Abstract Eugenol is a phenolic compound with numerous biological activities. It is widely used in dentistry to treat toothache and pulpitis. In particular, eugenol may be used for tooth whitening procedures to minimize dental sensitivity in patients. However, eugenol has some disadvantages such as its volatility, its photosensitivity, and immediate effect, which can be avoided by using pharmaceutical nanotechnology. The aim of the present study was to obtain, characterize, quantify, and evaluate the physicochemical stability of eugenol-loaded Eudragit RS100 nanocapsules. The nanocapsules (NCs) were prepared by interfacial deposition of the preformed polymer method. The NCs were characterized through morphological and spectroscopic studies. The encapsulation efficiency was achieved by quantifying the non-encapsulated eugenol using a previously developed and validated analytical method. The physicochemical stability of NCs was assessed at predetermined time intervals for 90 days after preparation. The nanocapsules were successfully prepared by the chosen method and had a predominantly spherical shape with a smooth surface. The mean size, the polydispersion index, and the zeta potential were in agreement to literature data. Infrared spectra ensured that the nanoencapsulation process did not result in chemical reactions between the drug and the polymer. The formulations showed encapsulation efficiency higher than 90% and remained stable after 60 days of preparation. Thus, eugenol-loaded Eudragit RS100 nanocapsules may be further considered as an alternative formulation for dental sensitivity in order to provide a controlled release, a decreased toxicity, and a better dental sensitivity relief.

Resumo Este ensaio clínico avaliou o efeito da coadministração de ibuprofeno/cafeína na sensibilidade dental decorrente de clareamento (SD). Um estudo clínico randomizado, paralelo, triplo-cego, foi realizado em 84 pacientes que receberam cápsulas de ibuprofeno/cafeína ou placebo. Os fármacos foram administrados por 48 horas, começando 1 hora antes do clareamento em consultório. Duas sessões de clareamento foram realizadas com gel de peróxido de hidrogênio 35% com intervalo de 1 semana. A SD foi registrada até 48 horas após o clareamento dental com uma escala visual analógica (VAS) de 0-10 e uma escala de classificação numérica (NRS) de 5 pontos. A cor foi avaliada com as escalas Vita Classical e Vita Bleachedguide (ΔSGU) e com o espectrômetro Vita Easyshade (ΔE*ab e ΔE00). O risco absoluto de SD em ambos os grupos foi avaliado por meio do teste exato de Fischer. As comparações da intensidade da SD (NRS e VAS) foram realizadas utilizando-se o teste Mann-Whitney e uma ANOVA de dois fatores com medidas repetidas, respectivamente. A alteração de cor entre os grupos foi comparada com a o teste t de Student. O nível de significância foi de 5%. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos para o risco absoluto de SD (p = 1,00) ou para a intensidade de SD (p > 0,05). Observou-se clareamento de aproximadamente 7 unidades nas escalas Vita Classical e Vita Bleachedguide, sem diferença estatística entre os grupos. Concluiu-se que a coadministração de ibuprofeno e cafeína não reduziu o risco absoluto ou intensidade da SD e não interferiu na eficácia do clareamento dental.

Abstract This clinical trial evaluated the effect of the coadministration of ibuprofen/caffeine on bleaching-induced tooth sensitivity (TS). A triple-blind, parallel-design, randomized clinical trial was conducted on 84 patients who received ibuprofen/caffeine or placebo capsules. The drugs were administered for 48 hours, starting 1 hour before the in-office bleaching. Two bleaching sessions were performed with 35% hydrogen peroxide gel with 1-week interval. TS was recorded up to 48 hours after dental bleaching with a 0-10 visual analogic scale (VAS) and a 5-point numeric rating scale (NRS). The color was evaluated with VITA Classical and VITA Bleachedguide scales (ΔSGU) and VITA Easyshade spectrophotometer (ΔE*ab and ΔE00). The absolute risk of TS in both groups was evaluated using Fischer's exact test. Comparisons of the TS intensity (NRS and VAS data) were performed by using the Mann-Whitney test and a two-way repeated measures ANOVA, respectively. The color alteration between the groups was compared with the Student's t test. The significance level was 5%. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups for the absolute risk of TS (p = 1.00) or for the intensity of TS (p > 0.05). A bleaching of approximately 7 shade guide units was observed on the Vita Classical and Vita Bleachedguide scales, with no statistical difference between the groups. It was concluded that coadministration of ibuprofen and caffeine did not reduce the absolute risk or intensity of TS and did not interfere with the efficacy of dental bleaching.

INTRODUCTION: In Brazil, AIDS has been described as a multi-faceted pandemic. This study aimed to describe the trends of AIDS in São Mateus microregion, in Espírito Santo, and in Brazil, from 1999 to 2008. METHODS: Data were collected from the Notification Offences System, and a trend analysis was made. RESULTS: Microregion-based results are close to the state and national levels but with particular features that indicate the presence of regional sub-epidemics. CONCLUSIONS: Despite progress in nearly thirty years of the epidemic, AIDS remains an incurable disease, and prevention is still the best defense against it together with the implementation of specific public policies.

Neste trabalho, demonstrou-se a aplicação do método da espectrofotometria de derivadas no doseamento simultâneo de alguns fármacos em produtos farmacêuticos comerciais. Os métodos desenvolvidos apresentaram-se precisos, sensíveis, seletivos, reprodutivos e de baixo custo.

The application of the derivative spectrophotometric method in the simultaneous determinations of some drugs in commercial pharmaceutical products is demonstrated in this work. The developed methods proved to be selective, reproductive and of low cost.