In Vitro Development of Enteric-Coated Tablets of the Probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum LF-G89: A Possible Approach to Intestinal Colonization.

BACKGROUND: Probiotics must be able to withstand the demanding environment of the gastrointestinal system to adhere to the intestinal epithelium, promoting health benefits. The use of probiotics can prevent or attenuate the effects of dysbiosis that have a deleterious effect on health, promoting anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant effects. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to prepare tablets containing Lactobacillus fermentum LF-G89 coated with 20% Acryl-Eze II® or Opadry® enteric polymers. METHOD: Tablet dissolution was evaluated under acidic and basic pH conditions, and aliquots of the dissolution medium were plated to count the Colony-forming Units (CFU). The free probiotic's tolerance to pH levels of 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0, as well as to pepsin, pancreatin, and bile salts, was assessed. RESULTS: The probiotic was released from tablets coated after they withstood the pH 1.2 acid stage for 45 minutes. The release was higher with the Acry-Eze II® polymer in the basic stage. The amount of CFU of free probiotics at pH 1.0 to 4.0 as well as pepsin reduced over time, indicating cell death. Conversely, the CFU over time with pancreatin and bile salts increased, demonstrating the resistance of L. fermentum to these conditions due to hydrolases. CONCLUSION: Both coating polymers were able to withstand the acid step, likely ensuring the release of the probiotic in the small intestine, promoting colonization. Coating with enteric material is a simple and effective process to increase the survival of probiotics, offering a promising alternative to mitigate the negative effects of the dysbiosis process.

Antimicrobial action and cytotoxicity of hypochlorous acid obtained from an innovative electrolytic device - An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the antimicrobial effect and cytotoxicity of hypochlorous acid(HClO) obtained from an innovative electrolytic device. DESIGN: The root canals of fifty extracted human teeth were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis and divided into 5 groups (n = 10): DW (control); 2% chlorhexidine gel(CHX); 2.5% sodium hypochlorite(NaOCl); 250 ppm HClO and 500 ppm HClO. The counting of colony forming units evaluated the decontamination potential of each group. Cytotoxicity was evaluated after inoculation of tested protocols in fibroblastic cells for 3 min, calculating the cell viability. Specific statistical analysis was performed (α = 5%). RESULTS: The highest bacterial reduction was observed in experimental groups, with no statistical differences from each other (p > 0.05). The highest number of viable cells was observed in control group, followed by 250 ppm HClO and 500 ppm HClO groups, with statistical differences from each other (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It could be concluded that HClO presented high antimicrobial activity and low cytotoxicity at both tested concentrations.

Effect of antioxidants on adhesive bond strength to bleached enamel.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of antioxidants (ATX) resveratrol, winter's bark, green tea and yerba mate on the bond strength between bleached enamel and the nanohybrid composite resin. METHODOLOGY: Bovine incisor crowns (n = 132) were randomly divided into 22 groups (n = 6) according to the application times (5, 10, 15, 30, and 60 min) of each antioxidant. Teeth restored without previous bleaching or ATX constituted the non-bleached control group (NB Ctrl) (n = 6), and teeth restored after bleaching and without ATX represented the bleached control group (B Ctrl) (n = 6). The 35 % hydrogen peroxide was applied for 45 min (3 application of 15 min) to the buccal enamel surface. ATX was used after bleaching for the specified time of each group and removed with air-water spray. The enamel was etched with 37 % phosphoric acid (30 s) and rinsed with air-water spray. The adhesive resin was applied to the enamel dry surface. Teeth were restored using 1 mm composite resin increments (10 × 10 × 3 mm) and sectioned in test specimens of 6 mm in length and 1 mm2 in cross-sectional area submitted to microtensile bond strength test (0.5 mm/min). The load (N) at failure was recorded, and the bond strength (σt) was calculated (MPa). The fracture area was analyzed under optical microscopy, and failures were classified as cohesive, mixed, or adhesive. Data was evaluated by Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: B Ctrl group presented lower σt than NB Ctrl (p < 0.001). Applying resveratrol for 5 or 10 min, winter's bark for 10 or 15 min, green tea for less than 15 min, and yerba mate for 15 min provided similar σt between bleached enamel and nanohybrid composite to the control group. CONCLUSION: Restorative procedures performed immediately after tooth bleaching compromises adhesion. Experimental antioxidants applied to bleached enamel can increase the immediate bond strength of restorations performed directly after bleaching, with similar values to those observed in unbleached enamel. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study presents promising results to support the use of antioxidants on the recently bleached enamel to allow adhesive tooth restorations. The immediate bonding obtained using antioxidants was similar to the one achieved in non-bleached enamel in brief application times. Green tea extract and resveratrol were able to restore the bond strength to bleached enamel in a short application time of 5 min. The reduction in the required application time holds the potential to decrease the overall duration of the clinical section, offering clinical advantages and improving the feasibility of using antioxidants on the bleached enamel prior to adhesive procedures.

Anaemia among school children of different socioeconomical status in a city of Southern Brazil.

Background: Iron deficiency is one of the leading causes of anaemia, with those most affected being children and women of childbearing age, in Brazil there is a scarcity of studies involving the local prevalence of anaemia. Aim: To evaluate anaemia and associated factors in schoolchildren in Santa Cruz do Sul through the analysis of biochemical and haematological markers and parasitological examination of faeces. Subjects and methods: School children from 10 to 12 years of age were evaluated through complete blood count, serum ferritin, C-reactive protein and stool parasitological examination, as well as socio-demographic characteristics and prophylaxis with ferrous sulphate in childhood. Results: It was found that 13.0% of the population was anaemic, girls were very slightly overrepresented among the anaemic children. Only 5.3% had altered haematocrit levels; 26.6% had low Mean Corpuscular Volume levels; 18.4% had low ferritin levels; 2.4% had increased C-reactive protein levels, and 21.7% had altered eosinophils. As for the socioeconomic level, classes A2 and D presented lower haemoglobin levels, as well as class D presenting lower ferritin levels, although without statistical significance. Only 6.0% of the population presented iron-deficiency anaemia and 46.0% of the schoolchildren had used ferrous sulphate supplementation in childhood. Conclusion: The prevalence of anaemia in the studied municipality is low, probably due to the high municipal human development index. Epidemiological studies are essential to characterise the population in a systematic form, to prevent future problems.

Transdermal Therapeutic Systems for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: A Patent Review.

BACKGROUND: Two classes of medications are used to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD); donepezil, galantamine, and rivastigmine are acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, and memantine is a non-competitive antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor. Although these are typically taken orally, there are transdermal therapeutic systems (TTSs) commercially available for rivastigmine and donepezil. The transdermal route has been preferable for guardians/caregivers due to ease of use, reduced side effects, and improved adherence to therapy. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to obtain knowledge of the properties of these drugs and to search for patents relating to the TTS for AD using the Espacenet platform. METHODS: The search terms were "rivastigmine AND transdermal AND skin delivery AND Alzheimer's", changing the drugs "memantine", "donepezil", and "galantamine", between January 2015 and January 2022. Title and abstract were used to choose patents. RESULTS: TTSs present some limit factors in terms of absorption due to skin physiology and the size of the molecules with established limits of percutaneous penetration (molecular mass of 500 g/mol and log P of 5). We found 1, 4, 4, and 2 patents for galantamine, rivastigmine, donepezil, and memantine, respectively. Galantamine TTS seems to be more challenging due to the molecular mass of 287.35 g/mol and logP of 1.8. The permeator of absorption is necessary. Memantine, rivastigmine, and donepezil present logP of 3.28, 2.3, and 4.27 and molecular weights of 179.30, 250.34, and 415.96 g/mol, respectively. CONCLUSION: TTSs are primarily effective for delivering small molecules. The use of absorption enhancers and irritation mitigators can be necessary to enhance the performance. The development of these technologies is essential for the convenience of patients and caregivers.

Clinical effectiveness of medical ozone therapy in COVID-19: the evidence and gaps map.

Ozone therapy (OT), a medical procedure, has been showing good results during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). We aimed to build an evidence and gaps map (EGM) of OT in the COVID-19 ranking the articles found according to levels of evidence and outcomes. The EGM brings bubbles of different sizes and different colors according to the articles. The OT intervention used was major or minor autohemotherapy, rectal insufflation and ozonized saline solution. EGM was based on 13 clinical studies using OT for COVID-19 involving a total of 271 patients. We found 30 outcomes related to OT in COVID-19. Our EGM divided the outcomes into six groups: 1-clinical improvement; 2-hospitalization; 3-inflammatory, thromboembolic, infectious, or metabolic markers; 4-radiological aspects, 5-viral infection and 6-adverse events. Major autohemotherapy was present in 19 outcomes, followed by rectal insufflation. Improvement in clinical symptoms of COVID-19, improvement of respiratory function, improvement of oxygen saturation, reduction in hospital internment, decrease in C-reactive protein, decrease in ferritin, decrease in lactate dehydrogenase, decrease in interleukin 6, decrease in D-dimer, radiological improvement of lung lesions and absence of reported adverse events were related in the papers. The most commonly used concentrations of OT in major autohemotherapy and in rectal insufflation were 40 µg/mL and 35 µg/mL, respectively. Here, we bring the first EGM showing the efficacy and safety of OT in the treatment of COVID-19. OT can be used as integrative medical therapy in COVID-19 at a low cost and improve the health conditions of the patients.

Biomechanical properties of a 3D printing polymer for provisional restorations and artificial teeth.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize a resin-based polymer used for 3D printing (3D) provisional restorations and artificial teeth by evaluating relevant material's properties (flexural strength (σf), elastic modulus (E), water sorption (Wsp) and solubility (Wsl)) and biocompatibility, and comparing to a bis-acryl composite resin (BA) and a heat-cured acrylic resin (AR). METHODS: Structures were fabricated from 3D, BA and AR. Bar-shaped specimens (n = 30) were submitted to three-point flexure (in 37ºC water and constant displacement rate: 1 ± 0.3 mm/min) until fracture to calculate σf and E. Additional specimens (n = 30) were aged in 37ºC distilled water for six months before testing for σf. Disc-shaped specimens (n = 5) were dried in desiccators and oven until weight stability was reached, then they were immersed in distilled water for seven days, weighed and submitted to the drying process to obtain Wsp and Wsl. SRB and MTT assays were used to evaluate biocompatibility. Data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal Wallis, Student-Newman-Keuls (α = .05), and Weibull distribution. ANOVA and Tukey (α = .05) were used to evaluate the biocompatibility data. RESULTS: 3D structures showed higher σf than AR after aging. The BA showed the lowest values for σf and E, at baseline and after aging. All materials showed Wsp and Wsl values within the recommended standard values. AR structures showed lower cell viability (71.9%) than 3D (92.9%) and BA (90.8%) when using the SRB test. No difference was found when using MTT (p > .05). SIGNIFICANCE: The evaluated polymer-based 3D printing material showed adequate biomechanical behavior for using as a provisional restoration and artificial teeth.

Toxicity of the polymeric excipients in geriatric polypharmacy.

Geriatric polypharmacy is already a complicated issue in pharmacotherapy as multiple biological and pharmaceutical factors are involved. Given the fact that the geriatric population, in general, takes more than five medications for multiple diseases and most likely takes several supplements, there is a hidden issue with the types and amounts of the pharmaceutical inactive ingredients (polymers in particular) as they, as well as their impurities, may build up in an ill-performing body beyond their safety levels. In this commentary, we impart on biological factors, the importance of polymers, and the types and amounts of the impurities within each polymeric excipient that can potentially lead to severe pharmacological and biological impacts. Given the complex safety and toxicity issues in polypharmacy, we may need to revisit the safety standards and regulations on the inactive materials that are widely used in geriatric medications.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease and dental erosion: The role of bile acids.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the bile acids in the saliva of patients with and without gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and evaluate their effect on tooth surface. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study involved 26 GERD patients and 40 controls without GERD. Dental erosions were identified, saliva was collected and analyzed with chromatography for bile acid identification. An in vitro study assessed the effect of enamel exposition to taurocholic acid in concentrations of 1 µM, 10 µM, and a mixture of taurocholic acid and glycocholic acid at 10 µM on enamel microhardness, calcium release, and surface topography. RESULTS: Salivary bile acids were analyzed from 22 GERD patients and 40 controls. All these participants presented taurocholic acid and glycocholic acid in the saliva. The salivary amount of taurocholic acid was greater than glycocholic acid in both GERD patients (area under the curve: 7946 vs. 1361; p < 0.001) and controls (10,815 vs. 1290; p < 0.001). The salivary amount of taurocholic acid was greater in controls than in GERD patients (10,815 vs. 7946; p < 0.001). Dental erosion was more prevalent in GERD patients than in controls (27% vs. 7%; p = 0.041). In the GERD presence, the amount of glycocholic acid was greater in patients with dental erosion (1777 vs. 1239; p = 0.041). Enamel exposed to taurocholic acid at 10 µM, combined or not with glycocholic acid, had their microhardness increased, accompanied by calcium release, with no changes in surface topography. CONCLUSIONS: Taurocholic acid was the predominant salivary bile acid, particularly in controls without GERD. This bile acid had no deleterious effect on the enamel structure.

Intra-articular ozone slows down the process of degeneration of articular cartilage in the knees of rats with osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease of multifactorial etiology, affecting mainly the knees. We aimed to evaluate the effects of two different doses of gaseous ozone intra-articularly on the knee cartilage morphology of rats with osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: The articular lesion was induced by sodium monoiodoacetate (MIA). 40 Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: G1 control (without lesion and without treatment), G2 articular lesion (AL) (only lesion MIA-induced), G3 AL + treatment with 5 µg/mL of ozone intra-articular, and G4 AL + treatment with 10 µg/mL of ozone intra-articular. The experiment was carried out for 60 days. RESULTS: Both doses of ozone intra-articular demonstrated less reduction in joint space (G3 and G4) compared to the G2, formation of osteophytes, but without subchondral sclerosis. Ozone decreased the volumetric density of the articular lesion (VV(AL)) of tibial. The treatments recovered VV(AL) of the femur similar to G1. Ozone lower dose (G3) showed lower tibia and femur macroscopic scores. CONCLUSION: Intra-articular gaseous ozone can delay the degeneration of articular cartilage and can represents an integrative therapy in the OA treatment of knee after 60 days of treatment. For the first time the role of ozone in articular cartilage degeneration was evaluated helping to understand this therapy.

Natural sources of melanogenic inhibitors: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Melanin gives some natural protection against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation; however, excessive production of melanin causes skin hyperpigmentation. Depigmenting cosmetics can be used to control this process; however, depigmenting agents commonly used have some disadvantages, such as low bioavailability, photosensitization, cellular toxicity, and insolubility. Natural sources of melanogenic inhibitors have become important alternatives to synthetic ones. The objective of this review was to summarize the results of studies on natural extracts that have been reported in the literature to inhibit the process of melanogenesis, giving a view on their suitability for potential use in new cosmetic formulations for skin-lightening. DATA SOURCES: A systematic literature search was carried out using the descriptors: "melanogenesis", "tyrosinase", "tyrosinase inhibition", and "natural agents". STUDY SELECTION: Publications were selected based on our designated inclusion and exclusion criteria, and a total of 15 studies met these criteria. DATA EXTRACTION: The following were used in the review of each paper which met the criteria: the name of the plant (all of the natural extracts turned out to be from plants), the method used to obtain the plant extract, the method for evaluating anti-tyrosinase activity, the main results, and the conclusions. DATA SYNTHESIS: All evaluated natural agents demonstrated anti-tyrosinase effect. The species Leathesia difformis, Morus alba, Orostachys japonicus, Heracleum moellendorffii, Coix lacryma-jobi (adlay), Inula brittanica, and Gailardia aristata stood out from the others due to their application as potential inhibitors of more than three proteins related to melanogenesis, including the cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein-1, tyrosinase-related protein-2, and dopachrome tautomerase. CONCLUSION: The plants present an anti-tyrosinase effect that must be better explored in the new cosmetic formulations. The anti-melanogenic effects of the plant are mainly related to the presence of phenolic and antioxidant compounds.

OBJECTIF: La mélanine offre une certaine protection naturelle contre les effets nocifs des rayons ultraviolets ; cependant, une production excessive de mélanine provoque une hyperpigmentation cutanée. Les cosmétiques dépigmentants peuvent servir à contrôler ce processus ; cependant, les agents dépigmentants couramment utilisés présentent certains inconvénients, comme une biodisponibilité faible, une photosensibilité, une toxicité cellulaire et une insolubilité. Les sources naturelles d'inhibiteurs de la mélanogénèse sont devenues des alternatives importantes aux inhibiteurs synthétiques. L'objectif de cette revue était de résumer les résultats des études sur les extraits naturels signalés dans la littérature comme inhibant le processus de mélanogenèse, en donnant un aperçu de leur adéquation à une utilisation potentielle dans de nouvelles formulations cosmétiques pour l'éclaircissement de la peau. SOURCES DES DONNÉES: Une recherche systématique dans la littérature a été réalisée à l'aide des descripteurs : « mélanogenèse ¼, « tyrosinase ¼, 'inhibition de la tyrosinase ¼ et « agents naturels ¼. Sélection des études : Les publications ont été sélectionnées d'après nos critères d'inclusion et d'exclusion désignés et un total de 15 études remplissaient ces critères. EXTRACTION DES DONNÉES: Les éléments suivant ont été utilisés dans l'examen de chaque article répondant aux critères : le nom de la plante (tous les extraits naturels se sont avérés provenir des plantes), la méthode utilisée pour obtenir l'extrait végétal, la méthode d'évaluation de l'activité anti-tyrosinase, les principaux résultats et les conclusions. SYNTHÈSE DES DONNÉES: Tous les agents naturels évalués ont démontré un effet anti-tyrosinase. Les espèces Leathesia difformis, Morus alba, Orostachys japonicus, ,Heracleum moellendorffii, Coix lacryma-jobi (adlay), Inula brittanica, et Gailardia aristata se sont distinguées des autres en raison de leur application comme inhibiteurs potentiels de plus de trois protéines liées à la mélanogenèse, dont la protéine de liaison d'élément de réponse d'adénosine monophosphate cyclique, du facteur de transcription associé à la microphtalmie, la tyrosinase, la protéine liée à la tyrosinase-1, la protéine liée à la tyrosinase-2 et la dopachrome tautomérase. CONCLUSION: Les plantes présentent un effet anti-tyrosinase qui doit être exploré plus en profondeur dans les nouvelles formulations cosmétiques. Les effets inhibiteurs de la mélanogénèse des plantes sont principalement dus à la présence de composés phénoliques et antioxydants.

Development and validation of a LC-PDA method for methylphenidate analysis in sewage.

Methylphenidate (MPH) is an important emerging pollutant found in effluents and wastewater. Thus, we aimed to develop and validate a method for detection and quantitation of MPH residues in sewage through high performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detector (LC-PDA). Here we describe a selective, accurate, precise, and valid method for determination of MPH in sewage with a total running time of 10 min, with limits of detection and quantification of 0.27 and 0.92 µg/mL, respectively. MPH retention peak was observed at 5 min. The method was applied to MPH analysis in a sewage sample pretreated with solid phase extraction, obtaining a result of 2.8 µg/L of MPH. Thus, the developed method can be considered feasible to be applied to MPH residual contamination analysis in sewage using a widely available apparatus.

The role of ozone treatment as integrative medicine. An evidence and gap map.

Introduction: The Brazil has one of the largest public health systems in the world and in the 1980's, Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine were introduced. In 2018, the treatment with ozone became a complementary integrative practice showing several benefits. However, its effectiveness needs to be researched. The objective of this evidence gap map is to describe contributions of Integrative Medicines-Ozone treatment in different clinical conditions, to promote evidence-based practice. Methods: We applied the methodology developed by Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information based on the 3iE evidence gap map. The EMBASE, PubMed and Virtual Health Library databases, using the MeSH and DeCS terms for the treatment with Ozone were used. Results: 26 systematic reviews were characterized, distributed in a matrix containing 6 interventions (parenteral oxygen/ozone gas mixture; parenteral ozonated water; systemic routes; topical application ozonated water; topical oxygen/ozone gas mixture; and topical ozonated oil) and 55 outcomes (cancer, infection, inflammation, pain, quality of life, wound healing and adverse effects). 334 associations between intervention and outcome were observed, emphasizing the parenteral oxygen/ozone gas mixture intervention (192 associations, 57%). Conclusions: The evidence gap map presents an overview of contributions of Ozone treatment in controlling pain, infections, inflammation and wound healing, as well as increasing the quality of life, and it is directed to researchers and health professionals specialized in Ozone treatment. No serious adverse effects were related. Therefore, this treatment may be even more widely known as an integrative treatment, considering its low cost, efficiency and safety. Future studies should adopt economic impact assessments and the organization of health services.

Pesticide and trace element bioaccumulation in wild owls in Brazil.

Owls are outstanding environmental quality bioindicators due to their position at the top of the food chain and susceptibility to pollutant accumulation. Exposure to chemical contaminants is often a risk for these animals. Moreover, studies addressing the bioaccumulation of trace elements and pesticide residues in tropical nocturnal raptor species are scarce. We analyzed the 26 organs (heart, liver, and kidney) of Tyto furcata (n=3), Megascops spp. (n=5), Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana (n=1), and Asio stygius (n=1) carcasses, collected from June 2018 to May 2019 in the Southern region of Brazil. The original vegetation consisted of areas of Araucaria forests and grassy-woody steppes with gallery forests, which were greatly modified by the introduction of agriculture. In four animals and eight organs, the pesticides abamectin, atrazine, chlorpyrifos-ethyl, and diurom were analyzed through high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a mass detector. In six animals and eighteen organs, the trace elements cadmium, lead, chromium, and nickel were identified via atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Chlorpyrifos-ethyl was detected in the livers of the genus Megascops. Chromium was found at high concentrations in all matrices analyzed for this trace element. Moreover, P. koeniswaldiana presented lead levels indicative of high exposure. The bioaccumulation of these toxics in owls described here can impact the population levels of these species, impact on its ecological function, and consequently unbalance the ecosystem. Moreover, owls are considered bioindicators; therefore, the occurrence of bioaccumulation indirectly gives us information about the quality of the environment.

Effectiveness of topical ozonated oil in severe osteoarthritis: A randomised, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis is highly prevalent and a common locomotory disorder in the elderly. The treatments aim improves the quality of life. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of topical ozonated oil in relieving pain in patients with osteoarthritis. DESIGN: A placebo-controlled, triple-blind, randomised controlled trial including osteoarthritis patients older than 50 years. INTERVENTIONS: Eighty patients were randomly divided into two groups: treatment (ozonated oil) and placebo (non-ozonated oil). The oils were used twice a day for 60 days. Evaluations were performed using WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities) and VAS (visual analogue scale) and laboratory analysis. RESULTS: Pain relief was observed in all groups except in the placebo group where patients are diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis (degree 4) (p-value treatment and placebo group: 0.021 and 0.345, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, the pain relief in patients with severe osteoarthritis was demonstrated by the use of topical ozonated oil.

Cytotoxicity of different concentrations of glycolic acid and its effects on root dentin microhardness - An in vitro study.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of different glycolic acid concentrations (GA) and its effects on dentinal microhardness. Cytotoxicity was evaluated after inoculation of test irrigants in the lymphocyte primary culture for 3 min. The tested substances were distilled water(DW); 17% EDTA; QMix; 10% GA; 17% GA; and 25% GA. Counting of total, live and dead cells was performed, obtaining the average percentage of dead cells of each group. For microhardness evaluation, 60 root dentin samples were divided into the same tested groups (n = 10) and immersed in test irrigants for 3 min. Dentin microhardness was evaluated by Vicker test. Specific statistical analysis was made in both tests. Results showed significant lower cytotoxicity for QMix and 10% GA (P < 0.05). Moreover, all test irrigants presented similar values of microhardness than the control group (P > 0.05). In conclusion, lower GA concentration can be an alternative for final irrigation on endodontics.

Neonatal and pediatric oral drug delivery: Hopes and hurdles.

The neonatal and pediatric populations have long been neglected concerning the development of oral dosage forms. For close to two decades, caregivers have had to adjust the doses of the off-label medicines and drugs for adults to suit the neonatal and pediatric needs. This is due to the lack of rules and regulations regarding neonates and pediatrics clinical trials while pharmaceutical industries see this as a non-lucrative approach. Despite such limitations, the administration of solid and liquid dosage forms to neonates and pediatrics necessitates the development of new technologies and even new strategies to meet the needs. Current approaches have not only focused on the development of suitable dosage forms but also the advancement of devices to enhance drug administration to pediatrics and neonates. Though current approaches have significantly added to the number of pediatric and neonatal oral dosage formulations on the market, there is still more room for improvement(s). While novel dosage forms including multiparticulates, orodispersible tablets/films, and chewable tablets have extensively been researched, some administration devices (e.g., nipple shield, pill swallowing cup, and solid dosage pen) have also been explored. Although a few of these products are in the market, the concerted efforts of regulation administrative bodies, pharmaceutical industry settings, and scientists in academia have been oriented to address all issues and advance the neonatal and pediatric-centric pharmaceutical products.

Effect of reciprocating instrumentation on chlorhexidine substantivity on human dentin: chemical analysis followed by confocal laser microscopy

The present research analyzed the reciprocating instrumentation associated to chlorhexidine (CHX) substantivity as its correlation with E. faecalis viability in ex vivo root canals. Eighty extracted single-rooted human teeth were used, being 40 to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and 40 to confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). In both, teeth were decoronated and the cervical third was prepared. In the CLSM analysis, the root canals were inoculated with E. faecalis for 14 days. Samples were divided into 4 groups (n=10) according to instrumentation technique: no instrumentation and irrigation with distilled water (control); manual instrumentation (K-File); rotary instrumentation (ProTaper Next); and reciprocating instrumentation (Reciproc R25). Two percent chlorhexidine was applied as irrigating substance in experimental groups. Longitudinal grooves resulted in 2 halves root and 20 proof bodies in each group. Samples were divided by chance in two groups (n=10) and the outcomes were evaluated after two days and one week. The retained chlorhexidine and live cells after instrumentation techniques in each evaluation time was measured by HPLC and CLSM, respectively. Specific analysis was applied for experimental tests (p≤0.05). Both rotary as well as reciprocating techniques significantly reduced the amount of chlorhexidine on dentin in all observation periods (p<0.05). After evaluation times, all experimental groups presented lower live cells compared to control, but without statistically difference. Intragroup comparisons in times of evaluation showed no differences in instrumentation techniques, in chlorhexidine retention and number of live cells (p>0.05). Reciprocating instrumentation does not interfere on chlorhexidine substantivity.

CHRONIC EXPOSURE TO METHYLPHENIDATE-CONTAMINATED WATER ELICITS SOCIAL IMPAIRMENT TO ZEBRAFISH.

Residual contamination of water with MPH represents a severe environmental issue because it can affect non-target animals. Here we describe the behavioral effects in zebrafish after chronic contamination of water containing residues of MPH (0.1875, 1.875 and 3 ug/L). These doses are environmentally relevant since they reflect those found in wastewaters. We evaluated the behavioral effect through the novel tank test (NTT) and social preference test (SPT), and after euthanasia we analyzed oxidative stress parameters. Zebrafish exposed to MPH presented a social impairment, avoiding the conspecifics segment in the social preference test. In addition, MPH in the lowest concentration provoked an anxiolytic effect in the novel tank test. Oxidative stress is not related to these changes. Since the maintenance of an intact behavioral repertoire is crucial for species survival and fitness, our results demonstrate that residual contamination of water by MPH can be a threat to zebrafish, impacting directly to its well-being and survival in the aquatic environment.

Potencial antimicrobiano e caracterização fitoquímica de extratos da casca do caule de Drimys brasiliensis Miers (Winteraceae) / Antimicrobial potential and phytochemical investigation of stem bark extracts from Drimys brasiliensis Miers (Winteraceae)

Introdução: na área da saúde, a resistência aos antimicrobianos tem se constituído um grave problema, fazendo com que a busca por alternativas farmacológicas assuma grande importância. Produtos de origem natural, como extratos de plantas, têm sido pesquisados para uso potencial no tratamento antibacteriano. Drimys brasiliensis Miers (Winteraceae) é uma árvore nativa do Brasil que tem sido utilizada como medicinal. Objetivo: investigar o perfil fitoquímico e a atividade antimicrobiana de amostras obtidas a partir de extratos da casca do caule de Drimys brasiliensis. Metodologia: frações de características químicas variadas foram obtidas a partir de extratos da casca do caule da planta. Realizou-se o screening fitoquímico destas frações através de reações gerais de caracterização e cromatografia em camada delgada. As amostras foram testadas por difusão em ágar e por microdiluição contra bactérias Grampositivas e Gram-negativas e contra uma levedura. Resultados: o perfil fitoquímico mostrou diferenças entre as frações analisadas. Alcaloides foram detectados nas frações mais apolares. Taninos e flavonoides estavam presentes nas amostras mais polares e obtidas sem o uso de calor. As amostras com maior atividade antimicrobiana foram as obtidas com os solventes hexano e diclorometano, de características mais apolares. Destaca-se a atividade contra Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina e Candida albicans. Conclusão: extratos da casca do caule de Drimys brasiliensis apresentam potencial ntimicrobiano, com destaque para as frações mais apolares contra bactérias gram positivas.

Introduction: in the health field, antimicrobial resistance has been a serious issue, making the search for pharmacological alternatives very important. Natural products, such as plant extracts, have been researched for potential use in antibacterial treatment. Drimys brasiliensis Miers (Winteraceae) is a tree native to Brazil that has been medicinally used. Objective: to investigate the phytochemical profile and antimicrobial activity of samples obtained from Drimys brasiliensis stem bark extracts. Methodology: fractions of different chemical characteristics were obtained from extracts of the stem bark. Phytochemical screening of these fractions was performed by general reactions and thin layer chromatography. Samples were tested by agar diffusion and microdilution against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and yeast. Results: the phytochemical profile showed differences between the analyzed fractions. Alkaloids were detected in the most nonpolar fractions. Tannins and flavonoids were present in the most polar samples and obtained without the use of heat. The samples with the highest antimicrobial activity were those obtained with hexane and dichloromethane solvents, which present the most nonpolar characteristics. We highlight the activity against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Conclusion: Drimys brasiliensis stem bark extracts have antimicrobial potential, especially the most nonpolar fractions against gram positive bacteria.