Abstract Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) is a fruit that has an inhibitory effect on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) present in dentin and saliva. The inhibition of MMPs has been shown to prevent dentin erosion. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of cranberry juice on the reduction of dentin erosion in vitro. Specimens of bovine dentin (4×4×2 mm) were randomized and divided into 4 groups (n = 17/group): distilled water (C-control, pH 7.2); green tea extract solution containing 400 µm epigallo-catechin-gallate (EGCg, positive control, pH 4.5); 10% cranberry extract (CrE, pH 3.9), and cranberry juice (CrJ, Cranberry JuxxTM, pH 2.8). Specimens were submitted to erosive pH cycles for 5 days. Each day, four demineralizations were carried out with 0.1% citric acid (90 s). After the acid challenges, specimens were rinsed and kept in treatment solutions for 1 min; afterwards, they were rinsed and stored in artificial saliva for 1 h at 37°C (or overnight at the end of each day). After the experimental period of 5 days, dentin loss was evaluated by contact profilometry. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). Dentin loss (µm ± SD) was significantly lower for all treatments (EGCg = 9.93 ± 2.90; CrE = 12.10 ± 5.44; CrJ = 11.04 ± 5.70) compared to control (21.23 ± 11.96), but it did not significantly differ from each other. These results indicate that the commercial cranberry juice, despite its low pH, is able to reduce dentin erosion, which might be due to the ability of cranberry components to inhibit MMPs.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To study the influence of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) on tissue reaction when incorporated into a polymeric matrix of polyacrylic acid-based (Carbopol®) gel as a proposal for a new low-cost type of biomaterial that is simple to manufacture for use as an antimicrobial and antioxidative dressing. Methods: In-vivo tests of implantation in the subcutaneous tissue of the back of rats were performed using polyethylene tubes in three situations: empty, only the gel, and gel incorporated with AgNP. Then, the tissue reaction was studied by counting inflammatory cells. Additionally, in-vitro tests of the antioxidative and antimicrobial activity of AgNP were performed. The radical 2,2 diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was used to test the antioxidative activity of AgNP using electron spin resonance. The antimicrobial activity of AgNP was determined by minimum inhibitory concentration against the microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. Results: The results indicated that AgNP presents antioxidative activity and was able to inhibit the growth of the microorganisms tested. The addition of AgNP in Carbopol® did not alter the tissue inflammatory response (p>0.05, Kruskal-Wallis’s test). Conclusions: The new biomaterial is promising for future use as a dressing for its beneficial properties for regenerative processes.

Abstract In this work, the natural latex extracted from Harconia speciosa was incorporated with silver nanoparticles (AgNP) to compose a functional biomaterial associating the intrinsic angiogenic activity of the latex and the antimicrobial activity of AgNP. Tissue reaction after subcutaneous implantation in dorsum of rats of membranes without AgNP and with 0.05%, 0.4% AgNP was compared at 3, 7 and 25 days. No statistically significant difference in the tissue response of the different biomaterials was observed, indicating that AgNP did not interfere with the inflammatory reaction (p > 0.05) or with the angiogenic activity of latex. Biomembranes were also tested against bacterial biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus and the antimicrobial activity of the new biomaterial can be found with bacteria crenation (0.05% AgNP) and no biofilm deposition (0.4% AgNP). Therefore, this biomaterial has interesting properties for the tissue repair process and may be feasible for future applications as dressing.

RESUMO O sorriso gengival, é uma das grandes queixas dos pacientes, devido a sua influência na auto estima do mesmo. Sua causa é multifatorial, podendo estar presente no excesso de crescimento vertical da maxila, contração labial excessiva, lábio superior curto e extrusão dos dentes anteriores. A aplicação da toxina botulínica pode ser associada a outros tratamentos ou isoladamente, de acordo com a necessidade de cada paciente. O objetivo desse trabalho foi apresentar um caso clinico utilizando a toxina botulínica tipo A como uma alternativa terapêutica para a correção do sorriso gengival. Paciente, 22 anos, apresentando crescimento vertical da maxila, relatando desconforto estético ao sorrir, optou pela alternativa terapêutica, com a aplicação da toxina botulínica para correção da exposição gengival acentuada. Os resultados encontrados mostram que a toxina é um tratamento satisfatório e sua indicação é considerada um tratamento rápido, eficaz, fácil e seguro. Um método mais conservador quando comparado aos procedimentos cirúrgicos.

ABSTRACT Gummy smile is one of the major complaints of patients, due to its influence on the self-esteem. It is known that it has a multifactorial cause and can be present in the excessive vertical growth of the maxilla, excessive labial contraction, short upper lip and extrusion of the anterior teeth. The use of the botulinum toxin can be associated with additional treatments or be applied individually, according to the need of each patient. The goal of this research study was to present a clinical case using botulinum toxin type A as an alternative therapy to correct the gummy smile. A 22-year-old patient, presenting vertical maxillary growth, reporting aesthetic discomfort while smiling, chose for an alternative treatment therapy with the application of botulinum toxin to correct the accentuated gingival display. The results show that the toxin is a satisfactory treatment option and its indication is considered a fast, effective, easy and safe treatment method, being a more conservative approach compared to surgical procedures.

Abstract This work evaluated polyurethane (Polyquil®) as a graft for treatment of bone defects. Bone defects of 1.5 × 0.5 cm were made in the calvaria of 16 rabbits. Eight animals had their defects treated with Polyurethane (Treated) and 8 of them had their defects filled with blood clot (Control). In the second experiment, segmental defects of 0.5 cm were performed at the zygomatic arch of 16 rabbits. Eight animals were treated by guided bone regeneration, using a latex membrane, associated to grafting of polyurethane while the others were not treated (Control). The bone tissue morphometry in the craniotomy experiment resulted in a higher bone volume in the Treated group at 60 days (p <0.05, t student test). Microscopic and radiographic images demonstrate the formation of a bone bridge in the segmental defect, 60 and 120 days after surgery in the Treated group, different from the Control group with incomplete healing.

Resumo A poluição de ambientes aquáticos em decorrência de atividades antrópicas negativas permanece sendo um grande problema. Para se obter conhecimento acerca dos níveis biológicos de poluentes disponíveis no meio, os bioindicadores tornam-se uma ferramenta muito útil no auxílio das análises químicas da água que primariamente descrevem a total concentração do respectivo poluente. Nesse contexto, o objetivo desse trabalho foi o de empregar a técnica de Espectroscopia de Ressonância do Spin Eletrônico (ESR) para detectar a presença de poluentes, diretamente em espécimes de Neoechinorhynchus curemai e nos tecidos do seu hospedeiro Prochilodus lineatus, assim também como na água e sedimento do rio Batalha, no mesmo ponto onde os peixes foram coletados. A análise do espectro das amostras identificou a presença de três metais (Cu2+, Fe3+ e Mn2+), além do óxido nítrico (NO) e do ácido húmico (AH). A quantificação dos elementos nas amostras só foi possível para o Cu, detectado no espectro dos parasitos, que foi de 2ppm. A ESR se mostrou eficiente na detecção de íons metálicos de transição (Cu2+, Fe3+ e Mn2+), além do NO e do AH. Entretanto, a baixa concentração desses compostos nos tecidos (fígado, músculo e intestino) de P. lineatus. não possibilitaram sua quantificação, já que as concentrações dos mesmos estão abaixo do limite de detecção do aparelho. É possível concluir que N. curemai teve a capacidade de acumular esses íons, especialmente cobre.

Abstract Aquatic environmental pollution due to negative human activities remains a major problem. Bioindicators that primarily describe the total concentration of the respective pollutant are very useful tools to aid in the chemical analysis of water in order to obtain knowledge about the levels of pollutants in the environment. This study therefore used Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy (ESR) to detect the presence of transition metals (copper, iron and manganese) and possible radicals present in samples of Neoechinorhynchus curemai and its host tissues Prochilodus lineatus, as well in water and sediment of the Batalha River, at the same sample site where fish were collected. Spectral analysis of samples showed the presence of three metals (Cu2+, Fe3+ and Mn2+), in addition to nitric oxide (NO) and humic acid (HA). Quantification of the elements in the samples was possible only for Cu detected in the spectrum of parasites, which was equivalent to 2 ppm. ESR proved to be efficient in the detection of transition-metal ions (Cu2+, Fe3+ and Mn2+), in addition to NO and HA. However, the low concentration values of these compounds in P. lineatus tissues (liver, muscle and intestine) and in the water and sediment samples collected did not allow their quantification, as they were below the limit of detection. It can be concluded that N. curemai had the capacity to accumulate these ions, especially copper.

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the bone structure of the mandibular condyle through an animal model, after ovariectomy. Methods: Thirty-six female Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups. The OVX group was submitted to bilateral ovariectomy, the SHAM group underwent the same surgical treatment, but without removal of the ovaries. After 90, 105 and 135 days after surgery, six animals from each group were submitted to euthanasia and the part containing the condyle was removed. Results: The microscopic analysis shows an increase in marrow spaces over time in the OVX group. The morphometric study shows reduction in the amount of bone tissue in the OVX group 135 days period in comparison with for the initial period (90 days) (p <0.05, ANOVA, Tukey). Conclusion: The estrogen deficiency also affects the bone structure of the condyle.

RESUMO Este trabalho relata a datação de um dente humano e concha fóssil encontrados no sítio arqueológico Toca do Enoque, localizado no Parque Nacional da Serra das Confusões (Piauí, Brasil), onde muitas pinturas pré-históricas foram encontradas. Durante uma escavação arqueológica, três enterramentos com esqueletos humanos e algumas conchas foram encontrados. Para a determinação da dose equivalente recebida por cada amostra, as medidas de Espectroscopia por Ressonância do Spin Eletrônico (ESR) para as datações do dente e da concha foram realizadas de forma independente por dois laboratórios brasileiros, em Ribeirão Preto (USP) e em Recife (UFPE). As idades obtidas para o dente e a concha por ambos os laboratórios são semelhantes (~ 4.8kyBP). Estes resultados estão de acordo com a datação por C-14 da concha e outras amostras (carvão) encontradas no mesmo sepultamento. Assim, este trabalho oferece uma comparação válida de resultados de datação por ESR de dois laboratórios independentes e entre dois métodos de datação, ou seja, C-14 e ESR com resultados que mostram a validade para a datação por ESR para essa faixa de idades.

ABSTRACT This work reports the dating of a fossil human tooth and shell found at the archaeological site Toca do Enoque located in Serra das Confusões National Park (Piauí, Brazil). Many prehistoric paintings have been found at this site. An archaeological excavation unearthed three sepulchers with human skeletons and some shells. Two Brazilian laboratories, in Ribeirão Preto (USP) and Recife (UFPE), independently performed Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) measurements to date the tooth and the shell and obtain the equivalent dose received by each sample. The laboratories determined similar ages for the tooth and the shell (~4.8 kyBP). The results agreed with C-14 dating of the shell and other samples (charcoal) collected in the same sepulcher. Therefore, this work provides a valid inter-comparison of results by two independent ESR-dating laboratories and between two dating methods; i.e., C-14 and ESR, showing the validity of ESR dating for this range of ages.

O Brasil é o maior produtor mundial de café e os preços dessa mercadoria são diretamente influenciados pela qualidade dos grãos. A atividade antioxidante do café foi relacionada com a sua qualidade de bebida através de Espectroscopia de Ressonância de spin eletrônico (ESR), como uma tentativa de estabelecer um método não subjetivo para classificar a qualidade do grão. O teste IC50 e o monitoramento temporal da fração do radical DPPH não reduzida pelas três qualidades de bebida Mole (Alta), Dura (Média) e Rio (Baixa) foram determinados. Uma solução metanólica de 2,2-difenil-1-picril-hidrazila (DPPH), que tem um radical estável e um espectrômetro JEOL FA-200 (banda-X) foram utilizados para os ensaios. O monitoramento temporal da reação entre o radical e o café foi registrado por espectros de ESR. A taxa de radicais reduzidos ou antioxidados foi determinada no tempo e para cada qualidade da bebida do café foram encontrados diferentes inclinações da curva: Mole (0,32 ± 0,02), Dura (0,47 ± 0,02) e Rio (0,60 ± 0,02). O resultado de IC50 de qualidade Baixa (2,7 ± 0,9) foi diferente dos valores de Mole (7,8 ± 1,9) e Dura (6,5 ± 1,5), mas não existiu nenhuma diferença entre os resultados de Mole e Dura, em razão da incerteza associada. Portanto, os resultados encontrados, principalmente para o monitoramento temporal, estabelecem uma nova metodologia quantitativa para classificar a qualidade de bebida dos grãos de café.

Brazil is the largest producer of coffee in the world and coffee prices are directly linked to grain quality. In this work, the antioxidant activity of coffee was related to its quality through Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy (ESR), as an attempt to establish a non-subjective method to classify the grain quality. For that purpose, the IC50 and temporal monitoring of its non-oxidized fraction were determined for three bean qualities: Soft (High), Hard (Medium) and Rio (Low). Methanolic solution of 2,2-difenil-1-picril-hidrazila (DPPH), that has a stable radical and a JEOL FA-200 (X-Band) spectrometer were used for these tests. The temporal monitoring of reaction between radical and coffee was performed. The rate of reduced or of antioxidated radicals was determined on time and for each coffee beverage quality were found different slopes of curve: Soft (0.32±0.02), Hard (0.47±0.02) and Rio (0.60±0.02). The IC50 result of Rio quality (2.7 ± 0.9) was different from the Soft (7.8 ± 1.9) and Hard (6.5 ± 1.5) values, but there was no difference between the High and Medium results due to the uncertainty associated. Therefore the results found, mainly for monitoring temporal, establish a new quantitative methodology for classifying the coffee beverage quality.

The tissue reaction of bone tissue accessed by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images after polyurethane resin implantation is presented in this study. Twenty four male rabbits were used, divided into two groups of 12 animals each (experimental group and control group) in which full-thickness cranial defect was surgically created. At 30 and 90 days post operation 6 animals of each group were euthanized and bone samples were removed for analysis. The microscopic results indicated no inflammatory foreign body reaction, a perfect union between the polymer and surgical bone bed surface, lack of bone resorption and presence of a thin layer of osteogenic material covering the polymer surface in contact with the surgical bone bed. The SEM images demonstrate the porosity of the resin, with diameters from 120 to 500 µm. This important feature of this polymer is associated with its osteoconductivity, allowing the bone growth inside it, improving the integration between the material and bone tissue. These results confirm that polyurethane resin derived from Ricinuscommunis is an excellent bone substitute for use in repair surgery for great bone losses.

Ipomoea imperati (Vahl) Griseb., Convolvulaceae, is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammation, swelling and wounds, as well as to treat pains and stomach problems. This work evaluates the anti-oxidative activity by ESR (Electron Spin Resonance spectroscopy) and the preventive and curative actions of I. imperati in gastric ulcer animal model. Ipomoea imperati (200 mg/kg, p.o.) prevented the formation of gastric lesions in 78% (p<0.05) when compared with the negative control tween 80. Lanzoprazole, prevented in 85% the gastric lesions formation induced by ethanol (p<0.05). Therefore, the oral administration of I. imperati one hour before the ulcerogenic agent prevented the ulcer formation, conserving the citoprotection characteristics of the gastric mucosa and assuring the integrity of gastric glands and gastric fossets. The healing activity of I. imperati (200 mg/kg, p.o.) evaluated in chronic ulcer experiments induced by the acetic acid, was 72% (p<0.05). The positive control, ranitidine, healed 78% of the gastric lesions (p<0.05). The histological analysis confirmed the recovery of the mucosal layer and the muscle mucosal layer harmed by the acetic acid. Experiments in vitro with DPPH (2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) of anti-oxidative activity demonstrated that I. imperati presents an IC50 of 0.73±0.01 mg/mL.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a diffusible messenger that has been involved in numerous physiological processes ranging from vasodilatation and antimicrobial properties to wound healing. The beneficial effects can be attributed to the role NO plays in angiogenesis, inflammation and tissue remodeling. In the present work, a polymeric device for the sustained site specific delivery of nitric oxide using a latex rubber matrix from Hevea brasiliensis which encapsulates the spin trap iron(II)- diethyldithiocarbamate complex (FeDETC) was developed. The release profiles of NO from latex rubber matrix were studied and stability studies were carried out. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) signal of NO was detected in the membrane exposed to ambient atmosphere at room temperature (25 °C) even after 350 hours. FTIR spectroscopy data indicated that NO-FeDETC retained its structural and spectroscopic properties upon encapsulation in the latex matrix. The NO delivery system developed in this work as a membrane, presented high stability.

Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) can be used successfully in controlled release drug delivery due to their excellent matrix forming properties. Recently, NRL has shown to stimulate angiogenesis, cellular adhesion and the formation of extracellular matrix, promoting the replacement and regeneration of tissue. A dermatological delivery system comprising a topically acceptable, inert support impregnated with a metronidazole (MET) solution was developed. MET 2-(2- methyl- 5-nitro- 1H- imidazol- 1-yl) ethanol, has been widely used for the treatment of protozoa and anaerobic bacterial infections. MET is a nitroimidazole anti-infective medication used mainly in the treatment of infections caused by susceptible organisms, particularly anaerobic bacteria and protozoa. In a previous study, we have tested NRL as an occlusive membrane for GBR with promising results. One possible way to decrease the inflammatory process, it was incorporated the MET in NRL. MET was incorporated into the NRL, by mixing it in solution for in vitro protein delivery experiments. The solutions of latex and MET were polymerized at different temperatures, from -100 to 40 °C, in order to control the membrane morphology. SEM microscopy analysis showed that the number, size and distribution of pores in NRL membranes varied depending on polymerization temperature, as well as its overall morphology. Results demonstrated that the best drug-delivery system was the membrane polymerized at -100 °C, which does release 77,1% of its MET content for up 310 hours.

In this work, we propose natural rubber latex (NRL) membranes as a protein delivery system. For this purpose Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) was incorporated into the latex solution for in vitro protein delivery experiments. Different polymerization temperatures were used, from -10 to 27 °C, in order to control the membrane morphology. These membranes were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), as well as the Lowry Method to measure the BSA release. SEM and AFM microscopy analysis showed that the number, size and distribution of pores in NRL membranes can be varied, as well as its overall morphology. We have found that the morphology of the membrane is the predominant factor for higher protein release, compared with pore size and number of pores. Results demonstrated that the best drug-delivery system was the membrane polymerized at RT (27 °C), which does release 66% of its BSA content for up to 18 days. Our results indicate that NRLb could be used in the future as an active membrane that could accelerate bone healing in GBR.