupos tratados com PANT. Houve redução da RUC após 1 ano de imersão em água para a maioria dos grupos, entre eles para o controle do Enamic e Lava Ultimate, enquanto Cerasmart não mostrou redução. O tratamento com PANT, sozinho ou associado a outro tratamento, não foi capaz de aumentar a RUC do reparo das CMRs com resina composta. O tratamento controle parece ser o melhor método de reparo das CMRs, principalmente considerando-se a longevidade do tratamento.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of nonthermal atmospheric plasma (NTAP), alone or combined with sandblasting or adhesive, and water-storage time on the shear bond strength (SBS) of resin composite repair of resin matrix ceramics (RMC). Samples (14x7x1mm) of three RMCs, Enamic (VITA Zahnfabrik), Cerasmart (GC Corp.), and Lava Ultimate (3M Oral Care), were prepared and submitted to artificial aging (EQ-UV, Equilam) for 300 h. The following surface treatments were performed: (1- Control) sandblasting + silane + adhesive; (2) NTAP; (3) NTAP + adhesive; (4) sandblasting + NTAP. Resin composite cylinders (Spectra Smart, Dentsply Sirona, 1,5 mm diameter and height) were bonded to the treated surfaces and the SBS was evaluated in a universal testing machine (EZ Test, Shimadzu) after 24 h or 1 year of water storage, at 37oC (n=10). In general, the control treatment obtained the best SBS results, compared to groups treated with NTAP. There was a decrease in SBS after 1 year of water immersion for most groups, including the control treatment for Enamic and Lava Ultimate, while Cerasmart presented no reduction. The treatment with NTAP alone or combined with another treatment, was not capable of increasing the SBS of resin composite repair to RMCs. Control treatment seems to be the best method for repairing CMRs, mainly considering the treatment longevity.

Comparative Effect of Two Red Lights on Streptococcus mutans Biofilms and Assessment of Temperature Variances in Human Teeth During In Vitro Photodynamic Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.

Objective: The goals of this investigation were to compare the effect of photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) with two different red lights on in vitro Streptococcus mutans biofilms, as well as to assess the temperature variances caused by PACT on human teeth. Methods: S. mutans biofilms (n = 3) were grown on hydroxyapatite disks, and the antimicrobial effect of PACT was evaluated using toluidine blue O (100 µg/mL) associated with Laserbeam® (LB 56.6 J/cm2) and LumaCare™ (LC -56.6, 158.5, 317.0, and 475.6 J/cm2). Pulpal temperature variances were analyzed using a digital thermocouple placed into the pulp chamber and positioned at the cement-enamel junction level of five teeth samples during irradiation times of 300, 600, and 900 sec for LB, and 22, 60, 120, and 180 sec for LC. The mean average temperature variance was calculated for each group. All data were analyzed through analysis of variance. Results: LB (900 sec) and LC (22 sec) induced similar reductions in the viability of microorganisms. LB did not cause statistically significant increase of temperature, regardless of experimental time, and LC caused temperature increase within the safe spectrum up to 60 sec. Conclusions: PACT seems to be a minimal invasive approach for reducing the viability of cariogenic bacteria. Thus, when applied in vitro for times equal or inferior to 900 and 60 sec for LB and LC, respectively, these light sources might be considered harmless to tooth structures.

Condenações de carcaças bovinas por abscessos e contaminações em um abatedouro-frigorífico de Mato Grosso / Condemnation of bovine carcasses for abscess and contamination in an slaughterhouse - fridge of Mato Grosso

O Brasil no primeiro semestre de 2016 exportou 571,5 mil toneladas de produtos cárneos. O Centro-Oeste tem papel importante nessa expansão, sendo a criação pecuária na região favorecida pela proximidade de centros produtores de grãos e à pouca distância de abatedouros-frigoríficos. As questões sanitárias são de grande importância no âmbito comercial para produtos de origem animal, e é crescente a preocupação de que estas devam se tornar barreiras para alguns criadores que não conseguem atingir qualidade nos seus produtos. Dessa forma, analisou-se 788.885 bovinos abatidos e contabilizou-se as condenações por abscessos e contaminações. Os resultados apontam 0,717% no ano de 2015, 1,051% em 2016 e 2,016% em 2017 de condenações por contaminações e 0,089% no ano de 2015, 0,081% em 2016 e 0,068% em 2017, por abscessos. Através dos achados pode-se concluir que contaminações e abscessos são causas frequentes de condenações, acarretam em prejuízo financeiro e alteram a qualidade da carne.

Ocorrência de contusões em bovinos de um abatedouro-frigorifico de Mato Grosso / Bruise occurrence in cattle of a slaughterhouse of Mato Grosso

Atualmente os consumidores buscam cada vez mais alimentos seguros, de qualidade e produzidos de forma sustentável, dessa forma os produtores e empresas tentam ao máximo atender essas buscas, melhorando o manejo da propriedade ao frigorifico, trazendo cada vez mais o ideal de bem-estar animal. O bem-estar animal tem como objetivo evitar o sofrimento desnecessário dos animais nas etapas que antecedem o abate, ainda que com sua implementação, ainda há muitas perdas econômica e qualitativa das carcaças devido à presença de contusões. As contusões podem ocorrer pelas mais diversas causas, de manejo inadequado até rodovias precárias. Diante do exposto, considerando a importância das contusões para a qualidade das carcaças, o presente trabalho foi realizado em um abatedouro-frigorífico de bovinos sob Serviço de Inspeção Federal localizado em Mato Grosso, e teve como objetivo quantificar as carcaças com contusões, além de apontar o tipo de contusão e a região anatômica acometida. De um total de 4579 animais avaliados, 2829 (61,78%) apresentaram algum tipo de contusão, desde as pequenas e superficiais até as maiores e profundas. Em relação ao grau das contusões, a que teve maior ocorrência foi a de grau I (59,31%), seguida pelo grau II (37,39%) e grau III (3,28%). Quanto à localização anatômica, houve um predomínio de contusões na região do traseiro, seguido pelo gradil costal (PA), lombo e dianteiro. Portanto, observamos a necessidade da atualização dos conceitos de bem-estar dentro de toda a cadeia produtiva, além de treinamento de funcionários em relação ao manejo pré-abate, visando não comprometer o animal e a qualidade da carne.

Low-temperature plasma on peri-implant-related biofilm and gingival tissue.

BACKGROUND: Evaluate the effect of low-temperature plasma (LTP) on an anaerobic biofilm and on the biological response of an in vitro reconstituted gingival epithelium tissue. METHODS: Porphyromonas gingivalis W83 biofilm was cultured on titanium discs and reconstituted gingival tissues were submitted to similar treatment conditions. TREATMENTS: LTP1-plasma treatment for 1 minute, LTP3-plasma treatment for 3 minute, CHX-0.2% chlorhexidine for 1 minute, GAS-gas only (no plasma) for 3 minute, and NEGATIVE-no treatment. TRITON group was included as a positive control for tissue analysis. Counting of viable colony forming units (CFU/mL) and confocal laser scanning microscopy were performed to evaluate LTP's antimicrobial effect. EpiGingival tissue was evaluated through cytotoxocity, viability, histology, and imunnohistochemistry (Ki67, vascular endothelial growth factor-A vascular endothelial growth factor A [VEGF-A], and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dutp nick end labeling [TUNEL] expression). RESULTS: LTP1 and LTP3 presented significantly different reduced CFU/mL reduction in comparison to the negative control (Ρ < 0.001), but it was not as effective as the positive control (CHX). Low cytotoxicity and high viability were observed in gingival epithelium of NEGATIVE, GAS, CHX, and both LTP groups. The morphologic analysis of gingival epithelium revealed minor cell damage in the plasma groups (score 1). LTP1, LTP3, GAS, and NEGATIVE groups exhibited less than 5% of basal layer positive cells. LTP1, LTP3, GAS, and CHX groups were not positive for TUNEL assay. LTP1 and LTP3 showed the most positivity for VEGF. CONCLUSIONS: LTP treatment can be considered as an effective method for reducing P. gingivalis biofilm on implant surfaces, while being safe for the gingival epithelium. Furthermore, plasma treatment may be associated with cell repair.

Effect of Photodynamic Antimicrobial Chemotherapy on Mono- and Multi-Species Cariogenic Biofilms: A Literature Review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this literature review is to study the effect of photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) on mono- and multi-species cariogenic biofilms. METHODS: To this purpose, the database, PubMed, was searched using the descriptors, photodynamic therapy, antimicrobial photodynamic chemotherapy, and photoinactivation, associated with the mandatory presence of the word biofilm. A total of 98 references published from 2003 to 2016 were selected. Moreover, literature reviews (15), investigations that did not have biofilms related to dental caries (65), and those that did not have Streptococcus mutans count as an outcome (7) were excluded, yielding a final amount of 11 publications. RESULTS: The results revealed that Toluidine Blue O was the most used photosensitizer. Among the sources of light, light-emitting diode was the choice, and the biofilm models varied between in vitro and in situ. Multi-species biofilms were more resistant to the antimicrobial effects of PACT due to the thickness and complexity they have, which impede the penetration of the photosensitizer. This fact may also be associated with the type of photosensitizer used as well as with the light exposure time since the antimicrobial effect seems to be dose dependent. Despite this, in all the included publications, the therapy was effective in reducing S. mutans count. CONCLUSIONS: This review demonstrated that under different conditions, PACT is effective in reducing S. mutans count in monospecies biofilms. Multi-species biofilms were more resistant to the antimicrobial action of the therapy, possibly due to their thickness and complexity.

Effect of Atmospheric-Pressure Cold Plasma on Pathogenic Oral Biofilms and In Vitro Reconstituted Oral Epithelium.

Considering the ability of atmospheric-pressure cold plasma (ACP) to disrupt the biofilm matrix and rupture cell structure, it can be an efficient tool against virulent oral biofilms. However, it is fundamental that ACP does not cause damage to oral tissue. So, this study evaluated (1) the antimicrobial effect of ACP on single- and dual-species biofilms of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus as well as (2) the biological safety of ACP on in vitro reconstituted oral epithelium. Standardized cell suspensions of each microorganism were prepared for biofilm culture on acrylic resin discs at 37°C for 48 hours. The biofilms were submitted to ACP treatment at 10 mm of plasma tip-to-sample distance during 60 seconds. Positive controls were penicillin G and fluconazole for S. aureus and C. albicans, respectively. The biofilms were analyzed through counting of viable colonies, confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy for detection of reactive oxygen species. The in vitro reconstituted oral epithelium was submitted to similar ACP treatment and analyzed through histology, cytotoxocity test (LDH release), viability test (MTT assay) and imunnohistochemistry (Ki67 expression). All plasma-treated biofilms presented significant log10 CFU/mL reduction, alteration in microorganism/biofilm morphology, and reduced viability in comparison to negative and positive controls. In addition, fluorescence microscopy revealed presence of reactive oxygen species in all plasma-treated biofilms. Low cytotoxicity and high viability were observed in oral epithelium of negative control and plasma group. Histology showed neither sign of necrosis nor significant alteration in plasma-treated epithelium. Ki67-positive cells revealed maintenance of cell proliferation in plasma-treated epithelium. Atmospheric-pressure cold plasma is a promissing approach to eliminate single- and dual-species biofilms of C. albicans and S. aureus without having toxic effects in oral epithelium.

Downregulation of Proteinase-Activated Receptor-2, Interleukin-17, and Other Proinflammatory Genes by Subantimicrobial Doxycycline Dose in a Rat Periodontitis Model.

BACKGROUND: Subantimicrobial dose doxycycline (SDD) has been used as an adjunct in periodontal treatment because of its matrix metalloproteinase inhibition properties. Although the benefits of SDD therapy, such as improvement in the parameters of periodontal probing depth and clinical attachment level, have been proven in multiple clinical studies, the comprehension of other biologic mechanisms of action on periodontitis remains poorly investigated. Therefore, this animal-model study evaluated the effects of SDD monotherapy on the expressions of the following key proinflammatory genes: proteinase-activated receptor-2 (PAR2), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-17, and IL-1ß. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were assigned randomly to the following: 1) control group: no ligature-induced periodontitis and no treatment; 2) ligature group: ligature-induced periodontitis and placebo treatment; and 3) ligature + doxycycline group: ligature-induced periodontitis and SDD treatment. After the experimental time, animals were sacrificed, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was performed to analyze the mRNA expression of IL-1ß, IL-17, TNF-α, and PAR2 in gingival tissue samples. Histologic analyses were performed on the furcation region and mesial gingiva of mandibular first molars to measure periodontal bone loss and collagen content. RESULTS: SDD administration significantly downregulated PAR2, IL-17, TNF-α, and IL-1ß mRNA expressions (P <0.05). In addition, SDD treatment was accompanied by lower rates of alveolar bone loss (P <0.05) and maintenance of the amount of gingival collagen fibers. CONCLUSION: These findings reveal new perspectives regarding SDD efficacy because it can be partially related to proinflammatory gene expression modulation, even considering PAR2 and IL-17, which has not been investigated thus far.

Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy on Streptococcus mutans using curcumin and toluidine blue activated by a novel LED device.

Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) is an antimicrobial approach that uses photosensitizers (PS) in combination with light sources at specific wavelengths aiming the production of reactive oxygen species. The long illumination time necessary to active PS is a challenge in PACT. Thus, this study investigated the antimicrobial effect of a novel single source of light-emitting diode (LED) light that covers the entire spectrum of visible light beyond interchangeable probes at high power intensity. Blue and red LED probes were used into different exposure times to active different concentrations of curcumin (C) and toluidine blue (T) on planktonic suspensions of Streptococcus mutans UA 159 (S. mutans). S. mutans were standardized and submitted to (1) PACT treatment at three concentrations of C and T exposure at three radiant exposures of a blue LED (BL) (C+BL+) and a red LED (RL) (T+RL+), (2) C (C+BL-) or T alone (T+RL-), (3) both LED lights (C-BL+ and T-RL+), and (4) neither PS nor LED illumination (control group: C-BL- and T-RL-). Aliquots of the suspensions were diluted and cultured on blood agar plates. The number of colony-forming units was calculated after 48 h. The groups submitted to PACT presented a lethal photokilling rate to all PS concentrations at tested dosimetries. The comparison to control group when PS and LED lights used alone demonstrated no decrease in the number of viable bacterial counts. The novel LED device in combination with curcumin and toluidine blue promoted an effective photoinactivation of S. mutans suspensions at ultrashort light illumination times.

Streptococcus mutans photoinactivation by combination of short exposure of a broad-spectrum visible light and low concentrations of photosensitizers.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the photodynamic antimicrobial effect by the combination of a novel noncoherent broad spectrum visible light and low concentrations of curcumin and toluidine blue over suspensions of Streptococcus mutans. BACKGROUND DATA: Long illumination times to activate photosensitizers (PS) and the use of high concentrations of these drugs in photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) are limitations of its application as an antimicrobial technology in dental practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Planktonic suspensions of S. mutans were standardized and submitted to PACT treatment at low concentrations of curcumin (C) (0.075; 0.75 and 7.5 µM) and toluidine blue (T) (0.25; 2.5 and 25 µM) exposed to 42 J/cm2 (12.2 sec; set power: 3.930 mW) of a white light (WL) (output wavelength range: 400-700 nm; beam diameter: 12 mm) (C+WL+ and T+WL+, PACT groups; incubation time, C: 60 sec; T: 5 min); isolated effect of both C (C+WL-) and T concentrations (T+WL-); effect of light source (C-WL+ and T-WL+) and suspensions neither submitted to PS nor to light-emitting diode (LED) illumination (control groups, C-WL- and T-WL-). Aliquots of each group were diluted and cultured on blood agar plates and the number of colony-forming units (CFU)/mL was recorded, transformed into log10 and analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test at a cutoff value at 0.05. RESULTS: The groups submitted to PACT presented a bacterial reduction value of>5-log10 to both tested PS in comparison with control groups (p<0.05). PS or light source used alone demonstrated no antimicrobial effect on the number of viable bacterial counts. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of a novel noncoherent light at short illumination exposure time with low concentrations of studied PS achieved a lethal photoinactivation of S. mutans, and can be considered an effective antimicrobial in vitro approach for reducing the number of micro-organisms involved with the dental caries process.

Inhibitory effects of cranberry polyphenols on formation and acidogenicity of Streptococcus mutans biofilms.

Cranberry fruit is a rich source of polyphenols, and has shown biological activities against Streptococcus mutans. In the present study, we examined the influence of extracts of flavonols (FLAV), anthocyanins (A) and proanthocyanidins (PAC) from cranberry on virulence factors involved in Streptococcus mutans biofilm development and acidogenicity. PAC and FLAV, alone or in combination, inhibited the surface-adsorbed glucosyltransferases and F-ATPases activities, and the acid production by S. mutans cells. Furthermore, biofilm development and acidogenicity were significantly affected by topical applications of PAC and FLAV (P<0.05). Anthocyanins were devoid of any significant biological effects. The flavonols are comprised of mostly quercetin glycosides, and the PAC are largely A-type oligomers of epicatechin. Our data show that proanthocyanidins and flavonols are the active constituents of cranberry against S. mutans.

The influence of a novel propolis on mutans streptococci biofilms and caries development in rats.

A flavonoids-free Brazilian propolis (type 6) showed biological effects against mutans streptococci and inhibited the activity of glucosyltransferases. This study evaluated the influence of the ethanolic extract of a novel type of propolis (EEP) and its purified hexane fraction (EEH) on mutans streptococci biofilms and the development of dental caries in rats. The chemical composition of the propolis extracts were examined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The effects of EEP and EEH on Streptococcus mutans UA159 and Streptococcus sobrinus 6715 biofilms were analysed by time-kill and glycolytic pH drop assays. Their influence on proton-translocating F-ATPase activity was also tested. In the animal study, the rats were infected with S. sobrinus 6715 and fed with cariogenic diet 2000. The rats were treated topically twice a day with each of the extracts (or control) for 5 weeks. After the experimental period, the microbial composition of their dental plaque and their caries scores were determined. The results showed that fatty acids (oleic, palmitic, linoleic and stearic) were the main compounds identified in EEP and EEH. These extracts did not show major effects on the viability of mutans streptococci biofilms. However, EEP and EEH significantly reduced acid production by the biofilms and also inhibited the activity of F-ATPase (60-65%). Furthermore, both extracts significantly reduced the incidence of smooth surface caries in vivo without displaying a reduction of the percentage of S. sobriuns in the animals' plaque (P < 0.05). However, only EEH was able to reduce the incidence and severity of sulcal surface caries (P < 0.05). The data suggest that the cariostatic properties of propolis type 6 are related to its effect on acid production and acid tolerance of cariogenic streptococci; the biological activities may be attributed to its high content of fatty acids.

Análise de flúor em enxaguatórios bucais encontrados no comércio brasileiro e o uso de eletrodo íon-específico / Analysis of fluorine in mouthrinses found in the Brazilian marketplace and the utilization of an ion-specific electrode

A condiçäo mínima para que produtos comerciais tenham potencial anticárie é a presença de uma concentraçäo significativa de flúor solúvel nos mesmos. Considerando-se que essa condiçäo é inclusive regulamentada por lei, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo primário analisar as concentraçöes de íon flúor de sete marcas comerciais de enxaguatórios bucais. Para isso utilizou-se um eletrodo específico para flúor Orion 96-09 acoplado a um analisador de íons Orion EA 940, ambos previamente calibrados, sendo o objetivo secundário deste trabalho descrever operacionalmente a realizaçäo dessa análise. Os resultados encontrados (média ñ dp; n = 3) de íon flúor (ppm) foram: Kolynos Flúor© - 213,3 ñ 9,0; Fluordent© - 223,7 ñ 1,7; Plax Kids© - 229,1 ñ 3,8; Cepacol Júnior© - 218,6 ñ 1,1; Sorriso Herbal© - 220,6 ñ 6,5; Fresh Breath Menta© - 88,7 ñ 1,1; Fresh Breath Menta Azul© - 88,0 ñ 3,7. Os resultados mostraram que apenas os enxaguatórios da marca Fresh Breath estavam em desacordo com a Portaria nº 29 de 28 de agosto de 2000 da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa) do Ministério da Saúde do Brasil e que a técnica de análise com eletrodo íon-específico é precisa e exata