Influence of light transmission through fiber posts: Quantitative analysis, microhardness, and on bond strength of a resin cement

Light transmission (LT) into deeper areas of the dentin root is limited. Aim: The aim of this study is to perform a quantitative investigation of the radial transmission of light (LT) through different fiber posts and its influence on the Knoop hardness number (KHN) and bond strength (BS) of a dual-cure self-adhesive resin cement at 3 different depths. Materials and Methods: Four types of fiber posts (2 translucent and 2 conventional) were used. LT and KHN analyses were performed in a specially designed matrix, which allowed measurements at 3 different depths. LT was measured using a volt-ampere meter while KHN tests were performed in a microhardness tester. For BS analysis, endodontically treated bovine roots were divided into 4 groups, each group receiving one type of post. After cementation, cross sections of the root were tested for resistance to displacement using a universal testing machine. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was performed by using this ANOVA and Tukey's test. Results: For LT, translucent posts showed significantly higher values at all depths compared to the conventional ones. For all posts, LT decreased at the deeper depths. The KHN results showed no statistical differences among the different posts, regardless of depth. For BS, a translucent post showed the highest values, and comparative analyses between the different depths of posts also showed statistically significant differences while comparisons among the different depths of the same post showed no differences. Conclusions: LT depended on the type of post and on depth. The type of post did not significantly influence the cement KHN. A translucent post showed higher BS in pooled data.

Evaluation of polymeric PLGA nanoparticles conjugated to curcumin for use in aPDT

ABSTRACT Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) involves the association of a photosensitizing agent with a light source with the goal of causing apoptosis or microbial lysing. The use of compounds with natural active principles is gaining prominence throughout the world. Several studies from groups that are linked to the development of innovations in the pharmaceutical market have used natural dyes, such as curcumin, the efficacy of which has been demonstrated in aPDT trials. Difficulties related to physicochemical stability, solubility and cell penetration are some of the challenges associated with this field. The present work aimed to prepare, investigate the characteristics and improve the photodynamic activity of PLGA-based nanoparticles loaded with curcumin for use in aPDT therapy. Using the simple technique of emulsion during the evaporation of a solvent, the particles were built, characterized and tested against microorganisms with importance for medicine and dentistry. The results revealed that the particles were able to protect the curcumin against degradation and eliminate some microorganism species at nanomolar concentrations.

Evaluation of healing of pressure ulcers through thermography: a preliminary study

Introduction Thermography is a surface thermal radiation measurement technique whose application has been expanding in the healthcare field. The unhealed wound is a serious public health problem because it intervenes in the quality of life of patients and may cause emotional and psychological losses. The wound temperature can provide quantitative data that allow for the healing process to be monitored. The aim of this study was to verify whether thermography can be used as a method to evaluate the healing of pressure ulcers. Methods Eight participants with sacral pressure ulcers were recruited and randomly divided into two groups: A (control) and B (experimental). Both groups received standard treatment for a period of four weeks, which consisted of a daily cleaning of the pressure ulcers with physiological saline (sodium chloride 0.9%) followed by an alginate hydrogel dressing. The group B received light-emitting diode (LED) phototherapy in addition to standard treatment, three times a week, yielding a total of 12 sessions. Photographs and thermograms of each pressure ulcer were obtained in all sessions in both groups. Results Pressure ulcers treated with LED phototherapy were healed. The pressure ulcer area of group B decreased over the 12 treatment sessions, whereas the pressure ulcer area of group A increased. The ulcer temperature of group B was higher than that of group A during the treatment (temperature difference up to 7.6%). Discussion The present study suggests a relationship between the temperature and area of pressure ulcers and proposes thermography as an adjunctive method for the evaluation of healing processes.

Effects of low-power light therapy on wound healing: LASER x LED

Several studies demonstrate the benefits of low-power light therapy on wound healing. However, the use of LED as a therapeutic resource remains controversial. There are questions regarding the equality or not of biological effects promoted by LED and LASER. One objective of this review was to determine the biological effects that support the use of LED on wound healing. Another objective was to identify LED´s parameters for the treatment of wounds. The biological effects and parameters of LED will be compared to those of LASER. Literature was obtained from online databases such as Medline, PubMed, Science Direct and Scielo. The search was restricted to studies published in English and Portuguese from 1992 to 2012. Sixty-eight studies in vitro and in animals were analyzed. LED and LASER promote similar biological effects, such as decrease of inflammatory cells, increased fibroblast proliferation, stimulation of angiogenesis, granulation tissue formation and increased synthesis of collagen. The irradiation parameters are also similar between LED and LASER. The biological effects are dependent on irradiation parameters, mainly wavelength and dose. This review elucidates the importance of defining parameters for the use of light devices.

Dispositivo fotobiomodulador para prevenção e tratamento de hiperqueratose de teto em vacas leiteiras / Photobiomodulation device for prevention and treatment of teat hyperkeratosis in dairy cows

As mastites estão entre as principais causas de prejuízo para produtores de leite. Em casos graves de hiperqueratose, o canal do teto pode se tornar uma barreira mais fácil para que as bactérias penetrem na glândula mamária. Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar um dispositivo fotobiomodulador de LED para tratamento e prevenção de hiperqueratose de teto e prevenção da mastite subclínica em um rebanho de leite com alta prevalência de hiperqueratose (35,3 por cento de casos graves). Foram utilizadas 60 primíparas para o experimento de prevenção e 30 vacas com hiperqueratose para o experimento terapêutico. Em ambos os experimentos, metade dos animais foram tratados com o dispositivo fotobiomodulador três vezes por semana, durante 6 semanas. Os outros animais foram os controles. Imagens fotográficas digitalizadas foram realizadas na avaliação inicial e, semanalmente, por 6 semanas consecutivas. Nas primíparas, novas avaliações foram realizadas entre 6 e 7 meses de lactação. Para avaliação da mastite subclínica, contagem de células somáticas (CCS) foram feitas mensalmente. No experimento preventivo, o diâmetro externo das lesões permaneceu constante nos tetos do grupo tratado, enquanto houve aumento no grupo controle. No experimento terapêutico não foram observadas diferenças estatísticas entre as variáveis de hiperqueratose. Contudo, o grupo tratado apresentou menor incidência de mastites subclínicas (CCS < 250 células/mL) por lactação do que o grupo controle (P<0,05). Em conclusão, o tratamento não foi efetivo em prevenir o desenvolvimento ou reduzir lesões instaladas de hiperqueratose de teto. Contudo, o uso protótipo se mostrou útil e promissor como adjuvante na prevenção do aumento de tamanho das lesões de hiperqueratose de teto em primíparas e como forma de reduzir incidência de mastite subclínicas em vacas leiteiras já acometidas.

Mastitis consistis one of the main problems of milk production, mainly due to the production losses and the rising cost of milk. In case of severe hyperkeratosis, the teat canal can become an easier barrier for the bacteria to penetrate. The objeSctive of this study was to assess a phototherapy device construct with LED light for prevention and treatment of teat hyperkeratosis in a dairy cattle herd with high prevalence (35.3 percent of severe cases). 60 primiparous cows were used in the preventive experiment and 30 cows with hyperkeratosis were used in the therapeutic experiment. In both experiments, half of the cows started to be treated in early lactation using the phototherapy device three times per week for 6 weeks. The other cows were the controls. Hyperkeratosis was assessed by scoring and by morphometric analyses of teat images that were taken at baseline and then weekly for 6 consecutive weeks. In the preventive experiment, more images were taken later, between 6 and 7 months of the first lactation. Somatic cell counts (SCC) were performed monthly. In the preventive experiment, the outer diameter of the teat lesions remained constant in the treated group, whereas cows of the control group showed a significant increase at the end of lactation. In the therapeutic groups, no statistical differences for teat hyperkeratosis variables were seen between groups. However, the incidence of subclinical mastitis (SCC > 250 cells/mL) during lactation was lower in the treated group (P<0.05). In conclusion the phototherapy protocol did not prevent the development in primiparous or ameliorate previous hyperkeratosis lesions in cows. However, the prototype was considered useful as an adjunct in preventing the increase in the size of teat hyperkeratosis lesions and also as a way to reduce subclinical mastitis incidence in affected dairy cows.

Phototoxic action of light emitting diode in the in vitro viability of Trichophyton rubrum / Ação fototóxica do diodo emissor de luz na viabilidade de Trichophyton rubrum in vitro

BACKGROUND: Trichophyton rubrum is the most common agent of superficial mycosis of the skin and nails causing long lasting infections and high recurrence rates. Current treatment drawbacks involve topical medications not being able to reach the nail bed at therapeutic concentrations, systemic antifungal drugs failing to eradicate the fungus before the nails are renewed, severe side effects and selection of resistant fungal isolates. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been a promising alternative to conventional treatments. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the in vitro effectiveness of toluidine blue O (TBO) irradiated by Light emitting diode (LED) in the reduction of T. rubrum viability. METHODS: The fungal inoculums' was prepared and exposed to different TBO concentrations and energy densities of Light emitting diode for evaluate the T. rubrum sensibility to PDT and production effect fungicidal after photodynamic treatment. In addition, the profiles of the area and volume of the irradiated fungal suspensions were also investigated. RESULTS: A small reduction, in vitro, of fungal cells was observed after exposition to 100 µM toluidine blue O irradiated by 18 J/cm² Light emitting diode. Fungicidal effect occurred after 25 µM toluidine blue O irradiation by Light emitting diode with energy density of 72 J/cm². The analysis showed that the area and volume irradiated by the Light emitting diode were 52.2 mm² and 413.70 mm³, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results allowed to conclude that Photodynamic therapy using Light emitting diode under these experimental conditions is a possible alternative approach to inhibit in vitro T. rubrum and may be a promising new treatment for dermatophytosis caused by this fungus.

FUNDAMENTOS: Trichophyton rubrum é o agente mais comum das micoses superficiais de pele e unhas causando infecções de longa duração e altas taxas de recidiva. As desvantagens do tratamento atual envolvem medicações tópicas as quais não são capazes de alcançar o leito ungueal em concentrações terapêuticas, antifúngicos sistêmicos que não erradicam o fungo antes das unhas serem renovadas, efeitos colaterais graves e seleção de isolados fúngicos resistentes. A terapia fotodinâmica tem sido uma alternativa promissora aos tratamentos convencionais. OBJETIVOS: Este estudo avaliou a eficácia, in vitro, de azul de orto-toluidina irradiado por diodo emissor de luz na redução da viabilidade de T. rubrum. MÉTODOS: O inóculo fúngico foi preparado e exposto a diferentes concentrações de azul de orto-toluidina e densidades de energia do diodo emissor de luz, para avaliar a sensibilidade de T. rubrum e o efeito fungicida, após terapia fotodinâmica. Além disso, os perfis da área e volume das suspensões fúngicas irradiados também foram investigados. RESULTADOS: Uma pequena redução, in vitro, de células fúngicas foi observada após a exposição a 100 mM azul de orto-toluidina irradiados por diodo emissor de luz a 18 J/cm². Efeito fungicida ocorreu após irradiação 25 µM orto-toluidina por diodo emissor de luz com densidade de energia de 72 J/cm². A análise mostrou que a área e o volume irradiados pelo diodo emissor de luz foram 52,2 mm² e 413,70 mm³, respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados permitiram concluir que a terapia fotodinâmica com diodo emissor de luz, nas condições experimentais é uma abordagem alternativa para inibir, in vitro, T. rubrum e pode ser um tratamento promissor para as dermatofitoses causadas por este fungo.

Efeito de diferentes calçados no ínicio da atividade eletromiográfica dos músculos estabilizadores da patela / Effect of different shoes at the onset electromyographic activity of patellar stabilizer muscles

Introdução: A síndrome da dor femoropatelar (SDFP) é caracterizada por uma dor difusa na região retopatelar. A SDFP tem maior prevalência em mulheres jovens e sua etiologia não é totalmente conhecida. Objetivo: O objetivo desse trabalho foi comparar a porcentagem de disparo inicial (PDI) dos músculos vasto medial oblíquo (VMO) e vasto lateral longo (VLL) de mulheres saudáveis com disfunção femoropatelar (SDFP) ao sentar e levantar de um banco, calçando sapatos de salto alto, tênis e descalças. Métodos: Vinte mulheres foram divididas em dois grupos: controle e SDFP. O início da atividade EMG dos músculos VMO e VLL foi registrada durante a realização das tarefas, executadas com diferentes calçados. Para a comparação das PDIs foi utilizado o teste Qui-quadrado com p<0,05. Resultados: Verificou-se que o uso do tênis e do salto alto proporcionaram aumento da PDI no grupo controle. No entanto, nenhuma diferença foi observada no grupo SDFP. Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem que os indivíduos com SDFP não apresentam respostas adaptativas ao uso de diferentes calçados.

Introduction: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PPS) is characterized by diffuse pain in the retropatellar region. The PPS has a higher prevalence in young women and its aetiology is not fully understood. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the percentage of onset (%) of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and vastus lateralis longus (VLL) of healthy women and with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PPS) during sitting and standing tasks, wearing hig heeled shoes, tennis shoes and barefoot. Methods: Twenty women were divided into two groups: control group and PPS. The onset of EMG activity of VMO and VLL muscles was recorded during the tasks, using different shoes. To compare the percentage of onset was used chi-square test with p <0.05. Results: It was found that the use of high-heeled and tennis shoes promote increased the PDI in the control group. However, no difference was observed in the PPS group. Conclusion: The results suggest that individuals with PPS do not present adaptive responses to the use of different shoes.

Aplicação da luva funcional em um indivíduo com paralisia de mão e punho: um estudo piloto / Application of functional glove in an individual with paralysis of the hand and wrist: a pilot study

Uma das intervenções bastante utilizadas pelo terapeuta ocupacional na reabilitação de indivíduos com disfunções físicas é a fabricação e a prescrição de órteses. Porém, órteses funcionais para mão tem se mostrado com um dos grandes desafios do processo de reabilitação devido à grande complexidade da mão humana. A motivação para este trabalho se deu a partir dos resultados dos testes in vitro realizados com o protótipo da Luva Funcional, que apresentou grande potencial em possibilitar a flexão e extensão dos dedos em indivíduos com paralisia na mão. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o uso da Luva Funcional em um indivíduo que não apresentasse movimentos ativos em mão e punho. Foi realizado um estudo piloto, com aplicação dos seguintes intrumentos: Teste para Desempenho em Atividades Unimanuais, Teste para Desempenho em Atividades Bimanuais e Questionário de Satisfação. A Luva Funcional foi capaz de possibilitar os movimentos de flexão e de extensão dos dedos em um indivíduo com paralisia em mão e punho devido à lesão do plexo braquial. O paciente conseguiu controlar a abertura e fechamento da mão por meio do sinal mioelétrico dos músculos selecionados para sua ativação e conseguiu desempenhar, com o uso da órtese Luva funcional, atividades unimanuais e bimanuais. O resultado do Questionário de Satisfação demonstrou satisfação do paciente com o uso da órtese Luva Funcional.

One of the interventions used by occupational therapist in the rehabilitation program of individuals with physical dysfunction is orthosis fabrication and prescription. However, hand functional orthoses has proven itself one of the great challenges of the rehabilitation process due to the complexity of the human hand. The motivation for this work was based on the results of in vitro tests performed with the prototype of the Functional Glove, which showed great potential in enabling the extension and flexion of the fingers in patients with hand paralysis. The objective of this study was to investigate the use of Functional Glove in an individual who did not present active movements in hand and wrist. We conducted a pilot study, applying the following instruments: Test for Performing Unimanuals Activities, Test for Performing Bimanuals Activities and a Satisfaction Questionnaire. The patient was able to control the opening and closing the hand through the myoelectric signal of the muscles selected for their activation and managed to play with the orthose Functional Glove, one-hand and bimanual activities. The result of the satisfaction questionnaire showed patient satisfaction with the orthose Functional Glove.

Efeitos do laser de baixa potência no tratamento de úlceras de pressão em um eqüino / Effects of low level laser therapy in the treatment of pressure ulcers in an equine

Úlceras de pressão são complicações muito freqüentes na medicina veterinária, principalmente nos animais de grande porte. O laser de baixa potência é um método alternativo favorável à cicatrização destas lesões. O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar o efeito clínico do laser de baixa potência no processo de cicatrização das úlceras de pressão em um eqüino. Para este estudo, foi selecionado um eqüino da raça Mangalarga Marchador, fêmea, com 9 meses de idade, o qual apresentava três feridas abertas no membro posterior esquerdo. As úlceras foram submetidas a duas aplicações semanais do laser arsenieto de gálio (AsGa - 904 nm) por 8 semanas. A dosimetria utilizada foi de 4 J/cm2 com tempo de aplicação de 26 segundos por ponto. Como critérios para acompanhar a evolução das úlceras utilizou-se registros fotográficos e dados das avaliações clínicas das feridas. Os resultados mostraram que após o início da laserterapia, as lesões cutâneas evoluíram quanto à presença de tecido de granulação, coloração e grau de epitelização. Pode-se sugerir que o laser de baixa potência AsGa, na dose de 4 J/cm2, foi eficaz em aprimorar o processo de cicatrização das úlceras de pressão do paciente.

Pressure ulcers are very frequent complications in veterinary medicine, especially on large animals, such as equines and bovines. Among alternative methods for approaching these injuries, low power laser seems to be a favorable resource to foster healing of these wounds, because of its biomodulating effects. The purpose of this study was to tell the clinical effects of low power laser in the healing process of pressure ulcers in animals. For this experiment, a female 9-months-old equine of the Mangalarga Marchador race was chosen, which had three open wounds on the posterior left limb. The ulcers were submitted to two weekly applications of a gallium arsenate laser (AsGa – 904 nm) for 8 weeks. A dosage of 4 J/cm2 was used with 26 seconds per point of applying time. Photographic records and clinical evaluation of the wounds were used as criteria to follow the development of the ulcers, and thus to assess the efficacy of low power laser therapy on healing cutaneous injuries. The results show that after the beginning of laser therapy, the ulcers have developed in terms of presence of granulation tissue, color and degree of epithelization. Therefore, it is suggested that the low power AsGa laser, at the dosage of 4 J/cm2, was effective in improving the healing process of the patient’s pressure ulcers.

Testes preliminares de um protótipo de órtese funcional para mão / Preliminary test of a functional hand orthosis prototype

A prescrição, projeto, fabricação, verificação e treino de órteses fazem parte das intervenções utilizadas pelo terapeuta ocupacional com indivíduos apresentando disfunções físicas, com objetivo de recuperar a função e melhorar o desempenho ocupacional. Porém, o uso de órteses em pacientes com déficits crônicos em mão e punho, como ocorre nas lesões do plexo braquial, lesões medulares, doenças neurológicas e degenerativas, se apresenta como um grande desafio. Este trabalho teve o objetivo de descrever o protótipo de um novo modelo de órtese funcional para mão, conhecida como luva funcional, e os resultados dos testes preliminares. Foi realizado um estudo exploratório, dividido em três fases...

The prescription, design, fabrication, testing and training of orthotic devices are common part of interventions for occupational therapist with physically disabled individuals, with the objective of regaining function and improving occupational performance. However, orthosis for patients with chronic deficits in hand and wrist in brachial plexus injuries, spinal cord injuries, and degenerative neurological diseases, is presented as a challenge. this work has the objective to describe the prototype of a new model of functional hand orthosis, known as functional glove, and the results of preliminary tests. It was conducted an exploratory study, shared into three phases...

Comparaçäo in vitro entre bioproteses de pericardio bovino e porcinas / In vitro comparasion among bovine pericardium and porcine bioprosthesis

No presente estudo foi avaliada a performance hidrodinâmica de bioprótese de pericárdio bovino comparativamente às válvulas porcinas, ambas produzidas no Brasil. Os testes hidrodinâmicos foram realizados em próteses de diâmetros variando de 19 a 35 mm em um sistema duplicador de pulso. O gradiente pressórico médio das próteses de pericárdio bovino foi significativamente menor que o de prótese porcinas (p<0,01) para todos os diâmetros estudados.

Abstract - ln the present study hydrodynamic performance of bioprostheses of bovine pericardium and procine valve were evaluated. The hydrodynamic test were performed in a pulse duplicator system using valves of different diameters from 19 to 35 mm. Pressure gradients measured in bovine pericardium prostheses were significantly (p<0.01) lower than those of porcine valves for all studied valve diameter

Utilizaçäo de processamento digital de imagem para mediçäo do ângulo de contato formado entre soluçäo fisiológica e biomaterial / Use of digital image processing to measure the contact angle formed between physiologic and biomaterial solution

Processamento digital de imagem (PDI) foi empregado para a determinação do ângulo de contato formado entre solução fisiológica e uma superfície recoberta com carbono pirolítico. Os procedimentos experimentais e detalhes do processamento também são discutidos.