Abstract: The objective of this study was to compare the periradicular responses in endodontic infections among members of two populations: an urban Brazilian population and a non-mixed indigenous population. Samples were collected immediately and 7 days after the cleaning and shaping procedures (after reducing the intracanal microbial load) in an attempt to characterize the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-9, interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-17, IL-10, and the chemokines CXCR4, CCL2/monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, and CCR6. The endogenous cytokine and chemokine expression levels were analyzed using real-time PCR. Only the urban population showed a significant increase in TNF-α, CCL2/MCP-1, CXCR4, and CCR6 expression following the cleaning and shaping of the root canal system. The IFN-γ levels were increased at the 2nd collection (p < 0.05) in the indigenous population. In turn, a significant increase in IL-10 and IL-17 expression (p < 0.05) was observed after the cleaning and shaping procedures (2nd collection) in both populations. No significant differences in the IL-1β, IL-9, and CCL4 expression levels were observed between the 1st and 2nd collections in both populations. The results demonstrate a cytokine and chemokine expression profile that is specific to each analyzed population. However, immune modulation mediated by IL-10 began on the 7th day after the beginning of the endodontic treatment in both populations.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to analyze the epidemiological profile of oral health of Sateré-Mawé indigenous people living in Barreirinha, Amazonas (AM), Brazil, and the Tikuna indigenous people living in the urban area of Manaus (AM), in addition to characterizing the need for endodontic treatment between the two ethnic groups. A total of 138 individuals participated in the study, of whom 98 were Tikuna and 40 were Sateré-Mawé; they were distributed in age groups ranging from seven to 75 years. A very high prevalence of caries was observed in both ethnic groups. For the Sateré-Mawé in the 7–12 age group, the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index presented a mean value of 3.17. Comparing the DMFT index and the need for endodontic treatment in each of the ethnicities, these variables were found to be correlated, because as the DMFT index increases, the chances of needing endodontic treatment increase. The Sateré-Mawé presented a higher prevalence of need for endodontic treatment compared to the Tikuna. The association of comorbidities and the need for endodontic treatment were demonstrated only in the Tikuna, and there was only a correlation of this necessity with the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in one case. The need to expand access to oral health in these communities is emphasized, taking into account geographical access and technological, environmental, linguistic, and cultural barriers.

Abstract The aim of this study is to evaluate the expression of cytokines in response to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) plus selenium in germ-free mice with experimental furcal perforation. The first left maxillary molar was opened, and the furcal area was perforated and treated with post-MTA-Se (experimental group). The same surgical intervention was performed for the maxillary right first molar, which was treated with MTA (control group). Fifteen mice were sacrificed 7, 14, and 21 days after furcal perforation, and periapical tissue samples were collected. The mRNA expression levels of the cytokines TGF-β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, HPRT, IL-10, IL-4, RANK, RANKL, IL-1, and IL-17 were assessed by using real-time polymerase chain reaction. In the experimental group, at 21-days post-MTA-Se sealing, the mRNA levels of TNF-α and IL-10 were upregulated compared with those in the control group (p < 0.05). Futher assessment revealed basal mRNA expression levels of IL-1α, IFN-γ, RANK, RANKL, IL-17A, IL-4, and TGF-β, over long experimental times, in both the experimental and control groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, MTA+Se sealing favoured increased expression of IL-10 and TNF-α at later time points (day 21).

Abstract Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is the most prevalent genetic disease worldwide. Recurrent vaso-occlusive infarcts predispose SCA patients to infections, which are the primary causes of morbidly and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between SCA and endodontic diseases. Personal information, medical data (hematological indices, virologic testing, blood transfusions, medications received, splenectomy) and information on the need for endodontic treatment were obtained from SCA patients who were registered and followed up by the Fundação Hemominas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.These data were compared with the need for root canal treatment in SCA patients. One hundred eight patients comprised the studied population, and the rate of the need for endodontic therapy was 10.2%. Among the medical data, a significant difference was observed for eosinophil (p = 0.045) counts and atypical lymphocyte counts (p = 0.036) when the groups (with and without the need for endodontic treatment) were compared. Statistical relevance was observed when comparing the patients with and without the need for root canal therapy concerned eosinophil counts and atypical lymphocyte counts. The differences in statistical medical data, observed between the groups suggest that both parameters are naturally connected to the stimulation of the immune system that can occur in the presence of root canal infections and that can be harmful to SCA individuals.

<p>O objetivo desse artigo foi avaliar a expressão das citocinas induzidas por MTA após a perfuração experimental de furca, em camundongos. Camundongos Balb/c (n=5) foram submetidos à perfuração induzida da furca do primeiro molar superior, seguido pelo selamento da mesma com MTA no lado esquerdo (grupo experimental) e com parafina no lado direito (grupo controle). Os animais foram sacrificados 7, 14 e 21 dias após o tratamento da perfuração. A expressão gênica dos níveis de IFN-γ, TNF- α, IL-10, IL-4, TGF- β e RANKL foram investigadas por PCR em tempo real nos dentes e tecidos adjacentes. No grupo experimental, após 7 dias, houve uma diminuição da expressão dos níveis de TNF- α e IL-4 comparados ao 14° dia (p<0,05). Nesses mesmos grupos, os níveis de mRNA de RANKL, IFN- γ e TNF- α foram estatisticamente maiores após 14 dias comparados a 21 dias após o tratamento com MTA (p<0,05). Os níveis de IL-10 estavam aumentados no 21^o dia (p<0,05). A expressão de mRNA do TGF- β não apresentou alteração estatisticamente relevante. Houve uma redução estatística da expressão gênica da IL-4 quando os grupos controle e experimental foram comparados nos dias 7 e 21. Em conclusão, o selamento com MTA favoreceu a expressão de citocinas pró-inflamatórias na fase intermediária da resposta imuno-inflamatória (14^o dia). A redução dessas citocinas, na fase tardia da resposta, ocorreu provavelmente devido à imunoregulação da expressão de IL-10.</p>

<p>The aim of this study was to evaluate mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)-induced cytokine expression in mice after experimental furcal perforation. BALB/c mice (n=5) were subjected to induced furcal drilling of the maxillary first molar followed by MTA sealing in the left side (experimental group) and paraffin sealing in the right side (control group). Animals were euthanized at 7, 14 and 21 days after sealing the perforations. The expression levels of the IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-4, TGF-β and RANKL genes were investigated by real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the teeth and surrounding tissues. In the experimental groups, after the 7th day, there was a down-regulation of the mRNA levels of TNF-α and IL-4 compared to the 14th day (p<0.05). In these groups, the mRNA levels of RANKL, IFN-γ and TNF-α were statistically higher after 14 days compared to 21 days post-MTA sealing (p<0.05). The level of IL-10 mRNA was increased at the 21st day (p<0.05). The mRNA expression of TGF-β did not exhibit any statistically relevant results. There was a statistical down-regulation of IL-4 gene expressions when control and experimental groups were compared at days 7 and 21. In conclusion, MTA sealing favored the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the intermediate phase of the immuno-inflammatory response (14th day). The reduction of these cytokines in later phase of the response was probably due to immunoregulation by IL-10.</p>

O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar socioeconomicamente a comunidade pomerana do Alto Santa Maria, localizada no município de Santa Maria de Jetibá (ES) e investigar os principais fatores de exposição aos agrotóxicos. Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado a partir de um questionário semi-estruturado, reunindo informações de 151 famílias. A análise foi baseada em estatísticas descritivas e modelos de regressão logística. Os resultados revelaram que a maioria dos membros da comunidade é o proprietário da terra. A participação das crianças nas atividades agrícolas é uma tradição da cultura pomerana. O uso de agrotóxicos nas lavouras nesta comunidade começou na década de oitenta e, desde então, diferentes tipos de agrotóxicos são frequentemente usados pela população rural. Os modelos de regressão logística que associam a presença de algum problema de saúde com o tipo de limpeza da terra, uso de agrotóxicos, frequência de aplicação dos agrotóxicos e uso de equipamento de proteção mostraram que a chance de um indivíduo apresentar algum problema de saúde está relacionada com o uso de agrotóxicos e o grau de escolaridade é um fator importante para o uso de equipamentos de proteção. A comunidade pomerana estudada possui hábitos culturais que contribuem para a exposição aos agrotóxicos.

The objective of this article is to characterize social and economically the Pomeranian community from "Alto Santa Maria" in the municipality of Santa Maria de Jetibá at Espírito Santo State and investigate the main factors of pesticides exposure in rural community. A cross-sectional study was carried out interviewing 151 members of a rural Pomeranian community using a semi-structured questionnaire. The analysis was based in descriptive statistics and logistics regression models. The results revealed that the majority of the community members own their land. The child participation in agricultural activities is a tradition in the Pomeranian culture. The use of pesticides by this community began in the 80s since then; different types of pesticides have frequently been used by rural residents. The logistic regression models that associate the presence of some health problem with how the land is cleaned, pesticides usage, pesticides application frequency and the use of protection equipment, showed that the chance of an individual to present some health problem is related with the use of pesticides. Another regression model showed that the education level is an important factor to the use of protection equipment. The Pomeranian community studied has some cultural habits that contribute for the exposure of pesticides.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar socioeconomicamente a comunidade pomerana do Alto Santa Maria, localizada no município de Santa Maria de Jetibá (ES) e investigar os principais fatores de exposição aos agrotóxicos. Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado a partir de um questionário semi-estruturado, reunindo informações de 151 famílias. A análise foi baseada em estatísticas descritivas e modelos de regressão logística. Os resultados revelaram que a maioria dos membros da comunidade é o proprietário da terra. A participação das crianças nas atividades agrícolas é uma tradição da cultura pomerana. O uso de agrotóxicos nas lavouras nesta comunidade começou na década de oitenta e, desde então, diferentes tipos de agrotóxicos são frequentemente usados pela população rural. Os modelos de regressão logística que associam a presença de algum problema de saúde com o tipo de limpeza da terra, uso de agrotóxicos, frequência de aplicação dos agrotóxicos e uso de equipamento de proteção mostraram que a chance de um indivíduo apresentar algum problema de saúde está relacionada com o uso de agrotóxicos e o grau de escolaridade é um fator importante para o uso de equipamentos de proteção. A comunidade pomerana estudada possui hábitos culturais que contribuem para a exposição aos agrotóxicos.

The objective of this article is to characterize social and economically the Pomeranian community from "Alto Santa Maria" in the municipality of Santa Maria de Jetibá at Espírito Santo State and investigate the main factors of pesticides exposure in rural community. A cross-sectional study was carried out interviewing 151 members of a rural Pomeranian community using a semi-structured questionnaire. The analysis was based in descriptive statistics and logistics regression models. The results revealed that the majority of the community members own their land. The child participation in agricultural activities is a tradition in the Pomeranian culture. The use of pesticides by this community began in the 80s since then; different types of pesticides have frequently been used by rural residents. The logistic regression models that associate the presence of some health problem with how the land is cleaned, pesticides usage, pesticides application frequency and the use of protection equipment, showed that the chance of an individual to present some health problem is related with the use of pesticides. Another regression model showed that the education level is an important factor to the use of protection equipment. The Pomeranian community studied has some cultural habits that contribute for the exposure of pesticides.

O controle de tratamento da leishmaniose mucosa (LM) pode ser realizado pelo exame clínico e o acompanhamento dos títulos sorológicos da reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI). Estudamos a correlação entre a presença de antígeno no tecido através da reação de imuno-histoquímica, os títulos da reação de imunofluorescência indireta e os achados anatomopatológicos, em quinze pacientes com LM, antes e após as lesões estarem cicatrizadas pela avaliação otorrinolaringológica, e avaliamos qual destes parâmetros pode ter utilidade no seguimento. Após a terapêutica houve negativação do antígeno tecidual em quatro doentes (grupo A), sendo a redução ou negativação dos títulos da RIFI estatisticamente significante (p<0.05), o que não ocorreu nos doentes, em que houve permanência do antígeno posteriormente ao tratamento (grupo B), sugerindo que o acompanhamento sorológico deva ser realizado conjuntamente com a pesquisa do antígeno tecidual, associação que não conhecemos ter sido utilizada anteriormente em outro estudo. A negativação do antígeno tecidual e o comportamento dos títulos da RIFI nos doentes do grupo A, provavelmente indicam menor possibilidade de recidiva. Ao exame anatomo-patológico, o processo inflamatório persistiu após a terapêutica, mesmo no grupo A, sugerindo que a permanência da atividade inflamatória em lesões clinicamente cicatrizadas, possivelmente correlaciona-se com a presença do antígeno ou a algum fator desconhecido.

Treatment of mucosal leishmaniasis (ML) can be controlled by clinical examination and by serologic titers by the indirect immunofluorescence serologic reaction (IISR). We studied the correlation between the presence of antigen in tissue determined by immunohistochemistry, the IISR titers and the anatomopathologic findings in fifteen patients with ML before and after healing of the lesions as determined by otorhinolaryngologic evaluation, and evaluated these parameters to determine which of them could be useful during follow-up. Tissue antigens became negative in four patients (group A) after treatment, with a statistically significant reduction or negativity of IISR titers (p<0.05). This did not occur in patients in whom the antigen persisted after treatment (group B), suggesting that serologic follow-up should be performed together with the search for tissue antigen, a combination which, to our knowledge, has not been used in previous studies. The negativity of tissue antigens and the behavior of IIRS titers in group A patients probably indicate a lower possibility of recurrence. Upon anatomopathologic examination the inflammatory process was found to persist after treatment even in group A, suggesting that the permanence of inflammatory activity even in clinically healed lesions is possibly correlated with the presence of the antigen or of some unknown factor.