The antimicrobial activity of an antiseptic soap against Candida Albicans and Streptococcus Mutans single and dual-species biofilms on denture base and reline acrylic resins.

To evaluate the effect of antiseptic soap on single and dual-species biofilms of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans on denture base and reline resins. Samples of the resins were distributed into groups (n = 9) according to the prevention or disinfection protocols. In the prevention protocol, samples were immersed in the solutions (Lifebuoy, 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution and PBS) for 7, 14 and 28 days before the single and dual-species biofilms formation. Overnight denture disinfection was simulated. In the disinfection protocol, samples were immersed in the same solutions during 8 hours after the single and dual-species biofilms formation. Antimicrobial activity was analyzed by counting colony-forming units (CFU/mL) and evaluating cell metabolism. Cell viability and protein components of the biofilm matrix were evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Data were submitted to ANOVA, followed by Tukey's post-test (α = 0.05) or Dunnett's T3 multiple comparisons test. In the prevention protocol, Lifebuoy solution effectively reduced the number of CFU/mL of both species. In addition, the solution decreased the cell metabolism of the microorganisms. Regarding disinfection protocol, the Lifebuoy solution was able of reduce approximately of 2-3 logs for all the biofilms on the denture base and reline resin. Cellular metabolism was also reduced. The images obtained with CLSM corroborate these results. Lifebuoy solution was effective in reducing single and dual-species biofilms on denture base and reline resins.

Hamamelis virginiana L. extract presents antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects, absence of cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory action, and potential to fight infections through the nitric oxide production by macrophages.

The potential of H. virginiana L. was evaluated against Candida spp. (C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, C. glabrata, C. guilliermondii, C. krusei, and C. tropicalis) and bacteria (Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus mutans). Effect on murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) was also evaluated with respect to cytotoxicity and production of cytokines (IL-1ß and TNF-α) and nitric oxide (NO). The most effective concentrations of the extract were determined by microdilution broth. These concentrations were analyzed on biofilms, after 5 min or 24 h exposure. Cytotoxicity was performed by MTT assay and quantification of cytokines and NO by ELISA and Griess reagent, respectively. The extract acted against the planktonic forms and provided significant reductions of all the microbial biofilms; besides, showed no cytotoxic effect, except at 100 mg/mL, after 24 h exposure. There was cytokine production; however, a modulatory effect was observed in groups exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from E. coli. NO production was similar or higher than the control group. Thus, H. virginiana L. extract showed antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects; absence of cytotoxicity for RAW 264.7; anti-inflammatory action; and potential to fight infections through the NO production.

Cryptocarya moschata extract decreases single and mixed biofilms on acrylic resins.

OBJECTIVE: This study proposed to assess the effect of Cryptocarya moschata extract on single and mixed biofilms formed on denture base and reline acrylic resin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single and mixed biofilms of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans were formed on the samples and treated with C. moschata extract; Nystatin solution at 100,000 IU/mL or Penicillin antibiotic solution at 100,000 IU/mL; or PBS solution. Antimicrobial activity was analyzed by counting colony-forming units, metabolism assay, assessment of protein components of the biofilm matrix, and of cell viability using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's post-test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Cryptocarya moschata extract reduced cell viability of C. albicans and S. mutans single and mixed biofilms formed on samples. For all types of biofilms in the C. moschata group, there was a log reduction of the biofilm, proven by the Alamar Blue assay. Analyzing the extracellular matrix protein components, groups treated with the extract exhibited a lower level of fluorescence compared to the PBS groups. Reduction in thickness biofilm and viable cells was perceptible in the C. moschata group when assessing through CLSM. CONCLUSION: Cryptocarya moschata extract reduced the single and mixed biofilms of C. albicans and S. mutans on acrylic resins.

Streptococcus mutans supernatant affects the virulence of Candida albicans.

Candida albicans causes a variety of clinical manifestations through multiple virulence factors that act simultaneously to overcome the immune system and invade the host tissues. Owing to the limited number of antifungal agents available, new candidiasis therapeutic strategies are required. Previous studies have demonstrated that the metabolites produced by Streptococcus mutans lead to a decrease in the number of Candida cells. Here, for the first time, we evaluated whether the C. albicans cells that survived the pretreatment with S. mutans supernatant can modify their virulence factors and their capability to infect Galleria mellonella larvae. Streptococcus mutans supernatant (SM-S) was obtained by filtering the culture supernatant of this bacterium. Then, C. albicans cells were pretreated with SM-S for 24 h, and the surviving cells were evaluated using in vitro and in vivo assays. The C. albicans pretreated with SM-S showed a significant inhibition of hyphal growth, an altered adhesion pattern, and an impaired capability to form biofilms; however, its proteolytic activity was not affected. In the in vivo assays, C. albicans cells previously exposed to SM-S exhibited a reduced ability to infect G. mellonella and a higher amount of circulating hemocytes. Thus, SM-S could inhibit important virulence factors of C. albicans, which may contribute to the development of new candidiasis therapeutic strategies.

Factors associated with mandibular function impairment in people with Parkinson's disease during social isolation due to COVID-19

ABSTRACT Purpose: to analyze factors associated with mandibular function impairment in people with Parkinson's disease during social isolation due to COVID-19. Methods: this cross-sectional, quantitative, analytical study used a database with 115 records of patients presented with this condition (obtained via telemonitoring in a research conducted in 2020) and assessed sociodemographic aspects and the Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire (MFIQ). The variables addressed in the associations were sex, age, marital status, denture use, disease duration, and daily levodopa dose. Results were obtained with the Fisher´s exact test, with the significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: after analyzing the database, the final sample comprised 62 eligible records - 61% were males, 79% were above 60 years old, 63% wore dentures, and 93% had low severity of mandibular function impairment, according to MFIQ. No significant associations were found between the study variables and MFIQ (p < 0.05). Conclusion: the degree of mandibular impairment was low, and the study variables were not associated with mandibular function impairment in patients presented with Parkinson´s disease, during social isolation, due to COVID-19.

Profile of the impact on the oral health of persons with Parkinson's disease during the COVID-19 isolation / Perfil do impacto da saúde bucal de pessoas com Parkinson durante o isolamento da COVID-19

Introduction: the Covid-19 pandemic impacted elderly persons with Parkinson's Disease (PD), influencing their daily activities and quality of life. Objective: to evaluate the impact on the oral health in people with Parkinson's Disease during the Covid-19 isolation. Material and method: the present analytical, quantitative, cross-sectional study uses secondary data sources from 115 health records used in a study carried out from August to December in 2020 through telemonitoring. Sociodemographic aspects and self-perception of quality of life were evaluated using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire. The variables studied in the association were: sex, age, duration of PD, civil status, Covid-19 diagnosis and the use of dental prostheses. The software Statistica 13.2 and the Chi-square (X2) test with a significance level of p<0.05 were used. Result: after analyzing the database, the final sample consisted of 64 health records that responded to the OHIP-14. 61% were male, with a mean age of 66.6 years, 64% were using dental prostheses, and 74% indicated on the OHIP-14 that they had good oral health self-perception. No significant associations were found among the variables: Age, Sex, Civil Status, Covid diagnosis, Duration of illness, Use of dental prostheses and the OHIP-14 (p>0.05). Conclusion: it was found that people with Parkinson's Disease showed a good quality of life, as evaluated using the OHIP-14, and that the Covid-19 isolation did not impact negatively on the oral health.

Introdução: a pandemia da Covid-19 impactou idosos que possuem a doença de Parkinson (DP), influenciando nas suas atividades de vida diária e qualidade de vida. Objetivo: avaliar o impacto da saúde bucal em pessoas com doença de Parkinson durante o isolamento da Covid-19. Material e método trata-se de um estudo analítico, quantitativo e de corte transversal, com fontes de dados secundários de 115 prontuários de uma pesquisa que foi realizada no ano de 2020, no período de agosto a dezembro, por meio de telemonitoramento. Avaliou-se os aspectos sociodemográfico e a autopercepção da qualidade de vida utilizando o questionário Perfil de Impacto na Saúde Oral (OHIP-14). As variáveis estudadas na associação foram: sexo, idade, tempo da DP, estado civil, diagnóstico de Covid-19 e uso de prótese dentária. Foi utilizado o software Statistica 13.2 e o teste do Qui-quadrado (X2) com nível de significância de p>0,05. Resultado: após análise do banco de dados a amostra final constou com 64 prontuários que responderam o OHIP-14. 61% foram do sexo masculino com média de idade de 66,6 anos, 64% faziam uso de prótese dentária, e 74% indicaram ter uma boa autopercepção da sua saúde bucal pelo OHIP-14. Não foram encontradas associações significativas entre as variáveis: Idade; Sexo; Estado Civil; Diagnóstico de Covid; Tempo de doença; Uso de prótese dentária e o OHIP-14 (p>0.05). Conclusão: verificou-se que pessoas com Parkinson apresentaram uma boa qualidade de vida avaliado pelo OHIP-14 e que o isolamento da Covid-19 não impactou negativamente na saúde bucal.

Removable dentures and electrical activity of masticatory muscles in individuals with Parkinson's disease

ABSTRACT Purpose: to assess the influence of dentures on the electromyographic activity of masticatory muscles in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Methods: an analytical, quantitative, cross-sectional study conducted at a public teaching hospital in 2017, assessing the stage of the disease, non-denture (ND) wearing, upper removable partial denture wearing (DW1), upper and lower removable partial denture wearing (DW2), and upper complete denture + lower removable partial denture wearing (DW3). The Student-Newman-Keuls test was used to compare the maximum voluntary muscle contraction between sides and between the denture wearing and non-denture wearing groups. Significance was set at α<0.05. Results: after applying the eligibility criteria, 41 patient records were included in the sample. The association between the stage of the disease and denture wearing showed predominance of DW2 in stage 1 (43%). A significant difference was found in the masseter muscle analysis between the non-denture wearing group and DW2 and DW3 (p=0.0018). As for the anterior temporalis muscle, there was a significant difference (p=0.0034) in three of the analysis groups (ND vs. DW2, ND vs. DW3, and DW1 vs. DW3). Conclusion: denture wearing has a negative impact on the electrical activity of masticatory muscles when compared with individuals who do not wear dentures and have natural teeth.

The body asks and the mind judges: the episode of food craving, its triggers and nutritional treatment.

Food desires are defined as motivations that drive the search for and consumption of food. However, when domains of intensity and urgency are activated, these desires can become intense (i.e. food craving), being then characterized by episodes or cognitive events loaded with affectivity, in which food is associated with obtaining pleasure or relief, which is the only attentional focus. Specificity and urgency mark the differentiation between food desires and cravings. The process of elaboration with vivid images, the retention in working memory, the emergence of a negative affect state (awareness of the lack), and a committed attentional focus to seek food are characterized as stages of an episode of food craving. Individuals with eating disorders have the lowest levels of food craving when it comes to anorexia nervosa and the subsequent increase to bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. Some environmental and cultural triggers and internal factors of cognition and emotions play a crucial role in the emergence of food craving episodes. The external factors include positive/negative events, food environment, advertisements, cultural beliefs about food, specific locations, and food itself. The internal factors comprise dietary restriction, food reward, impulsivity/inflexibility, emotions, thoughts and feelings about food, hunger/satiety/appetite, and anxious/depressive symptoms. Treatment involves the association of flexibility, awareness, and questioning strategies about dietary practices based on three principles: unconditional permission to eat, eating more for physical than emotional reasons, and tuning in with the body's signs of hunger and satiety (intuitive eating).

Craving for carbs: food craving and disordered eating in low-carb dieters and its association with intermittent fasting.

Studies point to positive outcomes in a diet with reduction of carbohydrates and that the associated practice of intermittent fasting (IF) might increase weight loss. Although dieting might be related to disordered eating, little evidence is available about the role of restrictive carbohydrates diets on disordered eating. This study aimed to explore if doing low-carb (LC) diets was related to disordered eating and if IF would increase these symptoms. The sample comprised university students (n = 682), with a mean age of 22 years old and average BMI of 23.6 kg/m2 (SD = 4.3). Twenty-seven percent (n = 188) of respondents reported doing LC diet in the last three months. Of those, 31% (n = 58) reported doing LC diet combined with periods of IF. Mean scores were compared using parametric tests, and effects size and correlations between variables were calculated. Dieters showed higher levels of binge eating, food cravings, cognitive restraint, cognitive restraint toward carbohydrates when compared to non-dieters. The association of LC and IF was related to an increase in disordered eating, especially binge eating and food cravings, specifically 'Lack of control', 'Thoughts or preoccupation with food,' and 'Guilt from cravings and/or for giving in to them'. These results provide evidence that restrictive carbohydrate diets and IF may increase cognitive restraint and, consequently, food cravings.Level III: Evidence obtained from cohort or case-control analytic studies.

Antiviral activity of medicinal plant-derived products against SARS-CoV-2.

This review presents information from several studies that have demonstrated the antiviral activity of extracts (Andrographis paniculata, Artemisia annua, Artemisia afra, Cannabis sativa, Curcuma longa, Echinacea purpurea, Olea europaea, Piper nigrum, and Punica granatum) and phytocompounds derived from medicinal plants (artemisinins, glycyrrhizin, and phenolic compounds) against SARS-CoV-2. A brief background of the plant products studied, the methodology used to evaluate the antiviral activity, the main findings from the research, and the possible mechanisms of action are presented. These plant products have been shown to impede the adsorption of SARS-CoV-2 to the host cell, and prevent multiplication of the virus post its entry into the host cell. In addition to antiviral activity, the plant products have also been demonstrated to exert an immunomodulatory effect by controlling the excessive release of cytokines, which is commonly associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections.