Effect of phototherapy with light-emitting diodes (890 nm) on tendon repair: an experimental model in sheep

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Effect of toothpaste with nano-sized trimetaphosphate on dental caries: In situ study

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

In vitro effect of calcium-containing prescription-strength fluoride toothpastes on bovine enamel erosion under hyposalivation-simulating conditions

Purpose: To evaluate the ability of calcium-containing prescription-strength fluoride (F) toothpastes in preventing enamel erosion under low salivary flow simulating conditions. Methods: Enamel and dentin bovine specimens were assigned to the following groups: A - placebo; B - 1,100 ppm F/NaF (Aquafresh Advanced); C - 5,000 ppm F/NaF (Prevident 5000 Booster); D - 5000 ppm F/NaF+calcium sodium phosphosilicate (Topex Renew); and E - 5,000 ppm F/NaF+tri-calcium phosphate (Clinpro 5000). Specimens were positioned in custom-made devices, creating a sealed chamber on the surface, connected to peristaltic pumps. Citric acid was injected into the chamber for 2 minutes, followed by artificial saliva (0.05 ml/minute), for 60 minutes, 4x/day, for 3 days. Aquafresh was also tested under normal salivary flow (0.5 ml/minute), as reference (Group F). Specimens were exposed to the toothpastes for 2 minutes, 2x/day. After cycling, surface loss (SL) and concentration of loosely- and firmly-bound F were determined. Data were analyzed by ANOVA. Results: Group A (placebo) presented highest surface loss (SL), while Group F had the lowest, for both substrates. For enamel, none of the dentifrices differed from Group B or among each other. For dentin, none of the dentifrices differed from Group B, but Group E showed greater protection than Group C. Group E presented the highest F concentrations for both substrates, only matched by Group D for firmly-bound fluoride on enamel. All fluoridated dentifrices tested reduced SL, with no additional benefit from higher F concentrations. Some formulations, especially Clinpro 5000, increased F availability on the dental substrates, but no further erosion protection was observed.

Effect of an acute β-adrenergic blockade on the blood glucose response during lactate minimum test

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between blood lactate and glucose during an incremental test after exercise induced lactic acidosis, under normal and acute β-adrenergic blockade. Eight fit males (cyclists or triathletes) performed a protocol to determine the intensity corresponding to the individual equilibrium point between lactate entry and removal from the blood (incremental test after exercise induced lactic acidosis), determined from the blood lactate (Lacmin) and glucose (Glucmin) response. This protocol was performed twice in a double-blind randomized order by ingesting either propranolol (80 mg) or a placebo (dextrose), 120 min prior to the test. The blood lactate and glucose concentration obtained 7 minutes after anaerobic exercise (Wingate test) was significantly lower (p<0.01) with the acute β-adrenergic blockade (9.1±1.5 mM; 3.9±0.1 mM), respectively than in the placebo condition (12.4±1.8 mM; 5.0±0.1 mM). There was no difference (p>0.05) between the exercise intensity determined by Lacmin (212.1±17.4 W) and Glucmin (218.2±22.1 W) during exercise performed without acute β-adrenergic blockade. The exercise intensity at Lacmin was lowered (p<0.05) from 212.1±17.4 to 181.0±15.6 W and heart rate at Lacmin was reduced (p<0.01) from 161.2±8.4 to 129.3±6.2 beats min-1 as a result of the blockade. It was not possible to determine the exercise intensity corresponding to Glucmin with β-adrenergic blockade, since the blood glucose concentration presented a continuous decrease during the incremental test. We concluded that the similar pattern response of blood lactate and glucose during an incremental test after exercise induced lactic acidosis, is not present during β-adrenergic blockade suggesting that, at least in part, this behavior depends upon adrenergic stimulation.

In vitro effect of sodium trimetaphosphate additives to conventional toothpastes on enamel demineralization

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of conventional toothpastes (1100 ppm F) supplemented with sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP) in demineralization. Blocks of enamel were selected and then divided into seven experimental groups of 12: toothpaste without F and TMP (placebo), toothpaste with 1100 ppm F (1100), and toothpaste with 1100 ppm F supplemented with TMP-1 % (1100 1 % TMP), 3 % (1100 3 % TMP), 4.5 % (1100 4.5 % TMP), 6 % (1100 6 % TMP), and 9 % (1100 9 % TMP). Blocks were subjected to five pH cycles (demineralizing/remineralizing solutions) at 37 °C and treated with toothpaste slurries twice daily, after which the blocks were maintained for 2 days in fresh remineralizing solution. Following treatments, surface hardness (SHf) and cross-sectional hardness were determined for calculating the integrated loss of subsurface hardness (ΔKHN). The fluoride present in the enamel was also measured. The SHf and ΔKHN measurements showed that supplementation with 3 % TMP was the most effective (p < 0.001) and showed greater concentration of F in the enamel (p < 0.001). Addition of 3 % TMP to a conventional toothpaste (1100 ppm F) showed greater efficacy in reducing enamel demineralization. Fluoride toothpastes containing trimetaphosphate possess good anticaries potential required to reduce the prevalence of dental caries in high-risk patients.

In situ remineralizing effect of fluoride varnishes containing sodium trimetaphosphate

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Synergistic effect of fluoride and sodium hexametaphosphate in toothpaste on enamel demineralization in situ

To evaluate the effect of a fluoride dentifrice containing sodium hexametaphosphate (HMP) on enamel demineralization in situ. This double-blind and cross-over study consisted of 3 phases (7 days each) in which 12 volunteers wore intraoral appliances containing four enamel bovine blocks. Specimens were treated (3×/day) with placebo (no F or HMP), 1100ppm F (1100F) and 1100F plus HMP1% (1100F-HMP1%) toothpastes, and the cariogenic challenge was performed using a 30% sucrose solution (6×/day). Final surface hardness, the percentage of surface hardness loss (%SH), the integrated loss of subsurface hardness (ΔKHN), as well as enamel calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and firmly-bound fluoride (F) were determined. Also, biofilm formed on the blocks were analyzed for F, Ca, P and insoluble extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) concentrations. Data were submitted 1-way ANOVA, followed by Student-Newman-Keuls' test (p<0.05). 1100F-HMP1% promoted the lowest %SH and ΔKHN among all groups (p<0.001). The addition of HMP1% to 1100F did not enhance enamel F uptake, but significantly increased enamel Ca concentrations (p<0.001). Similar EPS concentrations were seen for 1100F-HMP1% and 1100F groups (p>0.05). All the groups were supersaturated with respect to HA. However, only 1100F-HMP1% group was supersaturated with respect to CaF2 (p<0.05). The ionic activities of F(-), CaF(+) and HF(0) for the 1100F-HMP1% group were the highest among all groups (p<0.001). The addition of HMP1% to a conventional toothpaste significantly reduces enamel demineralization in situ when compared to 1100F. This dentifrice could be a viable alternative to patients at high risk of caries.

Sodium bicarbonate supplementation improved MAOD but is not correlated with 200- and 400-m running performances: a double-blind, crossover, and placebo-controlled study

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of acute supplementation of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) on maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD) determined by a single supramaximal effort (MAODALT) in running and the correlation with 200- and 400-m running performances. Fifteen healthy men (age, 23 ± 4 years; maximal oxygen uptake, 50.6 ± 6.1 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)) underwent a maximal incremental exercise test and 2 supramaximal efforts at 110% of the intensity associated with maximal oxygen uptake, which was carried out after ingesting either 0.3 g·kg(-1) body weight NaHCO3 or a placebo (dextrose) and completing 200- and 400-m performance tests. The study design was double-blind, crossover, and placebo-controlled. Significant differences were found between the NaHCO3 and placebo conditions for MAODALT (p = 0.01) and the qualitative inference for substantial changes showed a very likely positive effect (98%). The lactic anaerobic contribution in the NaHCO3 ingestion condition was significantly higher (p < 0.01) and showed a very likely positive effect (99% chance), similar to that verified for peak blood lactate concentration (p < 0.01). No difference was found for time until exhaustion (p = 0.19) or alactic anaerobic contribution (p = 0.81). No significant correlations were observed between MAODALT and 200- and 400-m running performance tests. Therefore, we can conclude that both MAODALT and the anaerobic lactic metabolism are modified after acute NaHCO3 ingestion, but it is not correlated with running performance.

In vitro effect of low-fluoride toothpastes containing sodium trimetaphosphate on enamel erosion

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Effect of the consumption of a symbiotic shake on the intestinal microflora of erdely people

The consumption of foods containing probiotic and prebiotic ingredients is growing consistently every year, and in view of the limited number of studies investigating their effect in the elderly. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the consumption of a symbiotic shake containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum and fructooligosaccharides on glycemia and cholesterol levels in elderly people. Methods A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on twenty volunteers (ten for placebo group and ten for symbiotic group), aged 50 to 60 years. The criteria for inclusion in the study were: total cholesterol > 200 mg/dL; triglycerides > 200 mg/dL and glycemia > 110 mg/dL. Over a total test period of 30 days, 10 individuals (the symbiotic group) consumed a daily dose of 200 mL of a symbiotic shake containing 108 UFC/mL Lactobacillus acidophilus, 108 UFC/mL Bifidobacterium bifidum and 2 g oligofructose, while 10 other volunteers (the placebo group) drank daily the same amount of a shake that did not contain any symbiotic bacteria. Blood samples were collected 15 days prior to the start of the experiment and at 10-day intervals after the beginning of the shake intake. The standard lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol) and glycemia, or blood sugar levels, were evaluated by an enzyme colorimetric assay. Results The results of the symbiotic group showed a non-significant reduction (P > 0.05) in total cholesterol and triglycerides, a significant increase (P < 0.05) in HDL cholesterol and a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in fasting glycemia. No significant changes were observed in the placebo group. Conclusion The consumption of symbiotic shake resulted in a significant increase in HDL and a significant decrease of glycemia.

Minocycline benefits negative symptoms in early schizophrenia: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial in patients on standard treatment

The onset and early course of schizophrenia is associated with subtle loss of grey matter which may be responsible for the evolution and persistence of symptoms such as apathy, emotional blunting, and social withdrawal. Such 'negative' symptoms are unaffected by current antipsychotic therapies. There is evidence that the antibiotic minocycline has neuroprotective properties. We investigated whether the addition of minocycline to treatment as usual (TAU) for 1 year in early psychosis would reduce negative symptoms compared with placebo. In total, 144 participants within 5 years of first onset in Brazil and Pakistan were randomised to receive TAU plus placebo or minocycline. The primary outcome measures were the negative and positive syndrome ratings using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Some 94 patients completed the trial. The mean improvement in negative symptoms for the minocycline group was 9.2 and in the placebo group 4.7, an adjusted difference of 3.53 (s.e. 1.01) 95% CI: 1.55, 5.51; p < 0.001 in the intention-to-treat population. The effect was present in both countries. The addition of minocycline to TAU early in the course of schizophrenia predominantly improves negative symptoms. Whether this is mediated by neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory or others actions is under investigation.

Effect of N-acetylcysteine on markers of skeletal muscle injury after fatiguing contractile activity

The effects of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), an unspecific antioxidant, on fatiguing contractile activity-induced injury were investigated. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to two groups. The placebo group (N=12) received one injection of phosphate buffer (PBS) 1 h prior to contractile activity induced by electrical stimulation. The NAC group (NAC; N=12) received electrical stimulation for the same time period and NAC (500 mg/kg, i.p.) dissolved in PBS 1 h prior to electrical stimulation. The contralateral hindlimb was used as a control, except in the analysis of plasma enzyme activities, when a control group (rats placebo group not electrically stimulated and not treated) was included. The following parameters were measured: tetanic force, muscle fatigue, plasma activities of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), changes in muscle vascular permeability using Evans blue dye (EBD), muscle content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Muscle fatigue was delayed and tetanic force was preserved in NAC-treated rats. NAC treatment decreased plasma CK and LDH activities. The content of muscle-derived ROS, TBARS, EBD and MPO activity in both gastrocnemius and soleus muscles were also decreased by NAC pre-treatment. Thus, NAC has a protective effect against injury induced by fatiguing contractile activity in skeletal muscle.

Effect of NaF and TiF4 varnish and solution on bovine dentin erosion plus abrasion in vitro

Objectives. This in vitro study aimed to analyze the effect of TiF4 compared to NaF varnishes and solutions, to protect against dentin erosion associated with abrasion. Materials and methods. Bovine dentin specimens were pre-treated with NaF-Duraphat (2.26% F), NaF/CaF2-Duofluorid (5.63% F), experimental-NaF (2.45% F), experimental-TiF4 (2.45% F) and placebo varnishes; NaF (2.26% F) and TiF4 (2.45% F) solutions. Controls remained untreated. The erosive pH cycling was performed using a soft drink (pH 2.6) 4 x 90 s/day and the toothbrushing-abrasion 2 x 10 s/day, in vitro for 5 days. Between the challenges, the specimens were exposed to artificial saliva. Dentin tissue loss was measured profilometrically (mu m). Results. ANOVA/Tukey's test showed that all fluoridated varnishes (Duraphat, 7.5 +/- 1.1; Duofluorid, 6.8 +/- 1.1; NaF, 7.2 +/- 1.9; TiF4, 6.5 +/- 1.0) were able to significantly reduce dentin tissue loss (40.7% reduction compared to control) when compared to placebo varnish (11.2 +/- 1.3), control (11.8 +/- 1.7) and fluoridated (NaF, 9.9 +/- 1.8; TiF4, 10.3 +/- 2.1) solutions (p < 0.0001), which in turn did not significantly differ from each other. Conclusion. All fluoridated varnishes, but not the solutions, had a similar performance and a good potential to reduce dentin tissue loss under mild erosive and abrasive conditions in vitro. Risk patients for erosion and abrasion, especially those with exposed dentin, should benefit from this clinical preventive measure. Further research has to confirm this promising result in the clinical situation.

Anxiolytic-like effect of oxytocin in the simulated public speaking test

Oxytocin (OT) is known to be involved in anxiety, as well as cardiovascular and hormonal regulation. The objective of this study was to assess the acute effect of intranasally administered OT on subjective states, as well as cardiovascular and endocrine parameters, in healthy volunteers (n = 14) performing a simulated public speaking test. OT or placebo was administered intranasally 50 min before the test. Assessments were made across time during the experimental session: (1) baseline (-30 min); (2) pre-test (-15 min); (3) anticipation of the speech (50 min); (4) during the speech (1:03 h), post-test time 1 (1:26 h), and post-test time 2 (1:46 h). Subjective states were evaluated by self-assessment scales. Cortisol serum and plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) were measured. Additionally, heart rate, blood pressure, skin conductance, and the number of spontaneous fluctuations in skin conductance were measured. Compared with placebo, OT reduced the Visual Analogue Mood Scale (VAMS) anxiety index during the pre-test phase only, while increasing sedation at the pre-test, anticipation, and speech phases. OT also lowered the skin conductance level at the pre-test, anticipation, speech, and post-test 2 phases. Other parameters evaluated were not significantly affected by OT. The present results show that OT reduces anticipatory anxiety, but does not affect public speaking fear, suggesting that this hormone has anxiolytic properties.

Topical Insulin Accelerates Wound Healing in Diabetes by Enhancing the AKT and ERK Pathways: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Wound healing is impaired in diabetes mellitus, but the mechanisms involved in this process are virtually unknown. Proteins belonging to the insulin signaling pathway respond to insulin in the skin of rats. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the regulation of the insulin signaling pathway in wound healing and skin repair of normal and diabetic rats, and, in parallel, the effect of a topical insulin cream on wound healing and on the activation of this pathway. Research Design and Methods: We investigated insulin signaling by immunoblotting during wound healing of control and diabetic animals with or without topical insulin. Diabetic patients with ulcers were randomized to receive topical insulin or placebo in a prospective, double-blind and placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial (NCT 01295177) of wound healing. Results and Conclusions: Expression of IR, IRS-1, IRS-2, SHC, ERK, and AKT are increased in the tissue of healing wounds compared to intact skin, suggesting that the insulin signaling pathway may have an important role in this process. These pathways were attenuated in the wounded skin of diabetic rats, in parallel with an increase in the time of complete wound healing. Upon topical application of insulin cream, the wound healing time of diabetic animals was normalized, followed by a reversal of defective insulin signal transduction. In addition, the treatment also increased expression of other proteins, such as eNOS (also in bone marrow), VEGF, and SDF-1 alpha in wounded skin. In diabetic patients, topical insulin cream markedly improved wound healing, representing an attractive and cost-free method for treating this devastating complication of diabetes.