Dramatic secukinumab-mediated improvements in refractory leprosy-related neuritis via the modulation of T helper 1 (Th1) and T helper 17 (Th17) immune pathways

Abstract A 39-year-old woman was diagnosed with relapsed multibacillary leprosy and refractory neuritis. Here, we describe an evident loss of therapeutic effectiveness after the third pulse of corticosteroids, which may be attributed to tachyphylaxis and the posterior modulation of interferon- γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α,) interleukin-17A (IL-17A), and IL-12/23p40 after the induction phase of secukinumab. In this case, plasma cytokine analysis showed that secukinumab induced a reduction in IL-17 concomitant with impressive clinical improvements in the patient's neural function. Interestingly, secukinumab induced reductions in cytokines related to Th1 responses and earlier stages of the Th17 response, including IL-23/12.

In Vitro Evaluation of Fluoride in Saliva After Topical Application of Professional Use Products

Objective: To evaluate in vitro the presence of fluoride in saliva after applying professional use products on the surface of dental enamel. Material and Methods: Experimental groups were composed by: Cariostatic 12% (CA), Fluoridated Varnish 5% (FV), Fluorine Acidulate Gel 1.23% (AG) and Fluorine Neutral Gel 2% (NG). Fluoridated dentifrice (FD) and Artificial Saliva (AS) were used as controls. Products (10 µL) were applied to the surface of bovine enamel blocks (4×4×1 mm, n = 18) and immersed in 10 mL of artificial saliva at room temperature. Aliquots of artificial saliva (750 µL) of each sample were collected 1, 2, 4, 8, 24 and 48 hours after application of the products. Analyses were performed in triplicate, using a fluoride ion-specific electrode coupled to a potentiometer. The equipment was calibrated using a standard curve for fluoride analysis from 0.125 to 64 µgF-/mL. Results: Greater fluoride concentration (µgF-/mL) was observed after 1h application, as follows: 197.40 (NG), 172.21 (AG), 20.25 (CA), 14.49 (FV) e 11.81 (FD). Fluoride concentration increased overtime for all groups. After 48h, the following fluoride concentrations were assessed: 428.12 (AG), 267.25 (NG), 65.36 (FV), and 62.52 (CA). Conclusion: Greater fluoride release was observed for AG and NG groups, mostly after 1h application.

The fluoride concentration of the public water supply in the urban zone and indigenous villages of Baía da Traição, Paraíba, Brazil

Introduction: It is known that the municipality of Baía da Traição, Brazil, has a system for fluoridation of the water supply. Objective: To evaluate the fluoride concentration (F-) of the public water supply in the city of Baía da Traição-PB. Methods: Public water samples were collected in 13 sites, being one in the urban zone (downtown) and 12 in the rural zone (indigenous villages). In each site, three distinct collection points were selected for convenience between November 2015 and January 2016. The analysis was performed in duplicate using a fluoride ion- specific electrode coupled to a potentiometer, previously calibrated. The samples (750 µL) were added to 750 µL of TISAB II solution, considered on a calibration curve with concentrations of 0.2 to 1 mg/L. Results: In November, December and January, respectively, concentrations of F- in the downtown area were 0.32, 0.11 and 0.09 mg/L, while the average concentrations in the indigenous villages were 0.08 (± 0.02), 0.08 (± 0.03) and 0.07 (± 0.02) mg/L. All samples had concentrations below the recommended levels (<0.60 mg/L) by the Ministry of Health for the anticaries benefit. Conclusion: The public water supply of Baía da Traição presented concentrations of F- insufficient to prevent dental caries at the population level.

Introdução: É sabido que o município de Baía da Traição possuía sistema de fluoretação de águas de abastecimento. Objetivo: Avaliar a concentração de fluoreto (F-) na água de abastecimento público do município de Baía da Traição-PB. Métodos: Amostras de água de abastecimento público foram coletadas em 13 locais, sendo um na zona urbana (Centro) e 12 distribuídas na zona rural (aldeias indígenas). Para cada local, três pontos de coleta distintos foram selecionados por conveniência entre novembro de 2015 e janeiro de 2016. A análise foi realizada em duplicata, utilizando-se um eletrodo íon-específico para fluoreto acoplado a um potenciômetro, previamente calibrados. As amostras (750 µL) foram adicionadas a 750 µL de solução TISAB II, consideradas a uma curva de calibração com concentrações de 0,2 a 1 mg/L. Resultados: Em novembro, dezembro e janeiro, respectivamente, as concentrações de F- no Centro foram 0,32, 0,11 e 0,09 mg/L, e a média das aldeias indígenas, 0,08 (±0,02), 0,08 (±0,03) e 0,07 (±0,02) mg/L. Todas as amostras apresentaram concentrações abaixo do recomendado (<0,60 mg/L) pelo Ministério da Saúde para o benefício anticárie. Conclusão: Portanto, as águas de abastecimento público de Baía da Traição apresentaram concentrações de F- insuficientes para prevenir a cárie dentária em nível populacional.