Ozonation of Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K. ): effect of column height on the saturation process and changes in quality / Ozonização de castanha-do-Brasil (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K. ): efeito da altura da coluna no processo de saturação e alterações na qualidade

The objective of this study is to examine the saturation process in a column containing Brazil nuts and possible changes in the quality of the product. Brazil nut samples were initially placed in a cylindrical PVC column 15 cm in diameter and 110 cm in height. The ozone gas concentrations of 2.5, 4.5, 9.0, and 14.0 mg L-1 and a flow rate of 3.0 L min-1 were applied at a temperature of 25 ºC. Ozone gas was injected at the base of the cylindrical column, and the seed column height values adopted were 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 m. Saturation concentration and time were determined. To measure possible changes in the quality of ozonized Brazil nuts, moisture and color, as well as qualitative variables of the crude oil were evaluated at the exposure times of 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 h. To evaluate the quality of the crude oil extracted from ozonized nuts, the free fatty acid content, peroxide value, and iodine value were analyzed. Increasing ozonation times increased ozone concentration at all inlet gas concentrations. Saturation time decreased as the inlet gas concentration was increased, at the different product column heights. There was no change in product moisture in response to ozonation. Ozonation did not induce significant changes in color or in the crude oil, due to the triple interaction between column height, ozone concentration, and exposure time. In conclusion, the height of the product's column influences saturation time and concentration during the ozonation process. Considering the color of the product and characteristics of its crude oil, the use of ozone under the conditions adopted in the present study does not affect the quality of Brazil nuts to the point of rendering them unmarketable.

O objetivo do presente trabalho é estudar o processo de saturação em coluna contendo castanha-do-Brasil e possíveis alterações na qualidade do produto. Inicialmente as amostras de castanha-do-Brasil foram acondicionadas em coluna cilíndrica de PVC de 15 cm de diâmetro e 110 cm de altura. Foram adotadas as concentrações do gás ozônio de 2,5, 4,5, 9,0 e 14,0 mg L-1 e vazão de 3,0 L min-1, na temperatura de 25 ºC. O gás ozônio foi injetado na base da coluna cilíndrica e os valores adotados de altura da coluna de grãos foram de 0,25, 0,50, e 0,75 m. Determinaram-se o tempo e a concentração de saturação. Na avaliação de possíveis alterações na qualidade de castanhas-do-Brasil ozonizadas foram determinados a umidade, coloração e variáveis qualitativas do óleo bruto, com tempos de exposição de 0, 3, 6, 9 e 12 h. Para avaliação da qualidade do óleo bruto extraído de castanhas ozonizadas foram analisadas o teor de ácidos graxos livres, o índice de peróxido e o índice de iodo. A elevação do período de ozonização promoveu aumento da concentração do ozônio para todas as concentrações de entrada do gás. No que se refere aos valores de tempo de saturação, à medida que se elevou a concentração de entrada do gás, houve redução do tempo de saturação, nas diferentes alturas de coluna do produto. Não houve variação da umidade do produto em decorrência da ozonização. A ozonização não provocou alterações significativas na cor e no óleo bruto, em decorrência da interação tripla entre altura da coluna do produto, concentração do ozônio e tempo de exposição. É possível concluir que a altura da coluna do produto influencia o tempo e a concentração de saturação, durante o processo de ozonização. O uso do ozônio nas condições adotadas no presente estudo não afeta a qualidade da castanhado-Brasil, considerando-se a cor do produto e características do óleo bruto, de tal forma a inviabilizar a comercialização.

Túneles de desinfección peatonal pulverizadores de ozono y otros desinfectantes para disminuir la propagación del SARS-CoV-2 / Pedestrian disinfection tunnels, ozone sprays and other disinfectants to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2

INTRODUCCIÓN: Queda mucho por aprender sobre el nuevo coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) que causa la enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Según lo que se sabe actualmente sobre el virus y sobre coronavirus similares que causan SARS y MERS, la propagación de persona a persona ocurre con mayor frecuencia entre contactos cercanos (dentro de aproximadamente 2 metros) a través de gotitas respiratorias generadas por una persona infectada al toser o estornudar (CDC 2020). La transmisión también puede ocurrir de forma indirecta por contacto con superficies que se encuentran en el entorno inmediato de una persona infectada o con objetos que esta haya utilizado (OMS 2020b). La transmisión del coronavirus en general ocurre mucho más comúnmente a través de gotitas respiratorias que a través de fómites (CDC 2020). Por otro lado, se ha reportado que el SARS-CoV-2 puede permanecer viable durante horas o días en superficies hechas de una variedad de materiales. En ese sentido, la desinfección de superficies es considerada una buena práctica para la prevención de COVID-19 y otras enfermedades respiratorias virales en entornos comunitarios (CDC 2020). Sin embargo, en países como China, México y Argentina se han visto imágenes en donde los desinfectantes son rociados directamente a las personas cuando estas pasan a través de túneles instalados en lugares públicos de alto tránsito, como entradas a mercados, edificios administrativos u hospitales. Esta medida ha sido cuestionada ya que el desinfectante usado en estos túneles puede causar irritación en las personas, así como daño en la piel y los ojos (Neustaeter 2020). El túnel de desinfección peatonal consiste en un sistema de aspersores que rocían al peatón un desinfectante con el fin de desinfectar la ropa. Cada persona debe permanecer en el interior del túnel unos pocos segundos con las manos en alto para permitir que la mezcla sanitizante llegue a la mayoría de las partes del cuerpo (Infobae 2020). Dentro de los desinfectantes utilizados se encuentran el amonio cuaternario, el ozono, el ácido hipocloroso, el alcohol, soluciones de hipoclorito, catalizadores orgánicos, entre otros (Minsalud 2020). El uso de esta innovación tecnológica ha sido propuesto por algunas personas como una medida sanitaria adicional a las ya establecidas (distanciamiento físico, uso de mascarillas, lavado de mano) para reducir el contagio del SARS-CoV-2 en lugares públicos de alta concurrencia. Actualmente, esta propuesta se ha difundido de manera mediática captando el interés de diversas instituciones para su posible incorporación. Al respecto, la Dirección General de Salud Ambiental del Perú (DIGESA), con fecha 16 de abril de 2020, realizó un pronunciamiento desalentando el uso de túneles desinfectantes para evitar la transmisión de COVID-19. En esta nota se enfatiza que no existe evidencia científica de que los túneles desinfectantes sean efectivos para impedir la transmisión del virus, y que por el contrario, los desinfectantes dispersados sobre los peatones podrían ser dañinos para la salud e incluso aumentar el riesgo de dispersión del SARS-CoV-2. También se señala que toda desinfección para evitar la transmisión de COVID-19 se debe realizar sobre superficies inertes como mesas, pisos o estantes, y no sobre personas (DIGESA 2020). A pesar del pronunciamiento por parte de la DIGESA, el IETSI ha recibido solicitudes de evaluación, en donde se plantea el uso de túneles de desinfección generales y, específicamente, los de ozono. Así, surge la necesidad de conocer el funcionamiento de los túneles de desinfección peatonal pulverizadores de ozono y de otros desinfectantes, así como revisar la literatura pertinente a esta tecnología para evaluar su efectividad y seguridad para disminuir la propagación del SARS-CoV-2. MÉTODOS: Primero, se realizó una búsqueda manual de guías, reportes técnicos o recomendaciones para la desinfección en el contexto del COVID-19, en las páginas web de diversas sociedades y gobiernos alrededor del mundo, tales como World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), el Gobierno de Canadá, el Gobierno de Reino Unido, el Gobierno de Australia, el Gobierno de España, el Gobierno de Colombia, entre otros. Segundo, se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de guías o revisiones que brindaran recomendaciones con relación a la tecnología de interés utilizando la base de datos MEDLINE vía PubMed. La estrategia de búsqueda fue la siguiente: (sanitation[tiab] OR disinfect*[tiab]) AND (COVID-19 OR SARS-CoV-2 OR Coronavirus OR SARS) (144 ítems). Tercero, se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de estudios que evaluaran la efectividad y seguridad de los túneles de desinfección peatonal de ozono utilizando la base de datos MEDLINE vía PubMed, utilizando la siguiente estrategia de búsqueda: ozone AND (COVID-19 OR SARS-CoV-2 OR Coronavirus OR SARS) (10 ítems). Finalmente, se buscaron estudios adicionales que pudiesen haber escapado a las búsquedas con una estrategia de bola de nieve mediante la revisión de las listas de referencias de las publicaciones que sean de relevancia. RESULTADOS: Se identificó una guía técnica elaborada por el Ministerio de Salud y Protección de Colombia que evaluó el uso de sistemas de aspersión de productos desinfectantes sobre personas para la prevención de la trasmisión de COVID-19. También se identificó recomendaciones relacionadas al tema en las páginas web de la OMS y la EPA. CONCLUSIONES: No se recomienda el uso de túneles de desinfección peatonal pulverizadores de ozono u de otros desinfectantes ya que no se cuenta con evidencia científica sobre su efectividad para disminuir la propagación del COVID-19. Además, el uso de estos sistemas podría causar potenciales daños en la salud de las personas, como irritación de los ojos y de las vías respiratorias. De acuerdo a la información publicada por agencias regulatorias internacionales como la EPA, aún si el ozono se utilizara en concentraciones que no excedieran los estándares de salud pública, estos no eliminarían eficazmente los virus. Para el caso de túneles que utilizan otros agentes desinfectantes como soluciones de hipoclorito de sodio o alcohol, algunas instituciones ya han emitido pronunciamientos en contra del uso de estas tecnologías debido a la falta de evidencia que sustente su uso y al elevado riesgo de daño al peatón. Otros expertos señalan que el uso de túneles de desinfección podría tener un efecto opuesto al esperado, ya que la falsa sensación de seguridad por parte de los peatones podría hacer que estos disminuyan las medidas eficaces para disminuir el contagio del COVID19 como el distanciamiento social y el lavado de manos. Finalmente, a nivel mundial, el ozono y demás desinfectantes no están autorizados por ninguna autoridad de salud para su aplicación directa sobre humanos.

Evaluation of the effect of topical and systemic ozone application in periodontitis: an experimental study in rats

Abstract Objective: The goal of the present study was to determine the effect of systemic and topical ozone application on alveolar bone loss (ABL) by evaluating the effect of Hypoxia-inducible factor −1 alpha (HIF-1-α) and receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (RANKL)-positive cells on histopathological and immunohistochemical changes in a rat periodontitis model. Methodology: Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: 1) Group C (control group); 2) Group SO (systemic ozone group) and 3) Group TO (topical ozone group). Experimental periodontitis was induced with a 3/0 silk suture placed at the mandibular left first molars of rats, and the suture was removed 14 days later. Ozone gas was injected intraperitoneally (0.7 mg/kg) in SO group. Topical ozone application protocol was performed using an ozone generator at 80% concentration (4th grade) 90- degree probe for the duration of 30 s. Both ozone applications were carried out for two weeks at intervals of two days. Histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analysis were performed. Results: ABL was significantly lower in Group SO compared to Group C (p: 0.0052). HIF-1α- positive cells were significantly lower in Group TO than in Group C (p: 0.0043). RANKL-positive cells were significantly lower in Group SO and in Group TO compared to the control group (p: 0.0033, p: 0.0075, respectively). Conclusion: Both ozone applications decreased RANKL-positive cell counts, TO application decreased HIF-1-α positive cells counts, and SO application was found to be more effective in reducing ABL compared to control group.

Effect of ozone oxidative preconditioning on inflammation and oxidative stress injury in rat model of renal transplantation

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the effect of ozone oxidative preconditioning (OzoneOP) on inflammation and oxidative stress injury in rat model of renal transplantation. Methods: Thirty six male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups. Sham group: rats were treated with opening and closing abdomen. Kidney transplantation group (KT group): SD rat received the donor's left kidney derived from another SD rat. Ozone oxidative preconditioning and kidney transplantation (OOP+KT group): donor SD rats received OzoneOP treatments by transrectal insufflations before kidney transplantation. After transplantation, parameters of renal function of recipients were determined. Morphology and pathological changes of renal allograft were examined. Expression of NF-κBp65, HMGB-1 were also determined by Western-blot. Results: Compared to KT group, the morphology and pathological damages of renal allograft were less serious in OOP+KT group. Meanwhile, levels of SOD and GSH-Px of renal allograft in OOP+KT group were higher than those in KT group respectively. Western-blot showed that the expressions of NF-κBp65 and HMGB-1 in OOP+KT group were obviously less than those in KT group. Conclusion: Ozone oxidative preconditioning could attenuate the inflammatory reaction and oxidative stress injury in renal allograft, which might be related with the enhancement of anti-oxidative system and suppression of inflammatory reaction.

The place of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and ozone therapy in sudden hearing loss / O papel da oxigenoterapia hiperbárica e da ozonioterapia na surdez súbita

Abstract Introduction: It is difficult to evaluate the effect of drugs clinically used for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss, mainly because its underlying mechanism remains unknown. Objective: This study assessed the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy or ozone therapy in the treatment of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss, when either therapy was included with steroid treatment. Methods: A retrospective analysis examined 106 patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss seen between January 2010 and June 2012. Those with an identified etiology were excluded. The patients were divided into three treatment groups: oral steroid only (n = 65), oral steroid + hyperbaric oxygen (n = 26), and oral steroid + ozone (n = 17). Treatment success was assessed using Siegel criteria and mean gains using pre- and post-treatment audiograms. Results: The highest response rate to treatment was observed in the oral steroid + ozone therapy group (82.4%), followed by the oral steroid + hyperbaric oxygen (61.5%), and oral steroid groups (50.8%). There were no significant differences in the response to treatment between the oral steroid and oral steroid + hyperbaric oxygen groups (p < 0.355). The oral steroid + ozone group showed a significantly higher response rate to treatment than the oral steroid group (p = 0.019). There were no significant differences between the oral steroid + hyperbaric oxygen and oral steroid + ozone groups (p = 0.146). Conclusion: The efficiency of steroid treatment in patients with severe hearing loss was low. It was statistically ascertained that adding hyperbaric oxygen or ozone therapy to the treatment contributed significantly to treatment success.

Resumo Introdução: É difícil avaliar o efeito dos fármacos clinicamente usados na surdez súbita idiopática, principalmente porque o seu mecanismo subjacente se mantém desconhecido. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da oxigenoterapia hiperbárica ou ozonioterapia no tratamento de surdez súbita, quando uma ou outra terapia é incluída no tratamento com esteroides. Método: Uma análise retrospectiva examinou 106 pacientes com surdez súbita atendidos entre janeiro de 2010 e junho de 2012. Aqueles com uma etiologia identificada foram excluídos. Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos de tratamento: apenas esteroide oral (n = 65), esteroide por via oral + oxigenoterapia hiperbárica (n = 26) e esteroides por via oral + ozônio (n = 17). O sucesso do tratamento foi avaliado com critérios de Siegel e os ganhos médios com audiogramas pré e pós-tratamento. Resultados: A taxa de resposta mais elevada para o tratamento foi observada no grupo de esteroide + ozonioterapia (82,4%), seguida por grupos de esteroide oral + oxigenoterapia hiperbárica (61,5%) e esteroide oral (50,8%). Não houve diferenças significantes na resposta ao tratamento entre os grupos de esteroide oral e esteroides + oxigenoterapia hiperbárica (p < 0,355). O grupo de esteroide oral + ozônio apresentou uma taxa de resposta significantemente mais elevada ao tratamento do que o grupo de esteroide oral (p = 0,019). Não houve diferenças significantes entre os grupos de esteroide oral + oxigenoterapia hiperbárica e esteroide oral + ozônio (p = 0,146). Conclusão: A eficiência do tratamento com esteroides em pacientes com perda auditiva grave foi baixa. Verificou-se estatisticamente que a adição de oxigenoterapia hiperbárica ou ozonioterapia ao tratamento contribuiu significantemente para o sucesso do tratamento.

Effects of ozone therapy on facial nerve regeneration / Efeitos da terapia com ozônio na regeneração do nervo facial

Abstract Introduction: Ozone may promote moderate oxidative stress, which increases antioxidant endogenous systems. There are a number of antioxidants that have been investigated therapeutically for improving peripheral nerve regeneration. However, no previous studies have reported the effect of ozone therapy on facial nerve regeneration. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the effect of ozone therapy on facial nerve regeneration. Methods: Fourteen Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into two groups with experimental nerve crush injuries: a control group, which received saline treatment post-crush, and an experimental group, which received ozone treatment. All animals underwent surgery in which the left facial nerve was exposed and crushed. Treatment with saline or ozone began on the day of the nerve crush. Left facial nerve stimulation thresholds were measured before crush, immediately after crush, and after 30 days. After measuring nerve stimulation thresholds at 30 days post-injury, the crushed facial nerve was excised. All specimens were studied using light and electron microscopy. Results: Post-crushing, the ozone-treated group had lower stimulation thresholds than the saline group. Although this did not achieve statistical significance, it is indicative of greater functional improvement in the ozone group. Significant differences were found in vascular congestion, macrovacuolization, and myelin thickness between the ozone and control groups. Significant differences were also found in axonal degeneration and myelin ultrastructure between the two groups. Conclusion: We found that ozone therapy exerted beneficial effect on the regeneration of crushed facial nerves in rats.

Resumo Introdução: O ozônio pode promover estresse oxidativo moderado, o que aumenta sistemas endógenos antioxidantes. Há determinado número de antioxidantes sendo investigados terapeuticamente para melhorar a regeneração do nervo periférico. No entanto, nenhum estudo anterior relatou o efeito da terapia com ozônio na regeneração do nervo facial. Objetivo: Nosso objetivo foi avaliar o efeito da terapia com ozônio na regeneração do nervo facial. Método: Ao todo, 14 ratos albinos Wistar foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos com lesões experimentais por esmagamento do nervo: um grupo controle, que recebeu tratamento com solução salina pós-esmagamento; e um grupo experimental, que recebeu tratamento com ozônio. Todos os animais foram submetidos a cirurgia na qual o nervo facial esquerdo foi exposto e esmagado. O tratamento com solução salina ou ozônio se iniciou no dia do esmagamento do nervo. Os limiares de estimulação do nervo facial esquerdo foram medidos antes do esmagamento, imediatamente após o esmagamento e após 30 dias. Depois de medir limiares de estimulação do nervo aos 30 dias pós-lesão, o nervo facial esmagado foi excisado. Todas as amostras foram estudadas por meio de microscopia óptica e eletrônica. Resultados: Após o esmagamento, o grupo tratado com ozônio apresentou menores limiares de estimulação do que o grupo da solução salina. Embora isso não tenha significância estatística, é indicativo de maior melhoria funcional no grupo do ozônio. Foram encontradas diferenças significativas na congestão vascular, macrovacuolização e espessura da mielina entre os grupos do ozônio e controle. Diferenças significativas também foram encontradas na degeneração axonal e ultraestrutura de mielina entre os dois grupos. Conclusão: Verificou-se que a terapia com ozônio teve efeito benéfico sobre a regeneração dos nervos faciais esmagados em ratos.

Effects of topical application of pure and ozonized andiroba oil on experimentally induced wounds in horses / Efeitos do uso tópico do óleo de andiroba puro e ozonizado em feridas induzidas em cavalos

The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and histopathological aspects of topical application of pure and ozonized andiroba oil (Carapa guianensis Aublet.) on the healing process of wounds in healthy horses. Eight 6.25 cm2 wounds were surgically produced on each horse, from the cranial region to the sacrum, being four wounds on each side of the lumbar region. In three animals, left side was used for macroscopic observations and area measurement and right side was used for histopathological analysis. For the other two animals, evaluations were inverted. The beginning of the topical treatment occurred 12 hours after surgical induction of the injuries and was maintained daily until complete healing of the wounds, using saline solution (GC), ozonized saline solution (GO) sequentially and bilaterally in the craniocaudal direction, pure andiroba oil (GAP) and ozonized andiroba oil (GAO). Randomly, the sequence of the treatments was modified. Macroscopic and histopathological analyses were performed at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after surgery. The time for complete healing of all wounds was recorded. A wound contraction of 67.75% for GC, 65.26% for GO, 67.91% for GAP, and 69.84% for GAO were recorded. Histopathologic evaluation revealed that wounds from the GAO and GAP had an advanced epithelialization, fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition, moderate vascular proliferation, and presence of PMN infiltrate and discrete viewing of MN. It was possible to conclude that all treatments had benefits when comparing to control group, concluding that both pure and ozonized andiroba oil may be good options for treating wounds in horses.(AU)

Este trabalho realizou uma avaliação clínica e histopatológica da aplicação tópica do óleo de andiroba (Carapa guianensis Aublet), puro e ozonizado, no processo de cicatrização de feridas em cinco equinos saudáveis. Oito feridas de 6,25 cm2 foram induzidas cirurgicamente, quatro de cada lado da região lombar, craniais em relação à região sacral. Em três animais, o lado esquerdo foi destinado à avaliação macroscópica e mensuração de área, enquanto o lado direito foi destinado à análise histopatológica. Nos outros dois animais, as avaliações foram invertidas. O tratamento tópico foi iniciado 12 horas após a indução cirúrgica e foi mantido diariamente até a completa cicatrização das feridas. Foram usados, sequencialmente e bilateralmente, no sentido craniocaudal: solução salina (GC), solução salina ozonizada (GO), óleo de andiroba puro (GAP) e óleo de andiroba ozonizado (GAO). Aleatoriamente, a sequência de tratamentos foi modificada. As análises macroscópicas e microscópicas foram realizadas 3, 7, 14 e 21 dias após a cirurgia, e o tempo total para cicatrização registrado. A contração da ferida foi de 67,75% para GC, 65,26% para GO, 67,91% para GAP, e 69,84% para GAO. A avaliação histopatológica demonstrou que as feridas tratadas com GAO e GAP apresentaram uma avançada epitelização, proliferação fibroblástica e deposição de colágeno, moderada proliferação vascular e presença de infiltrados de células polimorfonucleares (PMN) e discreta proliferação de células mononucleares (MN). Foi possível concluir que todos os tratamentos usados foram benéficos perante o grupo de controle, mostrando que as versões pura e ozonizada do óleo de andiroba representam alternativas terapêuticas ao tratamento de feridas em equinos.(AU)

Effect of ozone and methylprednisolone treatment following crush type sciatic nerve injury

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To assess and compare the histopathological effects of ozone therapy and/or methylprednisolone (MPS) treatment on regeneration after crush type sciatic nerve injury. METHODS: Forty Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly allocated into four groups. Four groups received the following regimens intraperitoneally every day for 14 days after formation of crush type injury on sciatic nerve: Group I: ozone (20mcg/ml); Group II: methylprednisolone (2mg/kg); Group III: ozone (20 mcg/ml) and methylprednisolone (2mg/kg); Group IV: isotonic saline (0.9%). The histomorphological evaluation was made after biopsies were obtained from the sites of injury. RESULTS: Significant differences were noted between groups in terms of degeneration (p=0.019), nerve sheath cell atrophy (p=0.012), intraneural inflammatory cellular infiltration (p=0.002), perineural granulation tissue formation (p=0.019), perineural vascular proliferation (p=0.004), perineural inflammatory cellular infiltration (p<0.001) and inflammation in peripheral tissue (p=0.006). Degeneration was remarkably low in Group III, while no change in nerve sheath cell was noted in Group II. CONCLUSION: The combined use of methylprednisolone and ozone treatment can have beneficial effects for regeneration after crush type nerve injury.

The acute effects of preoperative ozone theraphy on surgical wound healing

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of preoperative rectal ozone insufflation on surgical wound healing over the proinflammatory cytokines and histopathological changes. METHODS: Twenty one rabbits were divided into 3 groups. Sham, surgical wound, and ozone applied (6 sessions, every other day 70 µg/mL in 12 mL O2-O3 mixture rectally) surgical wound groups were created. TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels from all rabbits were studied at the basal, 24th hour, and 72nd hour. The histopathological examination was done by removing the surgical scar tissue at the end of 72nd hour. RESULTS: TNF-alfa and IL-6 levels were significantly lower compared to the control group, in the rabbits treated with ozone. The increase in angiogenesis, the decrease in the number of inflammatory cells, epidermal and dermal regeneration, better collagen deposition, and increased keratinisation in stratum corneum were observed in the histopathological examination. It was determined that the wound healing noticeably accelerated in the ozone group. CONCLUSION: Preoperative rectal ozone insufflation had a positive effect on surgical wound healing in acute period.

Reacciones adversas de la ozonoterapia en pacientes con retinosis pigmentaria / Adverse reactions of ozone therapy in patients with retinitis pigmentosa

Objetivo: describir las reacciones producidas por la ozonoterapia durante la aplicación de la estrategia cubana para pacientes portadores de retinosis pigmentaria. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal, retrospectivo en 6 414 pacientes portadores de retinosis pigmentaria, atendidos en el Centro Internacional de Retinosis Pigmentaria Camilo Cienfuegos, a quienes se les aplicó ozonoterapia como parte de la estrategia cubana multiterapéutica de control para pacientes portadores de esta enfermedad. En un grupo de pacientes se aplicaron 10 sesiones de autohemoterapia mayor y en otro grupo se administraron 10 sesiones por insuflación rectal. Para la aplicación de la ozonoterapia se utilizó un equipo Ozomed. Los datos estadísticos se analizaron y compararon usando la prueba t de Student. Se consideró p< 0,05 como significación estadística. Resultados: se observaron reacciones adversas en 28 pacientes; de ellos, 5 recibieron ozono por insuflación rectal y 23 por autohemoterapia mayor. Se observaron 4 pacientes con náuseas, 6 con sensación de estómago repleto, 5 con euforia, 1 con fatiga inusual y 1 con sabor metálico bucal. Esto representa el 0,004 por ciento de la muestra estudiada. Conclusión: la ozonoterapia demuestra ser un tratamiento médico muy seguro e inocuo en pacientes con retinosis pigmentaria(AU)

Objective: to describe adverse reactions of ozone therapy after the Cuban strategy for patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Methods: a retrospective, longitudinal and descriptive study was conducted in 6 414 patients with retinitis pigmentosa seen at Camilo Cienfuegos International Center of Retinitis Pigmentosa. They had been treated with ozone therapy as part of the Cuban multi-therapy strategy for management of these patients. A group of patients received ten applications of major autohemotherapy whereas another group was administered 10 ozone sessions through rectal insufflation. The Ozomed machine was the choice for ozone therapy. Student's test was used to analyze and to compare statistical data. Significant statistical index was p< 0,05. Results: twenty eight patients were found to have adverse reactions, 5 of them under rectal insufflation and 23 in the major autohemotherapy group. There were observed 4 patients with nauseas, 6 with stomach bloating, 5 with euphoria, one with unusual fatigue and one with strange metallic taste. This represented 0,004 percent in this sample. Conclusion: the ozone therapy has been found to be an extremely safe medical therapy in patients with retinitis pigmentosa(AU)

Evaluation of effect of topical ozone therapy on salivary Candidal carriage in oral candidiasis.

Background and Aim: Ozone is highly valued for various therapeutic applications such as antimicrobial, antihypoxic, analgesic, and immunostimulating for more than a century in the medical profession. Ozone therapy is now gaining a strong foothold in dentistry. Ozone has bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal properties. Oral candidiasis is one of the most common opportunistic fungal infections of the oral cavity. Hence, a study was conducted to evaluate and compare the ability of ozonated water and topical clotrimazole in reducing the Candidal species colony‑forming unit (CFU) count in oral candidiasis. Materials and Methods: The study included 40 candidiasis patients of either sex aged between 18 and 60 years attending the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology. The patients were randomly assigned to either topical ozone therapy or topical clotrimazole groups. Salivary Candidal CFU counts were assessed during and after the treatments. Results and Conclusion: There was gradual but significant reduction in Candidal CFU count in both groups. At the end of the treatment, Candidal CFU count reduction in ozone group (60.5% reduction) was more than the clotrimazole group (32.3% reduction). 14 patients (70%) with candidiasis in ozone group were reduced to 6 (30%) whereas only 8 patients (40%) out of 13 (65%) in clotrimazole group, although intergroup comparison was not statistically significant. Ozone therapy was much more effective in reducing the patients with candidiasis to a state of carriers. These findings suggest that ozonated water might be useful to treat oral candidiasis.

Ozonioterapia no tratamento da dor lombar: revisão sistemática de literatura / Ozone therapy in the treatment of low back pain: systematic review of the literature

Contexto: A dor lombar é um dos mais frequentes e importantes problemas que afetam a população mundial e seu tratamento ainda é controverso. A ozonioterapia tem surgido como um método de tratamento, mas ainda persistem questões quanto a sua efetividade e segurança. Objetivos: Determinar a efetividade e segurança da ozonioterapia no tratamento da lombalgia inespecífica e da lombociatalgia. Métodos: Revisão sistemática, segundo a metodologia da Colaboração Cochrane. Foram incluídos apenas ensaios clínicos randomizados que testaram a ozonioterapia isolada ou associada comparada a placebo ou outra opção de tratamento ativo. Resultados principais: Foram incluídos oito ensaios clínicos randomizados. Há uma grande heterogeneidade entre os estudos no critério de inclusão de participantes, tipo de intervenção realizada, controle e mensuração de desfecho, o que dificultou a realização de metanálise. Não foi observada efetividade da ozonioterapia no tratamento de lombalgia inespecífica (dois estudos). Dois estudos observaram melhores resultados com a ozonioterapia em médio e longo prazo, comparado a placebo ou a anti-inflamatório, para o tratamento de lombociatalgia aguda. Três estudos verificaram maior efetividade da ozonioterapia em longo prazo se comparado à injeção de esteroides no tratamento da lombociatalgia crônica, secundária a hérnia de disco. Um estudo verificou maior efetividade em longo prazo da ozonioterapia se comparado a radiofrequência pulsada, e outro estudo também verificou superioridade da injeção intradiscal de ozônio associado a colagenase se comparada a cirurgia de discectomia. Conclusões: Existe evidência de superioridade em longo prazo da ozonioterapia se comparada à injeção de esteroides, radiofrequência e cirurgia aberta. São necessários mais estudos com metodologia adequada e comparação da ozonioterapia a procedimentos placebos, assim como estudos comparando as diversas doses e meios de aplicação de ozônio.

Ozonoterapia para el tratamiento de la caries dental: una revisión crítica / Ozone therapy for treatment of dental caries: a critical review

El objetivo del artículo fue buscar evidencias científicas que respalden la utilización del ozono para el tratamiento de la caries dental. Para lograr tal objetivo se debe responder la pregunta: "¿La aplicación del ozono puede paralizar o revertir el proceso de la caries dental?" Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura en la cual se incluyeron artículos completos publicados en periódicos indexados en por lo menos una base de datos electrónica. Los criterios de inclusión empleados fueron el idioma (inglés, portugués, español e italiano) y el modelo de estudio (ensayo clínico y de revisión sistemática). Se analizo los artículos observándose el tipo de estudio, la caracterización de los sujetos, el tipo de intervención, el periodo de acompañamiento y los resultados. Se incluyo en esta revisión 8 artículos científicos, entre ellos 3 revisiones sistemáticas y 5 ensayos clínicos. Se consideró 3 referencias de alta evidencia científica, 2 de moderada y 3 de baja evidencia. Aún no existen evidencias científicas sólidas para justificar la utilización del ozono para el tratamiento de la caries. Deben desarrollarse nuevos estudios clínicos randomizados para incluir o no definitivamente el ozono en el arsenal terapéutico del tratamiento de la caries.

The purpose of this study was search for scientific evidences that support the use of ozone for the treatment of dental caries. The question is: "Can ozone stop the carious lesion?" A systematic review of the literature, including complete articles published by journals indexed by at least one data base which permit online access to references. The inclusion criteria were (1) language (English, Portuguese, Spanish and Italian), and (2) study model (clinical trial and systematic review). The articles were analyzed with focus on study types, subject characterization, type of intervention, follow-up and results. Sixty-five references were excluded and 8 included, that were 3 systematic reviews and 5 clinical trials. With regard to scientific evidence, 3 were considered high, 2 moderate, and 3 low. There are not yet solid scientific evidences to justify the use of ozone to treat dental caries. New randomized clinical trials should be carried out to definitively include ozone in or exclude it from the therapeutic arsenal for caries treatment.

La ozonoterapia en pacientes con enfisema pulmonar / Rectal ozone therapy for patients with pulmonary emphysema

Background: Ozone therapy may stimulate antioxidant systems and protect against free radicals. It has not been used formerly in patients with pulmonary emphysema. Aim: To assess the effects of rectal ozone therapy in patients with pul-monary emphysema. Material and Methods: Sixty four patients with pulmonary emphysema, aged between 40 and 69 years, were randomly assigned to receive rectal ozone in 20 daily sessions, rectal medicinal oxygen or no treatment. Treatments were repeated three months later in the frst two groups. At baseline and at the end of the study, spirometry and a clinical assessment were performed. Results: fifty patients completed the protocol, 20 receiving ozone therapy, 20 receiving rectal oxygen and 10 not receiving any therapy. At baseline, patients on ozone therapy had significantly lower values of forced expiratory volume in the frst second (fEV1) and fEV1/forced vital capacity. At the end of the treatment period, these parameters were similar in the three treatment groups, therefore they only improved significantly in the group on ozone therapy. No differences were observed in other spirometric parameters. Conclusions: Rectal ozone therapy may be useful in patients with pulmonary emphysema.

The use of ozonated water and 0.2% chlorhexidine in the treatment of periodontitis patients: A clinical and microbiologic study.

Background: The development of periodontal disease has been thought to be associated with several restricted members of the oral anaerobic species, such as black-pigmented Porphyromonas species and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), in the subgingival environment. Apart from bacteria, certain viruses and fungi that are associated with periodontal disease are also present in the subgingival plaque . Materials and Methods: A randomized, double-blind, crossover split-mouth design was performed. A total of 16 patients suffering from generalized chronic periodontitis were selected for the study. The study period of 18 days was divided into two time-intervals, i.e. baseline (0 days) to 7 th day, with a washout period of 4 days followed by a second time interval of 7 days. The use of ozone and chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) irrigation was randomized. Both the patient and the clinician evaluating the clinical parameters were blinded regarding the type of irrigation used. Results: The interpretation of clinical and microbial data is from baseline to 7 th day. A higher percentage of plaque index (12%), gingival index (29%) and bleeding index (26%) reduction was observed using ozone irrigation as compared to chlorhexidine. The percentile reduction of Aa (25%) using ozone was appreciable as compared to no change in Aa occurrence using chlorhexidine. By using O 3 and chlorhexidine, there was no antibacterial effect on Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) and Tannerella forsythensis. The antifungal effect of ozone from baseline (37%) to 7 th day (12.5%) was pronounced during the study period, unlike CHX, which did not demonstrate any antifungal effect. Conclusion: Ozone may be considered as an alternative management strategy due to its powerful ability to inactivate microorganisms. Also, there is growing evidence that ozone can be employed as a useful therapeutic agent in both dentistry and medicine.

Therapeutic Effects of Topical Application of Ozone on Acute Cutaneous Wound Healing

This study was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic effects of topical ozonated olive oil on acute cutaneous wound healing in a guinea pig model and also to elucidate its therapeutic mechanism. After creating full-thickness skin wounds on the backs of guinea pigs by using a 6 mm punch biopsy, we examined the wound healing effect of topically applied ozonated olive oil (ozone group), as compared to the pure olive oil (oil group) and non-treatment (control group). The ozone group of guinea pig had a significantly smaller wound size and a residual wound area than the oil group, on days 5 (P<0.05) and 7 (P<0.01 and P<0.05) after wound surgery, respectively. Both hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson-trichrome staining revealed an increased intensity of collagen fibers and a greater number of fibroblasts in the ozone group than that in the oil group on day 7. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated upregulation of platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expressions, but not fibroblast growth factor expression in the ozone group on day 7, as compared with the oil group. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that topical application of ozonated olive oil can accelerate acute cutaneous wound repair in a guinea pig in association with the increased expression of PDGF, TGF-beta, and VEGF.

Antissepsia de alvéolos pós-exodontia empregando irrigações trnas-operacionais de solução de ozónio diluído em água / Antiseptic effect of surgical irrigation employing ozonated water on tooth extraction sockets

O emprego de irrigações trans-operacionais é um procedimento importante durante uma cirurgia e tem comoo finalidade a diminuição de microorganismos ou a remoção de corpos estranha que possam interferir negativamente com o processo de reparação tecidual. As feidas pós-exodontias são potencialmente infectadas pelos microrganismos que em geral se apresentaaam no interior ods alvólols e no periodonto dos dentes que serão avulsionados. Em geraal esta microbiota é composta por microorganismos aeróbicos e anaeróbicos normais da boca. O presente estudo teve o objetivo de avaliar diminuição da contagem.

Surgical irrigations are important procedures to reduce quantity of bacteria and other microbial or strange bodies in wounds in order to goal better wound healing process. Tooth sockets are potentialy infected with anaerobes and aerobics native habitants of the oraal cavity. The present study had the prooopose of evaluate the bacteria content reduction from insid tooth extractions sockets after irrigations.

Desinfecção de máquinas de hemodiálise com ozônio / Disinfection of hemodialysis machines with ozone

Objetivo: O Ozônio tem sido usado com bons resultados em circuitos hidráulicos de Unidades de Hemodiálise para inibir o crescimento bacteriano e aformação de biofilme. Este estudo investigou o efeito de seu uso também em máquinas de hemodiálise, em comparação com Ácido Peracético. Métodos: As máquinas de Hemodiálise, construídas com material compatível com uso de Ozônio, em duas Unidades diferentes foram desinfectadas diariamente com Ácido Peracético ou Ozônio. Bactérias heterotróficas foram identificadas em amostras de solução de diálise através do meio de cultura Plate-Count- Agar, e a medida qualitativa de endotoxinas foi feita através do teste LAL, com um limite de detecção de 0,25EU/ml. Os níveis de Ozônio na água ozonizada em mV foram medidos com um monitor ENATRON D.S. e as concentrações de Ozônio nas máquinas de hemodiálise foram medidas em amostras de água coletadas de seus drenos, após a desinfecção, usando-se método colorimétrico com o reagente DPD (N,N-dietil-p-fenilenodiamina). Resultados: O número mediano de bactérias na solução de diálise quando Ácido Peracético foi usado foi de 17 unidades formadoras de colônia por ml (UFC/ml) e de 10UFC/mlquando Ozônio foi usado (p<0,05). Os resultados do teste LAL foram positivos para endotoxinas em 14 amostras (35 %) após uso de Ácido Peracético eem seis amostras (18%) quando Ozônio foi usado. Os resultados da concentração média de Ozônio na água tratada (1033mV) e nos drenos das máquinas (0,350mg/L) mostraram valores adequados e seguros. Conclusão: O protocolo com Ozônio foi mais eficaz do que com Ácido Peracético, reduziu significativamente o crescimento bacteriano na solução de diálise e determinou menor número de resultados positivos para o teste de endotoxinas.

Objective: Ozone has been successfully utilized in hydraulic circuits of Hemodialysis units to inhibit bacterial growth and biofilm formation. In this study we investigated the effects of its use in hemodialysis machines and compared the result with that of Peracetic Acid. Methods: The hemodialysis machinesof two different units built with ozone compatible material were disinfected daily with Peracetic Acid or Ozone. Heterotrophic bacteria were counted insamples of dialysis solution using the Plate-Count-Agar culture medium and endotoxins were determined qualitatively using the LAL assay at a detection limit of 0.25 EU/ml. Ozone levels in treated water, in mV, were controlled with an ENATRON D.S. monitor and Ozone concentrations in hemodialysis machines were measured in water samples collected from the machine drains during disinfection using the colorimetric method with DPD (N,N-diethyl-pphenylenediamine)reagent. Results: The median number of bacteria in the dialysis solution was 17 CFU/ml utilizing Peracetic Acid and 10 CFU/ml using Ozone (p<0.05). The LAL assay results were positive for endotoxins in 14 samples (35%) after Peracetic Acid use and 6 samples (18%) when Ozone wasused. Readings of mean Ozone concentration in treated water (1033 mV) and in machine drains (0.350 mg/l) revealed safe and efficient values.