Impact of pivoting bite tip on bite force measurement tests.

OBJECTIVE: Present a gnathodynamometer design that increases patient comfort, precision, and/or ease for the operator during bite force tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A bite tip capable of pivoting 180° was tested on senior dental students in a double-blind trial. The tests were performed in teeth 11 and 16 with the bite tip on the long axis of the clamp and at an angle of 90° to the clamp. The sample was composed of 24 students, 13 males and 11 females, randomly divided into two groups: the operator group (OP), which was composed of 12 students, 7 males and 5 females, and the test group (TI), which was composed of 12 students, 6 males and 6 females. The operator and participants were asked to evaluate comfort and precision/ease in positioning the bite tip by attributing scores from 0 (total discomfort) to 10 (total comfort) during the test. RESULTS: No difference was noted in tooth 11 (P > 0.05). In tooth 16, there was a statistically significant improvement (P < 0.01) for the participants tested and the operator using the pivoting bite tip. CONCLUSIONS: The pivoting bite tip showed no difference in the comfort of the participants and operator precision when testing incisors; however, the tip showed a difference for both conditions in the molar region. The gnathodynamometer geometry showed good results in participant comfort and operator precision when used in bite force tests of the incisors and molars. Further investigations are needed to confirm whether these improvements influence the mean value and maximum bite force measurement. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bite force measurement is a method for obtaining important data to check the functional conditions of the stomatognathic system. With the aging of the world population, it has become important to check the quality of life during aging. The pivoting bite tip improves the comfort and precision of bite tests for the participants tested and for the operator, respectively.

In vitro evaluation of physical and chemical parameters involved in aPDT of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans.

Periodontitis is an infectious disease characterized by the destruction of supporting tissues. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has been proposed as an improved method for eliminating microorganisms. Its efficiency depends on the correct use of physical and chemical parameters. Thus, these parameters and their relations were evaluated in this study with the purpose of establishing lethal conditions for combating bacterial agents. Diode lasers and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were characterized to evaluate the absorption profile and resonance of methylene blue (MB) and toluidine blue O (TBO). The relations between light energy density and photosensitizer absorption were determined. Two methodologies were used to evaluate the effects of aPDT against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. LED light exhibited a broad emission spectrum with a peak light wavelength of 637 nm and 99% purity. The resonance intensity of MB was higher with diode laser irradiation, and TBO showed higher resonance intensity with LED irradiation. There was no difference in the absorption profile of photosensitizers using diode lasers or LEDs, and variations in power density did not result in an increasing or decrease in light absorption. A. actinomycetemcomitans was susceptible to photodynamic processes. Emission spectra and peak light wavelengths of light sources combined with the absorption profiles of photosensitizers were the main parameters involved in determining the efficiency of photodynamic effects. Power density did not alter the light absorption of photosensitizers. The association between adequate irradiation characteristics and photosensitizer absorption results in complete inactivation of A. actinomycetemcomitans. In addition, the bactericidal effect was not altered by an increase in energy densities.

Shortened derivatives from native antimicrobial peptide LyeTx I: In vitro and in vivo biological activity assessment.

In the continuing search for novel antibiotics, antimicrobial peptides are promising molecules, due to different mechanisms of action compared to classic antibiotics and to their selectivity for interaction with microorganism cells rather than with mammalian cells. Previously, our research group has isolated the antimicrobial peptide LyeTx I from the venom of the spider Lycosa erythrognatha. Here, we proposed to synthesize three novel shortened derivatives from LyeTx I (LyeTx I mn; LyeTx I mnΔK; LyeTx I mnΔKAc) and to evaluate their toxicity and biological activity as potential antimicrobial agents. Peptides were synthetized by Fmoc strategy and circular dichroism analysis was performed, showing that the three novel shortened derivatives may present membranolytic activity, like the original LyeTx I, once they folded as an alpha helix in 2.2.2-trifluorethanol and sodium dodecyl sulfate. In vitro assays revealed that the shortened derivative LyeTx I mnΔK presents the best score between antimicrobial (↓ MIC) and hemolytic (↑ EC50) activities among the synthetized shortened derivatives, and LUHMES cell-based NeuriTox test showed that it is less neurotoxic than the original LyeTx I (EC50 [LyeTx I mnΔK] ⋙ EC50 [LyeTx I]). In vivo data, obtained in a mouse model of septic arthritis induced by Staphylococcus aureus, showed that LyeTx I mnΔK is able to reduce infection, as demonstrated by bacterial recovery assay (∼10-fold reduction) and scintigraphic imaging (less technetium-99m labeled-Ceftizoxime uptake by infectious site). Infection reduction led to inflammatory process and pain decreases, as shown by immune cells recruitment reduction and threshold nociception increment, when compared to positive control group. Therefore, among the three shortened peptide derivatives, LyeTx I mnΔK is the best candidate as antimicrobial agent, due to its smaller amino acid sequence and toxicity, and its greater biological activity.

In vivo probiotic and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy as alternative therapies against cryptococcosis are ineffective.

Cryptococcosis, an invasive fungal infection distributed worldwide that affects both domestic and wild animals, has incredible rates regarding treatment failure, leading to the necessity of the development of new therapies. In this way, we aimed to evaluate the probiotic (Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus paracasei ST-11, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG) and antimicrobial photodynamic alternative therapies against Cryptococcus gattii in a murine model. Although previous studies suggest that these therapies can be promising against cryptococcosis, our experimental conditions for both probiotic and antimicrobial photodynamic therapies (aPDT) were not able to improve the survival of mice with cryptococcosis, even with the treatment combined with fluconazole. Our results may help other researchers to find the best protocol to test alternative therapies against Cryptococcus gattii.

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

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

Tinea nigra presenting speckled or "salt and pepper" pattern.

A 7-year-old Caucasian female resident of the southern coast of Brazil presented dark spots on the left palm that converged to a unique macule with speckled pattern at about 1 month. The mycological exam and the fungi culture were typical of Hortaea werneckii, the agent of the superficial mycosis Tinea nigra. The patient received butenafine hydrochloride 1% for 30 days, resulting in a complete remission of the lesion. At a follow-up visit 12 months after treatment, there was no lesion recurrence. We describe a form of rare geographical Tinea nigra with a speckled pattern. The "salt and pepper" aspect should be taken into consideration when the mycosis was suspected.

A case of Tinea nigra associated to a bite from a European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus, Leporidae): the role of dermoscopy in diagnosis.

We report a case of Tinea nigra in an adolescent living in Itapema, Santa Catarina, Brazil, who presented a hyperchromic macule on the palm of the left hand, close to another erythematous macule caused by a rabbit bite. The patient received guidance on accidents and animal bites and evolved well treated with topical butenafine for the dermatomycosis. The authors also highlight the efficacy of the dermoscopic exam in diagnosing Tinea nigra with animal bite lesions and other traumas.

A case of Tinea nigra associated to a bite from a European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus, Leporidae): the role of dermoscopy in diagnosis

We report a case of Tinea nigra in an adolescent living in Itapema, Santa Catarina, Brazil, who presented a hyperchromic macule on the palm of the left hand, close to another erythematous macule caused by a rabbit bite. The patient received guidance on accidents and animal bites and evolved well treated with topical butenafine for the dermatomycosis. The authors also highlight the efficacy of the dermoscopic exam in diagnosing Tinea nigra with animal bite lesions and other traumas.

The pivotal role of 5-lipoxygenase-derived LTB4 in controlling pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis.

Leukotrienes (LTs) produced from arachidonic acid by the action of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) are classical mediators of inflammatory responses. However, studies published in the literature regarding these mediators are contradictory and it remains uncertain whether these lipid mediators play a role in host defense against the fungal pathogen Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. To determine the involvement of LTs in the host response to pulmonary infection, wild-type and LT-deficient mice by targeted disruption of the 5-lipoxygenase gene (knockout mice) were studied following intratracheal challenge with P. brasiliensis yeasts. The results showed that infection is uniformly fatal in 5-LO-deficient mice and the mechanisms that account for this phenotype are an exacerbated lung injury and higher fungal pulmonary burden. Genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of LTs resulted in lower phagocytosis and fungicidal activity of macrophages in vitro, suggesting that deficiency in fungal clearance seems to be secondary to the absence of activation in 5-LO(-/-) macrophages. Exogenous LTB4 restored phagocytosis and fungicidal activity of 5-LO(-/-) macrophages. Moreover, P. brasiliensis killing promoted by LTB4 was dependent on nitric oxide (NO) production by macrophages. Taken together, these results reveal a fundamental role for 5-LO-derived LTB4 in the protective response to P. brasiliensis infection and identify relevant mechanisms for the control of fungal infection during the early stages of the host immune response.

Double-blind study with topical Isoconazole and Terbinafine for the treatment of one patient with bilateral Tinea nigra plantaris and suggestions for new differential diagnosis.

The authors report a case of bilateral Tinea nigra plantaris treated through a double-blind study with the topical antifungal agents Isoconazole and Terbinafine. The objective of the study was to clinically compare the efficacy of these two topical antifungal agents on days 10, 20 and 30 of the treatment. No significant clinical differences were found, as all the plantar lesions regressed completely by the end of the treatment. Our conclusion was that in the case reported, the topical antifungal agents Isoconazole and Terbinafine demonstrated identical efficacy as a clinical cure. We also suggest the inclusion of injuries caused by arthropods of the Diplopoda Class in the differential diagnosis of Tinea nigra plantaris, due to the persistent acral hyperpigmentation.

Tinea nigra: successful treatment with topical butenafine.

The authors report a case of Tinea nigra in an 8-year-old child, male, from Itajaí, SC, Brazil, with lesions of the macular hyperchromic type, unique, asymptomatic, localized in the right palmar area. The lesion was treated with the topical antifungal butenafine, with remission of symptoms and without recurrence at follow-up for two years.

Spontaneous cure in a case of Tinea nigra.

The authors report a case (in Itajai, Santa Catarina State, Brazil) of tinea nigra in a 4-year-old female child which spontaneously healed. We discuss the clinical and epidemiological aspects of the mycosis and this rare case of spontaneous healing.

Tinea nigra in geographical forms of "heart" and "parrot beak".

Through a photographic essay, we identified similarities between hyperchromic maculas of two cases of Tinea Nigra with images of a heart-shaped mangrove called "Coeur de Voh", located on the French island of New Caledonia (Oceania) and of a rock formation called "Parrot Beak" located on Cabeçudas Beach, Itajaí, Santa Catarina State (Brazil).

Tinea nigra nas formas geográficas em "coração" e "bico do papagaio" / Tinea nigra in geographical forms of "heart" and "parrot beak"

Através de ensaios fotográficos foram evidenciadas semelhanças entre máculas hipercrômicas de dois casos de Tinea nigra com imagens do manguezal denominado "Coeur de Voh", localizado na Ilha Francesa da Nova Caledônia (Oceania) e com a formação rochosa, denominada "Bico do Papagaio", localizada na Praia de Cabeçudas, Itajaí, Estado de Santa Catarina (Brasil).

Through a photographic essay, we identified similarities between hyperchromic maculas of two cases of Tinea Nigra with images of a heart-shaped mangrove called "Coeur de Voh", located on the French island of New Caledonia (Oceania) and of a rock formation called "Parrot Beak" located on Cabeçudas Beach, Itajaí, Santa Catarina State (Brazil).

Um certo jeito de ser velho: representações sociais da velhice por familiares de idosos / A certain way of being old: social representations of old age by elderly family members / Una manera de ser anciano: representaciones sociales de la vejez por familiares de ancianos

Os objetivos foram conhecer as representações sociais da velhice por familiares de idosos hospitalizados e discutir suas implicações para o cuidado ao idoso pela família no domicílio. O referencial foi a Teoria das Representações Sociais. Os sujeitos foram 22 familiares de clientes hospitalizados em instituição de longa permanência. A técnica de produção de dados foi a entrevista semi-estruturada. Aplicou-se a análise de conteúdo temática, através da qual se organizaram categorias sobre o que é a velhice e ser velho, e indicaram características tipificadoras destes objetos. As representações sociais sobre a velhice a relaciona a uma fase de perdas dando-lhe uma conotação negativa, aludindo a modelos de interações pessoais e sociais, assim como a modos de cuidar do idoso. Conhecer tais representações sociais e as ações que dela demandam é fundamental para se lidar com os familiares, com vistas a que estes cuidem dos idosos no domicílio.

This study aimed to better understand the social representations of old age among relatives of hospitalized elderly and to discuss their implications for home care by the elderly person's family, according to the Theory of Social Representations. The subjects were 22 relatives of hospitalized patients in a long-term institution. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews and submitted to thematic content analysis, from which the categories about what old age is and being old is were organized, indicating typifying characteristics of these objects. The social representations of old age relate it to a stage of loss and give it a negative connotation, alluding to personal and social interaction models, as well as the ways to care for the elderly. A better understanding of such social representation and the actions which are demanded from it is essential in dealing with family members, considering that they care for elderly family members at home.

Los objetivos del estudio son: conocer las representaciones sociales de la vejez por familiares de ancianos hospitalizados, y discutir sus implicaciones para la atención del anciano por la familia en el hogar. La referencia para el estudio fue la Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales. Participaron 22 familiares de pacientes hospitalizados en instituciones geriátricas. La técnica de producción de datos fue la entrevista semi-estructurada. Se aplicó el análisis de contenido temático, a través del cual se organizaron categorías sobre lo qué es la vejez y ser anciano, y se indicaron características que tipifican estos objetos. Las representaciones sociales sobre la vejez la relacionan a una etapa de pérdidas dándole una connotación negativa, aludiendo a modelos de interacciones personales y sociales, así como a maneras de cuidar del anciano. Conocer tales representaciones sociales y las acciones que de ella demandan es fundamental para lidiar con los familiares, con el objetivo de que ellos cuiden de los ancianos en el hogar.

Subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis on the scrotum caused by Exophiala jeanselmei: case report.

Subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis is a disease caused by dematiaceous fungi that develops mainly in immunocompromised patients. Lesions are generally located on the lower limbs. The present report describes a case of phaeohyphomycosis in an immunocompetent patient in whom a subcutaneous abscess was located in an unusual site, on the left hemiscrotum. The abscess was treated successfully with oral fluconazole associated with surgical excision.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of N-antipyrine-4-substituted amino-3-chloromaleimide derivatives.

This paper describes the synthesis of new cyclic imides obtained by reaction with N-antipyrine-3,4-dichloromaleimides and different aromatic amines. The analgesic activity of the synthesized compounds was initially investigated against the writhing test in mice, followed by analysis of the most promising compounds in this model and in the formalin-induced model. The results indicate that the compounds containing the electron-withdrawing substituents in the para position of the substitute ring exerted more potent analgesic activity in mice, being much more potent than the prototype N-antipyrine-3,4-dichloromaleimide and some reference drugs. Some compounds exhibited activity against human opportunistic and pathogenic fungi, with MIC values of between 40 and 100 µg/mL (91.74 and 236.96 µM), and it was verified that only a few compounds presented potential for cytotoxic activity.

Feo-hifomicose subcutânea por Exophiala jeanselmei localizada na bolsa escrotal: relato de caso / Subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis on the scrotum caused by Exophiala jeanselmei: case report

A feo-hifomicose subcutânea é uma doença causada por fungos demáceos que acomete principalmente indivíduos imunocomprometidos e geralmente cursa com lesões localizadas nos membros inferiores. Os autores relatam um caso de feo-hifomicose subcutânea em um paciente imunocompetente, com localização atípica - na hemibolsa escrotal esquerda -, tratado com sucesso com fluconazol sistêmico associado à excisão cirúrgica.

Subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis is a disease caused by dematiaceous fungi that develops mainly in immunocompromised patients. Lesions are generally located on the lower limbs. The present report describes a case of phaeohyphomycosis in an immunocompetent patient in whom a subcutaneous abscess was located in an unusual site, on the left hemiscrotum. The abscess was treated successfully with oral fluconazole associated with surgical excision.