Fernanda Rossi Paolillo

Effects of Photodynamic Therapy with Blue Light and Curcumin as Mouth Rinse for Oral Disinfection: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (a-PDT) with blue light and curcumin on oral disinfection during the 2 h after treatment. BACKGROUND DATA a-PDT is a technique that can potentially affect the viability of bacterial cells, with selective action targeting only areas with photosensitizer accumulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS A randomized controlled trial was undertaken. Twenty-seven adults were randomly divided into three groups: (1) the PDT group, which was treated with the drug, curcumin, and blue light (n=9); (2) the light group, which was treated only with the blue light, and no drug (n=9) and; (3) the curcumin group, which was treated only with the drug, curcumin, and no light (n=9). The irradiation parameters were: blue light-emitting diode (LED) illumination (455±30 nm), 400 mW of average optical power, 5 min of application, illumination area of 0.6 cm(2), 600 mW/cm(2) of intensity, and 200 J/cm(2) of fluence. A curcumin concentration of 30 mg/L was used. The saliva samples were collected for bacterial counts at baseline and after the experimental phases (immediately after treatment, and 1 and 2 h after treatment). Serial dilutions were performed, and the resulting samples were cultured on blood agar plates in microaerophilic conditions. The number of colony-forming units (CFU) was determined. RESULTS The PDT group showed a significant reduction of CFU immediately after treatment (post-treatment) with PDT (5.71±0.48, p=0.001), and 1 h (5.14±0.92, p=0.001) and 2 h (5.35±0.76, p=0.001) after treatment, compared with pretreatment (6.61±0.82). There were no significant changes for the light group. The curcumin group showed a significant increase of CFU 1 h after treatment (6.77±0.40, p=0.02) compared with pretreatment (5.57±0.91) falling to baseline values at 2 h after treatment (5.58±0.70). CONCLUSIONS The PDT group showed significant difference in microbial reduction (p<0.05) compared with both the light and curcumin groups until 2 h post-treatment. The new blue LED device for PDT using curcumin may be used for reduction of salivary microorganisms, leading to overall disinfection of the mouth (e.g., mucosa, tongue, and saliva), but new protocols should be explored.

Infrared LED irradiation applied during high-intensity treadmill training improves maximal exercise tolerance in postmenopausal women: a 6-month longitudinal study

Reduced aerobic fitness is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases among the older population. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of LED irradiation (850 nm) applied during treadmill training on the maximal exercise tolerance in postmenopausal women. At the beginning of the study, 45 postmenopausal women were assigned randomly to three groups, and 30 women completed the entire 6 months of the study. The groups were: (1) the LED group (treadmill training associated with phototherapy, n = 10), (2) the exercise group (treadmill training, n = 10), and (3) the sedentary group (neither physical training nor phototherapy, n = 10). The training was performed for 45 min twice a week for 6 months at intensities between 85% and 90% maximal heart rate (HRmax). The irradiation parameters were 39 mW/cm2, 45 min and 108 J/cm2. The cardiovascular parameters were measured at baseline and after 6 months. As expected, no significant differences were found in the sedentary group (p ≥ 0.05). The maximal time of tolerance (Tlim), metabolic equivalents (METs) and Bruce stage reached significantly higher values in the LED group and the exercise group (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the HR, double product and Borg score at isotime were significantly lower in the LED group and in the exercise group (p < 0.05). However, the time of recovery showed a significant decrease only in the LED group (p = 0.003). Moreover, the differences between before and after training (delta values) for the Tlim, METs and HR at isotime were greater in the LED group than in the exercise group with a significant intergroup difference (p < 0.05). Therefore, the infrared LED irradiation during treadmill training can improve maximal performance and post-exercise recovery in postmenopausal women.

Effects of Infrared-LED Illumination Applied During High-Intensity Treadmill Training in Postmenopausal Women

BACKGROUND DATA Technology and physical exercise can enhance physical performance during aging. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of infrared-light-emitting diode (LED) illumination (850 nm) applied during treadmill training. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty postmenopausal women participated in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups. The LED group performed treadmill training associated with infrared-LED illumination (n=10) and the control group performed only treadmill training (n=10). The training was performed during 3 months, twice a week during 30 min at intensities between 85 and 90% of maximal heart rate. The irradiation parameters were 31 mW/cm(2), treatment time 30 min, 14,400 J of total energy and 55.8 J/cm(2) of fluence. Physiological, biomechanical, and body composition parameters were measured at the baseline and after 3 months. RESULTS Both groups improved the time of tolerance limit (Tlim) (p<0.05) during submaximal constant-speed testing. The peak torque did not differ between groups. However, the results showed significantly higher values of power [from 56±10 to 73±8 W (p=0.002)] and total work [from 1,537±295 to 1,760±262 J (p=0.006)] for the LED group when compared to the control group [power: from 58±14 to 60±15 W (p≥0.05) and total work: from 1,504±404 to 1,622±418 J (p≥0.05)]. The fatigue significantly increased for the control group [from 51±6 to 58±5 % (p=0.04)], but not for the LED group [from 60±10 to 60±4 % (p≥0.05)]. No significant differences in body composition were observed for either group. CONCLUSIONS Infrared-LED illumination associated with treadmill training can improve muscle power and delay leg fatigue in postmenopausal women.

Effects of excess body mass on strength and fatigability of quadriceps in postmenopausal women

ObjectiveObesity is a major public health problem leading to, among other things, reduced functional capacity. Moreover, obesity-related declines in functional capacity may be compounded by the detrimental consequences of menopause. The aim of this study was to understand the potential effects of excess body mass on measures of functional capacity in postmenopausal women. MethodsForty-five postmenopausal women aged 50 to 60 years were divided into two groups according to body mass index (BMI): obese (BMI, ≥30 kg/m2; n = 19) and nonobese (BMI, 18.5-29.9 kg/m2; n = 26). To determine clinical characteristics, body composition, bone mineral density, and maximal exercise testing was performed, and a 3-day dietary record was estimated. To assess quadriceps function, isokinetic exercise testing at 60° per second (quadriceps strength) and at 300° per second (quadriceps fatigue) was performed. ResultsThe absolute value of the peak torque was not significantly different between the groups; however, when the data were normalized by body mass and lean mass, significantly lower values were observed for obese women compared with those in the nonobese group (128% ± 25% vs 155% ± 24% and 224% ± 38% vs 257% ± 47%, P < 0.05). The fatigue index did not show any significant difference for either group; however, when the data were normalized by the body mass and lean mass, significantly lower values were observed for obese women (69% ± 16% vs 93% ± 18% and 120% ± 25% vs. 135% ± 23%, P < 0.01). ConclusionsOur results show that despite reduced muscle force, the combination of obesity and postmenopause may be associated with greater resistance to muscle fatigue.

Thermography Applied During Exercises With or Without Infrared Light-Emitting Diode Irradiation: Individual and Comparative Analysis

OBJECTIVE The aim of our study was to evaluate the cutaneous temperature during an exercise on a treadmill with or without infrared light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation in postmenopausal women. BACKGROUND DATA Thermography is an imaging technique in which radiation emitted by a body in the middle and far infrared spectrum is detected and associated with the temperature of the bodys surface. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighteen postmenopausal women were randomly divided into two groups: (1) the LED group, which performed the exercises on a treadmill associated with phototherapy (n=9) and; (2) the exercise group, which performed the exercises on a treadmill without additional phototherapy (n=9). The irradiation parameters for each womens thigh were: array of 2000 infrared LEDs (850 nm) with an area of 1,110 cm(2), 100 mW, 39 mW/cm(2), and 108 J/cm(2) for 45 min. The submaximal constant-speed exercise on the treadmill at intensities between 85% and 90% maximal heart rate (HRmax) with or without phototherapy were performed during 45 min, to perform the thermographic analysis. Thermography images were captured before the exercise (t=0), after 10, 35, and 45 min of exercising (t=10, t=35, and t=45) and at 5 min post-exercising (t=50). RESULTS The LED group showed an increased cutaneous thigh temperature during the exercise (from 33.5±0.8°C to 34.6±0.9°C, p=0.03), whereas the exercise group showed a reduced cutaneous temperature (from 33.5±0.6 to 32.7±0.7°C, p=0.02). The difference between the groups was significant (p<0.05) at t=35, t=45, and t=50. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate an improved microcirculation, and can explain one possible mechanism of action of phototherapy associated with physical exercises.

Low-level Laser Therapy Associated With High Intensity Resistance Training on Cardiac Autonomic Control of Heart Rate and Skeletal Muscle Remodeling in Wistar Rats

Phototherapy plus dynamic exercise can enhance physical performance and improve health. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) associated with high intensity resistance training (HIT) on cardiac autonomic and muscle metabolic responses in rats.

Phototherapy during treadmill training improves quadriceps performance in postmenopausal women

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effects of infrared-light-emitting diode (LED) during treadmill training on functional performance. Methods Thirty postmenopausal women aged 50–60 years were randomly assigned to one of three groups and successfully completed the full study. The three groups were: (1) the LED group, which performed treadmill training associated with phototherapy (n = 10); (2) the exercise group, which carried out treadmill training only (n = 10); and (3) the sedentary group, which neither performed physical training nor underwent phototherapy (n = 10). Training was performed over a period of 6 months, twice a week for 45 min per session at 85–90% of maximal heart rate, which was obtained during progressive exercise testing. The irradiation parameters were 100 mW, 39 mW/cm2 and 108 J/cm2 for 45 min. Quadriceps performance was measured during isokinetic exercise testing at 60°/s and 300°/s. Results Peak torque did not differ amongst the groups. However, the results showed significantly higher values of power and total work for the LED group (∆ = 21 ± 6 W and ∆ = 634 ± 156 J, p < 0.05) when compared to both the exercise group (∆ = 13 ± 10 W and = 410 ± 270 J) and the sedentary group (∆ = 10 ± 9 W and ∆ = 357 ± 327 J). Fatigue was also significantly lower in the LED group (∆ = −7 ± 4%, p < 0.05) compared to both the exercise group (∆ = 3 ± 8%) and the sedentary group (∆ = −2 ± 6%). Conclusions Infrared-LED during treadmill training may improve quadriceps power and reduce peripheral fatigue in postmenopausal women.

Respostas cardio-respiratórias em pacientes com traumatismo raquimedular

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi investigar as variaveis cardio-respiratorias (Pa, FC, VO2, VCO2 e Ve) durante a Estimulacao Eletrica Neuromuscular (EENM) do quadriceps em portadores de lesao medular. Participaram da pesquisa dez pacientes (cinco paraplegicos e cinco tetraplegicos). O protocolo do teste consistiu em 10 minutos de repouso, 20 minutos de EENM dos quadriceps e 10 minutos de recuperacao. Durante a EENM foram constatados baixos valores de VO2 e VCO2. Os paraplegicos apresentaram rapida cinetica dos gases e os tetraplegicos lenta cinetica dos gases. Houve o aumento da Pa sistolica e da FC. Ainda, os valores das variaveis cardio-respiratorias foram inversamente relatadas para o nivel de lesao, ou seja, quanto maior o nivel de lesao, menor os valores. Portanto, a maioria dos pacientes apresentaram algumas limitacoes nas respostas cardio-respiratorias, indicando realizacao de exercicio exaustivo, mas apresentaram capacidade de realizacao de exercicio induzido artificialmente, possivelmente devido aos beneficios da EENM.

Avanços tecnológicos na prática ortopédica: análises de membros superiores e inferiores

Biomechanics is nowadays characterized by new procedures for human movement analysis and by modern measurement techniques, data processing and storage, contributing to the advances in the orthopedic practice. The proposed thematic in this work is based on the application of orthopedic biomechanics to different clinical cases, through quantitative evaluation of the upper and lower limb movement and the development of new assessment techniques. Three examples are shown in this paper: (I) a tridimensional analysis of the abduction movement of the shoulder; (II) a gait analysis in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament injury; and (III) the development of electronic instrumentation for walking aids i.e., instrumented canes and crutches for the study of the relationship between the upper and lower limb loads during gait of orthopedic and neurologic patients.

Fluorescence spectroscopy of teeth and bones of rats to assess demineralization: In vitro, in vivo and ex vivo studies

This study investigated the effects of demineralization on teeth and bones evaluated by fluorescence spectroscopy and micro energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (μ-EDXRF) in rats. For in vitro study, 20 teeth of Wistar rats were removed and decalcified to evaluate fluorescence. For in vivo study, 10 female Wistar rats aged 6months were randomized into 2 groups: Control Group (C): non-ovariectomized rats; Ovariectomy Group (OV): ovariectomized rats to induce osteoporosis. The fluorescence spectroscopy of the teeth was performed for long-term (until 180days). For ex vivo study, the tooth and femur bone of the Wistar rats were removed at 180days to perform fluorescence spectroscopy using excitation laser at 408 and 532nm and μ-EDXRF for calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) analysis. There were no intergroup differences in fluorescence spectra with laser at 408nm (p≥0.05), but there were changes in the fluorescence spectra using laser at 532nm which led to both the wavelength shift and changes in the band area (p<0.05). The concentrations of P and Ca for the dentine and cortical bone, respectively, were significantly reduced in OV (p<0.05). Demineralization leading to loss of tissue quality may be assessed by fluorescence spectroscopy using 532nm laser. These findings corroborate those obtained by μ-EDXRF.