Effect of antidepressants on melatonin metabolite in depressed patients

Antidepressants increase melatonin levels, but it is still unclear whether this effect is related to the improvement of depressive symptoms or to unrelated pharmacological action of antidepressants. To answer this question, the effect of antidepressants on 6-sulphatoxymelatonin (aMT6s), the main melatonin urinary metabolite, was examined in drug-free depressed patients - most of them antidepressant-naive. aMT6s was evaluated in 34 depressed patients, before and after 8 weeks of placebo (n = 12) or antidepressant (n = 22; fluoxetine, duloxetine or Hypericum perforatum). Both groups showed an improvement of depressive symptoms after treatment compared to baseline (Hamilton Depression scores): 17.0 +/- 1.4 vs. 9.0 +/- 2.8, P = 0.007 for placebo, and 18.6 +/- 1.1 vs. 11.8 +/- 1.6, P < 0.001 for antidepressants). After treatment, aMT6s levels increased after antidepressants (P < 0.01), but not after placebo (P > 0.05). As depressive symptoms improved both in patients taking antidepressant and in those taking placebo, but an effect of antidepressants could only be seen in those taking antidepressants, we suggest that melatonin changes after antidepressants are more likely due to a pharmacological action of these drugs on melatonin secretion.

Effect of Calcium Pre-rinse and Fluoride Dentifrice on Enamel and on Dental Plaque Formed In Situ

Purpose: The aim of this in situ double-blind randomised crossover study was to investigate the effect of calcium (Ca) pre-rinse on the composition of plaque and on enamel prior to the use of fluoride (F) dentifrice. Materials and Methods: During four phases (14 days each) of this study, 10 volunteers had agreed to wear dental appliances containing two healthy bovine enamel blocks. A fresh solution containing 20% weight/volume (w/v) sucrose was dripped on the enamel blocks ex vivo for 5 min three times a day. Subsequently, the appliances were replaced in the mouth, and the volunteers rinsed their mouth with 10 mL of a Ca (150 mmol/L) or a placebo rinse (1 min). In sequence, a slurry (1:3 w/v) of F (1030 ppm) or placebo dentifrice was dripped onto the blocks ex vivo for 1 min. During this time, the volunteers brushed their teeth with the respective dentifrice. The appliances were replaced in the mouth, and the volunteers rinsed their mouth with water. The plaque formed on the blocks was analysed for F and Ca. The enamel demineralisation as well as the incorporation of F on enamel was evaluated by cross-sectional microhardness and alkali-soluble F analysis, respectively. Data were tested using analysis of variance (P < 0.05). Results: The Ca pre-rinse prior to the use of the F dentifrice led to a three- and sixfold increase in the plaque F and Ca concentrations, respectively. It also did not have any additive effect on the F content on the enamel and the demineralisation of the enamel, in comparison with the use of F dentifrice alone. Conclusions: A Ca lactate rinse used prior to the F dentifrice was able to change the mineral content in the plaque, but it was unable to prevent enamel demineralisation.

Effect of the consumption of a new symbiotic shake on glycemia and cholesterol levels in elderly people with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: 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 10(8) UFC/mL Lactobacillus acidophilus, 10(8) 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.

Effect of progesterone and/or estradiol treatments prior to induction of ovulation on subsequent luteal lifespan in anestrous Nelore cows

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Effect of Different Fluoride Concentrations of Experimental Dentifrices on Enamel Erosion and Abrasion

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

The effect of an experimental 4% TiF(4) varnish compared to NaF varnishes and 4% TiF(4) solution on dental erosion in vitro

This in vitro study assessed the effect of an experimental 4% TiF(4) varnish compared to commercial NaF and NaF/CaF(2) varnishes and 4% TiF(4) solution on enamel erosion. For this, 72 bovine enamel specimens were randomly allocated to the following treatments: NaF varnish (2.26% F), NaF/CaF(2) varnish (5.63% F), 4% TiF(4) varnish (2.45% F), F-free placebo varnish, 4% TiF(4) solution (2.45% F) and control (not treated). The varnishes were applied in a thin layer and removed after 6 h. The solution was applied to the enamel surface for 1 min. Then, the specimens were alternately de- and remineralized (6 times/day) in an artificial mouth for 5 days at 37 degrees C. Demineralization was performed with the beverage Sprite (1 min, 3 ml/min) and remineralization with artificial saliva (day: 59 min, 0.5 ml/min; during the night: 0.1 ml/min). The mean daily increment of erosion and the cumulative erosion data were tested using ANOVA and ANCOVA, respectively, followed by Tukey's test (alpha = 0.05). The mean daily erosion increments and cumulative erosion (micrometers) were significantly less for the TiF(4) varnish (0.30 +/- 0.11/0.65 +/- 0.75) than for the NaF varnish (0.58 +/- 0.11/1.47 +/- 1.07) or the NaF/CaF(2) varnish (0.62 +/- 0.10/1.68 +/- 1.17), which in turn showed significantly less erosion than the placebo varnish (0.78 +/- 0.12/2.05 +/- 1.43), TiF(4) solution (0.86 +/- 0.11/2.05 +/- 1.49) and control (0.77 +/- 0.16/2.06 +/- 1.49). In conclusion, the TiF(4) varnish seems to be a promising treatment to reduce enamel loss under mild erosive conditions. Copyright (C) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Effect of different concentrations of fluoride in dentifrices on dentin erosion subjected or not to abrasion in situ/ex vivo

This in situ/ex vivo study assessed the effect of different concentrations of fluoride in dentifrices on dentin subjected to erosion or to erosion plus abrasion. Ten volunteers took part in this crossover and double-blind study performed in 3 phases (7 days). They wore acrylic palatal appliances containing 4 bovine dentin blocks divided in two rows: erosion and erosion plus abrasion. The blocks were subjected to erosion by immersion ex vivo in a cola drink (60 s, pH 2.6) 4 times daily. During this step, the volunteers brushed their teeth with one of three dentifrices D (5,000 ppm F, NaF, silica); C (1,100 ppm F, NaF, silica) and placebo (22 ppm F, silica). Then, the respective dentifrice slurry (1: 3) was dripped on dentin surfaces. While no further treatment was performed in one row, the other row was brushed using an electric toothbrush for 30 s ex vivo. The appliances were replaced in the mouth and the volunteers rinsed with water. Dentin loss was determined by profilometry and analyzed by 2-way ANOVA/Bonferroni test (alpha = 0.05). Dentin loss after erosive-abrasive wear was significantly greater than after erosion alone. Wear was significantly higher for the placebo than for the D and C dentifrices, which were not significantly different from each other. It can be concluded that the presence of fluoride concentrations around 1,100 ppm in dentifrices is important to reduce dentin wear by erosion and erosion + abrasion, but the protective effect does not increase with fluoride concentration. Copyright (C) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Effect of rinsing with water immediately after neutral gel and foam fluoride topical application on enamel remineralization: An in situ study

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Effect of a 4% titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) varnish on demineralisation and remineralisation of bovine enamel in vitro

Objectives: This in vitro study assessed the effect of a 4% TiF4 varnish on demineralisation and remineralisation of sound enamel and artificial carious enamel lesions, respectively.Methods: Bovine sound and carious enamel (n = 110) were randomly allocated to each type of varnish: Duraphat (R))-D (NaF, 2.26%F, pH 4.5, Colgate-Brazil, n = 30), Duofluorid (R)-F (NaF, 2.71%F, pH 8.0, FGM-Brazil, n = 30), TiF4-T (2.45%F, pH 1.0, FGM-Brazil, n = 30) and no-fluoride-P (FGM-Brazil, pH 5.0, n = 20). For the formation of artificial enamel caries, half of the blocks were immersed in 32 mL buffer acetate solution (16 h), whereas the other half was maintained sound. The varnishes were applied onto the enamel surfaces. Thus, the samples were subjected to pH cycles (37 degrees C) for 7 days. The response variables tested were surface and cross-sectional hardness. Data were tested using Kruskal-Wallis test (p < 0.05).Results: All F varnishes significantly reduced demineralisation and increased remineralisation in comparison to placebo. The TiF4 did not significantly reduce the surface enamel softening when compared with the other F varnishes, but it decreased the loss of subsurface hardness to the same extent. In enamel blocks with previous artificial carious lesions, the TiF4 significantly improved the rehardening compared to the other varnishes up to 30 mu m depth.Conclusions: The TiF4 varnish was able to decrease the demineralisation and increase the remineralisation of previously sound and carious enamel, respectively. It was equally effective compared to NaF varnishes on reducing the demineralisation at subsurface, but it was more effective on improving the remineralisation at surface and subsurface. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of Mouth Rinses with Fluoride and Trimetaphosphate on Enamel Erosion: An in vitro Study

The effect of mouth rinses containing fluoride (100 mu g/ml) and sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP) on enamel erosion was evaluated in vitro. Bovine enamel blocks were subjected to erosive challenges 4 times per day for 5 min, followed by treatment with placebo, 225 mu g F/ml, 100 mu g F/ml, 100 mu g F/ml and TMP (0.2, 0.4 and 0.6%) solutions (30 s) and storage in artificial saliva, over a duration of 5 days. TMP groups showed lower enamel wear than fluoride-only and placebo groups (p < 0.05). Addition of TMP at a TMP:NaF molar proportion between 1.24:1 and 3.72:1 to a solution containing 100 mu g F/ml presented a greater protective effect under erosive conditions than a solution containing 225 mu g F/ml, in the absence of TMP. Copyright (C) 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel

Effect of Calcium Pre-rinse and Fluoride Dentifrice on Enamel and on Dental Plaque Formed In Situ

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Effects of isoflavone on the learning and memory of women in menopause: a double-blind placebo-controlled study

Hormone decline is common to all women during aging and, associated with other factors, leads to cognitive impairment. Its replacement enhances cognitive performance, but not all women present a clinical and family or personal history that justifies its use, mainly women with a history of cancer. The aim of this study was to determine whether a daily oral dose of 80 mg of isoflavone extract for 4 months can produce benefits in women with low hormone levels, contributing to improvement in cognitive aspects. The sample comprised 50- to 65-year-old women whose menstruation had ceased at least 1 year before and who had not undergone hormone replacement. The volunteers were allocated to two groups of 19 individuals each, i.e., isoflavone and placebo. There was a weak correlation between menopause duration and low performance in the capacity to manipulate information (central executive). We observed an increase in the capacity to integrate information in the group treated with isoflavone, but no improvement in the capacity to form new memories. We did not observe differences between groups in terms of signs and symptoms suggestive of depression according to the Geriatric Depression Scale. Our results point to a possible beneficial effect of isoflavone on some abilities of the central executive. These effects could also contribute to minimizing the impact of memory impairment. Further research based on controlled clinical trials is necessary to reach consistent conclusions.

Effect of estrogen therapy, soy isoflavones, and the combination therapy on the submandibular gland of ovariectomized rats

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Effect of calcium pre-rinse and fluoride dentifrice on remineralisation of artificially demineralised enamel and on the composition of the dental biofilm formed in situ

Objective: This in situ blind crossover study investigated the effect of calcium (Ca) rinse prior to the use fluoride (F) dentifrice on remineralisation of artificially demineralised enamel and on the composition of biofilm. Design: During four phases of 14 days, 10 volunteers wore appliances containing two artificially demineralised bovine enamel blocks. Three times a day, they rinsed with 10 mL, of Ca (150 mM) or placebo rinse (1 min). A slurry (1:3, w/v) of F (1030 ppm) or placebo dentifrice was dripped onto the blocks. During I min, the volunteers brushed their teeth with the respective dentifrice. The appliance was replaced into the mouth and the volunteers rinsed with water. The biofilm formed on the blocks was analysed for F and Ca. Enamel alterations were evaluated by the percentage of surface microhardness change (%SMHC), cross-sectional microhardness (% mineral volume) and alkali-soluble F analysis. Data were analysed by ANOVA (p < 0.05). Results: the use of the Ca pre-rinse before the F dentifrice produced a six- and four-fold increase in biofilm F and Ca concentrations, respectively. For enamel, the remineralisation was significantly improved by the Ca pre-rinse when compared to the other treatments. There was a significantly higher concentration of alkali-soluble F in enamel when the F dentifrice was used, but the Ca pre-rinse did not have any significant additive effect. Conclusions: According to our protocol, the Ca pre-rinse significantly increased biofilm F concentration and, regardless the use of F dentifrice, significantly enhanced the remineralisation of artificially demineralised enamel. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Use of Etoricoxib and Celecoxib for Pain Prevention After Periodontal Surgery: A Double-Masked, Parallel-Group, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)