Eficacia del bórax en el tratamiento de la estomatitis aftosa

Fundamento: la estomatitis aftosa es una enfermedad crónica caracterizada por la ulceración de la mucosa bucal no queratinizada, que se presenta de forma aguda y dolorosa. Objetivo: evaluar la eficacia del bórax en el tratamiento de la estomatitis aftosa. Métodos: se realizó un estudio analítico, longitudinal prospectivo, en el Departamento de Estomatología del Policlínico Norte, Ángel del Castillo Agramonte, del municipio de Florida, en el período comprendido de diciembre del 2019 hasta abril del 2021. El universo estuvo constituido por 139 pacientes, y la muestra quedó conformada por 70 pacientes seleccionados por un método aleatorio simple. La misma quedó dividida en dos grupos: uno de estudio y otro de control a los que se le aplicó un tratamiento homeopático con bórax y un tratamiento convencional, respectivamente. Resultados: el rango de edad más afectado fue el de 21- 30 años, y el sexo femenino fue el más representado; los labios constituyeron el sitio de mayor afectación y prevaleció la estomatitis aftosa en su forma menor. En cada visita de control se observó una mejor evolución del dolor, el ardor y la cicatrización de las lesiones con el tratamiento homeopático, que con el convencional; se observó una efectividad de un 100 % en los pacientes tratados con bórax y la mayoría de los pacientes se mostró satisfecha con el tratamiento homeopático recibido. Conclusiones: el bórax resulta eficaz para el tratamiento de la estomatitis aftosa.

Background: aphthous stomatitis is a chronic disease characterized by the non-keratinized oral mucosa ulceration, which presents acutely and painfully. Objective: to evaluate the efficacy of borax in the aphthous stomatitis treatment. Methods: an analytical, longitudinal prospective study was carried out in the North Polyclinic Stomatology Department, Ángel del Castillo Agramonte, in the Florida municipality, from December 2019 to April 2021. 139 patients were studied and the sample was made up of 70 patients selected by a simple random method. It was divided into two groups: a study group and a control group to which a homeopathic treatment with borax and a conventional treatment were applied, respectively. Results: the most affected age range was 21-30 years old, and the female sex was the most represented; the lips were the most affected site and aphthous stomatitis prevailed in its minor form. At each control visit, a better evolution of pain, burning, and healing of the lesions was observed with the homeopathic treatment than with the conventional one; an effectiveness of 100% was observed in the patients treated with borax and the majority of the patients were satisfied with the homeopathic treatment received. Conclusions: borax is effective for the treatment of aphthous stomatitis.

Heat Transfer in Cassava Starch Biopolymers: Effect of the Addition of Borax.

In recent years, polymer engineering, at the molecular level, has proven to be an effective strategy to modulate thermal conductivity. Polymers have great applicability in the food packaging industry, in which transparency, lightness, flexibility, and biodegradability are highly desirable characteristics. In this work, a possible manner to adjust the thermal conductivity in cassava starch biopolymer films is presented. Our approach is based on modifying the starch molecular structure through the addition of borax, which has been previously used as an intermolecular bond reinforcer. We found that the thermal conductivity increases linearly with borax content. This effect is related to the crosslinking effect that allows the principal biopolymer chains to be brought closer together, generating an improved interconnected network favoring heat transfer. The highest value of the thermal conductivity is reached at a volume fraction of 1.40% of borax added. Our analyses indicate that the heat transport improves as borax concentration increases, while for borax volume fractions above 1.40%, heat carriers scattering phenomena induce a decrement in thermal conductivity. Additionally, to obtain a deeper understanding of our results, structural, optical, and mechanical characterizations were also performed.

Isolamento e identificação de fungos filamentosos em slimes / Isolation and identification of filament fungi in slimes

Objetivo ­ Analisar o desenvolvimento de fungos filamentosos existentes nos brinquedos denominados slime. Métodos ­ Por se tratar de uma pesquisa experimental, a mesma foi realizada no laboratório escola da UNIP ­ Universidade Paulista. Neste local foi empregada a coleta de amostras e seu armazenamento em um recipiente plástico durante o período de 14 dias. O seu processamento foi realizado através da semeadura de colônias em ágar Sabouraud-Dextrose e posteriormente em ágar Batata Dextrose para a obtenção de colônias gigantes. Além disso, foram realizados os métodos de análise e identificação bioquímica, o qual foi dividido em análise macroscópicae microscópica. Resultados ­ Quando examinamos os caracteres fenotípicos no microcultivo, comprovou-se a presença do gênero Aspergillus em todas as amostras (cinco), sendo os isolados classificados em seções, uma classificação infragenérica que agrupa diferentes espécies que possuem morfologia similar. As seções encontradas foram: Aspergillus seção Flavi (3 isolados) e Aspergillus seção Nigri (2 isolados). Conclusão ­ A presença do Aspergillus no slime é um fato que não pode ser ignorado, pois necessita-se de uma atenção maior quanto à eficácia dos componentes químicos existentes no brinquedo, visto que esse tipo de objeto é, na sua maior parte, manuseado pela classe infantil, podendo gerar processos infecciosos, possibilitando, assim, diversos danos à saúde

Objective ­ Analyze the development of filamentous fungi existing in toys called slime. Methods ­ As this is an experimental research, it was carried out in the school laboratory at UNIP ­ Universidade Paulista. In this place, the collection of samples and their storage in a plastic container was used during the period of 14 days. Its processing was carried out by sowing colonies on Sabouraud-Dextrose agar and later on Potato Dextrose agar to obtain giant colonies. In addition, the methods of analysis and biochemical identification were carried out, which was divided into macroscopic and microscopic analysis. Results ­ When the phenotypic characters in the microcultivation were examined, the presence of the genus Aspergillus was verified in all samples (five), and the isolates were classified in sections, an infrageneric classification that groups different species that have similar morphology. The sections found were: Aspergillus section Flavi (3 isolates) and Aspergillus section Nigri (2 isolates). Conclusions ­ The presence of the Aspergillus in the slime is a fact that cannot be ignored, as greater attention is needed as to the effectiveness of the chemical components in the toy, since this type of object is mostly handled by the infant class, it can generate infectious processes, thus making possible several health damages

Histological evaluation of the effects of borax obtained from various sources in different rat organs / Evaluación histológica de los efectos del borax obtenido de diversas fuentes en diferentes órganos de rata

Boron is an essential element for life and intake via different sources into the body. Because effects of boron and compounds on the body has not been studied enough especially in tissue level, we planned this study to evaluate the effects of borax the most intaken form of boron compound on different intraabdominal organs histologically and also clinically. 42 male rats divided into equal 7 groups and different toxicological doses consistent with its LD50 dose (5000 mg/kg/d) were administered by gavage except control and sham groups. In the study, 2 different kinds of borax one of which was produced for research and the other for agriculture but the same formulation, were used and their effects were also compared. As a result it was found that borax did not cause any histological changes in kidney, large intestine, liver and stomach in lower doses. But if doses were increased, a slightly inflammatory cell migration was detected without clinical signs in liver and large intestine. However, when a single very high dose of borax was administered, very high edema, inflammatory cell migration and neovascularization was observed and clinically 2 out of 6 rats died within 5 hours. We suggested that very high dose intake of borax may cause sudden death and also during long periods and higher dose intake may pave the way of inflammatory bowel diseases. At the same time, in boron related studies we advice that the kind of boron and also their source should be evaluated carefully and the most suitable compound should be chosen in case of faulty results.

El boro es un elemento esencial para la vida e ingresa a través de diferentes fuentes al cuerpo. Dado que los efectos del boro y sus compuestos en el cuerpo no se han estudiado lo suficiente, especialmente a nivel tisular, se planificó este estudio para evaluar sus efectos y la forma de consumo más común del compuesto de boro sobre diferentes órganos intraabdominales a nivel histológico y clínico. Cuarenta y dos ratas macho divididas en 7 grupos, con diferentes dosis toxicológicas de acuerdo con su dosis DL50 (5000 mg/kg/d) administradas por sonda, excepto en los grupos control y simulado. En el estudio fueron usados 2 tipos diferentes de boro, uno producido para la investigación y el otro para la agricultura, pero de la misma formulación, y sus efectos fueron comparados. Se encontró que el boro no causó cambios histológicos en el riñón, intestino grueso, hígado y estómago en dosis bajas. Sin embargo, al aumentar la dosis, se detectó una leve migración de células inflamatorias, sin signos clínicos, en el hígado e intestino grueso. Por otra parte, cuando se administró una sola dosis muy alta de boro, se observó un amplio edema, migración de células inflamatorias y neovascularización; clínicamente 2 de 6 ratas murieron dentro de 5 horas. Sugerimos que la ingesta de dosis muy altas de bórax pueden causar la muerte súbita, además la ingesta de dosis altas y durante periodos de tiempo prolongado puede causar enfermedades inflamatorias del intestino. Es recomendable que en los estudios relacionados con el boro, el tipo de boro así como su fuente sean evaluados cuidadosamente, eligiendo el compuesto más adecuado en caso de resultados erróneos.

Mercurius solubilis en el tratamiento de pacientes con estomatitis aftosa recurrente / Mercurius solubilis in the treatment of patients with recurrent aphthous estomatitis

Se realizó ensayo clinicoterapéutico controlado, de fase II B, de 112 pacientes con estomatitis aftosa recurrente, atendidos en la Clínica Estomatológica "José Luis Tassende" de Santiago de Cuba, desde enero hasta diciembre de 2013, para evaluar la eficacia del Mercurius solubilis en el tratamiento de estos. La muestra fue distribuida de forma aleatoria, mediante orden de llegada, en 2 grupos (uno de estudio y uno control), con 56 integrantes cada uno. Los primeros fueron tratados con Mercurius solubilis y los segundos con los remedios homeopáticos habituales. Para la validación estadística de la información obtenida se emplearon el porcentaje, el test de Ji al cuadrado, con 95 % de confiabilidad, y la probabilidad exacta de Fisher. Entre los grupos estudiados no existieron diferencias significativas en relación con la remisión de la intensidad del dolor, la recuperación de la integridad epitelial y la curación al tercer, quinto y séptimo días de tratamiento. Se demostró que esta terapia alternativa fue tan eficaz como el bórax.

A controlled clinical and therapeutical trial, of phase II B, was carried out on 112 patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis, assisted in "José Luis Tassende" Stomatological Clinic in Santiago de Cuba from January to December, 2013, to evaluate the effectiveness of the Mercurius solubilis in their treatment. The sample was randomly distributed, through arrival order, in 2 groups (a study group and a control group), with 56 members each. The first ones were treated with Mercurius solubilis and the seconds with the habitual homeopathic remedies. For the statistical validation of the obtained information, the percentage, the chi square test, with 95% of confidence, and the exact probability of Fisher were used. There were no significant differences among the studied groups in relation to the remission of the pain intensity, the recovery of the epithelial integrity and the cure at the third, fifth and seventh days of treatment. It was demonstrated that this alternative therapy was as effective as borax.

Introduction of Mercury-free Gold Extraction Methods to Medium-Scale Miners and Education of Health Care Providers to Reduce the use of Mercury in Sorata, Bolivia.

BACKGROUND: Artisanal and small-scale miners in Bolivia release on the order of 120 tons of mercury annually. The mercury finds its way to the Amazon with catastrophic consequences for the biosphere. A project aimed at reducing the release of mercury was carried out in 2013 and 2014. OBJECTIVES: The project had two objectives: to test whether the mercury-free gold extraction method could be an alternative to whole ore amalgamation in medium-scale mining in Bolivia and to teach mercury toxicology to health care providers in the gold mining area. The mercury-free gold extraction method has been successfully introduced in other countries, but mainly in very small-scale mining communities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The targets in Bolivia were medium-scale miners processing over a hundred tons of ore per day. The chosen gold ores proved amenable to gold extraction using mercury-free extraction. Demonstrations of the mercury-free methods were carried out by processing similar quantities of gold ores using the amalgamation and the mercury-free method.Miners, mining communities and local health providers were informed on the toxicity of mercury. Health providers were shown how to conduct epidemiological surveillance. Posters explaining the path of mercury from the processing stations to local households were prepared. CONCLUSIONS: The gold ores tested during the project proved amenable to mercury-free gold extraction using borax smelting. The miners also realized that gold recovery increased when performing mercury-free gold extraction. The miners decided to stop using mercury and a follow-up project cleaned their mining equipment for mercury and modified the processing lines. The health care providers were also successfully trained.

Atividade antifúngica de formulação à base de bórax sobre leveduras do gênero Candida / Antifungal activity of borax-based formula on Candida spp

Introdução: A descoberta de novos agentes que possam ajudar no controle de lesões bucais causadas por leveduras do gênero Candida vem despertando interesse, visto que reservatórios bucais de micro-organismos oportunistas têm potencial para causar infecções sistêmicas, especialmente em pacientes imunocomprometidos. Objetivo: O objetivodo estudo foi avaliar o efeito antifúngico de uma formulação de bórax, água de rosas e mel, in vitro, sobre cepas clínicas e padrão de C. albicans, e amostras padrão de C. dubliniensis. Material e método: O método utilizado foi de diluição em ágar Müeler-Hinton (Difco®). A formulação completa e seus constituintes isolados foram avaliadosem diferentes concentrações. Resultado: Observou-se que a associação foi inibitória para todas as cepas testadas na concentração de 6,75%. Os resultados mostraram que soluções de bórax isoladamente apresentaram melhor eficácia se comparadas às soluções com outros constituintes ou até mesmo à formulação, com efeito antifúngico a partir da concentração de 0,0625%. O bórax isolado apresentou maior efetividade antifúngica a baixas concentrações. Quando da adição do mel ou água de rosas, observou-se redução da efetividade. Conclusão: Os resultados sugeremque o bórax é o responsável pelo efeito biológico da fórmula e que esta pode ser aplicada como coadjuvante no controle de infecções fúngicas bucais.

Introduction: The interest in new antifungal agents that may help the control of Candida spp. related lesions has been increasing. Oral reservoirs of opportunistic microorganisms have the potential to cause systemic infections, in particular in immunocompromised patients. Objective: This study evaluated the antifungal effect of a boraxbasedformula with water of roses and honey on Candida albicans clinical and standard strains and two Candida dubliniensis standard strains. Method: The method adopted was dilution in Müeler-Hinton agar (Difco®). Thecomplete formula and its constituents were evaluated at different concentrations. Result: The complete formula showed inhibitory effect against all the tested isolates at the concentration of 6.75%. The results showed that borax solutions were more efficient when compared to the other constituents of the formula. Borax solutions showed high antifungal activity even in low concentrations. The addition of the honey and water of roses reduced their effectiveness. Conclusion: The results suggest that borax is the responsible for the biological effect of the formulaand that it can be used as adjuvant in the control of fungal oral infections.

Boron fertilization on sweet potato: effect of sources, rates and application form / Adubação com boro em batata-doce: efeito das fontes, doses e modos de aplicação

Boron (B) fertilization can result in high yield and better sweet potato storage roots quality. However, there is few works about this subject. The objective was to evaluate the yield of sweet potato crops in response to B sources, rates and application form. The experimental design was complete randomized blocks, in factorial outline ((2x2x2)+1), with three replications, which resulted of the combination of sources of B (boric acid and borax), application form (via soil and via foliar) and doses of B (1 and 2 kg ha-1) and a control treatment (without B). There was no interaction between the factors studied for the commercial yield of sweet potato. No significant differences was found between B sources and application form, but they showed higher yield than the control treatment. Additionally, sweet potato yield increade with application of 2 kg ha-1 of B.

A adubação boratada pode proporcionar aumentos na produtividade e na qualidade das raízes tuberosas de batata-doce, no entanto poucos trabalhos contemplam esse assunto. Objetivou-se avaliar a produtividade da cultura da batata-doce em resposta a fontes, doses e modos de aplicação de B. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial ((2x2x2)+1), com três repetições. Os tratamentos foram aplicados em cobertura, sendo resultados da combinação de fontes de B (ácido bórico e bórax), formas de aplicação (via solo e via foliar) e doses de B (1 e 2 kg ha-1) mais uma testemunha. Não houve interação entre os fatores estudados sobre a produtividade comercial de batata-doce. As formas de aplicação, via solo e via foliar bem como as fontes ácido bórico e bórax não apresentaram diferenças entre si, mas proporcionaram produtividades superiores ao tratamento sem B. A produtividade de batata-doce foi favorecida com a aplicação de 2 kg ha-1 de B.