In vitro anticancer and antifungal properties of the essential oil from the leaves of Lippia origanoides kunth.

The essential oil from Lippia origanoides (EOLO) is employed in traditional medicine as it has both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The current investigation first evaluated the EOLO's cytotoxic activity in tumour (SiHa and HT-29) and non-tumour (human lymphocyte) cells by MTT. The effect on ROS production was further evaluated in cancer cells by fluorimetry. The oil's mutagenic and antifungal activities were also evaluated using, respectively, the in vitro micronucleus test and the broth microdilution method. The EOLO displayed significant cytotoxicity in both cancer cell lines, with IC50 values of 20.2 µg/mL and 24.3 µg/mL for HT-29 and for SiHa cell lines, respectively. EOLO increased ROS production, was unable to raise the micronucleus frequencies and significantly reduced the cytokinesis block proliferation indices, revealing its anti-proliferative action. The results demonstrate that EOLO is devoid of mutagenic activity but possesses significant activity against tumour and non-tumour human cells, reinforcing its biological potential.

Moderate-to-high intensity inspiratory muscle training improves the effects of combined training on exercise capacity in patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The effects of adding moderate-to-high intensity inspiratory muscle training (IMT) to short-term aerobic and resistance exercise (combined training [CT]), after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are not established. This study aimed to determine the effects of moderate-to-high intensity IMT + CT on exercise capacity, respiratory muscle strength, inspiratory muscle endurance, quality of life (QoL), and laboratory biomarkers in patients after CABG who were participants of a phase II cardiac rehabilitation program. METHODS: Twenty-four patients were randomly assigned to either the IMT + CT group (n = 12), who performed moderate-to-high intensity IMT with CT or the sham-IMT + CT group (n = 12). Patients completed two sessions per week for 12 weeks. Each patient underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise test, six-minute walk test (6MWT), respiratory muscle strength and endurance evaluation, QoL questionnaire, and serum advanced oxidation protein products, ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP], nitrate/nitrate, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, before and after the 12-week intervention. RESULTS: The IMT + CT group showed significantly greater improvements in peak oxygen uptake (1.3 mL∙kg-1∙min-1; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.5 to 2.2), distance covered during the 6MWT (78.8 m; 95% CI, 28.1 to 129.5), maximal inspiratory pressure (23.0 cmH2O; 95% CI, 9.3 to 36.7), QoL (-15.1 points; 95% CI, -26.9 to -3.3), and FRAP (83.7 µmol/L; 95% CI, 20.2 to 147.1) compared to the sham-IMT + CT group as a result of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term moderate-to-high intensity IMT with CT provided additional benefits in exercise capacity, inspiratory muscle strength, QoL, and antioxidant profile in patients after CABG. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02885077.

Pessoa submetida a artroplastia total da anca: processo de preparação para a alta / Person undergoing total hip arthroplasty: preparation process for discharge

O trabalho centra-se na intervenção que o enfermeiro especialista em enfermagem de reabilitação desenvolve no processo de preparação para alta e consequente regresso ao domicílio em pessoas submetidas a cirurgia ortopédica, especificamente na artroplastia total da anca. O regresso ao domicilio mais rápido, que não se pretende precoce, no sentido de não estarem reunidas todas as condições para o mesmo se realizar, mas sim eficaz, é cada vez mais uma preocupação dos profissionais de saúde, existe uma maior atenção a questões de impacto na saúde e no processo de transição de saúde/doença, havendo uma maior preocupação, atenção e maior sensibilidade pelos enfermeiros, com destaque para os enfermeiros especialistas em enfermagem de reabilitação, para todos os fatores relacionados com uma rápida recuperação e que impliquem o menor impacto possível na pessoa e família. Foi possível desenvolver uma reflexão sobre a mais-valia dos cuidados de saúde prestados de uma forma contínua, sem quebras, no qual o hospital está ligado aos cuidados na comunidade e atento aos cuidados que as pessoas necessitam no domicílio que por sua vez são antecipados pelo hospital no período que antecede o próprio internamento, criando um circuito dinâmico, atento aos pormenores, profissionalmente desenvolvido e holístico. Tendo em conta as características referidas, é incontornável referir a mais-valia que o enfermeiro especialista em enfermagem de reabilitação representa na implementação/desenvolvimento deste processo, tanto a nível de coordenação/gestão como na intervenção direta com a pessoa/cuidador/família, o conhecimento das realidades, capacidade de intervir em qualquer dos meios, tanto hospitalar, como na comunidade, aliado aos conhecimentos técnicos e científicos permitem a este profissional assumir-se como profissional diferenciado e de excelência.

The work focuses on the intervention that rehabilitation nurse specialist develops in the process of preparation for discharge and consequent homecare in people undergoing orthopedic surgery, specifically in total hip arthroplasty. The fastest return to home, which isn't intended to be precocious, in the sense that all the conditions for it aren't met, but that it is effective, is increasingly a concern of health professionals. There is a greater focus on health impact issues and the health/disease transition process, with increased concern, attention and sensitivity on the part of nurses, particularly rehabilitation nurses specialists, for all factors related to a rapid recovery and involving the least possible impact on the person and family. It was possible to develop a reflection on the added value of health care provided in a continuous, seamless manner, in which the hospital is linked to care in the community and attentive to the care that people need at home, which in turn are anticipated by the hospital in the period before the hospitalization itself, creating a dynamic, attention-grabbing, professionally developed and holistic circuit. Taking into account the mentioned characteristics, it is essential to mention the added value that rehabilitation nurse specialist represents in the implementation/development of this process, both in coordination/management and in direct intervention with the person/caregiver/family, knowledge of the realities, capacity to intervene in any of the means, both hospital and community, combined with the technical and scientific knowledge allow this professional to assume as a differentiated and excellence professional.

Effect of Ocimum gratissimum in Mouthrinses on De Novo Plaque Formation. A Randomized Clinical Trial

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar clinicamente em humanos o efeito antiplaca de Ocimum gratissimum (Og). Quinze adultos saudáveis participaram deste estudo cruzado, duplo-cego, por meio de um modelo de acúmulo de placa parcial de 3 dias. Os voluntários aboliram qualquer método mecânico de higiene oral e foram inicialmente designados para usar os seguintes enxaguatórios bucais: água destilada (solução AD), digluconato de clorexidina a 0,12% (solução CLX) ou 10% Og (solução Og). O índice de placa (IPL) foi registrado em todos os dentes inferiores no final do experimento e os testes estatísticos Kruskal-Wallis (α=0,05) e Mann-Whitney (α=0,05) foram utilizados para estimar a diferença entre os grupos. Os resultados clínicos demonstraram diferença estatisticamente significante entre os três grupos (p<0,05), favorecendo os grupos CLX e Og; entretanto o grupo CLX foi mais efetivo que o grupo Og (p<0,05). Os enxaguatórios bucais contendo digluconato de clorexidina e Og a 10% foram capazes de reduzir a formação de nova placa bacteriana, mas Og mostrou resultados mais limitados em comparação ao digluconato de clorexidina.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiplaque effect of Ocimum gratissimum (Og) by in vivo investigation. Fifteen healthy volunteers participated in a crossover, double-blind clinical study, using a 3-day partial-mouth plaque accumulation model. The participants abolished any method of mechanical oral hygiene and they were randomly assigned to initially use just the following mouthrinses: distilled water (DW solution), 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate (CLX solution) or 10% Og (Og solution). The plaque index (PLI) was recorded in all mandibular teeth at the end of the trial and the Kruskal-Wallis (α=0.05) and Mann-Whitney (α=0.05) tests were used to estimate the difference among groups. The clinical results showed statistically significant difference among the groups (p<0.05), favoring the CLX solution and Og solution, but the first was more effective (p<0.05). The mouthrinses containing 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate and 10% Og were able to inhibit plaque re-growth, however Og showed more limited results in comparison to CLX.

Clinical effect of a mouthwash containing Anacardium occidentale Linn. on plaque and gingivitis control: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Plaque-associated gingivitis is a prevalent disease and research in its treatment using herbal agents must be encouraged to verify which would be a useful addition to the current range or chemotherapeutic treatment options. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effect of a mouth rinse containing 10% Anacardium occidentale (AO) Linn., a typical plant commonly found in the Northeast Region of Brazil, on the reduction of plaque and gingivitis in comparison to a gold-standard chemotherapeutic agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty normosystemic adult volunteers of both genders, who had a minimum of twenty natural teeth, aging between 18 and 32 years, were enrolled in this crossover, controlled, examiner-blind clinical study. They were randomly allocated into three groups: 10% AO Linn. (n = 10); 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate (CLX, n = 10); or placebo (PB, n = 10). All volunteers were instructed to brush their teeth with a fluoridated dentifrice two times a day (12/12 h) and to rinse for 1 min with one of the mouthwashes (AO, CLX, or PB) 30 min after tooth brushing for 1 month. Plaque index (PLI) and gingival bleeding index (BLI) were recorded on days 0 and 30. Nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests (α = 0.05) were performed to evaluate statistical differences among groups. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction (P < 0.05) on plaque and gingivitis at day 30 just in CLX ([PLI = 0.47 ± 0.16; -30%]; [BLI = 0.15 ± 0.09; -55.8%]) and AO ([PLI = 0.49 ± 0.21; -31%]; [BLI = 0.13 ± 0.10; -56.6%]) groups, but no statistically significant difference was observed among them (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Mouthwash containing 10% AO was effective as an antiplaque and antigingivitis agent, in a similar manner that 0.12% CLX.

Preemptive Analgesia with Acupuncture Monitored by c-Fos Expression in Rats.

Pain behavior and awareness are characterized by heightened alertness and anxiety, which begin to disappear as soon as the curative process starts. The present study aimed to quantify c-fos expression in rat spinal cords and brains after a surgical stimulus and with preoperative or postoperative acupuncture. Animals were randomly divided into preoperative and postoperative groups and were then further divided into control, manual acupuncture (MA), or electroacupuncture (EA) groups. Expression of c-fos was quantified using immunohistochemistry. The collected data were analyzed using the t test at a 5% probability level. Presurgery and postsurgery spinal cord c-fos expressions were similar in all of the treatment groups. In the control rats, c-fos expression was higher before surgery than after surgery, contradicting the expected outcome of acupuncture and preemptive analgesia. After treatment, the expression of c-fos in the brains of the rats in the MA and the EA groups was reduced compared with that of the rats in the control group. These findings suggest that acupuncture used as preemptive analgesia in rats is a useful model for studying its application in human treatment.

Short-term inspiratory muscle training potentiates the benefits of aerobic and resistance training in patients undergoing CABG in phase II cardiac rehabilitation program / Treinamento muscular inspiratório de curto prazo potencializa os benefícios do treinamento aeróbico e resistido em pacientes após CRM na fase II de programa de reabilitação cardíaca

AbstractObjective:To investigate the efficiency of short-term inspiratory muscle training program associated with combined aerobic and resistance exercise on respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity and quality of life in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass and are in the phase II cardiac rehabilitation program.Methods:A prospective, quasi-experimental study with 24 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass and were randomly assigned to two groups in the Phase II cardiac rehabilitation program: inspiratory muscle training program associated with combined training (aerobic and resistance) group (GCR + IMT, n=12) and combined training with respiratory exercises group (GCR, n=12), over a period of 12 weeks, with two sessions per week. Before and after intervention, the following measurements were obtained: maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (PImax and PEmax), peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2) and quality of life scores. Data were compared between pre- and post-intervention at baseline and the variation between the pre- and post-phase II cardiac rehabilitation program using the Student's t-test, except the categorical variables, which were compared using the Chi-square test. Values of P<0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results:Compared to GCR, the GCR + IMT group showed larger increments in PImax (P<0.001), PEmax (P<0.001), peak VO2 (P<0.001) and quality of life scores (P<0.001).Conclusion:The present study demonstrated that the addition of inspiratory muscle training, even when applied for a short period, may potentiate the effects of combined aerobic and resistance training, becoming a simple and inexpensive strategy for patients who underwent coronary artery bypass and are in phase II cardiac rehabilitation.

ResumoObjetivo:Avaliar os efeitos de um programa de treinamento muscular inspiratório em curto prazo associado ao exercício aeróbio e resistido na força muscular respiratória, capacidade funcional e qualidade de vida de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio, na Fase II da Reabilitação Cardíaca.Métodos:Trata-se de um estudo quase-experimental, prospectivo, com amostra de 24 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio alocados aleatoriamente para Fase II da Reabilitação Cardíaca em dois grupos: grupo de treinamento muscular inspiratório associado ao treinamento combinado (aeróbio e resistido) (GRC + TMI, n=12) e grupo treinamento combinado e exercícios respiratórios (GRC, n=12) durante um período de 12 semanas, com 2 sessões semanais. Antes e após a intervenção, as seguintes mensurações foram obtidas: pressão inspiratória e expiratória máxima (PImáx e PEmáx), consumo de oxigênio de pico (VO2pico) e escore de qualidade de vida. Os dados foram comparados entre o momento pré e pós-intervenção na linha de base e a variação entre o pré e pós-programa de reabilitação cardíaca com uso do teste t de Student, exceto as variáveis categóricas, que foram comparadas pelo teste de qui-quadrado. Foi considerado um P<0,05.Resultados:Comparado ao GRC, o GRC + TMI apresentou maior incremento tanto na PImáx (P<0,001) quanto na PEmáx (P<0,001), no VO2pico (P<0,001) e na qualidade de vida (P<0,001).Conclusão:Demonstrou-se que a adição do programa de treinamento muscular inspiratório, mesmo quando aplicada por um curto período, pode complementar os efeitos do exercício aeróbio combinado ao resistido, tornando-se uma estratégia benéfica para pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio na Fase II da reabilitação cardíaca.

Short-term inspiratory muscle training potentiates the benefits of aerobic and resistance training in patients undergoing CABG in phase II cardiac rehabilitation program.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficiency of short-term inspiratory muscle training program associated with combined aerobic and resistance exercise on respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity and quality of life in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass and are in the phase II cardiac rehabilitation program. METHODS: A prospective, quasi-experimental study with 24 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass and were randomly assigned to two groups in the Phase II cardiac rehabilitation program: inspiratory muscle training program associated with combined training (aerobic and resistance) group (GCR + IMT, n=12) and combined training with respiratory exercises group (GCR, n=12), over a period of 12 weeks, with two sessions per week. Before and after intervention, the following measurements were obtained: maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (PImax and PEmax), peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2) and quality of life scores. Data were compared between pre- and post-intervention at baseline and the variation between the pre- and post-phase II cardiac rehabilitation program using the Student's t-test, except the categorical variables, which were compared using the Chi-square test. Values of P<0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Compared to GCR, the GCR + IMT group showed larger increments in PImax (P<0.001), PEmax (P<0.001), peak VO2 (P<0.001) and quality of life scores (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that the addition of inspiratory muscle training, even when applied for a short period, may potentiate the effects of combined aerobic and resistance training, becoming a simple and inexpensive strategy for patients who underwent coronary artery bypass and are in phase II cardiac rehabilitation.

Avaliação dos extratos de anacardium occidentale linn e lippia sidoides cham no processo de cicatrização tecidual. Estudo histológico em dorso de ratos / Evaluation of extracts from Anacardium occidentale Linn. and Lippia sidoides Cham. on wound healing process. Histological study in rats

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar histologicamente o efeito dos géis contendo extratos de Anacardium occidentale Linn. (AO) e Lippia sidoides Cham.(LS) no reparo tecidual de feridas cutâneas em dorso de ratos. Dezoito ratos da raça Wistar foram divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos de seis animais cada, de acordo com o período experimental: Grupo 1 (n = 6), sacrificados no 1º dia; Grupo 2 (n = 6), sacrificados no 7º dia e grupo 3 (n = 6), sacrificados no 10º dia. Quatro feridas cutâneas foram realizadas por meio de escarificação utilizando bisturi com lâmina nº 10 no dorso dos animais e sobre elas foram aplicadas topicamente em dose única diária, uma das quatro substâncias. Estabeleceu-se o seguinte protocolo: grupo A (perfuração superior, lado esquerdo) – gel placebo (Carbopol); grupo B (perfuração inferior, lado esquerdo) – gel de digluconato de clorexidina a 2%; grupo C (perfuração superior, lado direito) – gel de AO a 10%; grupo D (perfuração inferior, lado direito) – gel de LS a 10%. Não houve diferença qualitativa e quantitativa no processo de cicatrização entre os grupos nos dias 1 e 10 (p>0,05), porém aos 7 dias os géis contendo os fitoterápicos mostraram resultados mais favoráveis (p<0,05), apresentando uma cicatrização mais rápida neste período

The aim of this study was to evaluate, by histological analysis, the effect of gels containing extracts of Anacardium occidentale Linn and Lippia sidoides Cham on wound healing in Wistar rats. Eighteen rats were randomly divided into three groups with six animals each: Group 1 (n = 6) sacrificed on 1st day, Group 2 (n = 6) sacrificed on 7th day and group 3 (n = 6) sacrificed on 10th day. Four wounds were made by scraping using a scalpel blade #10 on the dorsum of the animals, and one of the four substances applied once a day, following the protocol: group A (upper wound, left side) – placebo gel (Carbopol); group B (bottom wound, left side) – 2% chlorhexidine digluconate gel; group C (upper wound, right side) – 10% Anacardium occidentale Linn gel; group D (bottom wound, right side) – 10% Lippia sidoides Cham gel. There were no qualitative and quantitative differences in the healing process among groups on days 1 and 10 (p>0.05), but on day 7 the herbal gels showed more favorable results (p<0.05), improving the wound healing in this period

Tratamento interdisciplinar na reconstrução estética do sorriso / Interdisciplinary treatment in the esthetic reconstruction of the smile. Case report

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo relatar um caso clínico de aumento de coroa clínica associado ao clareamento dental, no qual um planejamento integrando entre Periodontia e Dentística foi realizado para a resolução definitiva do desequilíbrio estético. Os resultados clínicos até dois anos demonstraram resolução estética satisfatória do sorriso.

A single-source route for the synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles using vegetable oil solvents.

We report a general method for the synthesis of metal oxide colloidal nanocrystals in sunflower oil using single-source precursors. In this research, iron oxide nanocrystals have been synthesized and characterized though this method can be extended to the synthesis of other common metal oxides such as ZnO and also to other types of vegetable oils as solvents. Using this method, nanoparticles with average diameters of 7 nm and 3 nm were obtained respectively for iron oxide and zinc oxide. The magnetic iron oxide phase was identified using powder XRD, surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy and magnetic measurements as maghemite as the main component. The magnetic measurements demonstrate the superparamagnetic behavior of the iron oxide nanoparticles. This synthetic approach is an interesting way to synthesize metal oxide nanocrystals in eco-friendly solvents of natural origin.

Clinical effect of a mouth rinse containing Ocimum gratissimum on plaque and gingivitis control.

AIM: The effect of Ocimum gratissimum (Og) on the reduction of dental plaque and gingivitis was evaluated in a randomized, parallel and double-blind clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects were randomly allocated to the control group (n=10)-mouth rinse with no antiseptic agents; CLX group (n=10)-mouth rinse containing chlorhexidine digluconate or Og group (n=10)-mouth rinse containing Ocimum gratissimum. Plaque (PLI) and bleeding (BI) indexes were assessed at days 0 and after 3 months. Subjects were asked to brush their teeth with a fluoridated dentifrice, three times a day, during a 90-day period. After each brushing they rinsed with one of the three mouth rinses during 1 minute. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction on plaque and gingivitis in tests groups (p < 0.05), but no statistically significant difference was observed among them (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Mouth rinse containing Og was effective as antiplaque and antigingivitis agent, in a similar manner that chlorhexidine digluconate. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Research in treatment of chronic oral diseases using natural agents must be encouraged to verify which would be a useful addition to the current range of chemotherapeutic treatment options.

Limited benefit of copaifera oil on gingivitis progression in humans.

AIM: The aim of this in vivo study was to evaluate the antiplaque and antigingivitis effect of Copaifera sp (Cp). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Twenty-three subjects participated in a randomized controlled clinical trial using a 21-day, partial-mouth experimental model of gingivitis. A custom tooth shield was fabricated for each subject to prevent the brushing of the four experimental posterior teeth in the lower-left quadrant. The subjects were randomly assigned to either the control group (using a placebo gel) or the test group (using the test gel containing 10% Cp). RESULTS: The clinical results showed statistically significant differences for plaque (PLI), bleeding (BI), and gingival (GI) indexes at days 0 and 21 in both groups (p<0.05). However, on day 21 there was no statistically significant difference between groups for all indexes (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The test gel containing 10% Cp did not prevent plaque formation and development of gingivitis. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Several medicinal herbs are used empirically by persons in the treatment and prevention of oral conditions. Research in this area must be encouraged to determine which herbal agents would be a useful addition to the current range of chemotherapeutic periodontal treatment options.

Antiplaque and antigingivitis effect of Lippia Sidoides: a double-blind clinical study in humans.

OBJECTIVES: The antiplaque and antigingivitis effect of Lippia Sidoides (LS) was evaluated in this in vivo investigation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-three subjects participated in a cross-over, double-blind clinical study, using 21-day partial-mouth experimental model of gingivitis. A toothshield was constructed for each volunteer, avoiding the brushing of the 4 experimental posterior teeth in the lower left quadrant. The subjects were randomly assigned initially to use either the placebo gel (control group) or the test gel, containing 10% LS (test group). RESULTS: The clinical results showed statistically significant differences for plaque index (PLI) (p<0.01) between days 0 and 21 in both groups, however only the control group showed statistically significant difference (p<0.01) for the bleeding (IB) and gingival (GI) index within the experimental period of 21 days. On day 21, the test group presented significantly better results than the control group with regard to the GI (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The test gel containing 10% LS was effective in the control of gingivitis.

Antiplaque and antigingivitis effect of Lippia Sidoides: a double-blind clinical study in humans

OBJECTIVES: The antiplaque and antigingivitis effect of Lippia Sidoides (LS) was evaluated in this in vivo investigation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-three subjects participated in a cross-over, double-blind clinical study, using 21-day partial-mouth experimental model of gingivitis. A toothshield was constructed for each volunteer, avoiding the brushing of the 4 experimental posterior teeth in the lower left quadrant. The subjects were randomly assigned initially to use either the placebo gel (control group) or the test gel, containing 10 percent LS (test group). RESULTS: The clinical results showed statistically significant differences for plaque index (PLI) (p<0.01) between days 0 and 21 in both groups, however only the control group showed statistically significant difference (p<0.01) for the bleeding (IB) and gingival (GI) index within the experimental period of 21 days. On day 21, the test group presented significantly better results than the control group with regard to the GI (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The test gel containing 10 percent LS was effective in the control of gingivitis.

Association between micronuclei frequency in pollen mother cells of Tradescantia and mortality due to cancer and cardiovascular diseases: a preliminary study in Sao José dos Campos, Brazil.

The present study was designed to explore the correlation between the frequency of micronuclei in Trad-MN, measured across 28 biomonitoring stations during the period comprised between 11 of May and 2 of October, 2006, and adjusted mortality rates due to cardiovascular, respiratory diseases and cancer in Sao José dos Campos, Brazil, an area with different sources of air pollution. For controlling purposes, mortality rate due to gastrointestinal diseases (an event less prone to be affected by air pollution) was also considered in the analysis. Spatial distribution of micronuclei frequency was determined using average interpolation. The association between health estimators and micronuclei frequency was determined by measures of Pearson's correlation. Higher frequencies of micronuclei were detected in areas with high traffic and close to a petrochemical pole. Significant associations were detected between micronuclei frequency and adjusted mortality rate due to cardiovascular diseases (r=0.841, p=0.036) and cancer (r=0.890, p=0.018). The association between mortality due to chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases was positive but did not reach statistical significance (r=0.640, p=0.172), probably because of the small number of events. Gastrointestinal mortality did not exhibit significant association with micronuclei frequency. Because the small number of observations and the nature of an ecological study, the present findings must be considered with caution and considered as preliminary. Further studies, performed in different conditions of contamination and climate should be done before considering Trad-MN in the evaluation of human health risk imposed by air pollutants.

Effect of a dentifrice containing Aloe vera on plaque and gingivitis control. A double-blind clinical study in humans.

The effect of Aloe vera on the reduction of plaque and gingivitis was evaluated in a randomized, parallel and double-blind clinical trial. Subjects were randomly allocated to the test group (n=15) - dentifrice containing Aloe vera - or the control group (n=15) - fluoridated dentifrice. Plaque index (PI) and gingival bleeding index (GBI) were assessed at days 0 and 30. Subjects were asked to brush their teeth with the control or test dentifrice, three times a day, during a 30-day period. There was a significant reduction on plaque and gingivitis in both groups, but no statistically significant difference was observed among them (p>0.01). The dentifrice containing Aloe vera did not show any additional effect on plaque and gingivitis control compared to the fluoridated dentifrice.

Effect of a dentifrice containing aloe vera on plaque and gingivitis control: a double-blind clinical study in humans

The effect of Aloe vera on the reduction of plaque and gingivitis was evaluated in a randomized, parallel and double-blind clinical trial. Subjects were randomly allocated to the test group (n=15) - dentifrice containing Aloe vera - or the control group (n=15) - fluoridated dentifrice. Plaque index (PI) and gingival bleeding index (GBI) were assessed at days 0 and 30. Subjects were asked to brush their teeth with the control or test dentifrice, three times a day, during a 30-day period. There was a significant reduction on plaque and gingivitis in both groups, but no statistically significant difference was observed among them (p>0.01). The dentifrice containing Aloe vera did not show any additional effect on plaque and gingivitis control compared to the fluoridated dentifrice.