Comparison Between Radiographs, White and Fluorescent Images in the Diagnosis and Treatment Decisions for Occlusal Caries: An Ex Vivo Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the agreement of images in white light (WL), fluorescence (FL), and digital radiographs (DR), on the diagnosis and treatment decisions for occlusal caries lesions against a micro-CT gold standard. Material and Methods: Ten extracted third molars, with enamel and/or dentin caries (ICDAS 2-4), were included. Occlusal surface images were acquired with an intraoral camera (SoproLife®) in WL and FL modes. DR was obtained using an intraoral X-ray and a semi-direct digital system. A total of 780 images were needed, organized in a template, to be later examined by twenty-six dentists invited to compose the study. The Generalized Estimation Equations model was used to compare the proportions of the correct answers between the three methods and the gold standard. When significant, Bonferroni post-hoc test was used to identify differences (α=5%). Results: Most of the examiners were specialists (76.9%) with 14.5 years of experience. All diagnostic methods were similar and showed low agreement (DR 12.7%, WL 16.5%, and FL 16.5%) compared with gold standard caries diagnostic scores. Regarding treatment decisions, mean agreement for all diagnostic methods was higher (43.2%; p<0.001), and among all methods, WL (48.1%) and FL (51.2%) modes performed better than DR (30.4%, p<0.001). Conclusion: SoproLife® images could help clinicians to propose rational, minimally invasive treatments for occlusal caries lesions.

Antiglycation, antioxidant and cytotoxicity activities of crude extract of Turnera ulmifolia L. before and after microencapsulation process.

Turnera ulmifolia L. is used in folk medicine and it is known to have anti-hyperglycemic effect on the organism in order to reduce complications in diabetic patients. Glycation process is directly related to oxidative stress, acting as an important endogenous source, inducing the production of free radicals, and thus increasing the production of reactive oxygen species. The encapsulation technology on natural compounds can minimize and even mitigate the risk of loss of biological activity in order to maintain their activities against oxidative stress and glycation. The present study aimed to evaluate the antiglycation and antioxidant activities of T. ulmifolia extract before and after encapsulation and cytotoxicity of the crude extract. This study presents important information about the biological activities, highlighting antioxidant and antiglycation potential and no cytotoxicity of Turnera ulmifolia crude extract, a species of genus Turnera that has been poorly studied. T. ulmifolia crude extract presented flavonoids as main active compounds. The results showed a promising activity in scavenging free and peroxyl radicals, chelating iron ions and inhibiting BSA glycation. In addition, this study showed the possible encapsulation of bioactive compounds using maltodextrin as wall material.

Antiglycation and antioxidant activities of the crude extract and saponin fraction of Tribulus terrestris before and after microcapsule release.

OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated antiglycation and antioxidant activities of crude dry extract and saponin fraction of Tribulus terrestris. It also developed a method of microencapsulation and evaluated antiglycation and antioxidant activities of crude dry extract and saponin fraction before and after microcapsule release. METHODS: Antiglycation activity was determined by relative electrophoretic mobility (REM), free amino groups and inhibition of advanced glycation end-product (AGE) formation. Antioxidant activity was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), nitric oxide (NO) and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) tests. Microcapsules were prepared using maltodextrin as wall material and freeze-drying as encapsulation technique. Morphological characterization of microcapsules was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, and encapsulation efficiency and microcapsule release were determined by total saponins released. Antiglycation and antioxidant assays were performed using crude dry extract and saponin fraction of T. terrestris before and after release. RESULTS: Saponin fraction showed an increase of 32.8% total saponins. High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed the presence of saponins in the obtained fraction. Antiglycation evaluation by REM demonstrated that samples before and after release presented antiglycation activity similar to bovine serum albumin treated with aminoguanidine. Additionally, samples inhibited AGE formation, highlighting treatment with saponin fraction after release (89.89%). Antioxidant tests demonstrated antioxidant activity of the samples. Crude dry extract before encapsulation presented the highest activities in DPPH (92.00%) and TBARS (32.49%) assays. Saponin fraction before encapsulation in FRAP test (499 µmol Trolox equivalent per gram of dry sample) and NO test (15.13 µmol nitrite formed per gram of extract) presented the highest activities. CONCLUSION: This study presented antiglycation activity of crude dry extract and saponin fraction of T. terrestris, besides it demonstrated promising antioxidant properties. It also showed that the encapsulation method was efficient and maintained biological activity of bioactive compounds after microcapsule release. These results provide information for further studies on antidiabetic and antiaging potential, and data for new herbal medicine and food supplement formulations containing microcapsules with crude extract and/or saponin fraction of T. terrestris.

Effect of treatment of transverse maxillary deficiency using rapid palatal expansion on oral health-related quality of life in children: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: This trial aimed to longitudinally evaluate the effect of the treatment of transverse maxillary deficiency using rapid palatal expansion (RPE) on self-perceived oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL) in children. METHODS: Eighty participants aged 8-10 years with transverse maxillary deficiency and bilateral posterior crossbite were randomly assigned to 2 groups (n = 40 each): a group treated with RPE using hyrax-type appliances and a nontreated control group. OHRQOL was assessed by using the Child Perceptions Questionnaire for 8-10-year-olds at 4 times: before RPE, during RPE (T1), at the end of RPE (T2), and 1 month after the appliance removal (T3). Generalized mixed models were used for data analysis (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Both groups exhibited similar demographic characteristics and OHRQOL scores at baseline. All participants completed the study. RPE had a time-dependent effect on OHRQOL. At T1 and T2, this therapy is expected to increase the overall OHRQOL scores by 1.17 times (ie, ∼17% increase; T1 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-1.26; T2 95% CI, 1.09-1.27; P = 0.001). In contrast, the overall OHRQOL scores at T3 are expected to be 0.28 times the baseline scores (ie, ∼72% reduction; T3 95% CI, 0.26-0.31; P = 0.001). All individual domains of the OHRQOL evidenced a positive impact of treatment at T3 (P = 0.001). Only the oral symptoms and social well-being domains showed a significantly negative impact of the treatment at T1 and T2. CONCLUSIONS: Correction of the transverse maxillary deficiency by RPE in children aged 8-10 years improves OHRQOL. There is a temporary worsening of OHRQOL during the treatment of this condition using RPE. REGISTRATION: This trial was not registered. PROTOCOL: The protocol was not published before trial commencement. FUNDING: This study was financed by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brazil, Financing Code 001.

Diagnóstico e decisões de tratamento para cárie induzido por luz: aplicação de uma câmera intraoral com fluorescência / Diagnosis and treatment decisions for light-induced caries: application of an intraoral fluorescence camera

Objetivou-se verificar se 1) o diagnóstico por fluorescência (DF) e o exame visual (EV), são igualmente eficazes em detectar lesões de mancha branca (MB); 2) verificar se imagens obtidas por uma câmera intraoral, no modo luz branca (LB) ou fluorescente (LF) são comparáveis à radiografia digital (RD) no diagnóstico e no auxílio às decisões de tratamento para cárie oclusal e 3) verificar se a câmera intraoral, no modo LF, comporta-se com precisão, ao definir se a remoção químico-mecânica (RQM) de dentina cariada com gel de papaína estabelece um adequado limite para o preparo. Neste contexto, três estudos foram propostos. O primeiro estudo contou com uma revisão sistemática da literatura, a fim de verificar se o DF e o EV, são comparáveis em detectar lesões de MB relacionada a ortodontia fixa. Cinco estudos foram incluídos nesta revisão. O diagnóstico de MB relacionada a ortodontia fixa, realizado por fluorescência, foi satisfatório em relação ao EV, porém com baixa qualidade das evidências. O segundo estudo contou com uma pesquisa ex vivo, com 10 molares permanentes e 26 dentistas avaliadores, e propôs verificar se imagens obtidas pela câmera intraoral SoproLife®, no modo LB e LF, e as RD, são comparáveis no diagnóstico e decisões de tratamento de cárie oclusal, comparado a um padrão-ouro em microtomografia computadorizada (micro-CT). Para o diagnóstico de cárie, não foi encontrada diferença entre os três métodos (p=0,415), com uma concordância geral baixa (média de 15,3%), enquanto para as decisões de tratamento, o percentual de acertos entre os três métodos foi maior para a LB (48,1%) e LF (51,2%) em relação a RD (30,4%) (p<0,001). O terceiro estudo foi realizado ex vivo, a fim de verificar se a câmera intraoral SoproLife®, no modo LF, comporta-se com precisão, ao definir se a RQM de dentina cariada pelo gel é suficiente comparado a um padrão-ouro em micro-CT. A efetividade de dois géis de papaína na remoção de cárie em dentina também foi estudada. Após o escaneamento inicial, 20 molares permanentes foram pareados e divididos em grupos, (G1) Papacárie Duo® e (G2) Brix3000®. O limiar para a detecção de tecido cariado de <1,11 g/cm3, foi utilizado. A eficácia da RQM foi menor para o Papacárie Duo® comparado ao Brix3000® (p<0,05). Ambos os grupos apresentaram falsos positivos quando a câmera intraoral SoproLife® considerou tecido cariado presente. Deste modo, conclui-se que: 1) O diagnóstico de MB relacionada a ortodontia fixa por DF, mostrou-se satisfatório em relação ao EV; 2) Imagens em LB, LF e RD, foram eficazes nas decisões de tratamento de cárie oclusal; 3) a câmera intraoral SoproLife® não definiu apropriadamente se a RQM pelo gel foi suficiente; 4) a utilização dos géis de papaína resultou em remoção de tecido cariado conservativa, preservando tecido dental sadio. (AU)

The aim was to verify if 1) fluorescence diagnosis (FD) and visual examination (VE) are equally effective in detecting white spot (WS) lesions; 2) to verify whether images transmitted by an intraoral camera in white light (WL) mode or fluorescent (FL) are comparable to digital radiography (DR) in diagnosing and aiding treatment decisions for occlusal caries and 3) verify whether the intraoral camera, in FL mode, behaves accurately, when defining whether chemical-mechanical removal (CMR) of carious dentin with papain gel results in appropriate threshold for cavity preparation. In this context, three studies were proposed. The first study was a systematic review of the literature, in order to verify if FD and VE are comparable in detecting WS lesions related to fixed orthodontics. Five studies were included in this review. The diagnosis of WS, performed by fluorescence, was satisfactory in relation to VE, but with very low quality of evidence. The second study included an ex vivo survey, with 10 permanent molars and 26 examiners, and verified whether images obtained by the SoproLife® intraoral camera, in WL and FL mode, and the DR, are comparable in the diagnosis and treatment decisions of occlusal caries compared to a gold standard in micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). For caries diagnosis, no difference was found between the three methods (p=0.415), with a low overall agreement (mean of 15.3%), while for treatment decisions, the percentage of correct answers between the three methods was higher for WL (48.1%) and FL (51.2%) compared to DR (30.4%) (p<0.001). The third study was performed ex vivo, in order to verify whether SoproLife® intraoral camera, in FL mode, behaves accurately, when defining whether the CMR of carious dentin is sufficient compared to a gold standard in micro-CT. The effectiveness of two papain gels in removing caries in dentin was also studied. After the initial scan, 20 permanent molars were paired and divided into groups, (G1) Papacárie Duo® and (G2) Brix3000®. A threshold for carious tissue (<1.11 g/cm3) was used. The effectiveness of CMR was lower for Papacárie Duo® compared to Brix3000® (p<0.05). Both groups showed false positives when SoproLife® intraoral camera evaluated carious tissue present. Thus, it is concluded that: 1) The diagnosis of WS related to fixed orthodontics due to FD, was satisfactory in relation to VE; 2) WL, FL and DR images were effective in defining occlusal caries treatment decisions and 3) SoproLife® intraoral camera did not properly define whether CMR sufficient and 4) the use of papain gels resulted in conservative removal of carious tissue, preserving sound dental tissue. (AU)

Reduction in COVID-19 prevalence in healthcare workers in a university hospital in southern Brazil after the start of vaccination.

INTRODUCTION: The quick spread of SARS-CoV-2 led to the development of vaccines that are capable of reducing infection and the number of more severe COVID-19 cases. AIM: To assess COVID-19 prevalence among healthcare workers (HCWs) after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study on the prevalence of COVID-19 diagnosis among 7523 HCWs vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 with CoronaVac and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 in a university hospital, in southern Brazil, between January 18 and March 18, 2021.The variables evaluated were: sex, age, work area, role, source of infection, previous diagnosis of COVID-19, date of vaccine administration, type of vaccine, and need for hospitalization. The statistical analysis used Poisson regression and Fisher's exact test with SPSS software version 25, and a level of significance set at 5%. RESULTS: 813 vaccinated HCWs showed symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, of whom 35.4% (288) had a detectable result after undergoing RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2. There was a reduction of 62% in new cases of COVID-19 among HCWs in the institution 7 weeks after the start of vaccine rollout. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the vaccines used by the institution reduced the number of COVID-19 cases among healthcare workers, demonstrating the effectiveness of the vaccines.

Antiglycation and antitumoral activity of Tribulus terrestris dry extract.

OBJECTIVE: Investigation of the antiglycation and antitumoral potential of standardized and saponins-enriched extracts of Tribulus terrestris herbal medicine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The procedures for the evaluation of the antiglycation activity of the standardized (TtSE) and saponins-enriched (TtEE) extracts of T. terrestris were: determination of relative mobility in electrophoresis (RME), free amino groups using OPA method and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) fluorescence. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH radical scavenging test. In vitro antitumor activity of TtSE and TtEE was evaluated in human tumor cell lines. RESULTS: The results were obtained by antiglycation tests (RME, OPA method and AGEs fluorescence determination), using BSA as protein and ribose as glycation agent, and antioxidant assay (DPPH test); it was verified that both extracts of T. terrestris have antiglycation and antioxidant activity. In addition, the extracts were able to induce death of more than 50% of human tumor cell lines. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that standardized and saponins-enriched extracts of T. terrestris herbal medicine present antiglycation and antioxidant and antiproliferative action in human tumor cells lines. The saponins-enriched extract proved a greater antiglycation and antioxidant activity in comparison to the standardized type.

Toxicological, genotoxic and antioxidant potential of pyrostegia venusta / Potencial toxicológico, genotóxico e antioxidante de Pyrostegia venusta

Pyrostegia venusta is usually found in the secondary growth of the Atlantic forests, and in the Brazilian Savanna. Flowers and leaves of this plant are used in folk remedies for treating a wide variety of healthy conditions, this way is important evaluate its safety and antioxidant potential for this applications. For this, was made a ethanolic extract from its flowers and analyzed with toxicological,genotoxicity and antioxidant tests, the toxicological analysis was made by reproductive toxicity in rats and clatogenicity/aneugenicity in human lymphocytes. The genotoxicity was studied by micronucleus test mice bone marrow. The antimutagenic test in root cells of Allium cepa, the antioxidant assays used was DPPH, FRAP, Lipid Perxidation and REM, beyond of that the extract was analyzed in HPLC showing the profile of its compounds. The toxicological analysis showed that P. venusta has no negative significant effect on reproductive and cellular level. The micronucleus test in mouse bone marrow, the extract protected cells from cyclophosphamide, mutagenic compound, in a similar way. The A. cepa test showed that the extract reduced chromosomal disorders formations. The antioxidant activity of extract was significant, except in REM test. The phytochemical analysis showed the presence of flavonoids compounds. P. venusta extract does not present reproductive toxicity and genotoxic effects. However, the extract of this species showed antigenotoxic and antioxidant potential, possibly due to the different flavonoid compounds present in its extract.

Pyrostegia venusta é geralmente encontrada no crescimento secundário das florestas atlânticas e na savana brasileira. Flores e folhas desta planta são utilizadas em remédios populares para tratar uma grande variedade de doenças, desta forma é importante avaliar a segurança e o potencial antioxidante para estas aplicações. Para tanto, o extrato etanólico das flores foi avaliado com testes toxicológicos, genotóxicos e antioxidants. A análise toxicológica foi realizada por meio da toxicidade reprodutiva em ratos e a clatogenicidade/aneugenicidade em linfócitos humanos, a genotoxicidade foi estudada por teste de micronúcleo em medula óssea de camundongo. A antimutagenicidade em células da raiz de Allium cepa. Os ensaios antioxidantes utilizados foram DPPH, FRAP, TARBS e MRE. O extrato foi analisado em HPLC. A análise toxicológica reprodutiva mostrou que P. venusta não tem efeito negativo sobre o nível reprodutivo e cellular. No teste do micronúcleo o extrato protegeu as células da ciclofosfamida, um composto mutagênico. O teste de A. cepa mostrou que o extrato reduziu as formações dos distúrbios cromossômicos. A atividade antioxidante do extrato foi significativa, exceto no teste REM. A análise fitoquímica mostrou a presença de compostos flavonoídicos. O extrato de P. venusta não apresenta toxicidade reprodutiva e efeitos genotóxicos. No entanto, o extrato desta espécie apresentou potencial antigenotóxico e antioxidante, possivelmente devido aos diferentes compostos flavonoídicos presentes em seu extrato.

Aesthetic perception, acceptability and satisfaction in the treatment of caries lesions with silver diamine fluoride: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) causes dental black staining after its application. AIM: Evaluate the aesthetic perception, acceptability, and/or satisfaction of patients, parents, and professionals to the treatment of caries lesions with SDF through a scoping review. DESIGN: A search was performed in seven databases and two key journals with no language or date restrictions. Studies that evaluated the aesthetic perception, satisfaction, and/or acceptability of patients, parents, and professionals to the treatment of carious lesions with SDF were considered eligible. RESULTS: From a total of 1177 articles, 10 studies were full text assessed for eligibility, with nine included in this scoping review. In general, the studies varied by population, study design, and methodologic evaluation. The type of tooth (anterior or posterior), family income, parental schooling, ethnicity, and need for advanced behaviour control methods were factors that influenced the results. The acceptability level increased as the child required more advanced methods of behaviour guidance. In general, the pigmentation caused by SDF did not interfere with the parents' acceptability of the treatment; however, professionals believe that this could have influence. Regarding satisfaction, pigmentation did not influence parental satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Parents were satisfied with and found SDF acceptable, whereas professionals did not.

Profile of intrusive luxation and healing complications in deciduous and permanent teeth - a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study analyse the profile of intrusion in deciduous (DT) and permanent teeth (PT), the occurrence of healing complications (HC), type of treatments and predisposing factors. METHODS: The records of patients attended from 2005 to 2011 were analysed. Records of patients who had one or more intruded DT or PT were included in the study. Data collected from dental records included age, gender, attendance (immediate/mediate), healing complications and type of treatment. A Chi-square test and Logistic regression (p ≤ .05) were performed to evaluate the associations between the type of teeth and presence of HC, as well as to explore the interactions between predisposing factors. RESULTS: The intrusion prevalence was 9.98% in DT and 2.45% in PT. Partial intrusion (57.3%) with palatal direction of the crown (61.8%) was most prevalent in DT, while complete intrusion (56.7%) with buccal direction of the crown (58.1%) was predominant for PT. Mobility was the most common HC in DT compared to root resorption in PT. Minimally invasive treatments were the most common therapy for DT compared to invasive treatments for PT. PT demonstrated increased HC when compared to DT (p = .004). A logistic regression illustrated that the level of intrusion and crown direction during the trauma did not influence the occurrence of HC (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Intrusion's profile in DT and PT are different. PT showed more HC than DT, however the level of intrusion and crown direction were not associated with the presence of HC.

Genotoxicity and antioxidant activity of spices and herbs used in brazilian cuisine / Genotoxicidade e atividade antioxidante de especiarias e ervas utilizadas na culinária brasileira

Spices are natural plant products, have been used not only as flavoring and coloring agents, but also as food preservatives and folk medicines throughout the world for thousands of years. Many spices also have been recognized by having both digestive stimulant and carminative actions and also antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic and anti-carcinogenic potential. Antioxidant and genotoxic potential of species commonly used in Brazil was evaluated. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using different methods, including DPPH radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing power (FRAP), iron ion chelating power, inhibition of lipid peroxidation (TBARS), NO radical scavenging, and oxidative hemolysis inhibition. Furthermore, the antigenotoxic activity was evaluated through mitotic index and chromosome aberration in Allium cepa roots. Quantification of total phenols and flavonoids carried out. The results with the Ocimum basilicum spices in the DPPH test showed activity (82.01%), FRAP (321.12 uM ET and iron chelating activity (94.18) and for the Cinnamomum zeylanicum spice in the TBARS test (18.52%) evaluated by different methods and mechanisms of inactivation of free radicals and according to the evaluation of genotoxicity by the Allium cepa test the spices do not present genotoxic effects.

As especiarias são produtos vegetais naturais, que foram utilizados não só como agentes aromatizantes e colorantes, mas também como conservantes de alimentos e medicamentos populares em todo o mundo há milhares de anos. Muitas especiarias também foram reconhecidas por ter estimulantes digestivos e ações carminativas e também potencial antimicrobiano, anti-inflamatório, antimutagênico e anticarcinogênico. O potencial antioxidante e genotóxico das espécies comumente utilizadas no Brasil foi avaliado. A atividade antioxidante foi avaliada utilizando diferentes métodos, incluindo a atividade de eliminação de radicais DPPH, poder de redução férrica (FRAP), poder quelante de íons de ferro, inibição da peroxidação lipídica (TBARS), eliminação de radicais NO e inibição da hemólise oxidativa. Além disso, a atividade antigenotóxica foi avaliada através do índice mitótico e aberração cromossômica nas raízes do Allium cepa. Quantificação de fenóis totais e flavonoides realizados. Os resultados mostraram que as especiarias (Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Origanum vulgare, Piper nigrum, Zingiber officinale e Ocimum basilicum) apresentaram atividade antioxidante avaliada por diferentes métodos e mecanismos de inativação de radicais livres e de acordo com a avaliação de genotoxicidade pelo teste Allium cepa as especiarias não apresentam efeitos genotóxicos.

Management of a Permanent Maxillary Lateral Incisor with Vital Pulp and Necrotic Dens Invaginatus Type III.

This is a case report on the management of a vital lateral incisor with a radiolucent cervical area associated with the presence of necrotic pulp due to a dens invaginatus (DI) type III. A nine-year-old boy presented to a university pediatric dental clinic with dental trauma. The examination showed poor oral hygiene, an uncomplicated fracture in the permanent maxillary left central incisor, and a fistula near the permanent maxillary right lateral incisor. A radiograph showed that the right lateral incisor had incomplete root development and a type III DI. Although sensitive to thermal pulp testing, tracing of the fistula indicated that the radiolucent area was associated with the DI, extending laterally to the periodontal ligament. Endodontic treatment was performed only in the invagination, keeping the root canal of the lateral incisor vital. After two years of follow-up, complete root formation and injury repair associated with invagination were observed.

Antioxidant effect of Morus nigra on Chagas disease progression.

Considering the widespread popular use of Morus nigra and the amount of scientific information on its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, the effectiveness of this phytotherapeutic compound in the parasitemia progression during the acute phase of Chagas disease and its role in the development of the inflammatory process as well as its effects on the oxidative damage in the chronic phase of infection were evaluated. Thus, 96 male Swiss mice were randomly divided into eight groups, four groups were uninfected controls, and four groups were intraperitoneally infected with 5.0 x 104 blood trypomastigotes forms of T. cruzi QM2 strain. Four batches composed of one uninfected and one infected group were respectively treated with 70% alcohol solution and 25 µL, 50 µL and 75 µL of the phytotherapeutic compound. Levels of antioxidant elements (TBARS, FRAP, GSH and Sulfhydryl groups) were measured in plasma samples. The phytotherapeutic compound's antioxidant activity was measured by polyphenol and total flavonoid quantification, DPPH, NO, and FRAP method. Our results showed that the vehicle influenced some of the results that may have physiological relevance in Chagas disease. However, an important action of M. nigra tincture was observed in the progression of Chagas disease, since our results demonstrated a reduction in parasitemia of treated groups when compared to controls, especially in the group receiving 25 µL. However, in the chronic phase, the 50-µL dosage presented a better activity on some antioxidant defenses and minimized the tissue inflammatory process. Results indicated an important action of M. nigra tincture on the Chagas disease progression.

A method for dye extraction using an aqueous two-phase system: Effect of co-occurrence of contaminants in textile industry wastewater.

This paper reports a green and efficient procedure for extraction of the dyes Malachite Green (MG), Methylene Blue (MB), and Reactive Red 195 (RR) using an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS). An ATPS consists mainly of water, together with polymer and salt, and does not employ any organic solvent. The extraction efficiency was evaluated by means of the partition coefficients (K) and residual percentages (%R) of the dyes, under different experimental conditions, varying the tie-line length (TLL) of the system, the pH, the type of ATPS-forming electrolyte, and the type of ATPS-forming polymer. For MG, the best removal (K = 4.10 × 10(4), %R = 0.0069%) was obtained with the ATPS: PEO 1500 + Na2C4H4O6 (TLL = 50.21% (w/w), pH = 6.00). For MB, the maximum extraction (K = 559.9, %R = 0.258%) was achieved with the ATPS: PEO 400 + Na2SO4 (TLL = 50.31% (w/w), pH = 1.00). Finally for RR, the method that presented the best results (K = 3.75 × 10(4), %R = 0.237%) was the ATPS: PEO 400 + Na2SO4 (TLL = 50.31% (w/w), pH = 6.00). The method was applied to the recovery of these dyes from a textile effluent sample, resulting in values of K of 1.17 × 10(4), 724.1, and 3.98 × 10(4) for MG, MB, and RR, respectively, while the corresponding %R values were 0.0038, 0.154, and 0.023%, respectively. In addition, the ATPS methodology provided a high degree of color removal (96.5-97.95%) from the textile effluent.

Mutagenicity, antioxidant activity and nutritional content of long-life tomato / Mutagenicidade, atividade antioxidante e conteúdo nutricional de tomate longa vida

The increasing tomato demand for the food market motivates improvements and the use of new biotechnologies in this fruit's production. The hybrid crop stands out for fruit production resistant to rot and postharvest wilt (long-life crops). Within this context, consumption of genetically modified food deserves attention regarding the safety and nutritional aspects due to the fact that inclusion and/or overexpression of genetic traits can cause harm to human health in the short or long term. In this scenario, this study aimed to evaluate genotoxicity and mutagenicity from different varieties of long-life tomatoes obtained by genetic breeding and also determines main bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. The genotoxicity and mutagenicity were analyzed via the micronucleus test and the evaluation of chromosome aberrations in mice bone marrow respectively. We have also analyzed carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, total phenol and flavonoid contents via spectrophotometry and antioxidant activity via DPPH radical scavenging assay. Considering the results obtained, it is possible to conclude that despite the absence of significant genotoxic activity among the evaluated samples, the antioxidant activity and the differences found in composition seems to be ruled by genetic factors, possibly due to the genetic breeding.

O aumento da demanda na produção de tomate para o mercado alimentício vem incentivando transformações e implementações de novas biotecnologias na produção desse fruto, destacando-se a utilização cultivares híbridas que produzem frutos com maior resistência ao fenecimento e apodrecimento após colheita (cultivares do tipo longa vida). Dentro deste contexto, sabe-se que o consumo de alimentos oriundos de melhoramento genético necessita de atenção no aspecto de segurança alimentar e poder nutricional, pois a inclusão e/ou super expressão de características genéticas de interesse pode acarretar a curto ou em longo prazo danos à saúde humana. Neste cenário, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a genotoxicidade e mutagenicidade de diferentes variedades de tomates do tipo "longa vida" obtidos por melhoramento genético, assim como determinar seus principais compostos bioativos e atividade antioxidante. A genotoxicidade e mutagenicidade foram analisados por meio do teste do micronúcleo e pela avaliação de aberrações cromossômicas em medula óssea de camundongos. Foram determinados caroteno, betacaroteno, licopeno e o conteúdo de polifenóis e flavonoides totais por meio espectrofotométrico e atividade antioxidante pelo método do sequestro do radical DPPH. Diante dos resultados obtidos foi possível concluir que apesar da ausência de atividade genotóxica significativa entre as amostras avaliadas, as diferenças na composição e bioatividade antioxidante observadas no presente estudo, parecem ser governados por fatores genéticos, possivelmente provenientes do melhoramento genético realizado.

Seroepidemiological analysis of toxoplasmosis in college students.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by an obligate intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, which affects warm-blooded animals including humans. Its prevalence rates usually vary in different regions of the planet. METHODS: In this study, an analysis of the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among Brazilian students was proposed by means of IgG specific antibodies detection. The presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was also evaluated in order to compare it with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and to assess the use of 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and o-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride chromogens. RESULTS: The IFAT method showed a seroprevalence of 22.3%. These results were similar to those obtained by ELISA (24.1%). The seroprevalence was directly estimated from the IgG avidity, which showed that in a sample of 112 students, three of them had acute infection, an incidence of 1.6% in the studied population. CONCLUSION: In this study, the use of different chromogenic substrates in immunoenzymatic ELISA assays did not display different sensitivity in the detection of T. gondii-reagent serum. The extrapolation of results to this population must be carefully considered, since the investigation was conducted on a reduced sample. However, it allows us to emphasize the importance of careful and well prepared studies to identify risk factors for toxoplasmosis, to adopt preventive measures and to offer guidance to at-risk populations about the disease.

Evaluation of allelopathic potential of leaf extract of Kielmeyera coriacea on Lactuca sativa L / Avaliação do potencial alelopático de extrato de folhas de Kielmeyera coriácea sobre Lactuca sativa L

Kielmeyera coriacea Mart. (Clusiaceae), popularly known as "pau-santo", is a typical Brazilian cerrado tree known due to its varied secondary metabolites. This study aimed to determine the allelopathic potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of K. coriacea through bioassays of seed germination, seedling growth and mitotic index of Lactuca sativa L. (lettuce). In addition it was done the tetrazolium assay and a phytochemical screening. The extract concentrations caused alterations in germination parameters, in root growth and in the mitotic index. The phytochemical screening showed the presence of triterpenes, coumarins, steroids, flavonoids and condensed tannins, compounds known to confer allelopathic characteristics upon other species. These data indicate that K. coriacea presents an allelopathic potential because its leaf extracts interfere with germination and growth without any interference of pH and osmotic potential in the results.

Kielmeyera coriacea Mart. (Clusiaceae), conhecida popularmente como "pau-santo", é uma árvore típica do cerrado brasileiro, conhecida pelos seus variados metabólitos secundários. O estudo teve como objetivo determinar o potencial alelopático do extrato hidroalcoólico de folhas de K. coriacea por meio dos bioensaios de germinação, crescimento de plântulas e índice mitótico de Lactuca sativa L. (alface). Além disso, foi feito o teste de tetrazólio e uma triagem fitoquímica. As concentrações de extrato causaram alterações nos parâmetros de germinação, no crescimento radicular e no índice mitótico. A triagem fitoquímica mostrou a presença de triterpenos, cumarinas, esteroides, flavonoides e taninos condensados, compostos conhecidos por conferir características alelopáticas sobre outras espécies. Estes dados indicam que K. coriacea apresenta potencial alelopático pois o extrato de sua folha interfere na germinação e no crescimento da planta alvo, sem qualquer interferência do pH e do potencial osmótico.

Seroepidemiological analysis of toxoplasmosis in college students

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by an obligate intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, which affects warm-blooded animals including humans. Its prevalence rates usually vary in different regions of the planet. Methods: In this study, an analysis of the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among Brazilian students was proposed by means of IgG specific antibodies detection. The presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondiiantibodies by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was also evaluated in order to compare it with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and to assess the use of 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and o-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride chromogens. Results: The IFAT method showed a seroprevalence of 22.3%. These results were similar to those obtained by ELISA (24.1%). The seroprevalence was directly estimated from the IgG avidity, which showed that in a sample of 112 students, three of them had acute infection, an incidence of 1.6% in the studied population. Conclusion: In this study, the use of different chromogenic substrates in immunoenzymatic ELISA assays did not display different sensitivity in the detection of T. gondii-reagent serum. The extrapolation of results to this population must be carefully considered, since the investigation was conducted on a reduced sample. However, it allows us to emphasize the importance of careful and well prepared studies to identify risk factors for toxoplasmosis, to adopt preventive measures and to offer guidance to at-risk populations about the disease.

Antitumor activity of kielmeyera coriacea leaf constituents in experimental melanoma, tested in vitro and in vivo in syngeneic mice.

PURPOSE: The antitumor activity of Kielmeyera coriacea (Clusiaceae), a medicinal plant used in the treatment of parasitic, as well as fungal and bacterial infections by the Brazilian Cerrado population, was investigated. METHODS: A chloroform extract (CE) of K. coriacea was tested in the murine melanoma cell line (B16F10-Nex2) and a panel of human tumor cell lines. Tumor cell migration was determined by the wound-healing assay and the in vivo antitumor activity of CE was investigated in a melanoma cell metastatic model. 1H NMR and GC/MS were used to determine CE chemical composition. RESULTS: We found that CE exhibited strong cytotoxic activity against murine melanoma cells and a panel of human tumor cell lines in vitro. CE also inhibited growth of B16F10-Nex2 cells at sub lethal concentrations, inducing cell cycle arrest at S phase, and inhibition of tumor cell migration. Most importantly, administration of CE significantly reduced the number of melanoma metastatic nodules in vivo. Chemical analysis of CE indicated the presence of the long chain fatty compounds, 1-eicosanol, 1-docosanol, and 2-nonadecanone as main constituents. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that K. coriacea is a promising medicinal plant in cancer therapy exhibiting antitumor activity both in vitro and in vivo against different tumor cell lines.

Avaliação dos potenciais fitotóxico e citotóxico de Pyrostegia venusta (Ker gawl. ) Miers (Bignoniaceae) / Evaluation of phytotoxic and cytotoxic potential of Pyrostegia venusta (Ker-gawl. ) Miers (bignoniaceae)

Pyrostegia venusta (Ker-Gawl.) Miers (Bignoniaceae) é uma espécie com expressiva dispersão em quase todo o sul e sudeste do Brasil, muito utilizada na medicina popular e considerada uma planta invasora. O potencial fitotóxico do extrato hidroalcoólico das flores de P. venusta foi testado por meio de bioensaios de germinação (pré e pósemergência) e de ação tóxica sobre o índice mitótico de sementes de Lactuca sativa (Asteraceae) (alface). A triagem fitoquímica foi realizada para averiguação de substâncias presentes no extrato floral. As diferentes concentrações do extrato mostraram alteração nos diferentes índices de germinação, no comprimento radicular e interferência sobre o índice mitótico. A triagem fitoquímica mostrou a presença de substâncias como terpenos, esteroides, flavonoides, taninos condensados e saponinas, compostos que podem estar associados diretamente com os resultados de fitotoxicidade e citotoxicidade observados. P. venusta possui componentes aleloquímicos capazes de prejudicar a germinação e crescimento radicular de alface.

Pyrostegia venusta (Ker-Gawl.) Miers (Bignoniaceae) is a species with a wide distribution in nearly all of Southern and Southeastern Brazil, has long been used in folk medicine and is considered an invasive plant. The phytotoxic potential of a hydroalcoholic extract of the flowers of P. venusta was evaluated by the germination (pre and post-emergence) and the phytotoxicity bioassays (mitotic index) on the test plant Lactuca sativa (Asteraceae) (lettuce). A phytochemical screening was performed to identify the components of the floral extract. Different concentrations of the extract caused changes in the germination parameters, the root length and the mitotic index. The phytochemical screening indicated the presence of substances such as terpenes, sterols, flavonoids, tannins and saponins, which are compounds that may be associated directly with the results of cytotoxicity and phytotoxicity observed. P. venusta has allelochemical components capable of impairing the germination and root growth of lettuce.