Francisco Augusto Burkert Del Pino

Dissolving efficacy of some organic solvents on gutta-percha

The aim of this study was to evaluate the solubility of gutta-percha in four organic solvents used in endodontics. The solubility of gutta-percha (Dentsply) was assessed in xylol, orange oil, eucalyptol, chloroform and distilled water. A hundred and fifty samples of gutta-percha were prepared using a standardized stainless steel mould and divided into five groups for immersion in the different solvents tested and in distilled water (control group) for 2, 5 and 10 minutes. The means of gutta-percha dissolution in the solvents were obtained by the difference between the pre-immersion original weight and the post-immersion weight in a digital analytical scale (Gehaka-AG2000). Data were statistically analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and multiple comparisons with Scheffes test (p<0.05). The best solvency capacity was obtained with xylol. Chloroform, orange oil and eucalyptol presented similar results, and distilled water did not promote alterations in the gutta-percha.

An ethnomedicinal survey on phytotherapy with professionals and patients from Basic Care Units in the Brazilian Unified Health System.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE In this study, an ethnomedicinal survey was conducted in the city of Pelotas, Brazil, with professionals and patients in the Unified Health System (SUS). With the approval of the National Policy on Medicinal Plants and Herbal Medicines, and with the adoption of a National Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices in the SUS in Brazil, there is growing concern regarding Brazilian medicinal plants and their proper use in medicine. The expansion of the therapeutic options offered to the users of the SUS includes access to medicinal plants and herbal drugs, as well as related services, such as phytotherapy. For improving health and for the social inclusion of phytotherapies, safety, efficacy, and quality are important strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS Interviews of both professionals and patients were conducted at five Basic Care Units, and a sample size of 393 was obtained. RESULTS Of the patients attending the Basic Care Units, 91.6% had experienced the use of medicinal plants at least once to treat certain diseases. Of the professionals, 65% had used medicinal plants but only 10% prescribed phytotherapeutics to their patients. Generally, the users were homemakers (26%) of the female gender (71.5%) who were older than 60 years (26%) and had a family income between 1 and 2 Brazilian minimal salaries. The professionals were predominantly female (80%), and a high proportion (80%) believed in the positive effects of phytotherapy (80%), even though these professionals had not been taught phytotherapy as undergraduate students (75%) and had not discussed the topic with their teachers (85%). Patients (81.5%) and professionals (45%) reported that their knowledge of medicinal plants came from their parents or grandparents. From a total of 66 different herbs used by the subjects, mauve (24%) was the most commonly used, often to treat toothaches (24.2%). CONCLUSION It is concluded that a high proportion of users and professionals made use of medicinal plants, and of the large number of plants mentioned in the questionnaire, mauve was the most commonly used, mainly for the treatment of toothaches. The major source of the transmission of knowledge concerning herbal medicine was parents or grandparents.

Vinte e quatro meses de heterocontrole da fluoretação das águas de abastecimento público de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

O objetivo deste estudo foi monitorar, mensalmente, os niveis de fluor na agua de abastecimento publico de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, bem como verificar a validade da formacao de grupos de heterocontrole. Pelotas foi dividida em 16 pontos geograficos, incluindo as tres Estacoes de Tratamento da agua e a coleta foi feita de novembro de 1999 a outubro de 2001, em duplicata. Apos a coleta, as amostras foram enviadas ao Laboratorio de Vigilância Sanitaria de Fluor da Universidade do Vale do Itajai, onde a analise foi feita utilizando-se o metodo eletrometrico (Orion 920A/Eletrodo Orion 9609). Apos 24 meses, 764 unidades amostrais foram coletadas e verificou-se uma inconstância nos resultados, predominando niveis insuficientes de fluor ate o primeiro trimestre de 2001, quando houve um significativo aumento no numero de unidades amostrais com uma concentracao de fluor ideal (0,6-0,9ppmF), porem, ha o surgimento de pontos revelando um excesso de fluoretos (> 1ppmF). Os resultados permitiram concluir que o heterocontrole e fundamental para buscar a manutencao de um correto programa de FAAP.O objetivo deste estudo foi monitorar, mensalmente, os niveis de fluor na agua de abastecimento publico de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, bem como verificar a validade da formacao de grupos de heterocontrole. Pelotas foi dividida em 16 pontos geograficos, incluindo as tres Estacoes de Tratamento da agua e a coleta foi feita de novembro de 1999 a outubro de 2001, em duplicata. Apos a coleta, as amostras foram enviadas ao Laboratorio de Vigilância Sanitaria de Fluor da Universidade do Vale do Itajai, onde a analise foi feita utilizando-se o metodo eletrometrico (Orion 920A/Eletrodo Orion 9609). Apos 24 meses, 764 unidades amostrais foram coletadas e verificou-se uma inconstância nos resultados, predominando niveis insuficientes de fluor ate o primeiro trimestre de 2001, quando houve um significativo aumento no numero de unidades amostrais com uma concentracao de fluor ideal (0,6-0,9ppmF), porem, ha o surgimento de pontos revelando um excesso de fluoretos (> 1ppmF). Os resultados permitiram concluir que o heterocontrole e fundamental para buscar a manutencao de um correto programa de FAAP.The aim of the present study was monthly evaluation of fluoride levels in the public water supply in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, and the validity of forming external control groups. Pelotas was divided into 16 geographic regions, including the three public water treatment stations. Water samples were collected from November 1999 to October 2001. Two samples were drawn from each region. Samples were sent to the Fluoride Health Surveillance Laboratory at Universidade do Vale do Itajaí. Fluoride analysis used an electrometric method (Orion 920 A/Electrometer Orion 9609). After 24 months, 764 samples were collected, demonstrating a discontinuity in the fluoride levels. There was an increase in the number of samples with an ideal concentration of fluoride. However, several points with excessive fluoride levels (> 0.9ppmF) also appeared. Based on these results it was concluded that external control is essential for monitoring fluoride levels in the public water supply.

Associations between resumption of postpartum ovarian activity, uterine health and concentrations of metabolites and acute phase proteins during the transition period in Holstein cows

The resumption of ovarian activity, uterine health, severity of the negative energy balance and the synthesis of inflammatory mediators during the transition period in dairy cows are interrelated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the resumption of postpartum ovarian activity and the percentage of polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells in endometrial cytology, lipid mobilization and the secretion of acute phase proteins. For this study, 20 multiparous Holstein cows were used. Blood samples that were collected from 21d before calving to 44d in milk (DIM) were analyzed for serum glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), insulin, haptoglobin, albumin, paraoxonase and progesterone. Endometrial cytology was performed at 37±2DIM to evaluate the percentage of PMN cells in the uterine flushing. Cows were divided into two groups: (1) ovulatory cows (n=12), which returned to ovarian activity by 44±2DIM; and (2) anovulatory cows (n=8), which did not resume ovarian activity during this period. Ovulatory cows had a lower (P=0.05) percentage of PMN cells in endometrial cytology than anovulatory cows (26.3±8.3% vs. 53.4±16.9%, respectively). Ovulatory cows had higher serum albumin during the pre- (P=0.03) and postpartum periods (P=0.01), and tended to have lower haptoglobin concentrations in the prepartum period (P=0.07) and higher paraoxonase activity in the postpartum period (P=0.09). In conclusion, cows that resumed ovarian activity early in the postpartum period had higher albumin concentrations in the peripartum period, which were associated with a lower percentage of uterine PMN cells.

BIODIESEL RENOVÁVEL DERIVADO DE MICROALGAS: AVANÇOS E PERSPECTIVAS TECNOLÓGICAS

Microalgae are a promising source of raw material for biodiesel production. This review discusses the latest developments related to the application of microalgae biomass for biodiesel production. Characterization of fatty acid of microalgae and comparisons with other sources of raw materials and processes are presented. Furthermore, technological perspectives and approaches for growing microalgae in photobioreactors, microalgal oil extraction techniques, and procedures for synthesizing biodiesel are reviewed.

Occurrence, isolation and differentiation of Candida spp. and prevalence of variables associated to chronic atrophic candidiasis.

The purpose of this study was to survey the frequency of Candida spp. in patients with chronic atrophic candidiasis (CAC), to differentiate Candida species and to assess the prevalence of certain infection‐associated variables to this disease. Patients with CAC and wearing partial or complete dentures were recruited. Data were obtained by means of a questionnaire with details involving identification of the subject, demographic characteristics, behaviour and medical history, clinical and mycological evaluation and identification of yeast. The sample collection was carried out in the palate or palate and tongue of the subjects using sterilised swabs. Data were submitted to statistical analyses using Fischer’s test. Forty‐three (53%) cases of CAC showed the presence of Candida albicans. Females (75.2%) wearing complete dentures (60.1%) for more than 10 years (58%) were risk factors to CAC development. It could be concluded that: (a) the results did not confirm a significant difference among patients with CAC concerning the presence or absence of Candida spp.; (b) the occurrence of Candida was negatively related to important factors associated to this opportunistic infection; and (c) mycological findings did not indicate that the variables investigated have a significant effect on oral infections by C. albicans or other Candida species.

Ketoprofen-loaded polymeric nanocapsules selectively inhibit cancer cell growth in vitro and in preclinical model of glioblastoma multiforme

SummaryGlioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the worst and most common brain tumor, characterized by high proliferation and invasion rates. Nanoparticles of biodegradable polymers for anticancer drug delivery have attracted interest in recent years since they provide targeted delivery and may overcame the obstacle imposed by blood–brain barrier. Here we investigated the antitumoral effect of ketoprofen-loaded nanocapsules (Keto-NC) treatment on in vitro and in vivo glioma progression. We observed that Keto-NC treatment decreased selectively the cell viability of a panel of glioma cell lines, while did not exhibited toxicity to astrocytes. We further demonstrate that the treatment with sub-therapeutic dose of Keto-NC reduced the in vivo glioma growth as well as reduced the malignity characteristics of implanted tumors. Keto-NC treatment improved the weight, the locomotion/exploration behavior of glioma-bearing rats. Importantly, Keto-NC treatment neither induced mortality or peripheral damage. Finally, Ketoprofen also altered the extracellular nucleotide metabolism of peripheral lymphocytes, suggesting that antiinflammatory effects of ketoprofen could also be associated with the modulation of the adenine nucleotide metabolism in lymphocytes. Data indicate at first time the potential of Keto-NC as a promising therapeutic alterative to GBM treatment.

Estudo da produção de biopolímeros via enzimática através de inativação e lise celular e com células viáveis de Beijerinckia sp. 7070

Microbial biopolymers are polysaccharides produced by microorganisms. Beijerinckia sp. 7070 produces the biopolymer denominated as clairana®. Microbial biopolymers can be produced using purified enzymes (by enzymatic pathway). The aim of this work was to evaluate the possibility to produce the clairana® biopolymer using purified enzymes, to verify if the synthesis and the enzymes involved in the synthesis are intra and/or extracellular, if the enzymes remain active in the medium and to study biopolymer production by enzymatic pathway, through cellular inactivation and lyse, and through conventional process with viable cells. The samples were cultivated with bacteria in liquid medium, and subjected to cellular death through cellular inactivation and lyse after 30h, by antibiotic and ultrasom, respectively. Samples were removed 32, 46 e 54h after incubation period, together with samples produced with viable cells. The same procedure was performed after 46h and samples collected after 48, 52 e 54h of incubation period. The polymers were recovered, dried, weighed and analyzed. The results suggest that it is possible to produce the clairana® biopolymer by enzymatic pathway and that, probably, intra and extracellular enzymes are involved, remaining active in the medium and beginning to act before 30h of fermentation. The enzymatic pathway process through cellular lyse is more effective, because it releases the polysaccharides intracellularly produced to medium.

Determinação das constantes cinéticas de degradação do ácido ascórbico em purê de pêssego: efeito da temperatura e concentração

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is extensively used in the food industry, not only for its nutritional value, but also for its many functional contributions to product quality. There have been many studies on the stability of ascorbic acid in different beverages, but no study was found on the reaction rate constants for ascorbic acid degradation in peach puree. In this work, the degradation of ascorbic acid in Jade peach puree was studied in anaerobic conditions and from 70-90 °C. The peach puree concentrations tested were 12, 22 and 32 °Brix. The kinetic analysis of the data suggests that the degradation was significantly represented by zero and first-order kinetic models. The rate of ascorbic acid degradation in peach puree was temperature dependent. The average activation energy was 45 kJ.mol-1 and independent of the concentration of soluble solids.

One-bottle adhesives: in vitro analysis of solvent volatilization and sealing ability

The aim of this study was to compare the solvent volatilization rate and evaluate the sealing ability of different one-bottle adhesives that were in constant clinical use--an ethanol/water-based adhesive (Single Bond, 3M/ESPE-SB) and an acetone-based adhesive (Prime & Bond 2.1, Dentsply/Caulk-PB). Nine bottles of each agent were collected from the clinics of a dental school, and new ones were used as controls. The weight of all bottles and of empty bottles was determined using an analytical balance. A drop of each solution was dispensed onto the balance, taking its initial weight (IW) and, after 10 min, its final weight (FW). The IW/FW ratio was used to determine the solvents volatilization rate. The bottles with the highest evaporation levels (SB Control and PB Control) and with the lowest evaporation levels (SB Test and PB Test) of each agent were applied in Class V restorations with margins in dentin. Specimens were thermocycled and immersed in a 0.5% basic fuchsin solution. Dye penetration was evaluated under magnification and the data were submitted to the Kruskal-Wallis test. Solvent volatilization was faster for the acetone-based adhesive. IW/FW ratios ranged from 1.239 to 1.515 for SB, and from 3.488 to 6.476 for PB. The PB-Control and SB-Control groups exhibited similar microleakage patterns. The highest dye penetration scores were found for the PB-Test group (p < 0.05). Results indicate that the sealing ability can be affected by the repeated opening of acetone-based adhesive bottles.