Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of the natural polyphenol chlorogenic acid

Phenolic compounds are numerous and ubiquitous in the plant kingdom, being particularly present in health-promoting foods. Epidemiological evidences suggest that the consumption of polyphenol-rich foods reduces the incidence of cancer, coronary heart disease and inflammation. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is one of the most abundant polyphenol compounds in human diet. Data obtained from in vivo and in vitro experiments show that CGA mostly presents antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic activities. However, the effects of CGA on the inflammatory reaction and on the related pain and fever processes have been explored less so far. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antipyretic activities of CGA in rats. In comparison to control, CGA at doses 50 and 100 mg/kg inhibited carrageenin-induced paw edema beginning at the 2nd hour of the experimental procedure. Furthermore, at doses 50 and 100 mg/kg CGA also inhibited the number of flinches in the late phase of formalin-induced pain test. Such activities may be derived from the inhibitory action of CGA in the peripheral synthesis/release of inflammatory mediators involved in these responses. On the other hand, even at the highest tested dose (200 mg/kg), CGA did not inhibit the febrile response induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in rats. Additional experiments are necessary in order to clarify the true target for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of CGA. © 2006 Pharmaceutical Society of Japan.

Evaluation of antidiarrhoeal effects of Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae) aqueous leaf extract in mice

A crude aqueous extract of the leaves of the guava tree, Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae), were studied for antidiarrhoeal effects, to place one of its traditional medical uses. The extract induced a decrease in the propulsive movements of the intestinal contents in mice. These findings suggested that an aqueous extract of guava leaves may be used as an effective treatment for non-specific diarrhoea in folk medicine.

Evaluation of adverse effects of long-term oral administration of carprofen, etodolac, flunixin meglumine, ketoprofen, and meloxicam in dogs

Objective - To evaluate adverse effects of long-term oral administration of carprofen, etodolac, flunixin meglumine, ketoprofen, and meloxicam in dogs. Animals - 36 adult dogs. Procedures - Values for CBC, urinalysis, serum biochemical urinalyses, and occult blood in feces were investigated before and 7, 30, 60, and 90 days after daily oral administration (n = 6 dogs/group) of lactose (1 mg/kg, control treatment), etodolac (15 mg/kg), meloxicam (0.1 mg/kg), carprofen (4 mg/kg), and ketoprofen (2 mg/kg for 4 days, followed by 1 mg/kg daily thereafter) or flunixin (1 mg/kg for 3 days, with 4-day intervals). Gastroscopy was performed before and after the end of treatment. Results - For serum γ-glutamyltransferase activity, values were significantly increased at day 30 in dogs treated with lactose, etodolac, and meloxicam within groups. Bleeding time was significantly increased in dogs treated with carprofen at 30 and 90 days, compared with baseline. At 7 days, bleeding time was significantly longer in dogs treated with meloxicam, ketoprofen, and flunixin, compared with control dogs. Clotting time increased significantly in all groups except those treated with etodolac. At day 90, clotting time was significantly shorter in flunixin-treated dogs, compared with lactose-treated dogs. Gastric lesions were detected in all dogs treated with etodolac, ketoprofen, and flunixin, and 1 of 6 treated with carprofen. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance - Carprofen induced the lowest frequency of gastrointestinal adverse effects, followed by meloxicam. Monitoring for adverse effects should be considered when nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to treat dogs with chronic pain.

Influence of cavity preparation and curing method on the marginal seal of resin composite restorations: an in vitro evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of cavity design and photocuring method on the marginal seal of resin composite restorations. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Seventy-two bovine teeth were divided into 2 groups: group 1 received box-type cavity preparations, and group 2 received plate-type preparations. Each group was divided into 3 subgroups. After etching and bonding, Z250 resin composite (3M Espe) was applied in 2 equal increments and cured with 1 of 3 techniques: (1) conventional curing for 30 seconds at 650 mW/cm2; (2) 2-step photocuring, in which the first step was performed 14 mm from the restoration for 10 seconds at 180 mW/cm2 and the second step was performed in direct contact for 20 seconds at 650 mW/cm2; or (3) progressive curing using Jetlite 4000 (J. Morita) for 8 seconds at 125 mW/cm2 and then 22 seconds at 125 mW/cm2 up to 500 mW/cm2. The specimens were thermocycled for 500 cycles and then submitted to dye penetration with a 50% silver nitrate solution. Microleakage was assessed using a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and Tukey test (5% level of significance). RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found between groups when a double interaction between photocuring and cavity preparation was considered (P = .029). CONCLUSIONS: No one type of cavity preparation or photocuring method prevented micro-leakage. The plate-type preparation showed the worst dye penetration when conventional and progressive photocuring methods were used. The best results were found using the 2-step photocuring with the plate-type preparation.

Evaluation of the thermoplasticity of different gutta-percha cones and Resilon®

The goal of this study was to evaluate the thermoplasticity of conventional and thermoplastic gutta-percha and Resilon®, a polyester polymer-based material. Specimens with standardised dimensions were made from the following materials: conventional and thermoplastic gutta-percha (Dentsply), conventional and thermoplastic gutta-percha (Endopoints) and Resilon®. After 24 h, the specimens were placed in water at 70°C for 60 s, and thereafter positioned between two glass slabs. Each set was compressed by a 5-kg weight. Digital images of the specimens before and after compression were obtained and analysed. The thermoplasticity of each material was confirmed by the difference between final and initial areas of each sample. The data were analysed statistically by ANOVA and Tukey's test at a 5% significance level. Resilon® had the highest thermoplasticity means (P < 0.05). Among the gutta-percha cones, Endopoints TP (thermoplastic) presented the highest thermoplasticity means and differed significantly from the other commercial brands (P < 0.05). Resilon® had good thermoplasticity, endorsing its use as a thermoplastic root canal filling material. © 2007 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2007 Australian Society of Endodontology.

An evaluation of the productivity of mischocyttarus drewseni in a semi-urban environment (Hymenoptera: Polistinae)

The biology and productivity of Myschocytarus drewseni were studied in semi urban conditions at Rio Claro, S P - Brazil. We observed 51 nest foundations, of which 24 (47%) were destroyed or predated, 13 (25.5 %) were abandoned and 14 (27.5%) completed the cycle. The life-span of colonies ranged from 44-427 days with a mean of 216.7 ± 140.6 days, producing 8-390 cells with a mean of 125.7 ± 137.9 cells, and 2-303 adults with a mean of 89.4 ± 110.36 adults. We observed a maximum of 3 utilizations/cell. This showed that the species presents asynchronous foundation and abandoningoccurs throughout the year. Also, the chance of a colony utilizing the same cells two or three times for adult production is highly dependent on the colony size/age, and the relation between them is positive, meaning that there is a greater chance of cell re-utilization in larger/older colonies.

In vitro evaluation of surface roughness of 4 resin composites after the toothbrushing process and methods to recover superficial smoothness.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the efficiency of repolishing, sealing with surface sealant, and the joining of both in decreasing the surface roughness of resin-based composites after a toothbrushing process. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Ten specimens of each composite (Alert, Z100, Definite, and Prodigy Condensable), measuring 2 mm in thickness and 4 mm in diameter, were made and submitted to finishing and polishing processes on both sides of the specimens using the Sof-Lex system. The specimens were then subjected to toothbrushing (30,000 cycles), and surface roughness (Ra) was analyzed with a Surfcorder SE 1700 profilometer. The upper surface of each composite was etched with 37% phosphoric acid, and the surface-penetrating sealant Protect-it was applied on 1 surface. The roughness of these surfaces was again measured. On the other side, the surface of the specimen was repolished, and the efficiency of this procedure was measured using the profilometer. The surface roughness resulting from the joining of the 2 methods was verified by applying, in the final stage, the surface-penetrating sealant on the repolished surface. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance and Tukey test (P <.05). RESULTS: Results showed that the lowest surface roughness values were obtained for Definite, Z100, and Prodigy Condensable after the repolishing process and after the repolishing plus sealing. For Alert, the joining of repolishing plus sealing promoted the lowest values of surface roughness. CONCLUSION: Of the resin-based composites, Alert demonstrated the highest values of surface roughness in all the techniques tested.

SEM evaluation of in situ early bacterial colonization on a Y-TZP ceramic: A pilot study

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of surface glazing and polishing of yttrium-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal ceramic on early dental biofilm formation, as well as the effect of brushing on the removal of adhered bacteria. Two subjects used oral appliances with polished and glazed samples fixed to the right and left sides. After 20 minutes, 1 hour, and 6 hours, the subjects manually brushed the samples on the right side. The samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Granular material was verified on the samples, especially on irregular surfaces. After 1 hour, there was no significant difference between glazed and polished surfaces in terms of bacterial presence. However, glazed surfaces tended to accumulate more biofilm, and brushing did not completely remove the biofilm. Polished surfaces seem to present a lower tendency for biofilm formation. Int J Prosthodont 2007;20:419-422.

In vitro evaluation of marginal leakage in bonded restorations, with mechanical or chemical-mechanical (Carisolv) removal of carious tissue

This study carried out an in vitro evaluation and comparison of the occurrence of marginal leakage in bonded restorations using mechanical or chemical-mechanical (Carisolv) removal of carious tissue. For that purpose, 40 extracted decayed human molars were divided into 4 groups: GI (burs + Prime & Bond NT + TPH), GII (Carisolv + Prime & Bond NT + TPH), GIII (burs + SBMP + Z100) and GIV (Carisolv + SBMP + Z100). After accomplishment of the restorations and thermal cycling, the teeth were exposed to dye, sectioned and qualitatively evaluated. The results demonstrated that the system of removal of carious tissue did not influence the results of microleakage at any of the cavity margins. At dentinal margins, use of the Prime & Bond NT + TPH restorative system allowed the occurrence of less microleakage than the SBMP + Z100 system.

Comparative study of disk diffusion and microdilution methods for evaluation of antifungal activity of natural compounds against medical yeasts Candida spp and Cryptococcus sp

Antifungal activity of natural products has been tested by adapting methods designed for synthetic drugs. In this study, two methods for the determination of antifungal activity of natural products, agar diffusion and broth microdilution, the CLSI reference methods for synthetic drugs, are compared and discussed. The microdilution method was more sensitive. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of crude extracts, fractions and pure substances from different species of the plant families Piperaceae, Rubiaceae, Clusiaceae, Fabaceae and Lauraceae, from the Biota project, were determined. Antifungal activities against Candida albicans, C.krusei, C.parapsilosis and Cryptococcus neoformans were produced by several samples.

The effects of up to 240 days of tacrolimus therapy on the gingival tissues of rats - A morphological evaluation

Background: Tacrolimus, an immunosuppressive drug used in organ transplantation, has been reported not to induce gingival overgrowth. However, prevalence studies are limited, and the methods used for assessing gingival overgrowth varies among studies. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of up to 240 days of tacrolimus therapy on gingival tissues of rats. Materials and methods: Rats were treated for 60, 120, 180 and 240 days with daily subcutaneous injections of 1 mg/kg body weight of tacrolimus. After histological processing, the oral and connective tissue, volume densities of fibroblasts (Vf), collagen fibers (Vcf) and other structures (Vo) were assessed in the region of the lower first molar. Results: After 60 and 120 days of treatment with tacrolimus, gingival overgrowth was not observed. The gingival epithelium, connective tissue, as well as the values for Vf, Vcf, and Vo were similar to those of the control rats (P > 0.05). After 180 and 240 days of the treatment, gingival overgrowth was associated with a significant increase in the gingival epithelium and connective tissue as well as an increase in the V f and Vcf (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Within the limits of the experimental study, it may be concluded that the deleterious side effects of tacrolimus on the gingival tissues of rats may be time-related. © 2007 Blackwell Munksgaard All rights reserved.

In vitro evaluation of the effect of natural orange juices on dentin morphology

The patient's diet has been considered an important etiological factor of dentin hypersensitivity. The frequent ingestion of acidic substances can promote the loss of dental structure or remove the smear layer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the degree of smear layer removal and dentinal tubules exposure by different natural orange juices. Extracted human teeth were submitted to manual scaling in order to develop the smear layer. Seventy dentin samples were obtained and distributed into the following groups: Control, lime orange, lime, valência orange, navel orange, mandarin, and tangerine. Each group included 2 methods of application: Topical and topical + friction. After preparation for SEM analysis, photomicrographs were assessed by a blind calibrated examiner using an index system. The Kruskal-Wallis test indicated a significant influence of the orange juices on smear layer removal. Significant difference was observed between navel orange, valência orange, mandarin and the control group (p < 0.05). These orange juices resulted in greater removal of the smear layer and greater opening of dentinal tubules. The comparison between the application methods for each group using the Mann-Whitney test showed that friction increased smear layer removal significantly only for lime orange and lime. The data suggest that certain natural orange juices are more effective in terms of smear layer removal and dentinal tubules exposure than others.

Recurrent urinary tract infections: Evaluation of the prophylactic efficacy of urinary antiseptics methenamine and methylthioninium chloride

Introduction: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a very common condition in clinical practice, affecting an estimated 50% of all adult women during a lifetime. The most common causative agent is E. coli; UTI may also be caused by S. saprophyticus, Enterobacteria (Klebsiella sp and Serratia sp.), Enterococcus sp., and P aeruginosa. Recurrent UTIs occur at least twice per semester or three times a year. Prophylactic measures to prevent recurrent UTIs include changes in contraception methods, cranberry products, increased fluid intake, urination after intercourse, vaginal estrogen therapy for post-menopausal women, antibiotics, and urinary tract antiseptic agents. Objectives: To evaluate the use of a combination of methenamine and methyl-thioninium chloride in the prophylaxis of recurrent uncomplicated lower UTIs, with respect to: • Signs and symptoms of UTI • Etiologic agent(s) • Recurrence rates • Need for antibiotic therapy in case of recurrence • Incidence of adverse events associated with the treatment, including any reported alterations of laboratory tests Materials & methods: A descriptive, analytic, restrospective study was performed at Hospital Universitário Constantino Otaviano - UNIFESO. Medical charts from patients presenting recurrent uncomplicated lower UTI attended from 2001-present were analyzed, including the following information: Demographic data (age, gender, weight, ethnicity, living conditions): medical history/signs and symptoms of UTI; identification of treatment and dosing regimens; treatment duration; recurrence rates and need for antibiotic therapy in case of recurrence; other medications prescribed; and records of adverse events. Results: E. coli was identified as etiologic agent in 80% of the patients. Following antibiotic therapy, all patients received prophylactic treatment with the combination of methenamine and methylthioninium chloride. Treatment duration ranged from three to six months. Adverse events were observed in 13/60 patients (21.7%). At the end of the respective treatment periods, a statistically significant (p<0.0001) number of patients showed no UTI recurrence. Conclusion: Based on the results from the collected data, we conclude that an orally administered combination of methenamine and methylthioninium chloride is safe and effective in the prophylactic treatment of recurrent uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection. © Copyright Morelra Jr. Editora.

Evaluation of two mineral trioxide aggregate compounds as pulp-capping agents in human teeth

Aim: The present randomized, controlled prospective study evaluated the histomorphological response of human dental pulps capped with two grey mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) compounds. Methodology: Pulp exposures were performed on the occlusal floor of 40 human permanent pre-molars. The pulp was capped either with ProRoot (Dentsply) or MTA-Angelus (Angelus) and restored with zinc oxide eugenol cement. After 30 and 60 days, teeth were extracted and processed for histological examination and the effects on the pulp were scored. The data were subjected to Kruskal-Wallis and Conover tests (α = 0.05). Results: In five out of the 40 teeth bacteria were present in pulp tissue. No significant difference was observed between the two materials (P > 0.05) in terms of overall histological features (hard tissue bridge, inflammatory response, giant cells and particles of capping materials). Overall, 94% and 88% of the specimens capped with MTA-Angelus and ProRoot, respectively, showed either total or partial hard tissue bridge formation (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Both commercial materials ProRoot (Dentsply) and MTA-Angelus (Angelus) produced similar responses in the pulp when used for pulp capping in intact, caries-free teeth. © 2009 International Endodontic Journal.

Longitudinal bond strength evaluation using the deproteinized dentin technique

This study evaluated bond strength to dentin as a result of storage time for conventional adhesive systems (with or without collagen) that had been deproteinized with 10% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). For this study, 72 human molars were sectioned in a mesiodistal axial plane and embedded in acrylic resin; at that point, the vestibular and lingual surfaces were worn down with abrasive paper. Acid etching was performed for 15 seconds (using 37% phosphoric acid) and the specimens were divided into 12 groups (n = 6), depending on the adhesive system used, the dentin treatment performed, and the length of evaluation (24 hours or six months). A resin composite was inserted over the prepared area with the aid of a metal matrix. Following a mechanical shear test, fractured surfaces were analyzed by stereomicroscope and the data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test. It was concluded that the dentin deproteinization treatment with 10% NaOCI improved the bond strength in five of the six groups. The bond strength after 24 hours was significantly higher than the bond strength measured after six months. Of the three adhesive systems tested in this study, DenTASTIC UNO demonstrated the lowest bond strength.