Efficacy of Ozone, UV Radiation, Herbal and Glutaraldehyde Method for Sterilisation of Elastomeric Impression Materials for Orthodontic and Prosthodontic procedures.

Objectives: The objectives of the current study was to evaluate the disinfection efficacy of ozone, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, herbal and glutaraldehyde method for sterilization of elastomeric impression materials. Materials and Methods: Disinfection of elastomeric impression material was performed with each of the disinfection methods: ozone, UV radiation, herbal, and glutaraldehyde. Later microbiological analysis was performed and the colony-forming units were evaluated and compared. Results: The highest disinfection efficacy was found with glutaraldehyde, followed by ozone and UV radiation, and the least with neem herbal rinse. Intergroup comparison was highly significant. Conclusion: Dry gaseous ozone and UV radiation can be used effectively for the disinfection of impressions.

Gamma irradiation and ozone application as preservation methods for longer-term storage of bee pollen.

Bee pollen is a healthy product with a good nutritional profile and therapeutic properties. Its high moisture content, however, promotes the growth of bacteria, molds, and yeast during storage commonly result in product degradation. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of gamma irradiation (GI) and ozone (OZ) as bee pollen preservation methods for longer storage time, as well as whether they are influenced by pollen species. To do that, GI at a dosage of 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 kGy was applied at a rate of 0.68 kGy/h and OZ application at a concentration of 0.01, 0.02, and 0.03 g/m3 was applied for one time for 6 h, to Egyptian clover and maize bee pollen, then stored at ambient temperature for 6 months. We then determined the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of treated and non-treated pollen samples at 0, 3, and 6 months of storage. Total bacteria, mold, and yeast count were also evaluated at 0, 2, 4, and 6 months. Statistical analyses revealed that, TPC, antioxidant, and microbial load of both clover and maize pollen samples were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by both treatment and storage time and their interaction. Both methods were extremely effective at preserving the antioxidant properties of pollen samples after 6 months of storage at room temperature. Furthermore, the highest concentrations of both GI and OZ applications completely protected pollen samples from mold and yeast while decreasing bacterial contamination. GI at the highest dose (7.5 KGy) was found to be more effective than other GI doses and OZ application in preserving biologically active compounds and lowering the microbial count of pollen samples for 6 months. As a result, we advise beekeepers to use GI at this dose for longer-term storage.

Topical application of ozonated sunflower oil accelerates the healing of lesions of cutaneous leishmaniasis in mice under meglumine antimoniate treatment.

Besides being scarce, the drugs available for treating cutaneous leishmaniasis have many adverse effects. Ozone is an option to enhance the standard treatment due to the wound-healing activity reported in the literature. In this study, we evaluated the efficiency of ozonated sunflower oil as an adjuvant in treating cutaneous lesions caused by Leishmania amazonensis. BALB/c mice were infected with L. amazonensis, and after the lesions appeared, they were treated in four different schedules using the drug treatment with meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime®), with or without ozonated oil. After thirty days of treatment, the lesions' thickness and their parasitic burden, blood leukocytes, production of NO and cytokines from peritoneal macrophages and lymph node cells were analyzed. The group treated with ozonated oil plus meglumine antimoniate showed the best performance, improving the lesion significantly. The parasitic burden showed that ozonated oil enhanced the leishmanicidal activity of the treatment, eliminating the parasites in the lesion. Besides, a decrease in the TNF levels from peritoneal macrophages and blood leukocytes demonstrated an immunomodulatory action of ozone in the ozonated oil-treated animals compared to the untreated group. Thus, ozonated sunflower oil therapy has been shown as an adjuvant in treating Leishmania lesions since this treatment enhanced the leishmanicidal and wound healing effects of meglumine antimoniate.

Efficacy and safety of ozone therapy for knee osteoarthritis: an umbrella review of systematic reviews.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ozone therapy (OT) in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), which is the most common form of the disease. We analysed systematic reviews (SRs) of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) using the "A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews" (AMSTAR2) instrument to evaluate their quality. We developed a narrative synthesis report with eight SRs (15 RCTs/3,685 patients) to summarise the findings. The AMSTAR2 analysis indicated that all reviews had critically low confidence ratings. Statistically significant effects in pain reduction using OT compared to placebo groups were reported in three SRs. OT was shown to be comparable to other therapies in one SR and not superior in the other five. Six SRs highlighted the need for additional RCTs with improved methodological quality to confirm the efficacy of OT for KOA. SRs found fewer consistent effects for improving joint function. Regarding safety, seven SRs reported a low prevalence of minor adverse events linked with OT. Finally, this umbrella review highlights the beneficial effects and safety of OT in the treatment of KOA, particularly in pain control. The low methodological quality of RCTs and SRs limits the possibility of drawing conclusions on the effectiveness of the procedure in comparison to other therapies. Ensure adequate compliance with guidelines such as Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and AMSTAR2 has the ability to improve the quality of SRs in this area.

Ozone and Laser Effects on Dentin Hypersensitivity Treatment: A Randomized Clinical Study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy of diode laser and ozone gas in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity (DHS). METHODS: One hundred thirty-two teeth from 44 patients with moderate DHS were randomized into 3 groups according to a split-mouth design. In the diode laser group, the operator irradiated the superficial dentin exposed with an 808-nm wavelength and incremental power from 0.2 to 0.6 W with a 20-second interval. In the ozone gas group, the operator applied a high dose of ozone (32 g/m3) for 30 seconds using a silicon cup. In the placebo group, no therapy was applied. The dentin sensitivity level was evaluated upon enrollment (T0), immediately after treatment (T1), 3 months post-treatment (T2), and 6 months post-treatment (T3) with a cold air blast challenge and tactile stimuli. The pain severity was quantified according to the visual analogue scale. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to scrutinize potential statistical disparities among the treatments. Statistical significance was predetermined at P < .05. RESULTS: A significant decrease of DHS was observed in the ozone gas group and the `diode laser group immediately after treatment and after 3 and 6 months of the therapy. After 6 months from the therapy, the sensitivity values in the teeth treated with ozone gas remained statistically lower than those treated with diode lasers (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: A laser diode and ozone gas are both efficient as dentin sensitivity treatment. Ozone maintains an invariable effectiveness after 6 months.

Physico-Chemical Investigation and Antimicrobial Efficacy of Ozonated Oils: The Case Study of Commercial Ozonated Olive and Sunflower Seed Refined Oils.

Drug resistance represents one of the great plagues of our time worldwide. This largely limits the treatment of common infections and requires the development of new antibiotics or other alternative approaches. Noteworthy, the indiscriminate use of antibiotics is mostly responsible for the selection of mutations that confer drug resistance to microbes. In this regard, recently, ozone has been raising interest for its unique biological properties when dissolved in natural oils. Ozonated oils have been reported to act in a non-specific way on microorganisms hindering the acquisition of advantageous mutations that result in resistance. Here, we focused on the antimicrobial effect of two commercial olive (OOO) and sunflower seeds (OSO) oils. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and thermal analysis showed the change in the chemical composition of the oils after ozonation treatment. Different ozonated oil concentrations were then used to evaluate their antimicrobial profile against Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli by agar diffusion and broth dilution methods. Cytotoxicity was also evaluated in keratinocytes and epithelial cells. Overall, our results revealed that both OOO and OSO showed a potent microbicidal effect, especially against C. albicans (IC50 = OOO: 0.3 mg/mL and OSO: 0.2 mg/mL) and E. faecalis (IC50 = OOO: 0.4 mg/mL and OSO: 2.8 mg/mL) albeit exerting a certain effect also against S. aureus and E. coli. Moreover, both OOO and OSO do not yield any relevant cytotoxic effect at the active concentrations in both cell lines. This indicates that the ozonated oils studied are not toxic for mammalian cells despite exerting a potent antimicrobial effect on specific microorganisms. Therefore, OOO and OSO may be considered to integrate standard therapies in the treatment of common infections, likely overcoming drug resistance issues.

Effectiveness of photo-ozone therapy against equine Pythium insidiosum.

Cutaneous pythiosis is a life-threatening infectious disease. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and ozone (O3) have been used individually in the treatment of infected wounds. The goals of the study were a) to characterize the antimicrobial action of the photo-ozone therapy (LLLT-O3) against equine Pythium insidiosum, and b) to assess the cytotoxic potential of the LLLT-O3 in keratinocytes. Specimens of pathogen were isolated from 10 horses. After culturing, 120 hyphae plugs were distributed among four groups (n=30 hyphae plugs/group): LLLT (laser irradiation for 160 sec;), O3 (exposition to O3 for 15 min;), LLLT-O3 (LLLT and O3 treatments in sequence) and control (untreated plugs). The hyphae growth was measured during the first 14 days post-treatment. Where there was an absence of hyphae growth, the plug was recultured for an additional 7 days. The cytotoxic potential of the treatments against HaCaT keratinocytes was assessed by colorimetric assays. The LLLT-O3 and O3 treatments inactivated, respectively, 92.3% (28/30) and 30% (9/30) of the samples. No growth was detected after 7 days reculture of inactivated hyphae plugs on new media. Hyphae growth was visualized in 100% of the control and LLLT hyphae plugs. The viability of HaCaT cells was not affected by the isolated treatments (LLLT and O3), while the LLLT-O3 showed slight cytotoxic effect (20%) when compared to the control group (P<0.05). Photo-ozone therapy inactivated equine P. insidiosum hyphae with minimal cytotoxicity in skin cells in vitro.

Ozone therapy effect in medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw as prevention or treatment: microtomographic, confocal laser microscopy and histomorphometric analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ozone therapy in the preoperative (prevention) and/or postoperative (treatment) of MRONJ. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats were caudally treated with zoledronic acid (ZOL) and to ozone therapy before extraction (prevention, POG), after extraction (treatment, TOG), or both (prevention and treatment, TPOG), and treated with saline (SAL). The animals received intramuscular fluorochrome (calcein and alizarin), and 28 days postoperatively, they were euthanized, and the tissues were subjected to microtomographic computed tomography (microCT), LASER confocal, and histomorphometric analyses. RESULTS: Micro-CT showed a higher bone volume fraction average in all groups than that in the ZOL group (P < 0.001), the ZOL group showed high porosity (P = 0.03), and trabecular separation was greater in the TOG group than in the POG group (P < 0.05). The mineral apposition rate of the POG group was high (20.46 ± 6.31) (P < 0.001), followed by the TOG group (20.32 ± 7.4). The TOG group presented the highest mean newly formed bone area (68.322 ± 25.296) compared with the ZOL group (P < 0.05), followed by the SAL group (66.039 ± 28.379) and ZOL groups (60.856 ± 28.425). CONCLUSIONS: Ozone therapy modulated alveolar bone repair in animals treated with ZOL, mainly after surgery trauma, leading to bone formation as healing tissue. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Osteonecrosis has been a challenge in dentistry, and owing to the lack of a consensus regarding therapy, studies presenting new therapies are important, and ozone has been one of the therapies explored empirically.

Transcriptomic analysis reveals ozone treatment delays kiwifruit postharvest softening by modulating cell wall metabolism.

Kiwifruit ripening and senescence after harvesting are closely related to its economic value. Transcriptome analysis and biochemical parameters were used to investigate the differences in gene expression levels and the potential regulation of cell wall metabolism in kiwifruit treated with ozone, thereby regulating fruit softening and prolonging postharvest life. Compared to the control group, the activities of the cell wall modification enzyme were lower under ozone treatment, the content of polysaccharide in the cell wall of primary pectin and cellulose was higher, and the content of soluble pectin was lower. Meanwhile, ozone treatment delayed the degradation of the cell wall mesosphere during storage. A total of 20 pectinesterase (PE)-related genes were identified by sequencing analysis. The data analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction results confirmed that cell wall modifying enzyme genes played an important role in softening and senescence after harvesting, which may reduce or induce the expression of certain genes affecting cell wall metabolism. Ozone treatment not only regulates active genes such as xyloglucan endo glycosyltransferase/hydrolase, cellulose synthase, polygalacturonase, and PE to maintain the quality of fruit after harvest but also acts synergically with cell wall modifying enzymes to inhibit the degradation of cell wall, resulting in changes in the ultrastructure of cell wall, thereby reducing the hardness of kiwifruit. In addition, according to the results of cis-acting elements, cell wall degradation is also related to downstream hormone signaling, especially PE-related genes. These results provide a theoretical basis for studying the mechanism of firmness and cell wall metabolism difference of kiwifruit and also lay a good foundation for further research.

Effect of ozone gas on viral kinetics and liver histopathology in hepatitis C patients.

OBJECTIVES: We examine how well ozone/oxygen gas therapy treats chronic hepatitis C patients with varying degrees of liver fibrosis. Also to study the effect of giving multiple anti-oxidants with the ozone/oxygen gas mixture, to see if this addition would have any additive or synergistic effect. METHODS: Two hundred and twenty three patients with chronic hepatitis C. Liver biopsies were carried out at after 12 weeks of administering an ozone/oxygen gas mixture. RESULTS: The mean stage of fibrosis decreased from 1.98 to 1.41 and the mean grade of inflammation decreased from 10.08 to 7.94, both with a p value less than 0.001. After 12 weeks of treatment, mean PCR values increased. No single significant complication was recorded in a total of >9,000 settings of ozone therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Ozone oxygen gas mixture is safe and effective in treatment of hepatic fibrosis due to chronic viral hepatitis C.

Nociceptive and histomorphometric evaluation of the effects of ozone therapy on the rat masseter muscle in a carrageenan model of myofascial pain.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effects of intramuscular ozone therapy on nociception, inflammation, and tissue damage caused by the injection of carrageenan in the masseter muscle of rats. DESIGN: Rat masseter muscles were injected with saline or carrageenan. Seventy-seven adult male rats were divided into six groups: Sal, saline; Car, carrageenan; Ibup + Sal, ibuprofen and saline; Ibup + Car, ibuprofen and carrageenan; O3 + Sal, ozone and saline; and O3 + Car, ozone and carrageenan. The mixture of 5% ozone and 95% oxygen (20 µg/mL) was administered three times in the course of a week. Nociceptive responses in the masseter muscles were measured using a head withdrawal threshold, determined by an electronic von Frey anesthesiometer. The animals were euthanized one or eight days after the carrageenan injection, and the masseters were submitted to histological and histomorphometric analyses. RESULTS: Mechanical allodynia and inflammation levels were reduced in the Ibup + Car group compared to the other groups. Myonecrosis was similar among carrageenan-treated groups. Picrosirius red stained sections showed more collagen fibers and more regenerating myofibers in the O3 + Car group compared to the other groups. Eight days after carrageenan injection, the O3 + Car group showed neutrophils close to the regenerating myofibers. CONCLUSIONS: Intramuscular ozone therapy did not alleviate mechanical allodynia, and it did not protect the masseter muscle against the deleterious effects produced by carrageenan, probably due to the mode of administration of this therapeutic agent.

The Effects of Polyphenol Supplementation on BDNF, Cytokines and Cognition in Trained Male Cyclists following Acute Ozone Exposure during High-Intensity Cycling.

The neurotoxic effects of ozone exposure are related to neuroinflammation and increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study aimed to assess inflammation, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), and cognition in healthy male cyclists following polyphenol supplementation and exercise in an ozone-polluted environment. Ten male cyclists initially completed a maximal incremental test and maximal effort 4 km time trial in ambient air. Cyclists then completed two trials in an ozone-polluted environment (0.25 ppm) following 7 days of supplementation with either polyphenol (POLY) or placebo (PL). Experimental trials consisted of a three-stage submaximal test followed by a 4 km time trial. Blood samples were drawn pre- and post-exercise, and analyzed for BDNF, interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α). The Stroop test and serial subtraction task were performed before ozone exposure and again after the 4 km TT. Serum BDNF increased post-exercise (p < 0.0001), and positive differences were observed post-exercise in the ozone POLY group relative to PL (p = 0.013). Plasma IL-6 increased post-exercise (p = 0.0015), and TNF-α increased post-ozone exposure (p = 0.0018). There were no differences in Stroop or serial subtraction tasks pre- or post-exercise. Exercise increases BDNF in ozone.

Ozone Therapy for Breast Cancer: An Integrative Literature Review.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in women. Despite significant advances in conventional treatment, additional safer complementary treatment options are needed. Recently, ozone therapy has been considered as a type of medical adjunctive treatment that could inhibit cancer cell survival and reduce chemoresistance. However, only a few studies have been conducted on its use in breast cancer, and the optimal dosage and time of administration are unknown. Currently, preclinical studies suggest that ozone alone or in combination with chemotherapy is an effective method for inhibiting breast cancer cell growth. However, rather than investigating the effects of ozone as an antitumor therapy, current clinical trials have generally assessed its effect as an adjunctive therapy for reducing chemotherapy-induced side effects, increasing oxygen tension, normalizing blood flow, restoring blood lymphocytes more rapidly, and reducing fatigue symptoms. In this article, the use of ozone as a medical adjunctive treatment for breast cancer and its role in integrative therapy are summarized and discussed.

Healing refractory livedoid vasculopathy-related skin ulcers by ozone therapy: a case-based review.

Chronic skin wounds represent a prominent etiological factor in the occurrence of non-traumatic foot amputations on a global scale and pose a substantial threat to the patient's well-being and mortality in the absence of effective treatment strategies. There exists a subset of patients that exhibit an insufficient response to different treatment options, comprising antibiotics, dressings, gauze bandages, debridement, rehabilitation, collagen patch, and vacuum-assisted closure. In this patient group, distinct treatment strategies emerge before surgery and amputation. Ozone therapy is one of them. Ozone exhibits a wide variety of effects such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and trophic. Its trophic effect is mediated by disinfection, stimulation of granulation tissue, acceleration of the angiogenesis process, and detoxification mechanisms. In this article, we presented the beneficial effect of ozone therapy in a case of chronic skin ulcer associated with livedoid vasculopathy. In this context, we aimed to discuss the role of ozone therapy in the management of chronic skin ulcers. Finally, we focused on ozone therapy as a promising method in inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

In vitro and ex vivo anti-Pythium insidiosum potential of ozonated sunflower oil.

This study sought to evaluate the in vitro and ex vivo susceptibility of Pythium insidiosum to ozonized sunflower oil (OSO) and verify the morphological alterations of OSO-exposed hyphae. Susceptibility assays were performed according to the broth microdilution protocol M38-A2/CLSI, and the minimal inhibitory (MIC) and minimal oomicidal (MOC) concentrations were also determined. Non-ozonated sunflower oil (SO) was used as the oil control. Additionally, kunkers from equine pythiosis were exposed to OSO. Damages caused by OSO and SO on P. insidiosum hyphae ultrastructure were verified using scanning electron microscopy. The MIC range for OSO was 7000 to 437.5 mg/mL, and the values for SO were higher, ranging from 56000 to 14000 mg/mL. The MOC was equal to MIC for both oil formulations. The OSO fully inhibited the oomycete growth from kunkers, although there was P. insidiosum growth in the kunker control in 24 h of incubation. The SEM analyses showed that both OSO and SO caused morphological alterations in P. insidiosum hyphae, highlighting the presence of cavitation along the hyphae with loss of continuity of the cell wall, which was more evident in the OSO-treated hyphae. The OSO had the best oomicidal activity, leading us to believe that our findings may support future research containing this formulation to be applied in integrative medicine protocols to control pythiosis in animals and humans.

Long-term ambient ozone, omega-3 fatty acid, genetic susceptibility, and risk of mental disorders among middle-aged and older adults in UK biobank.

BACKGROUND: Evidence linking ozone to depression and anxiety disorders remains sparse and results are heterogeneous. It remains unknown whether omega-3 fatty acid, or genetic susceptibility of mental disorders modify the impacts of ozone. The aim is to assess the associations of ambient ozone with depression and anxiety, and further explore the potential modification effects of omega-3 fatty acid and genetic susceptibility. METHODS: In total of 257,534 participants were enrolled from 2006 to 2010 and followed up to 2016. Depression and anxiety were assessed using mental health questionnaires, primary care records and hospital admission records. The annual average concentrations of ozone were calculated and linked to individuals by home address. Dietary intake and plasma concentration were selected to reflect levels of omega-3 fatty acid. Polygenetic risk scores were selected to reflect genetic susceptibility. We examined the associations of ozone and incident mental disorders, and potential modification of omega-3 fatty acid and genetic susceptibility. RESULTS: Incidences of depression (N = 6957) and anxiety (N = 6944) was associated with increase of ozone. Higher levels of omega-3 fatty acid might attenuate the ozone related depression risk. However, the modification effects of genetic susceptibility were not found. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term exposure to ambient ozone increase the risk of mental disorders among the middle aged and older adults, and omega-3 fatty acid could reduce the adverse effects of ozone on mental health. Higher intake of omega-3 fatty acid is a potential strategy to prevent the risks caused by ozone on public mental health.

Use of ozone therapy in Implant Dentistry: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Ozone is a potent antioxidant agent which presents an important antimicrobial action and many other biological effects. Although ozone therapy has been widely described and summarized in several other Dentistry areas recently, the studies concerning Dental Implantology have not been systematically compiled and evaluated. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ozone therapy in dental implant procedures. METHODS: MEDLINE (via PUBMED), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and OpenGrey databases were searched (up to, and including, January 23, 2023) for studies in the English language. In addition, the reference lists of the articles were manually examined. Only interventional studies (controlled clinical trials, randomized or not) were considered eligible for inclusion. The risk of bias in each included study was assessed using the Cochrane tool for assessing risk of bias in randomized trials - version 2. RESULTS: 71 potentially eligible records were retrieved but only 5 articles were evaluated and considered eligible for inclusion. Among the studies, 2 addressed clinical situations related to implant insertion, and 3 involved pathological conditions affecting implants in function. Furthermore, only one randomized clinical trial was categorized as low risk of bias. CONCLUSION: The adjuvant use of ozone therapy may positively affect some outcomes in Implant Dentistry, both in treating pathological conditions and conducting rehabilitation (implant installation, secondary implant stability). However, as most studies have a high risk of bias and high heterogeneity, a definitive conclusion cannot be drawn.

Effects of 7-day polyphenol powder supplementation on cycling performance and lung function in an ozone-polluted environment.

PURPOSE: Polluted environments can adversely affect lung function and exercise performance. Evidence suggests that some nutrient supplements may offset pollution's detrimental effects. This study examined the effect of polyphenol supplementation on lung function and exercise performance in an ozone-polluted environment. METHODS: Ten male cyclists (mean ± SD: age, 43.8 ± 12.4 years; height, 177.8 ± 7.1 cm; weight, 76.03 ± 7.88 kg; VO2max 4.12 ± 0.72 L min-1) initially completed a baseline maximal incremental test and maximal effort 4 km time trial in ambient air. Thereafter cyclists completed two trials in an ozone-polluted environment (0.25 ppm) following seven days of supplementation with either polyphenol (PB) or placebo (PL). Experimental trials consisted of a three-stage submaximal test (50%, 60% and 70% incremental peak power) followed by a 4 km time trial. Lung function was measured pre- and post-exercise via spirometry and adverse respiratory symptoms with a Likert scale. RESULTS: Ozone exposure significantly reduced (p < 0.05) lung function relative to ambient air. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in measured variables across the three submaximal intensities. There was a small (d = 0.31) non-significant difference (p = 0.09) in 4 km performance in PB (406.43 ± 50.29 s) vs. PL (426.20 ± 75.06 s). Oxygen consumption during the time trial was greater in PB (3.49 ± 0.71 L min-1) vs PL (3.32 ± 0.71 L min-1, p = 0.01, d = 0.24). Cough severity (SOC) was lower (p = 0.03) with PB relative to PL. CONCLUSION: PB supplementation may provide small benefits to performance and reduce cough symptoms during high-intensity exercise in ozone-polluted environments.

US/CT fusion imaging and virtual navigation to guide lumbar intradiscal oxygen-ozone therapy: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: To test the feasibility of US/CT fusion imaging to guide lumbar intradiscal O2/O3 therapy to treat discogenic degenerative low back pain due to lumbar disc herniation (LDH). METHODS: We retrospectively included consecutive patients affected by low back pain and/or sciatica due to LDH resistant to conservative therapies, who underwent to lumbar intradiscal O2/O3 injection under CT/US fusion imaging guidance (Fusion Group) and standard CT guidance (Control Group). For each procedure, we collected procedure operative time, room utilization time, number of CT passes, complications, and O2/O3 intradiscal diffusion adequacy. Technical success was defined as the ability to complete the procedure as initially planned to reach the disc. Technical efficacy was based on O2/O3 intradiscal diffusion adequacy, as demonstrated by the last CT scan. RESULTS: Six patients (4 males; mean age: 68 ± 15 years) were included in the Fusion group, six (4 males; mean age: 66 ± 12 years) in Control group. No complications were observed in both groups. In Fusion group we found significantly lower room utilization time (30 ± 6 min vs. 46 ± 10 min, p = 0.008), procedure operative time (14 ± 3 min vs. 24 ± 6 min, p = 0.008), and number of CT passes (2 [2,2] vs. 3 [3,3], p = 0.006) than in Control Group, respectively. Technical success and efficacy were 100% in both Groups. CONCLUSION: CT/US fusion imaging seems to be a feasible and safe guidance for intradiscal O2/O3 injections, allowing decrease of procedure time and number of CT passes.

Aplicação da ozonioterapia no processo de reparação tecidual de queimaduras cutâneas: avaliação histométrica / Application of ozone therapy in the tissue repair orocess of skin burns: histometric evaluation

O ozônio é considerado um agente oxidante muito potente, e quando aplicado nos tecidos reage imediatamente com várias moléculas presentes nos fluidos biológicos promovendo a formação de espécies reativas de oxigênio que envolvem várias reações bioquímicas, e que na associação ao óleo formam-se uma série de subprodutos, dentre eles, peróxidos com propriedades germicidas (BOCCI, 2006). Dentre as propriedades biológicas do ozônio, também são descritas sua ação antimicrobiana, anti-inflamatória e analgésica incluindo a neutralização de mediadores da dor. E seu efeito terapêutico na redução do estresse oxidativo (Menendes et al., 2002; Ferreira e cols., 2013). Ainda, em aplicações clínicas na odontologia, o ozônio foi descrito como biocida oxidativo, atuando em fungos, colônias bacterianas, vermes e vírus (Oliveira e Mendes, 2009). Este trabalho avaliou a ação do ozônio associado ao óleo de girassol no tratamento de feridas cutâneas ocasionadas por queimaduras induzidas por laser CO2 em ratos machos da linhagem Winstar. Os resultados mostraram uma diminuição significativa do número de células mononucleares e de vasos sanguíneos no 7º dia, período inicial do tratamento e uma proliferação exacerbada de fibroblastos em todos os períodos estudados. Desta maneira pode-se concluir que a ozonioterapia administrada com óleo de girassol ozonizado não favoreceu eficientemente a reparação tecidual de feridas cutâneas por queimaduras. Assim, Novas pesquisas se tornam importantes para estabelecer novos critérios para o uso do ozônio como terapia adjuvante, embora algumas propriedades biológicas sejam descritas.(AU)

Ozone is considered a very powerful oxidizing agent, and when applied to tissues it reacts immediately with several molecules present in biological fluids, promoting the formation of reactive oxygen species that involve several biochemical reactions, and when associated with oil, a series of byproducts, including peroxides with germicidal properties (BOCCI, 2006). Among the biological properties of ozone, its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic action is also described, including the neutralization of pain mediators and its therapeutic effect in reducing oxidative stress (Menendes et al., 2002; Ferreira et al., 2013). Furthermore, in clinical applications in dentistry, ozonehas been described as an oxidative biocide, acting on fungi, bacterial colonies, worms and viruses (Oliveira and Mendes, 2009). This work evaluated the action of ozone associated with sunflower oil in the treatment of wounds cutaneous injuries caused by CO2 laser-induced burns in male Winstar rats. The results showed a significant decrease in the number of mononuclear cells and blood vessels on the 7th day, the initial period of treatment, and an exacerbated proliferation of fibroblasts in all periods studied. Therefore, it can be concluded that ozone therapy administered with ozonized sunflower oil did not efficiently promote tissue repair of cutaneous burn wounds. Thus, new research becomes important to establish new criteria for the use of ozone as an adjuvant therapy, although some biological properties are described.