Two-Year Survival of Ceramic Endocrowns and Partial Coverage Ceramic Restorations with Fiber Post: A 2-Year Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: This double-blind randomized clinical trial (RCT) aimed to evaluate the 2-year survival rates of endocrowns and partial coverage ceramic restorations (PCCR) with fiber posts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty (40) participants fulfilled the elegibility criteria, and they were randomly allocated in 2 groups: Endocrown or PCCR+post. The survival rates were assessed based on USPHS modified and radiographic examinations. A Chi-square test was used to assess the distribution of characteristics between groups. Kaplan-Meier and Log-rank tests were used to estimate the survival rate. To evaluate the association between survival of the restorations and the explanatory variables, the Multivariate Cox regression model was used. Only variables presenting p⟨0.20 were maintained in final model (α= 0.05). RESULTS: The highest 2-year survival rates were recorded for the Endocrown group (100%), whereas the PCCR+post group exhibited the lowest performance (66.7%). Most of the restoration failures was due to lack of marginal adaption, fracture, and recurrent caries. Cox Regression unadjusted analysis showed that only type of restoration presented a significant effect (p⟨0.20). Thus, adjusted analysis was not performed. CONCLUSIONS: Endocrowns appear to be a promising conservative restorative option and to be feasible and reliable approach restoring endodontically.

Antimicrobial activity and toxicity of glass ionomer cement containing an essential oil.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and toxicity of glass ionomer cement (GIC) modified with 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)phenol (thymol) against Streptococcus mutans in silico and in vitro. The antimicrobial activity of thymol on GIC modified with concentrations of 2% (GIC-2) and 4% (GIC-4) was evaluated in a model of planktonic cell biofilm using agar diffusion test, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), dynamic biofilm (continuous flow cell parallel), and bacterial kinetics. Conventional GIC (GIC-0) was used as a control. Thymol toxicity was evaluated in Artemia salina and in silico using Osiris® software. Differences between groups were estimated by analysis of variance, followed by Tukey post hoc test, with a 5% significance level. The results of the agar diffusion test between groups were not significantly different (P≥0.05). Thymol had potential bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity against Streptococcus mutans with respect to planktonic growth, with MIC of 100 µg/mL and MBC of 400 µg/mL. The groups GIC-0, GIC-2, and GIC-4 reduced the biofilm by approximately 10, 85, and 95%, respectively. Bacterial kinetics showed efficiency of the modified GICs for up to 96 h. GIC with thymol was effective against S. mutans, with significant inhibition of the biofilms. Analyses in silico and using Artemia salina resulted in no relevant toxicity, suggesting potential for use in humans. GIC-2 was effective against S. mutans biofilm, with decreased cell viability.

Antimicrobial activity and toxicity of glass ionomer cement containing an essential oil

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and toxicity of glass ionomer cement (GIC) modified with 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)phenol (thymol) against Streptococcus mutans in silico and in vitro. The antimicrobial activity of thymol on GIC modified with concentrations of 2% (GIC-2) and 4% (GIC-4) was evaluated in a model of planktonic cell biofilm using agar diffusion test, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), dynamic biofilm (continuous flow cell parallel), and bacterial kinetics. Conventional GIC (GIC-0) was used as a control. Thymol toxicity was evaluated in Artemia salina and in silico using Osiris® software. Differences between groups were estimated by analysis of variance, followed by Tukey post hoc test, with a 5% significance level. The results of the agar diffusion test between groups were not significantly different (P≥0.05). Thymol had potential bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity against Streptococcus mutans with respect to planktonic growth, with MIC of 100 µg/mL and MBC of 400 µg/mL. The groups GIC-0, GIC-2, and GIC-4 reduced the biofilm by approximately 10, 85, and 95%, respectively. Bacterial kinetics showed efficiency of the modified GICs for up to 96 h. GIC with thymol was effective against S. mutans, with significant inhibition of the biofilms. Analyses in silico and using Artemia salina resulted in no relevant toxicity, suggesting potential for use in humans. GIC-2 was effective against S. mutans biofilm, with decreased cell viability.

Do prune-belly syndrome and neural tube defects change testicular growth? A study on human fetuses.

BACKGROUND: There are no reports comparing testicular volume between normal fetuses, fetuses with prune-belly syndrome (PBS), and fetuses with anencephaly. The study hypothesis was that PBS and especially anencephaly alter the testicular volume during the human fetal period. AIM: The objective of the study was to compare the testicular growth in fetuses with anencephaly, with PBS, and without anomalies. STUDY DESIGN: This is a morphometric study of human fetuses. Seventy testes from fetuses without anomalies aged 11-22 weeks post-conception (WPC), 30 testes from fetuses with anencephaly aged 13-19 WPC, and eight testes from fetuses with PBS aged 13-16 WPC were studied. Testicular length, width, and thickness were evaluated with the aid of computer programs (Image Pro and ImageJ) (Figure). The fetal testicular volume was calculated using the ellipsoid formula: Testicular volume (TV) = [length × thickness × width] × 0.523. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to ascertain the normality of the data and to compare quantitative data between normal fetuses vs. fetuses with anencephaly, while the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to assess gender and laterality differences. Simple linear correlations (LCs) were calculated for testicular volume according to fetal age, weight, and crown-rump length. RESULTS: All 108 testes studied were abdominal. The right (p = 0.0310) and left (0.0470) testicular volumes were significantly smaller in fetuses with anencephaly than those in the control group. The linear regression analysis indicated that the right and the left testis volume in the control group (right: r2 = 0.6665; left: r2 = 0.6707) and PBS group (right: r2 = 0.9937; left: r2 = 0.9757) increased with fetal age (p < 0.0001). This analysis also indicated that the testicular volume in fetuses with anencephaly did not increase with fetal age (right: r2 = 009816; left: r2 = 0.07643). DISCUSSION: This article is the first to report testicular volume correlations with fetal parameters in fetuses with anencephalic and fetuses with PBS. Significant alterations were observed in testicular growth in the anencephalic group compared with the control group, and it was also observed that the bilateral cryptorchidism in PBS does not alter the testicular development and growth during the fetal period. The unequal WPC distribution between fetuses with PBS, fetuses with anencephaly, and controls and the small sample size are limitations of this study. Further studies should be performed to confirm this study's findings. CONCLUSIONS: Testicular growth is slower and does not show significant correlations with fetal parameters in fetuses with anencephalic. Significant differences in testicular development in fetuses with PBS was not observed.

Maternal report underestimates the amount of dentifrice used by children during toothbrushing: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: This study investigated whether the report of mothers about the amount of dentifrice applied on a toothbrush could be a reliable method to estimate the inadvertent use of dentifrices. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a randomly selected sample of 334 mothers of children enrolled in public day care centres of a city in the Brazilian northeast. Initially, the mothers chose the figure corresponding to the amount of dentifrice used during their children's daily toothbrushing. Then, they simulated real-life conditions with the toothbrush routinely used to brush the children's teeth. The amount of dentifrice on toothbrush was weighted using an analytical scale. Data were analysed by the Kruskal-Wallis followed by the Dunn test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The weight of dentifrice on the toothbrush was high (> 0.3 g), mainly considering the categories 'covered only' and 'completely covered' that showed no statistical difference (p > 0.05). The proportion of agreement between the mothers' reports and the weight of dentifrice on the toothbrush was 0.23 (CI 0.18-0.28). CONCLUSION: The mothers' report regarding the amount of dentifrice on the toothbrush by demonstrative figures was not a reliable method to estimate the inadvertent ingestion of fluoride from dentifrices.

Histopathological Characteristics of the Orbicularis Oculi Muscle After Lower Blepharoplasty With or Without Myotomy.

Lower blepharoplasty is a challenging aesthetic procedure. Despite advances in clinical and neuroanatomical studies related to orbicularis oculi muscle innervation, no study has examined its histopathological aspects in different lower blepharoplasty procedures. This study aimed to assess changes in the pretarsal muscle complex in patients treated with transcutaneous lower blepharoplasty with orbicularis myotomy versus those treated with transconjunctival blepharoplasty without myotomy. METHODS: A total of 268 patients underwent blepharoplasty performed by a single surgeon: transcutaneous lower blepharoplasty in 112 (41.7%) and transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty with retroseptal access in 156 (58.2%). Subsequent minor blepharoplasty procedures were performed in 32 patients with lower pretarsal orbicularis oculi muscle biopsy. Connective tissue, fibrillar elastic system, nerves, blood vessels, fiber diameter, and sarcomeres were analyzed. RESULTS: Without myotomy: collagen, 9.46 ± 0.41%; elastin, 7.03 ± 0.62%; blood vessels, 4.25 ± 0.06%; nerves, 5.2 ± 0.55%; fiber diameter, 62 ± 8.0 µm; and sarcomere, 1.9 ± 0.11 µm. With myotomy: collagen, 19.02 ± 1.66%; elastin, 7.88 ± 1.10%; blood vessels, 5.13 ± 0.70%; nerves, 2.9 ± 0.48%; fiber diameter, 49 ± 6.5 µm; and sarcomere, 1.8 ± 0.17 µm. DISCUSSION: Excess endomysial connective tissue, particularly between muscle fibers, should be considered pathological. The pathological changes in the pretarsal muscle complex after blepharoplasty with myotomy may have resulted from innervation interruptions as well as vascularization blockages. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeries with myotomy caused significant changes in collagen, nerves, and muscle fiber diameter. These observations strongly suggest the superiority of a technique that preserves orbicularis oculi muscle integrity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Effect of high-fat and vitamin D deficient diet on rat sperm quality and fertility.

Vitamin D (VD) is involved in many functions of the reproductive system male. The intake of diets high-fat and vitamin D deficiency (VD-) can cause morphological and physiological changes in testis that relate to infertility in the male. However, its effects on sperm quality and in vivo fertility have been little studied. This study analyzed the effects of fat and VD on sperm quality and in vivo fertility in sperm of Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were divided into four groups: G1: control diet with vitamin D (C/VD+), G2: control diet without vitamin D (C/VD-), G3: high-fat diet with vitamin D (HF/VD+) and G4: high-fat diet without vitamin D (HF/VD-) and were fed for 3 months. Adipose tissue weight and plasma glucose were determined. Sperm quality was analyzed for motility (MO), mitochondrial function and fertilizing capacity. The intake of a high-fat diet caused a significant increase in body weight of rats (P < 0.05). There were fat-by-VD interaction effects (P < 0.05) on MO and MMP. MO and MMP were greater (P < 0.05) in G1 (54 ±â€¯5.5% and 60.5 ±â€¯2.6%) than in G3 and G4 (20 ±â€¯6.0% and 27.7 ±â€¯3.6), whereas G2 (36.7 ±â€¯8.9% and 30.7 ±â€¯4.2%) was intermediate. There was no fat-by-VD interaction for fertilizing capacity. However, fertilizing capacity was greater (P > 0.05) in animals receiving control diet (70 ±â€¯21%); than in animals receiving high-fat diet (20 ±â€¯11%). Our results demonstrated that the high-fat diet and VD- contribute to the decrease in sperm quality (MO, MMP) and consequently could decrease the fertilizing capacity.

Tooth loss in middle-aged adults with diabetes and hypertension: Social determinants, health perceptions, oral impact on daily performance (OIDP) and treatment need.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the association between tooth loss and social determinants, health self-perceptions, OIDP and self-concept of dental treatment need in middle-aged adults with diabetes and hypertension. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was developed with 212 hypertensive and diabetic middle-aged adults (50-65 years). Data were collected from clinical examinations (DMFT) and a questionnaire regarding socioeconomic status, dental health assistance, self-perceptions of oral and general health, OIDP, and the self-concept of dental treatment need. Tooth loss was dichotomized considering the cutoff point of 12 (Model I) or 24 missing teeth (Model II). Data were analyzed using Chi-square, Fisher's exact test and logistic regression (p≤0.05). RESULTS: Tooth loss was significantly associated with variables such as last dental visit, reason for dental visit, OIDP, perception of dental treatment need, and general self-perception (Model I). Schooling, last dental visit, oral health self-perception and perception of dental treatment need were significantly associated with tooth loss in the Model II. When Model 1 and 2 were adjusted, they demonstrated that last dental visit and perception of dental treatment need were predictor variables. CONCLUSIONS: The annual dental visit and the self-concept of dental treatment need were associated with tooth loss, demonstrating that these variables reduce the tooth loss prevalence.

Effects of Diet-Induced Obesity and Deficient in Vitamin D on Spermatozoa Function and DNA Integrity in Sprague-Dawley Rats.

Obesity has adverse effects on male fertility and usually is diagnosed with a prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VD-). Discussion on the impact of obesity/VD- on sperm function has been limited. This study analyzed the effects of diet-induced obesity/VD- on viability and plasma membrane integrity (PMI), superoxide anion (O2 -) level, and DNA fragmentation (DNAfrag) in sperm Sprague-Dawley rats. The males were randomized into four groups and fed for a period of 12 weeks: G1: control diet with vitamin D (C/VD+), G2: control diet without vitamin D (C/VD-), G3: high-fat diet with vitamin D (HF/VD+), and G4: high-fat diet without vitamin D (HF/VD-). Sperm function parameters were analyzed by flow cytometry. PMI percentages and O2 - levels were not affected by any of the diets. DNA fragmentation was increasing significantly (p<0.05) in the spermatozoa of animals with diets vitamin D deficient (G2) and diet-induced obesity (G4). Our results allow us to point out that diet-induced obesity and VD- produce greater damage in DNA sperm of rats. The use of nutraceuticals containing vitamin D could be reducing the risk of fragmentation of DNA in spermatozoa.

Role of vitamin D in the development of obesity / Rol de la vitamina D en el desarrollo de la obesidad

SUMMARY: Antecedents in the literature suggest that vitamin D (VD) play a role in overweigh/obesity. The present study evaluated the effect of VD deficiency diet intake and fat hight on overweight/obesity about white adipose tissue (WAT) and body mass (BM) gain. Animals were divided into four experimental groups according to the lipid and VD content of their diets; G1: CVD+ (C: control diet with VD+; n=5), G2: CVD- (control diet without VD-; n=5), G3: HFVD+ (high fat diet, with VD+; n=5), G4: HFVD- (HF diet without VD-; n=5). The diets were administered for three months and BW was monitored weekly. At the end of this period all animals were euthanized. Epididymal (EFM), retroperitoneal (RFM) and subcutaneous (SFM) fat mass were removed, weighted. At 12 weeks the body mass of the animals that were fed without VD- diets; G2: 507.60±17.31 g, and G4: 528.50±13.50 g were significantly higher (p < 0.05), than the counterparts G1: 485.0±11.29 g and G3: 521.20±26.20 g respectively. Similarly, the animals fed with VDdiets had a greater EFM and SFM (p < 0.05) compared with the respective controls (VD+). Nevertheless, the animals fed with high fat diet had equal RFM (G3: 12.2±4.10 g, G4: 12.88±2.3 g, p > 0.05). The results demonstrate that the nutrition of rats with diet deficient in VD and high fat, promotes overweight by increasing fat deposits, suggestion a cause-effect relationship between VD deficiency and overweight. These results suggest that VD deficiency increases the risk of visceral fat obesity in males.

RESUMEN: Los antecedentes de la literatura sugieren una relación entre la vitamina D (VD) y el sobrepeso/obesidad, sin embargo, causalidad de la relación no está clara. El presente estudio evaluó el efecto de la ingesta dietética deficiente de VD y alta en grasa sobre el tejido adiposo (TA) y la masa corporal (MC). Los animales se dividieron en cuatro grupos experimentales de acuerdo con el contenido de VD y lípido en la dieta; G1: CVD+ (C: dieta control con VD+; n = 5), G2: CVD- (dieta control sin VD-; n = 5), G3: HFVD+ (dieta alta en grasa, con VD+; n = 5), G4: HFVD- (dieta HF sin VD-; n = 5). Las dietas se administraron durante tres meses y MC se controló semanalmente. Al final de este período, los animales fueron sacrificados. La masa grasa epididimaria (MGE), subcutánea abdominal (MGS) y retroperitoneal (MGR) fueron diseccionadas y pesadas individualmente. A las 12 semanas, la MC de los animales alimentados con dietas sin VD-; G2: 507,60 ± 17,31 g, y G4: 528,50 ± 13,50 g fue significativamente mayor (p < 0,05), que sus homólogos G1: 485,0 ± 11,29 g y G3: 521,20 ± 26,20 g respectivamente. De forma similar, los G2 y G4 tuvieron una mayor MGE y MGS (p < 0,05) en comparación con los controles respectivos (VD+). Sin embargo, los animales alimentados con dieta alta en grasas tuvieron igual MGR (G3: 12,2 ± 4,10 g; G4: 12,88 ± 2,3 g, p > 0,05). Los resultados demuestran que la nutrición de ratas con dieta deficiente en VD y alta en grasa, promueve el sobrepeso/obesidad al exacerbar la ganancia de masa grasa en los diferentes depósitos de grasa, sugiriendo una relación causa-efecto entre la deficiencia de VD y el sobrepeso/obesidad. Estos resultados sugieren que la deficiencia de VD aumenta el riesgo de obesidad de grasa visceral en machos.

Test-retest reliability of quantitative sensory testing for mechanical somatosensory and pain modulation assessment of masticatory structures.

Assessing the reliability of medical measurements is a crucial step towards the elaboration of an applicable clinical instrument. There are few studies that evaluate the reliability of somatosensory assessment and pain modulation of masticatory structures. This study estimated the test-retest reliability, that is over time, of the mechanical somatosensory assessment of anterior temporalis, masseter and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the conditioned pain modulation (CPM) using the anterior temporalis as the test site. Twenty healthy women were evaluated in two sessions (1 week apart) by the same examiner. Mechanical detection threshold (MDT), mechanical pain threshold (MPT), wind-up ratio (WUR) and pressure pain threshold (PPT) were assessed on the skin overlying the anterior temporalis, masseter and TMJ of the dominant side. CPM was tested by comparing PPT before and during the hand immersion in a hot water bath. anova and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were applied to the data (α = 5%). The overall ICCs showed acceptable values for the test-retest reliability of mechanical somatosensory assessment of masticatory structures. The ICC values of 75% of all quantitative sensory measurements were considered fair to excellent (fair = 8·4%, good = 33·3% and excellent = 33·3%). However, the CPM paradigm presented poor reliability (ICC = 0·25). The mechanical somatosensory assessment of the masticatory structures, but not the proposed CPM protocol, can be considered sufficiently reliable over time to evaluate the trigeminal sensory function.

Survival Rate of Resin and Ceramic Inlays, Onlays, and Overlays: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the survival rate of ceramic and resin inlays, onlays, and overlays and to identify the complication types associated with the main clinical outcomes. Two reviewers searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for articles published between 1983 through April 2015, conforming to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for systematic reviews. Clinical studies meeting the following criteria were included: 1) studies related to resin and ceramic inlays, onlays, and overlays; 2) prospective, retrospective, or randomized controlled trials conducted in humans; 3) studies with a dropout rate of less than 30%; and 4) studies with a follow-up longer than 5 y. Of 1,389 articles, 14 met the inclusion criteria. The meta-regression indicated that the type of ceramic material (feldspathic porcelain vs. glass-ceramic), study design (retrospective vs. prospective), follow-up time (5 vs. 10 y), and study setting (university vs. private clinic) did not affect the survival rate. Estimated survival rates for glass-ceramics and feldspathic porcelain were between 92% and 95% at 5 y (n = 5,811 restorations) and were 91% at 10 y (n = 2,154 restorations). Failures were related to fractures/chipping (4%), followed by endodontic complications (3%), secondary caries (1%), debonding (1%), and severe marginal staining (0%). Odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 0.19 (0.04 to 0.96) and 0.54 (0.17 to 1.69) for pulp vitality and type of tooth involved (premolars vs. molars), respectively. Ceramic inlays, onlays, and overlays showed high survival rates at 5 y and 10 y, and fractures were the most frequent cause of failure.

Visual system evolution and the nature of the ancestral snake.

The dominant hypothesis for the evolutionary origin of snakes from 'lizards' (non-snake squamates) is that stem snakes acquired many snake features while passing through a profound burrowing (fossorial) phase. To investigate this, we examined the visual pigments and their encoding opsin genes in a range of squamate reptiles, focusing on fossorial lizards and snakes. We sequenced opsin transcripts isolated from retinal cDNA and used microspectrophotometry to measure directly the spectral absorbance of the photoreceptor visual pigments in a subset of samples. In snakes, but not lizards, dedicated fossoriality (as in Scolecophidia and the alethinophidian Anilius scytale) corresponds with loss of all visual opsins other than RH1 (λmax 490-497 nm); all other snakes (including less dedicated burrowers) also have functional sws1 and lws opsin genes. In contrast, the retinas of all lizards sampled, even highly fossorial amphisbaenians with reduced eyes, express functional lws, sws1, sws2 and rh1 genes, and most also express rh2 (i.e. they express all five of the visual opsin genes present in the ancestral vertebrate). Our evidence of visual pigment complements suggests that the visual system of stem snakes was partly reduced, with two (RH2 and SWS2) of the ancestral vertebrate visual pigments being eliminated, but that this did not extend to the extreme additional loss of SWS1 and LWS that subsequently occurred (probably independently) in highly fossorial extant scolecophidians and A. scytale. We therefore consider it unlikely that the ancestral snake was as fossorial as extant scolecophidians, whether or not the latter are para- or monophyletic.

Morphology of the fetal bladder during the second trimester: comparing genders.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to determine, by histological and stereological analysis, whether there are between-gender structural differences in the bladder in the second gestational trimester in human fetuses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty bladders, which were obtained from 40 human fetuses (20 males and 20 females) ranging in age from 13 to 23 weeks post-conception (WPC), were studied. The fetuses were macroscopically well preserved, without anomalies of the urinary and genital systems; the cases with syndromes were abandoned. The bladders were dissected and embedded in paraffin, from which 5-µm thick sections were obtained and stained with: Masson's trichrome, to quantify connective and smooth muscle tissue; Weigert's resorcin fuchsin, to observe elastic fibers; picrosirius red with polarization, to observe collagen; and anti-beta III tubulin antibody, to observe the bladder nerves. The images were captured with an Olympus BX51 microscope and Olympus DP70 camera. The stereological analysis was performed with the Image Pro and Image J programs, using a grid to determine volumetric densities (Vv). Means were statistically compared using simple linear regression and the paired t-test (P<0.05). RESULTS: The fetuses weighed between 60 and 490 g, and had crown-rump lengths between 9.5 and 20.4 cm. No elastic system fibers were observed in any bladders. Quantitative analysis indicated no differences in the Vv of the smooth muscle cells in the male bladders (26.19-50.16%; mean=35.66%) compared to the female ones (30.60-45.63%; mean=38.73%) (P=0.740) and there were also no differences in the Vv of the connective tissue in females (40.52-60.40%; mean=50.69%) and males (38.84-70.16%; mean=57.04%) (P=0.0506). There were no differences observed in the distribution of the nerves and collagen between the genders. CONCLUSION: The histological analysis of the smooth muscle, collagen, nerves and connective tissue of the developing bladders revealed that there are no gender differences during weeks 13-23 of gestation.

Protective effects of nutritional supplementation with arginine and glutamine on the penis of rats submitted to pelvic radiation.

Radiotherapy is widely used to treat pelvic malignancies, but normal tissues near the target tumour are often affected. Our aims were thus to determine whether the structural organization of the rat penis is altered by radiation, and whether supplementation with L-arginine (ARG) or L-glutamine (GLN) would have protective effects against these alterations. Groups of rats were treated with: no intervention (CONTR); pelvic radiation, followed by sacrifice 7 (RAD7) or 15 (RAD15) days later; and pelvic radiation, daily supplementation with ARG or GLN, followed by sacrifice 7 (RAD7+ARG, RAD7+GLN) or 15 (RAD15+ARG, RAD15+GLN) days after radiation. Structural components in the corpus cavernosum (CC), tunica albuginea of the corpus spongiosum (TACS) and urethral epithelium (UE) were analysed using stereological and immunohistochemical methods. The results showed that in the CC, connective tissue was increased by 18% in RAD15 (p < 0.04), but this change was partially prevented in RAD15+GLN (p < 0.05) and RAD15+ARG (p < 0.04). The fibrous matrix of the CC trabeculae stained evenly for collagen type I. In RAD15, the intensity of the labelling was increased, whereas in RAD15+GLN and RAD15+ARG the staining was similar to that of CONTR. No staining changes were seen in the groups that were sacrificed 7 days after radiation. Cavernosal elastic fibre content in RAD15 was increased by 61% (p < 0.004), and this was prevented in RAD15+ARG (p < 0.004) but not in RAD15+GLN. In TACS, the amino acids protected (p < 0.02) against the radiation-induced 92% increase in elastic fibre content, but only in RAD15. Cell density in the UE, as well as UE thickness, were reduced by 30% in RAD15 (p < 0.004), and there were protective effects of both amino acids. In conclusion, radiation-induced alterations in penile structures tend to be more pronounced 15 days after radiation session. Both ARG and GLN have protective effects against these changes, with the former being slightly more effective.

Total fluoride intake and excretion in children up to 4 years of age living in fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas.

Fractional fluoride retention is important during the early years of life when considering the risk of development of dental fluorosis. This study aimed to measure fractional fluoride retention in young children. The objectives were to investigate the relationships between fractional fluoride retention and total daily fluoride intake, age, and body mass index (BMI). Twenty-nine healthy children, up to 4 yr of age, participated; 14 lived in a fluoridated area (0.64 µg ml(-1) of fluoride in drinking water) and 15 lived in a non-fluoridated area (0.04 µg ml(-1) of fluoride in drinking water). The total daily fluoride intake of each child was calculated from the daily dietary fluoride intake and toothpaste ingestion (if fluoride toothpaste was used). Total daily fluoride excretion was measured by collecting voided urine and faeces over a 24-h period, and fractional fluoride retention was calculated by dividing the amount of fluoride retained in the body (total daily fluoride intake minus total daily fluoride excretion) by the total daily fluoride intake. Nine children were excluded from data analysis because of suspected invalid samples. Mean (range) fractional fluoride retention for the remaining 20 children was 0.61 (0.06-0.98). There were no statistically significant correlations between fractional fluoride retention and either age or BMI. However, fractional fluoride retention was correlated with total daily fluoride intake: fractional fluoride retention = 1 - exp (-C × total daily fluoride intake), where C = 28.75 (95% CI = 19.75-37.75). The wide variation in fluoride retention in young children could have important implications when recommendations for fluoride use are being considered.

Fitoterápicos na odontologia: estudo etnobotânico na cidade de Manaus / Phytotherapics in Odontology: ethnobotanical study in Manaus

O reconhecimento oficial da fitoterapia na odontologia no Brasil veio acompanhado de diversas lacunas na pesquisa científica e na utilização de plantas medicinais, especificamente para espécies vegetais com aplicação nas doenças da cavidade oral. O estado do Amazonas, especificamente a cidade de Manaus, não possui um diagnóstico da aplicabilidade de plantas medicinais nos serviços de atenção Odontológica. Esse estudo propôs realizar um estudo do tipo quali-quantitativo, descritivo e exploratório visando o levantamento da comercialização de plantas medicinais e o estudo etnobotânico para identificação das principais plantas medicinais indicadas e utilizadas nas patologias orais nos atendimentos odontológicos ambulatoriais na cidade de Manaus. Foram entrevistados 197 usuários do serviço odontológico, 150 Cirurgiões-Dentistas, e 47 comerciantes credenciados na prefeitura Municipal de Manaus. A amostragem foi realizada por acessibilidade ou conveniência para os Cirurgiões-Dentistas, enquanto os usuários foram selecionados através de amostragem aleatória simples, e os comerciantes de plantas medicinais foram entrevistados em sua totalidade. Os resultados demonstraram a existência de comercialização de plantas medicinais para patologias orais, destacando-se as seguintes espécies: Pedra ume cãa (Aulomyrcia sphareocarpa), Crajiru (Arrabidae chica), além da planta, sem identificação botânica, conhecida popularmente como Sara tudo. Entre os Cirurgiões-Dentistas e entre os pacientes, apenas 8% e 7,61%, respectivamente, utilizaram plantas medicinais para alterações patológicas orais. Os autores concluíram que as plantas medicinais comercializadas na cidade de Manaus são utilizadas de maneira empírica e que, apesar da Política Nacional de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares (PNPIC), novas políticas públicas de saúde devem inserir plantas medicinais e fitoterápicos de uso oral na rede pública de saúde na cidade de Manaus.

The official recognition of herbal medicine in dentistry in Brazil was accompanied by several gaps in scientific research and the use of medicinal plants, specifically for plant species applied to diseases of the oral cavity. The state of Amazonas, specifically the city of Manaus, does not have a diagnosis of applicability of medicinal plants in Dental care services. This research intended to conduct a qualitative and quantitative-type, descriptive and exploratory study in order to conduct a survey on the commercialization of medicinal plants and an ethnobotanical study to identify the main medicinal plants indicated and used in oral pathologies in outpatient dental care in the city of Manaus. We interviewed 197 users of dental services, 150 dentists, and 47 accredited traders in the Municipality of Manaus. The sampling was performed by accessibility or convenience for surgeon-dentists, while users were selected through simple random sampling, and all traders of medicinal plants were interviewed. The results demonstrated that medicinal plants for oral diseases are commercialized, among which the following species are highlighted: Pedra ume Caa (Aulomyrcia sphareocarpa), Crajiru (Arrabidaea chica), in addition to an unidentified botanical plant popularly known as Sara Tudo. 8% of dentists and 7.61% of patients used medicinal plants for oral pathological changes. The authors concluded that medicinal plants commercialized in the city of Manaus are used empirically, and that, despite the rules from the National Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices (PNPIC), new public health policies must add medicinal plants and herbal medicines for oral use to the public health system of the city of Manaus.