Anti-Candida activity and in vitro toxicity screening of antifungals complexed with ß-cyclodextrin.

The emergence of resistant fungal species and the toxicity of currently available antifungal drugs are relevant issues that require special consideration. Cyclodextrins inclusion complexes could optimize the antimicrobial activity of such drugs and create a controlled release system with few side effects. This study aimed to assess the in vitro toxicity and antifungal effectiveness of nystatin (Nys) and chlorhexidine (Chx) complexed or not with ß-cyclodextrin (ßCD). First, a drug toxicity screening was performed through the Artemia salina bioassay. Then, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against Candida albicans were determined with the broth microdilution test. After MICs determination, the cytotoxicity of the drugs was evaluated through the methyl-thiazolyl-tetrazolium (MTT) and neutral red (NR) assays and through cell morphology analysis. The PROBIT analysis was used to determine the median lethal concentration (LC50), and the cell viability values were submitted to one-way analysis of variance(ANOVA)/Tukey (α = 0.05). Overall, the ßCD-complexed antifungals were less toxic against A. salina than their raw forms, suggesting that inclusion complexes can reduce the toxicity of drugs. The MICs obtained were as follows: Nys 0.5 mg/L; Nys:ßCD 4 mg/L; Chx 4 mg/L; and Chx:ßCD 8 mg/L. Chx showed significant cytotoxicity (MTT: 12.9 ± 9.6%; NR: 10.6 ± 12.5%) and promoted important morphological changes. Cells exposed to the other drugs showed viability above 70% with no cellular damage. These results suggest that antifungals complexed with ßCD might be a biocompatible option for the treatment of Candida-related infections.

EARLY BLOOD LACTATE AS A BIOMARKER FOR CARDIOVASCULAR COLLAPSE IN EXPERIMENTAL SEPSIS.

ABSTRACT: Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) is the gold standard model for studying septic shock, which is characterized by hypotension and hyporeactivity to vasoconstrictors. However, approximately 30% of CLP animals do not exhibit cardiovascular changes, requiring more replicates because of the high variability of the model. Therefore, biomarkers enabling the early prediction of cardiovascular collapse in sepsis would greatly benefit sepsis nonclinical studies, refining experimental models and improving clinical translation. Thus, this study aimed to test whether the early increase in lactate levels could predict hypotension and hyporesponsiveness to vasoconstrictors in a rat model of sepsis. Male and female Wistar rats were subjected to CLP or sham procedure. Tail blood lactate was measured 6, 12, and 24 h after surgery. Then, inflammatory, biochemical, and hemodynamic parameters were evaluated. Rats subjected to CLP developed hypotension, hyporesponsiveness to vasoconstrictors, an intense inflammatory process, and increased plasma markers of organ dysfunction. By using receiver operating characteristics curve analysis, we have established that a lactate value of 2.45 mmol/L can accurately discriminate between a rat exhibiting a normal vasoconstrictive response and a vasoplegic rat with 84% accuracy (area under the curve: 0.84; confidence interval [CI]: 0.67-1.00). The sensitivity, which is the ability to identify a diseased rat (true positive), was 75% (CI: 41-95), and the true negative rate was 81% (CI: 57-93). Therefore, early measurement of lactate levels in sepsis could serve as a valuable biomarker for distinguishing vasoplegic rats from those exhibiting normal vasoconstrictive responses.

Development of gel containing Psidium glaziovianum essential oil has in vitro antimicrobial activity and improves healing of excisional wounds in mice.

Wounds encompass physical, chemical, biological, induced damages to the skin or mucous membranes. In wound treatment, combating infections is a critical challenge due to their potential to impede recovery and inflict systemic harm on patients. Previously, the essential oil extracted from Psidium glaziovianum (PgEO) demonstrated antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory attributes, along with negligible oral toxicity. Hence, our study aimed to assess the effects of topically applying a gel formulation containing PgEO to excisional wounds in mice. Additionally, an in vitro antimicrobial assessment was conducted. The formulated gel underwent characterization and toxicological evaluation on erythrocytes, as well as a dermal irritation test. Its antimicrobial activity was tested against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungi. Subsequently, an assessment of its efficacy in excisional wound healing was conducted in mice. The findings of this investigation highlight the gel's efficacy against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungi. Moreover, this study underscores that the PgEO-gel treatment enhances skin wound healing, potentially due to its capacity to trigger antioxidant enzymes and suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the gel exhibited minimal toxicity to erythrocytes and skin irritation. These findings hold promise for prospective preclinical and clinical trials across diverse wound types. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the potential therapeutic applications of the gel formulation containing essential oil from P. glaziovianum in the context of wound healing.

Evaluation of characteristics of periodontal probes

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the millimeter distances and active tip diameters of different periodontal probes. Methods: Two types of periodontal probes were analyzed (North Carolina (15-UNC) and PCP-12). Two manufacturers were selected for each probe type. Digital images of the probes were obtained and the distances were measured using a software program. The diameter of the active tip was measured using a digital caliper. Both variables were measured by two trained and calibrated examiners. The data were analyzed using the Bland-Altman method and two-way ANOVA with Tukey's post-hoc test. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: A comparison of measurements between the 15UNC and PCP-12 probes showed a significant difference in all millimeter markings. The 15-UNC probe showed differences between the 3 and 12 mm markings. The PCP-12 probe only showed differences between the marks at the 12 mm mark. The 15-UNC probe had a similar active tip diameter between the two manufacturers. The PCP-12 probe showed a significant difference between the two manufacturers. Both types of probes had similar active tip diameters when compared by the two manufacturers. Conclusion: There was no standardization in relation to millimeter marks and tip diameters of the two types of periodontal probes produced by the two different manufacturers. The probe types exhibited little variability

The influence of hemodialysis on intracranial pressure waveform in patients with chronic kidney disease: an observational study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Among the complications related to chronic kidney disease (CKD), those of a neurological nature stand out, and for a better quality of life for patients, the diagnosis and treatment of these complications is fundamental. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the effect of hemodialysis on intracranial pressure waveform (ICPw) in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis and those who are not yet undergoing substitutive therapy. DESIGN AND SETTING: An observational study was conducted in two stages at a kidney replacement therapy center in Brazil. The first was a longitudinal study and the second was a cross-sectional study. METHODS: Forty-two patients on hemodialysis were included in the first stage of the study. In the second stage, 226 participants were included. Of these, 186 were individuals with chronic kidney disease (who were not undergoing substitutive therapy), and 40 did not have the disease (control group). The participants' intracranial compliance was assessed using the non-invasive Brain4care method, and the results were compared between the groups. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the hemodialysis and non-hemodialysis groups, with the former having better ICPw conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Hemodialysis influenced the improvement in ICPw, probably due to the decrease in the patients' extra-and intracellular volumes. Furthermore, ICPw monitoring can be a new parameter to consider when defining the moment to start substitutive therapy.

The influence of hemodialysis on intracranial pressure waveform in patients with chronic kidney disease: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: Among the complications related to chronic kidney disease (CKD), those of a neurological nature stand out, and for a better quality of life for patients, the diagnosis and treatment of these complications is fundamental. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the effect of hemodialysis on intracranial pressure waveform (ICPw) in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis and those who are not yet undergoing substitutive therapy. DESIGN AND SETTING: An observational study was conducted in two stages at a kidney replacement therapy center in Brazil. The first was a longitudinal study and the second was a cross-sectional study. METHODS: Forty-two patients on hemodialysis were included in the first stage of the study. In the second stage, 226 participants were included. Of these, 186 were individuals with chronic kidney disease (who were not undergoing substitutive therapy), and 40 did not have the disease (control group). The participants' intracranial compliance was assessed using the non-invasive Brain4care method, and the results were compared between the groups. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the hemodialysis and non-hemodialysis groups, with the former having better ICPw conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Hemodialysis influenced the improvement in ICPw, probably due to the decrease in the patients' extra-and intracellular volumes. Furthermore, ICPw monitoring can be a new parameter to consider when defining the moment to start substitutive therapy.

Pain management in periodontal therapy using local anesthetics and other drugs: an integrative review.

Background: Surgical and non-surgical periodontal procedures often lead to postoperative pain. Clinicians use pharmacological methods such as anesthetics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and analgesics for relief. However, the multitude of options makes it challenging to select the best approach for routine dental care. Objective: This review aimed to describe previous studies regarding the pharmacological management used for pain control during periodontal procedures as well as factors that may interfere with patients' perception of pain. Methods: We included studies (period of 2000-2023, whose approach corresponded to the pharmacological protocols used for preoperative, trans-operative, and postoperative pain control in adult patients undergoing surgical and non-surgical periodontal therapy. Results: A total of 32 studies were included in the analysis, of which 17 (53%) were related to anesthetic methods and 15 (47%) were related to therapeutic protocols (anti-inflammatory/analgesic agents). These studies predominantly involved nonsurgical periodontal procedures. Studies have reported that factors related to age, type of procedure, and anxiety can influence pain perception; however, only seven of these studies evaluated anxiety. Conclusions: Numerous methods for pain control can be applied in periodontal therapy, which are accomplished through anesthetic methods and/or therapeutic protocols. Factors such as anxiety, age, and type of procedure are related to pain perception in patients. Thus, it is the responsibility of dentists to evaluate each clinical situation and define the best protocol to follow based on the literature.

COVID-19 hospitalized patients and oral changes: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between hospitalization for COVID-19 and oral changes, and to evaluate whether oral changes can indicate a higher risk of disease progression to death. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This case-control study analyzed patients hospitalized (university hospital), including those in intensive care unit and clinical wards. The study group comprised 69 COVID-19 positive patients (PCR-test), while the control group included 43 COVID-19 negative patients. A dentist performed oral evaluations, and salivary samples were collected for calcium, phosphatase, and pH analysis. Sociodemographic data, hospitalization information, and hematological test results were collected from electronic-medical records. The presence of oral changes was assessed using chi-square tests, and the predicted risk of death was analyzed using binary logistic regression. RESULTS: COVID-19 positive patients had a significantly higher prevalence of oral changes compared to COVID-19 negative patients. The presence of any oral changes in COVID-19 positive patients indicated a 13-fold higher risk of mortality. "Bleeding ulcers," "pressure ulcers," and "angular cheilitis" were significantly associated with hospitalization for COVID-19. CONCLUSION: There may be an association between hospitalization for COVID-19 and the development of oral changes, including bleeding ulcers, pressure ulcers. and angular cheilitis. These oral changes may serve as potential indicator for disease progression an increased risk of death. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: COVID-19 hospitalized patients have a higher prevalence of oral changes, which indicate an increased risk of mortality. Oral medicine staff should be included in multidisciplinary teams to detect and treat these oral changes promptly.

Dental implants in large animal models with experimental systemic diseases: A systematic review.

This systematic review aims to identify and discuss the most used methodologies in pre-clinical studies for the evaluation of the implementation of dental implants in systemically compromised pigs and sheep. This study provides support and guidance for future research, as well as for the prevention of unnecessary animal wastage and sacrifice. Preferred Reporting for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was used as a guideline; electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Scielo, Web of Science, Embase, Science Direct, Brazilian Bibliography of Dentistry, Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences, Directory of Open Access Journals, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, and gray literature until January 2022 (PROSPERO/CRD42021270119). Sixty-eight articles were chosen from the 2439 results. Most studies were conducted in pigs, mainly the Göttinger and Domesticus breeds. Healthy animals with implants installed in the jaws were predominant among the pig studies. Of the studies evaluating the effect of systemic diseases on osseointegration, 42% were performed in osteoporotic sheep, 32% in diabetic sheep, and 26% in diabetic pigs. Osteoporosis was primarily induced by bilateral ovariectomy and mainly assessed by X-ray densitometry. Diabetes was induced predominantly by intravenous streptozotocin and was confirmed by blood glucose analysis. Histological and histomorphometric analyses were the most frequently employed in the evaluation of osseointegration. The animal models presented unique methodologies for each species in the studies that evaluated dental implants in the context of systemic diseases. Understanding the most commonly used techniques will help methodological choices and the performance of future studies in implantology.

Prevalence of dentin hypersensitivity after orthodontic treatment: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of cervical dentin hypersensitivity in patients after corrective orthodontic treatment has been poorly studied, although such hypersensitivity is very common. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of dentin hypersensitivity in patients who received corrective orthodontic treatment, the impact of general oral problems on quality of life, and the impact of hypersensitivity on the quality of life of this population. METHODS: This observational, cross-sectional study evaluated 232 patients who finished orthodontic treatment between 2000 and 2020 for self-reported hypersensitivity and clinically diagnosed hypersensitivity. The following tests were used: tactile, evaporative (bellows), evaporative (triple syringe), and thermal. The patients were also evaluated regarding their quality of life using questionnaires (Oral Health Impact Profile-14 and Dentine Hypersensitivity Experience Questionnaire). We evaluated data with nonparametric statistics. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypersensitivity was higher in women and in those aged <30 years; the most affected teeth were the mandibular incisors and premolars; different diagnostic tests for hypersensitivity may indicate different prevalence values; patients with hypersensitivity had a lower quality of life in most of the domains of both of the tests that were used. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hypersensitivity among patients after orthodontic treatment may be higher than in the general population. Further investigation is needed to indicate the possible factors associated with orthodontic tooth movement.

Impact of evidence-based bundles on ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: This review aimed at investigating the impact of bundle components on the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in adults and the elderly. METHODOLOGY: The databases consulted were PubMed, EBSCO, and Scielo. The terms Bundle and Pneumonia were searched in combination. The original articles were selected in Spanish and English; published between January 2008 and December 2017. After eliminating the duplicate papers, an analysis of the titles and the abstracts was performed in order to select the assessed articles. A total of 18 articles were included in this review that were evaluated according to the following criteria: research reference, country of data collection, type of study, characteristics of the studied patients, analysis and intervention performed, bundle items investigated and their results, and research outcome. RESULTS: Four bundle items were presented in all the investigated papers. 61% of those works were considered from seven to eight bundle items. Daily evaluation of sedation interruption and daily assessment for verifying extubation condition, head-of-bed elevation at 30 degrees, cuff pressure monitoring, coagulation prophylaxis, and oral hygiene were the most reported bundle items. One study described the increased mortality of patients under mechanical ventilation when omitted the bundle items of oral hygiene and stress ulcer prophylaxis. Head-of-bed elevation at 30 degrees was the item reported in 100% of the studied papers. CONCLUSIONS: Existing research demonstrated that VAP reduction occurred when bundle items were performed for adults and the elderly. Four works showed the relevance of team education as a central approach to the event reduction related to the ventilator.

In vitro evaluation of alkaline lignins as antiparasitic agents and their use as an excipient in the release of benznidazole.

The Amazon rainforest is considered the largest tropical timber reserve in the world. The management of native forests in the Amazon is one of the most sensitive geopolitical issues today, given its national and international dimension. In this work, we obtained and characterized physicochemical lignins extracted from branches and leaves of Protium puncticulatum and Scleronema micranthum. In addition, we evaluated in vitro its potential as an antioxidant, cytotoxic agent against animal cells and antiparasitic against promastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis, trypomastigotes of T. cruzi and against Plasmodium falciparum parasites sensitive and resistant to chloroquine. The results showed that the lignins obtained are of the GSH type and have higher levels of guaiacyl units. However, they show structural differences as shown by spectroscopic analysis and radar charts. As for biological activities, they showed antioxidant potential and low cytotoxicity against animal cells. Antileishmanial/trypanocidal assays have shown that lignins can inhibit the growth of promastigotes and trypomastigotes in vitro. The lignins in this study showed low anti-Plasmodium falciparum activity against susceptible strains of Plasmodium falciparum and were able to inhibit the growth of the chloroquine-resistant strain. And were not able to inhibit the growth of Schistosoma mansoni parasites. Finally, lignins proved to be promising excipients in the release of benznidazole. These findings show the potential of these lignins not yet studied to promote different biological activities.

Periodontal disease and quality of life in patients with circulatory diseases / Doença periodontal e qualidade de vida em pacientes com doenças circulatórias

Introduction: Circulatory system diseases are one of the leading causes of death. Periodontal health is a component of oral and general health that contributes to quality of life. Objective: To analyze periodontal conditions and quality of life in patients with circulatory diseases. Material and method: Cross-sectional study, with patients with circulatory diseases (n=125). The clinical periodontal examination was performed considering: biofilm, bleeding on probing, suppuration, probing depth, gingival recession, and clinical attachment level. Quality of life was assessed with the Medical Outcomes Study 36 - Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Oral Health Impact Profile - short form (OHIP-14). Data were analyzed with parametric and nonparametric tests (α=5%). Result: Elderly and men had a greater severity of periodontal disease. The Elderly had lower values in the domains of "Functional capacity" and "Physical aspects" (SF-36). The domain "Pain" had lower values in subjects with health/gingivitis. OHIP-14 did not show differences in the comparisons. There was no correlation between quality of life and the severity of periodontal disease. Conclusion: Among patients with circulatory diseases, the elderly and men had greater severity of periodontal disease. The elderly had a poorer quality of life (functional capacity and physical aspects). There was no correlation between the severity of periodontal disease and quality of life.

Introdução: As doenças do aparelho circulatório representam uma das principais causas de mortes. A saúde periodontal é um componente da saúde bucal e saúde geral que contribui para a qualidade de vida. Objetivo: Analisar as condições periodontais e a qualidade de vida em pacientes com doenças circulatórias. Material e método: Estudo transversal, com pacientes com doenças circulatórias (n=125). O exame clínico periodontal foi realizado considerando: biofilme, sangramento à sondagem, supuração, profundidade de sondagem, recessão gengival e nível de inserção clínica. A qualidade de vida foi avaliada com o Medical Outcomes Study 36 - Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) e Oral Health Impact Profile - short form (OHIP-14). Os dados foram analisados com testes paramétricos e não paramétricos (α=5%). Resultado Idosos e os homens tiveram maior severidade da doença periodontal. Idosos apresentaram menores valores nos domínios "Capacidade funcional" e "Aspectos físicos" (SF-36). O domínio "Dor" teve menor valor nos indivíduos com saúde/gengivite. OHIP-14 não apresentou diferenças nas comparações. Não houve correlação entre qualidade de vida a severidade da doença periodontal. Conclusão Entre os pacientes com doenças circulatórias, os idosos e os homens tiveram maior severidade da doença periodontal. Idosos tiveram pior qualidade de vida (capacidade funcional e aspectos físicos). Não houve correlação entre a severidade da doença periodontal e a qualidade de vida.

A novel rat model of denture stomatitis and the role of antibiotics in the development of the disease.

This study compared different conditions to establish a rat model of denture stomatitis. Immunocompetent Wistar rats were divided into two groups (n = 35): Tetracycline = administration of 0.83 mg/ml of tetracycline hydrochloride 7 days before induction of denture stomatitis and amoxicillin = administration of 0.156 mg/ml of amoxicillin with clavulanic acid 4 days before induction of denture stomatitis. A suspension of Candida albicans was inoculated on the palate followed by the use of a palatal device contaminated with C. albicans inoculum for 4 days to induce denture stomatitis. As controls, some rats were not submitted to any procedure or used a sterile palatal device for 4 days. The development of denture stomatitis was confirmed by visual analysis, colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/ml) count, histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses, and through myeloperoxidase (MPO) and N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) assays. Rats were euthanized right after device removal (T0), 4 (T4), or 6 (T6) days after device removal. Tetracycline improved the development of the disease, with more severe clinical signs at T0. Similar results were observed in the CFU/ml count and in the histometric and immunohistochemical analyses. Higher MPO expression was detected in the palates of the tetracycline group (P = .006). Despite the subtle differences between antibiotics, tetracycline showed better results in inducing and maintaining denture stomatitis for at least 4 days after device removal.

Denture stomatitis is an oral inflammatory disease with high recurrence rates. Different animal models have been reported in the literature, but some gaps still need to be addressed. A reproducible in vivo model should be established to test new treatment approaches.

Effect of bioactive glasses used as dentin desensitizers on the dentin-pulp complex in rats.

Bioactive glasses have been recommended for the occlusion of dentinal tubules in treating cervical dentin hypersensitivity. This study evaluates an in vivo model of dentin exposure, and tests the efficacy of bioglass treatments. Thirty male Wistar rats received gingival recession surgery on the upper left first molar. The treatments were applied over the surface of the exposed dentin every 4 days for 28 days. The groups were as follows: Naive; Gingival recession; Cavity varnish; Biosilicate®; Strontium bioglass; and Potassium bioglass. Changes in the dentin-pulp complex, and the presence of substance P, were evaluated through hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical staining. The groups had similar results. Teeth with exposed dentinal tubules in rats showed a typical pattern in the dentin-pulp complex and immunotracing for substance P. The materials did not cause pulp damage. The effects of gingival recession and open dentinal tubules on pulp tissue require further clarification.

Brown spider (Loxosceles sp.) bite and COVID-19: A case report.

We present the case of a 32-year-old male patient hospitalized during the COVID-19 pandemic because of a Brown spider bite on his lower lip. The Brown spider accident occurred in southern Brazil; at hospital admission, the patient presented on his lip: edema, pustules, necrotic regions, and ulcerations. The patient complained of lower back pain, fever and dyspnea. Laboratory tests showed monocytosis, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, increased D-dimer levels, C-reactive protein, glutamate-pyruvate transaminase, delta bilirubin, creatine phosphokinase, procalcitonin, and fibrinogen. The patient was hospitalized and a multi-professional team carried out the treatment. The medical team diagnosed loxoscelism with moderate changes. The dentist treated the oral cavity. The patient began to develop nausea, vomiting, and desaturation episodes during hospitalization. A computed tomography of the chest was performed, which showed signs of viral infection. The RT-PCR test for COVID-19 was positive. The systemic conditions worsened (renal dysfunction, systemic inflammatory response, pulmonary complications). This condition may have resulted from the association of the two diseases (loxoscelism and COVID-19), leading to the patient's death. This case illustrates the difficulties and risks in treating patients with venomous animal accidents during the pandemic, and the importance of a multi-professional team in treating such cases.

Effect of bioactive glasses containing strontium and potassium on dentin permeability.

Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is characterized by pain caused by an external stimulus on exposed dentin. Different therapeutic approaches have been proposed to mitigate this problem; however, none of them provide permanent pain relief. In this study, we synthesized and characterized experimental bioactive glasses containing 3.07 mol% SrO or 3.36 mol% K2 O (both equivalent to 5 wt% in the glass), and evaluated their effect on dentin permeability to verify their potential to treat DH. The experimental materials were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction to confirm the respective structures and chemical compositions. The reduction in the hydraulic conductance of dentin was evaluated at the three stages: minimum permeability; maximum permeability (24% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid [EDTA] treatment); and final dentin permeability after treatment with the bioactive glasses. They all promoted a reduction in dentin permeability, with a significant difference for each sample and posttreatment group. Also, a significant reduction in dentin permeability was observed even after a simulated toothbrushing test, demonstrating effective action of these materials against DH. Besides, incorporating 3.07 mol% SrO was a positive factor. Therefore, strontium's desensitizing and re-mineralizing properties can be further exploited in bioactive glasses to promote a synergistic effect to treat DH.

Clinical and behavioral conditions in the oral health of volleyball and soccer athletes: a cross-sectional study

Aim: In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the oral hygiene habits, oral health conditions, and the perception about the influence of oral health conditions on the physical performance of youth and professional volleyball and soccer athletes. Methods: A total of 96 male athletes participated: 48 volleyball players (25 youth and 23 professional players); and 48 soccer players, of whom 22 were youth, and 26 were professional players. We analyzed the oral hygiene and oral health condition (daily toothbrush, flossing, mouthwash, dental plaque, orthodontic treatment, dental/facial trauma, temporomandibular dysfunction, malocclusion, and the athletes' perception about the influence of oral health conditions on the physical performance (yes or no)). Comparisons were made between the youth and professional athletes for each sport (volleyball and soccer). According to each variable, we applied the Chi-square, Fisher's Exact, and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: For soccer athletes, we found significant differences between youth and professionals for: flossing (p=0.014), orthodontic treatment (p=0.028), dental/facial trauma (p=0.041), and the athletes' perception about oral health and physical performance (p<0.001). Considering the category (youth and professional) regardless of the type of sport, we found significant differences for dental plaque (p=0.024) and dental/facial trauma (p=0.005). According to the sport (volleyball and soccer), independent of the category, we found significant differences for daily brushing, dental/facial trauma (p=0.005), and the athletes' perception about oral health and physical performance (p=0.006). Conclusion: We concluded that the surveyed athletes had good oral health and believed that oral health can influence sports performance

Lignin from Morinda citrifolia leaves: Physical and chemical characterization, in vitro evaluation of antioxidant, cytotoxic, antiparasitic and ultrastructural activities.

In this work, we investigated in vitro the antioxidant, cytotoxic and anti-leishmanial activities of a lignin extracted from the leaves of Morinda citrifolia. Initially, an analysis of the composition of the sheets was performed, then the lignin was obtained by alkaline delignification and characterized by different techniques: elemental analysis, FT-R, UV-vis, HSQC-NMR, thermal analysis, Py-GC/MS and by GPC. The results showed that the leaves had in their composition cellulose (31.29%), hemicellulose (25.01%), lignin (18.34%), extractives (14.39%) and ash (10.03%). The lignin extraction yield was 89.8%. The lignin obtained is of the GSH type with the following contents 79.39%, 13.58% and 7.03% respectively. Furthermore, it is low molecular weight and thermally stable. It had a phenolic content of 93.3 mg GAE/g and low antioxidant activity. In macrophage cytotoxicity assays, it presented a CC50 of 31.0 µg/mL, showing less toxicity than amphotericin B. In assays against the promastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis, lignin presented an IC50 of 29.56 µg/mL, a less effective concentration than amphotericin B (IC50 = 0.14 µg/mL). However, it was able to promote inhibition of the parasites, a fact confirmed by structural changes. These findings reinforce that M. citrifolia lignin is a promising macromolecule for use as an antiparasitic and antioxidant agent.

Myeloperoxidase as an important predictor of cardiovascular risk in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease with joint manifestations. In the presence of extra-articular manifestations, the morbidity and severity of the disease increase. Glucocorticoid is used as a treatment and may result in side effects related to cardiovascular risk. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study including 59 volunteers with rheumatoid arthritis receiving treatment at a hospital of Campos Gerais that aimed to establish the relation between cardiovascular risk, glucocorticoid treatment and myeloperoxidase in these patients. Subjects were divided into two groups: using (n = 39) and without glucocorticoids (n = 20). They underwent clinical evaluation, physical examination and blood samples were taken. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t test and Mann-Whitney test. Logistic regression was performed to assess the cardiovascular risk. The significance level was 5% (α = 0.05). Calculations were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science version 21.0. RESULTS: There has been a significant difference between groups in blood glucose values (p = 0.012), which can be explained by the different percentage of diabetic patients in the groups. When assessing cardiovascular risk using the predictors of glucocorticoid dose, time of glucocorticoid use, myeloperoxidase, and C-reactive protein together, these were responsible for significantly predicting this risk (p = 0.015). CONCLUSION: A significant relation between the predictor myeloperoxidase alone was also demonstrated (p = 0.037), it may be an important predictor of cardiovascular risk among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.