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The exploitation of phonon-polaritons in nanostructured materials offers a pathway to manipulate infrared (IR) light for nanophotonic applications. Notably, hyperbolic phonon-polaritons (HP2) in polar bidimensional crystals have been used to demonstrate strong electromagnetic field confinement, ultraslow group velocities, and long lifetimes (up to ∼12 ps). Here we present nanobelts of α-phase molybdenum trioxide (α-MoO3) as a low-dimensional medium supporting HP2 modes in the mid- and far-IR ranges. Through real-space nanoimaging techniques with synchrotron and tunable laser IR light, we observe HP2 Fabry-Perot resonances that demonstrate distinct anisotropic propagation and frequency dependence. We remark an anisotropic propagation that critically depends on the frequency range. Our findings are supported by the convergence of experiment, theory, and numerical simulations. Our work shows that the low dimensionality of natural nanostructured crystals, like α-MoO3 nanobelts, provides an attractive platform to study polaritonic light-matter interactions and offers appealing cavity properties that could be harnessed in future designs of compact nanophotonic devices.

Chloroviruses exhibit a close relationship with their hosts with the phenotypic aspect of their ability to form lytic plaques having primarily guided the taxonomy. However, with the isolation of viruses that are only able to complete their replication cycle in one strain of Chlorella variabilis , systematic challenges emerged. In this study, we described the genomic features of 53 new chlorovirus isolates and used them to elucidate part of the evolutionary history and taxonomy of this clade. Our analysis revealed new chloroviruses with the largest genomes to date (>400 kbp) and indicated that four genomic features are statistically different in the viruses that only infect the Syngen 2-3 strain of C. variabilis (OSy viruses). We found large regions of dissimilarity in the genomes of viruses PBCV-1 and OSy-NE5 when compared with the other genomes. These regions contained genes related to the interaction with the host cell machinery and viral capsid proteins, which provided insights into the evolution of the replicative and structural modules in these giant viruses. Phylogenetic analysis using hallmark genes of Nucleocytoviricota revealed that OSy-viruses evolved from the NC64A-viruses, possibly emerging as a result of the strict relationship with their hosts. Merging phylogenetics and nucleotide identity analyses, we propose strategies to demarcate viral species, resulting in seven new species of chloroviruses. Collectively, our results show how genomic data can be used as lines of evidence to demarcate viral species. Using the chloroviruses as a case study, we expect that similar initiatives will emerge using the basis exhibited here.IMPORTANCEChloroviruses are a group of giant viruses with long dsDNA genomes that infect different species of Chlorella- like green algae. They are host-specific, and some isolates can only replicate within a single strain of Chlorella variabilis . The genomics of these viruses is still poorly explored, and the characterization of new isolates provides important data on their genetic diversity and evolution. In this work, we describe 53 new chlorovirus genomes, including many isolated from alkaline lakes for the first time. Through comparative genomics and molecular phylogeny, we provide evidence of genomic gigantism in chloroviruses and show that a subset of viruses became highly specific for their hosts at a particular point in evolutionary history. We propose criteria to demarcate species of chloroviruses, paving the way for an update in the taxonomy of other groups of viruses. This study is a new and important piece in the complex puzzle of giant algal viruses.

Purpose: The biceps brachii muscle (BBM) is a large and thick muscle on the ventral portion of the upper arm. The scientific literature reports the existence of extra heads., Objective: The present work investigated the frequency of occurrence of BBM accessory head(s) in four different Anatomy Laboratories at universities in Northeast Brazil., Material and Methods: Once the upper limbs with an anatomical variation of the BBM heads were identified, the accessory head was evaluated for morphometric characterization (the length, width, and thickness)., Results: The sample consisted of 249 upper limbs and the outcomes were 26 members with BBM accessory heads (10.44% of the total sample). Among the 26 members studied was found a single accessory head in 22 (84.62%), two accessory heads in 3 (11.54%), and three accessory heads in 1 (3.85%). BBMs with one, two, and three accessory heads were found, with different origins. The average length, width, and thickness of these accessory heads were 169.39mm, 10.25mm, and 3.39mm, respectively., Conclusion: The frequency of BBM accessory heads in a population of northeastern Brazil in this cadaveric study was 10.44%., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Infections during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of neuropsychiatric disorders with developmental etiologies, such as schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Studies have shown that the animal model of maternal immune activation (MIA) reproduces a wide range of phenotypes relevant to the study of neurodevelopmental disorders. Emerging evidence shows that (R)-ketamine attenuates behavioral, cellular, and molecular changes observed in animal models of neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we investigate whether (R)-ketamine administration during adolescence attenuates some of the phenotypes related to neurodevelopmental disorders in an animal model of MIA. For MIA, pregnant Swiss mice received intraperitoneally (i.p.) lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 100 µg/kg/day) or saline on gestational days 15 and 16. The two MIA-based groups of male offspring received (R)-ketamine (20 mg/kg/day; i.p.) or saline from postnatal day (PND) 36 to 50. At PND 62, the animals were examined for anxiety-like behavior and locomotor activity in the open-field test (OFT), as well as in the social interaction test (SIT). At PND 63, the prefrontal cortex (PFC) was collected for analysis of oxidative balance and gene expression of the cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TGF-β1. We show that (R)-ketamine abolishes anxiety-related behavior and social interaction deficits induced by MIA. Additionally, (R)-ketamine attenuated the increase in lipid peroxidation and the cytokines in the PFC of the offspring exposed to MIA. The present work suggests that (R)-ketamine administration may have a long-lasting attenuation in deficits in emotional behavior induced by MIA, and that these effects may be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in the PFC., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany.)

Natural products are well-known due to their antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of Desplac® product (composed of Aloe Vera, Propolis Extract, Green Tea, Cranberry, and Calendula) on the subgingival biofilm. Two different protocols were used to treat the 33-species biofilms: (A) 2×/day (12/12  h) for 1  min with Desplac® or Noplak Toothpaste (Chlorhexidine + Cetylpyridinium Chloride) or Oral B ProGengiva (stannous Fluoride) or a placebo gel; (B) a 12-h use of the Desplac® product or 0.12% chlorhexidine gel or a placebo gel. After 7 days of biofilm formation, the metabolic activity (MA) and biofilm profile were determined by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride and Checker-board DNA-DNA hybridization, respectively. Statistical analysis used the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's post-hoc. In protocol A, all treatments presented reduced MA compared to the placebo ( p  ≤ 0.05). The Desplac®-treated biofilm showed a similar microbial profile to other antimicrobials, although with higher bacterial total counts. In protocol B, MA of Desplac®-treated biofilms was lower than the placebo's MA but higher than chlorhexidine-treated biofilms ( p  ≤ 0.05). Pathogen levels in Desplac®-treated biofilms were lower than in placebo-treated biofilms and elevated compared to the chlorhexidine-treated biofilms ( p  ≤ 0.05). Desplac® inhibited the biofilm development and disrupted the mature subgingival biofilm, highlighting its effect on Tannerella forsythia counts., Competing Interests: EO was the owner of Sysplac Company that produces Desplac product. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Bueno-Silva, Kiausinus, Gonçalves, Moreira, Oliveira, Brugnera Junior, Feres and Figueiredo.)

The alliance between 3D printing and nanomaterials brings versatile properties to pharmaceuticals, but few studies have explored this approach in the development of skin delivery formulations. In this study, clobetasol propionate (CP) was loaded (about 25% w/w ) in mesoporous silica nanomaterial (MSN) to formulate novel bioadhesive and hydrophilic skin delivery films composed of pectin (5% w/v ) and carboxymethylcellulose (5% w/v ) by 3D printing. As a hydrophobic model drug, CP was encapsulated in MSN at a 3:1 ( w/w ) ratio, resulting in a decrease of CP crystallinity and an increase of its dissolution efficiency after 72 h (65.70 ± 6.52%) as compared to CP dispersion (40.79 ± 4.75%), explained by its partial change to an amorphous form. The CP-loaded MSN was incorporated in an innovative hydrophilic 3D-printable ink composed of carboxymethylcellulose and pectin (1:1, w/w ), which showed high tensile strength (3.613 ± 0.38 N, a homogenous drug dose (0.48 ± 0.032 mg/g per film) and complete CP release after 10 h. Moreover, the presence of pectin in the ink increased the skin adhesion of the films (work of adhesion of 782 ± 105 mN·mm). Therefore, the alliance between MSN and the novel printable ink composed of carboxymethylcellulose and pectin represents a new platform for the production of 3D-printed bioadhesive films, opening a new era in the development of skin delivery systems.

The global demand for industrial enzymes has been increasing in recent years, and the search for new sources of these biological products is intense, especially in microorganisms. Most known viruses have limited genetic machinery and, thus, have been overlooked by the enzyme industry for years. However, a peculiar group of viruses breaks this paradigm. Giant viruses of the phylum Nucleocytoviricota infect protists (i.e., algae and amoebae) and have complex genomes, reaching up to 2.7 Mb in length and encoding hundreds of genes. Different giant viruses have robust metabolic machinery, especially those in the Phycodnaviridae and Mimiviridae families. In this review, we present some peculiarities of giant viruses that infect protists and discuss why they should be seen as an outstanding source of new enzymes. We revisited the genomes of representatives of different groups of giant viruses and put together information about their enzymatic machinery, highlighting several genes to be explored in biotechnology involved in carbohydrate metabolism, DNA replication, and RNA processing, among others. Finally, we present additional evidence based on structural biology using chitinase as a model to reinforce the role of giant viruses as a source of novel enzymes for biotechnological application.

Objective: To summarize the most relevant data from a systematic review on the impact of COVID-19 on children and adolescents, particularly analyzing its psychiatric effects., Methods: This review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and included experimental studies (randomized-individually or pooled-and non-randomized controlled trials), observational studies with a group for internal comparison (cohort studies-prospective and retrospective-and case-control) and qualitative studies in the period from 2021 to 2022., Results: The search identified 325 articles; we removed 125 duplicates. We selected 200 manuscripts, chosen by title and selected abstracts. We excluded 50 records after screening titles and abstracts, as they did not meet the inclusion criteria. We retrieved 150 records selected for a full reading. We excluded 90 text articles and we selected 25 records for the (n) final. Limitations: Due to the short period of data collection, from 2021 to 2022, there is a possibility of lack of relevant studies related to the mental health care of children and adolescents. In addition, there is the possibility of publication bias, such as only significant findings being published., Conclusion: The impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of children and adolescents is of great concern to child and youth psychiatry. Situations such as fear, anxiety, panic, depression, sleep and appetite disorders, as well as impairment in social interactions caused by psychic stress, are punctual markers of pain and psychic suffering, which have increasing impacts on the mental health panorama of children and adolescents globally, particularly in vulnerable and socially at-risk populations., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: There are no conflicts of interest to report., (©The Author(s) 2022. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic unfolded due to the widespread severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission reinforced the urgent need for affordable molecular diagnostic alternative methods for massive testing screening. We present the clinical validation of a pH-dependent colorimetric reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) for SARS-CoV-2 detection. The method revealed a limit of detection of 19.3 ± 2.7 viral genomic copies/μL when using RNA extracted samples obtained from nasopharyngeal swabs collected in guanidine-containing viral transport medium. Typical RT-LAMP reactions were performed at 65°C for 30 min. When compared to reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), up to cycle-threshold (Ct) value 32, RT-LAMP presented 98% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 95.3-99.5%] sensitivity and 100% (95% CI = 94.5-100%) specificity for SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection targeting E and N genes. No cross-reactivity was detected when testing other non-SARS-CoV virus, confirming high specificity. The test is compatible with primary RNA extraction-free samples. We also demonstrated that colorimetric RT-LAMP can detect SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and variants of interest, such as variants occurring in Brazil named gamma (P.1), zeta (P.2), delta (B.1.617.2), B.1.1.374, and B.1.1.371. The method meets point-of-care requirements and can be deployed in the field for high-throughput COVID-19 testing campaigns, especially in countries where COVID-19 testing efforts are far from ideal to tackle the pandemics. Although RT-qPCR is considered the gold standard for SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection, it requires expensive equipment, infrastructure, and highly trained personnel. In contrast, RT-LAMP emerges as an affordable, inexpensive, and simple alternative for SARS-CoV-2 molecular detection that can be applied to massive COVID-19 testing campaigns and save lives., Competing Interests: HM is part of Visuri company. Results presented here are the basis of a COVID-19 RT-LAMP diagnostic test offered by Visuri named OmniLAMP® SARS-CoV-2 kit. PA and RM-N are co-founders and scientific advisors at CEPHA Biotech. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Alves, de Oliveira, Franco-Luiz, Almeida, Gonçalves, Borges, Rocha, Rocha, Bezerra, Miranda, Capanema, Martins, Weber, Teixeira, Wallau and do Monte-Neto.)

Lipid-core nanocapsules (LNCs) were recently reported by our group as a suitable binder system to produce fluidised bed granules. However, there is still a lack of knowledge about the influence of using these nanocarriers loaded with a drug on the properties of the granules and their in vivo performance. Therefore, this study was designed to produce innovative fluidised bed granules containing phenytoin-loaded LNCs (LNC PHT ) as a strategy to evaluate the influence of the presence of the drug-loaded nanocarriers on their in vitro and in vivo properties. Granules were produced using a mixture of maltodextrin and phenytoin (1:0.004 w/w) as substrate. They were prepared by fluid bed granulation using water or LNC PHT as the liquid binder, affording good yields (73-82%) of granules with low moisture content (<5%). Granules prepared with LNC PHT had larger mean size (122 μm) compared to maltodextrin primary particles (50 μm) due to the formation of solid bridges. Moreover, the use of LNC PHT as the liquid binder improved their powder flow properties. The nanocarriers were recovered after aqueous dispersion (3.00 mg.mL -1 of PHT) with a redispersibility close to 90%. After reconstitution in water, granules containing LNC PHT showed an improved dissolution behaviour compared to those prepared without them. In addition, they showed a higher mucoadhesive effect due to a combined effect of the LNC PHT and maltodextrin in the interactions with porcine intestinal mucosa. Regarding the in vivo studies, granules containing the combination of non-encapsulated PHT and PHT-loaded lipid-core nanocapsules increased the latency to seizures compared to placebo granules, showing effective anticonvulsant effect in mice. In conclusion, the use of drug-loaded nanocapsules as binder is an encouraging approach to produce fluidised bed mucoadhesive granules with improved technological properties and in vivo performance., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The family Sicariidae comprises the genera Hexophthalma , Sicarius and Loxosceles . This latter is subdivided in eight monophyletic groups based on genitalia morphology and molecular analyses: amazonica , gaucho , laeta , and spadicea (South America); reclusa (North America); rufescens (Mediterranean); spinulosa and vonwredei (Africa). In Brazil, the genus Loxosceles is represented by 50 species. The mitotic and meiotic characteristics of eight Loxosceles species were analyzed in order to discuss the chromosome evolution, as well as the correspondence between cytogenetic data and morphological/molecular data for the delimitation of the South American groups of species belonging to this genus. All species studied in this work showed 2n♂ = 23, including a X1X2Y sex chromosome system (SCS). Despite the similarity of diploid number and SCS, the species studied here differed regarding the chromosome morphology of some autosomal pairs, presence of secondary constrictions, size of X chromosomes and localization of Ag-NOR/rDNA sites. Based on all these chromosomal data, we verified a close relationship between Loxosceles species belonging to the amazonica and gaucho groups. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of spread pachytene cells of L. gaucho showed regular synapsis between homologous autosomal chromosomes, but asynaptic behavior of the sex chromosomes. The axial elements of the sex chromosomes undergo conspicuous morphological modifications resulting in shortening of their length.

A liquid chromatography (LC) method for the quantification of tretinoin (TTN) in different matrices (adhesive tape, cotton and porcine skin layers, stratum corneum , viable epidermis, and dermis) was validated and applied in in vitro porcine skin penetration/retention studies. This study proposes, for the first time, a method for assaying TTN in separated porcine skin layers ( stratum corneum , viable epidermis, and dermis). The skin studies were carried out using tape stripping and cutaneous retention techniques. The procedures for the extraction of TTN from dermatological formulations (creams and gels) and biological and non-biological matrices used with the tape stripping and retention techniques were also evaluated. The LC method consisted of a mobile phase composed of a mixture of methanol, water, and glacial acetic acid (85:15:1, v/v); a C18 column used as the stationary phase; a flow rate of 1.0 mL min -1 ; an injection volume of 100 μL; and TTN detection at 342 nm. The method was linear in the range of 0.05-15.00 μg mL -1 (r = 0.9999), and it was precise and accurate. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.0165 μg mL -1 and 0.0495 μg mL -1 , respectively. TTN was extracted from different matrices, showing good precision [relative standard deviation (RSD) of <5%] and accuracy (89.4-113.9%). This method was successfully applied in the evaluation of TTN skin retention/permeation from dermatological formulations (cream and gel). A higher penetration of TTN through the skin was achieved with the gel rather than the cream, showing the influence of the dosage form. Therefore, the developed method can easily be applied in porcine skin penetration/retention studies of dermatological formulations containing TTN, and it is able to discriminate the behaviours of the different formulations., (© 2019 Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

We analyzed the effects of a nanoencapsulated association of curcumin and vitamin D 3 on purine metabolism enzymes in neutrophils, lymphocytes, and platelets in a model of adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) in rats. Following AIA induction, the animals were treated for 15 days with free and nanoencapsulated curcumin (4 mg/kg), nanocapsules of vitamin D 3 (VD3) (15.84 IU/day), a nanoencapsulated combination of curcumin and VD3, vehicle, or blank nanocapsules. The animals were euthanized, and blood was collected to evaluate the activities of E-NTPDase, adenosine deaminase (ADA), and myeloperoxidase (MPO), as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and biochemical parameters. Also, the liver and kidney were collected for histological analysis. The changes in the activities of purinergic enzymes indicated that inflammation was significantly reverted by vitamin D 3 and curcumin co-nanoencapsulation treatments in the arthritic rats. The reduction of inflammation was confirmed by the reduction in the signs and symptoms of AIA, as well as in MPO activity by all formulations. The treatments with nanocapsules reverted histological alterations in the kidney. Serum parameters were not altered by the induction or treatments. Our results suggest that co-nanoencapsulation of vitamin D 3 and curcumin is an efficient alternative adjuvant treatment for rheumatoid arthritis as it reverts the changes in the purine metabolism and reduces arthritis-associated inflammation.

Although phenytoin is an antiepileptic drug used in the oral treatment of epilepsy, its off-label use as a cutaneous healing agent has been studied in recent years due to the frequent reports of gingival hyperplasia after oral administration. However, the cutaneous topical application of phenytoin should prevent percutaneous skin permeation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro skin permeation/retention and in vivo effects of nanocapsules and nanoemulsions loaded with phenytoin and formulated as chitosan hydrogels on the healing process of cutaneous wounds in rats. The hydrogels had adequate pH values (4.9-5.6) for skin application, drug content of 0.025% (w/w), and non-Newtonian pseudoplastic rheological behaviour. Hydrogels containing nanocapsules and nanoemulsions enabled improved controlled release of phenytoin and adhesion to skin, compared with hydrogels containing non-encapsulated phenytoin. In vitro skin permeation studies showed that phenytoin permeation to the receptor compartment, and consequently the risk of systemic absorption, may be reduced by nanoencapsulation without any change in the in vivo performance of phenytoin in the wound healing process in rats., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Drug delivery systems can overcome cancer drug resistance, improving the efficacy of chemotherapy agents. Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) microparticles are an interesting alternative because their hydrophobic surface and small particle size could facilitate interactions with cells. In this study, two poloxamers (PLX 407 and 188) were applied to modulate the structural features, the drug release behavior and the cell viability from spray-dried microparticles. Five formulations with different PLA: PLX blend ratio (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:50, and 0:100) were well-characterized by SEM, particle size analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The spray-dried microparticles showed higher drug loading, spherical-shape, and smaller particle size. The type of poloxamer and blend ratio affected their structural and functional properties such as morphology, crystallinity, blend miscibility, drug release rate, and cell viability. The methotrexate (MTX), a model drug, was loaded in amorphous spray-dried microparticles. Moreover, the drug release studies demonstrated that PLX induced a leaching-effect of MTX from PLA: PLX blends, suggesting the formation of MTX/PLX micelles in aqueous medium. This finding was better established by cell viability assays. Therefore, biocompatible PLA: PLX blends showed promising in vitro results, and further in vivo studies will be performed to evaluate the performance of this chemotherapeutic agent.

This study evaluated the in vivo anticonvulsant effect of a spray-dried powder for reconstitution containing phenytoin-loaded lipid-core nanocapsules. The effect of chitosan coating on redispersibility, gastrointestinal stability, and drug release from nanoparticles was evaluated during the development of the powders. Maltodextrin was used as adjuvant in the spray-drying process. Chitosan coating played an important role in redispersibility, and large particles (>100 μm) were obtained using the highest concentration of solids in the feed. However, after aqueous redispersion, volume-based particle size was reduced to about 1 µm. The release of nanoparticles from the surface of the spherical microagglomerates (roundness index = 0.75) was confirmed by SEM analysis. Powders reconstituted in water recovered partially the nanometric properties of the original suspensions and were stable for 24 h. Phenytoin-loaded chitosan-coated nanocapsules and their redispersed powders have good gastrointestinal stability, and are able to control drug release in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. Besides that, the reconstituted powder containing chitosan-coated nanocapsules exhibited improved anticonvulsant activity against seizures induced by pilocarpine in mice, compared to the non-encapsulated drug, representing an important approach in anticonvulsant treatments for children and adults., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Endometriosis is a benign gynecological disease affecting approximately 10-15% of women of reproductive age and 25-50% of all infertile women. It is characterized by the presence of glands and/or endometrial stroma outside the uterine cavity. Angiogenesis is a crucial process for the development and maintenance of endometriotic lesions. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is a major promoter of angiogenesis in both physiological and pathological conditions. In the present study, we evaluated the expression of molecules related to the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in a rat model of peritoneal endometriosis. mRNA analyses showed significantly increased expression of Wnt4 and Wnt7b and decreased expression of Gsk3beta and E-cadherin in endometriotic lesions. However, there were no differences in β-catenin and Fzd2 mRNA expression. In addition, we observed a significant increase of nuclear β-catenin in endometriotic lesions, a hallmark of Wnt/ β-catenin pathway activation. Stromal β-catenin staining was found in 45.4% of endometrial tissues and 77.8% of endometriotic lesions. β-catenin nuclear localization was found in 18.2% of the endometrial tissues and 33.3% of endometriotic lesions. Finally, the expression of galectin-3, a regulator of this pathway, was increased in endometriosis. In summary, this pattern of Wnt/β-catenin components expression suggests an increased activity of this pathway in endometriosis.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in the treatment of oral candidiasis in a murine model using Photodithazine® (PDZ). This model of oral candidiasis was developed to allow the monitoring of the infection and the establishment of the aPDT treatment. Six-week-old female mice were immunosuppressed and inoculated with C. albicans to induce oral candidiasis. PDZ-mediated aPDT and nystatin treatment were carried out for 5 consecutive days with one application per day. The macroscopic evaluation of oral lesions was performed. After each treatment, the tongue was swabbed to recover C. albicans cells. Viable colonies were quantified and the number of CFU/ml determined. The animals were sacrificed 24 hours and 7 days after treatment and the tongues were surgically removed for histological analysis and analysis of inflammatory cytokines expression (IL-1, TNF-α and IL-6) by RT-qPCR. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA. PDZ-mediated aPDT was as effective as Nystatin (NYS group) in the inactivation of C. albicans, reducing 3 and 3.2 logs10 respectively, 24 h after treatment (p<0.05). Animals underwent PDZ-mediated aPDT showed complete remission of oral lesions, while animals treated with NYS presented partial remission of oral lesions in both periods assessed. Histological evaluation revealed mild inflammatory infiltrate in the groups treated with aPDT and NYS in both periods assessed. The aPDT induced the TNF-α expression when compared with the control (P-L-) (p<0.05), 24 h and 7 days after treatment. In summary, the murine model developed here was able to mimic the infection and PDZ-mediated aPDT was effective to treat mice with oral candidiasis.

This study assessed the cytotoxicity of antimicrobial Photodynamic Inactivation (aPDI), mediated by curcumin, using human keratinocytes co-cultured with Candida albicans. Cells and microorganisms were grown separately for 24 hours and then kept in contact for an additional 24 hours. After this period, aPDI was applied. The conditions tested were: P+L+ (experimental group aPDI); P-L+ (light emitting diode [LED] group); P+L- (curcumin group); and P-L- (cells in co-culture without curcumin nor LED). In addition, keratinocytes and C. albicans were grown separately, were not placed in the co-culture and did not receive aPDI (control group). Cell proliferation was assessed using Alamar Blue, MTT, XTT and CFU tests. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to the survival percentages of cells compared to the control group (considered as 100% viability), complemented by multiple comparisons using Tukey's test. A 5% significance level was adopted. The results of this study showed no interference in the metabolism of the cells in co-culture, since no differences were observed between the control group (cultured cells by themselves) and the P-L- group (co-culture cells without aPDI). The aPDI group reached the highest reduction (p = 0.009), which was equivalent to 1.7 log10 when compared to the control group. The P+L-, P-L+, P-L- and control groups were not statistically different (ρ > 0.05). aPDI inhibited the growth of keratinocytes and C. albicans in all tests, so the therapy was considered slightly (inhibition between 25 and 50% compared to the control group) to moderately (inhibition between 50 and 75% compared to the control group) cytotoxic.

Objectives: The hormonal treatment for endometriosis frequently fails to completely eradicate endometriotic implants. A new therapeutic treatment is needed. This study investigates the in-vitro effect of Copaifera langsdorffii oil-resin on human eutopic and ectopic endometrium stromal cell cultures (EuESCs and EctESCs)., Methods: A nanocomposite system containing the copaiba oil-resin (NanoCOR) was developed and acute toxicity test was performed. Endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) from non-endometriotics controls (CESCs), EuESCs and EctESCs were isolated and treated with different concentrations of NanoCOR, at different time intervals to evaluate its effect on cell morphology, proliferation, viability, necrosis and apoptosis induction., Key Findings: When treated with 50 μg/ml of NanoCOR, the morphology of EctESCs changed, as the actin microfilaments were disorganized, disassembled or disrupted. Moreover, at 24 h of treatment with NanoCOR, the EctESCs viability was inhibited, and a significant number of these cells underwent apoptosis. In EuESCs, these effects were observed only at 48 h. Finally, the treatment of EctESCs with NanoCOR increased the lactate dehydrogenase release into the extracellular medium more than in EuESCs., Conclusions: Our data indicate that NanoCOR has a greater impact on the behaviour of human endometriotic stromal cells than on the eutopic endometrium stromal cells, supporting the idea that NanoCOR should be further investigated as a novel and valuable alternative to treat endometriosis., (© 2015 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.)

In this investigation, the effectiveness of successive applications of antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (API) mediated by Photodithazine(®) (PDZ) and LED light was evaluated against a multispecies biofilm formed by Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Streptococcus mutans on denture base acrylic resin. Standard cell suspensions (bacteria and yeast) were inoculated on acrylic resin samples, and the biofilm was grown for 48 h (37 °C/75 rpm). API was performed by the administration of PDZ (175 and 200 mg/L) and exposure to 37.5 J/cm(2) of LED light (660 nm). Additional samples were treated with PDZ or LED light only. Untreated control samples were not submitted to light or PDZ. The conditions described were applied once or in three consecutive applications for all groups. Cell viability was determined by colony counts (CFU/mL), metabolic activity, total biomass, and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Data were analyzed by a nonparametric two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (α = 0.05). The results obtained demonstrated a significant effect (p < 0.05) of number of applications and treatment groups for CFU/mL, and S. mutans showed the highest susceptibility to API. The metabolic activity of the multispecies biofilm was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) after API for both numbers of applications, which were also significantly different (p < 0.05) between them. The total biomass of the biofilm was significantly different (p < 0.05) only between groups submitted to one and three API applications. CLSM showed a visual increase of dead cells after API. API-mediated PDZ was effective in reducing the cell viability of multispecies biofilm. Three consecutive applications of API were more effective for reducing the cell viability and the total biomass of multispecies biofilm.

This in vitro study evaluated the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on the multispecies biofilm of Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Streptococcus mutans. Standardized fungal and bacterial suspensions were cultivated appropriately for each species and inoculated in 96-well microtiter plates for mix-biofilm formation. After 48 h of incubation, the biofilms were submitted to PDT (P + L+) using Photodithazine® (PDZ) at 100, 150, 175, 200, or 250 mg/mL for 20 min and 37.5 J/cm(2) of light-emitting diode (LED) (660 nm). Additional samples were treated only with PDZ (P + L-) or LED (P-L+), or neither (control, P-L-). Afterwards, the biofilms were evaluated by quantification of colonies (CFU/mL), metabolic activity (XTT reduction assay), total biomass (crystal violet staining), and confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM). Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (p < 0.05). Compared with the control, PDT promoted a significant reduction in colonies viability of the three species evaluated with 175 and 200 mg/mL of PDZ. PDT also significantly reduced the metabolic activity of the biofilms compared with the control, despite the PDZ concentration. However, no significant difference was found in the total biomass of samples submitted or not to PDT. For all analysis, no significant difference was verified among P-L-, P + L-, and P-L+. CSLM showed a visual increase of dead cells after PDT. PDT-mediated PDZ was effective in reducing the cell viability of multispecies biofilm.

Objective: To evaluate the expression of phospholipase (PL) and secreted aspartyl proteinase (SAP) by Candida glabrata and C tropicalis obtained from the denture biofilms of healthy participants (16 isolates), patients with oral candidiasis with diabetes (10 isolates), and patients with oral candidiasis without diabetes (25 isolates)., Study Design: After incubation, the supernatants and pellets of the isolates were used for the enzymatic assays and quantification of colony-forming units (CFU), respectively. Colorimetric tests were used with phosphatidylcholine as a substrate for PL and azocasein as a substrate for SAP, and the absorbances of the samples were measured. Enzymatic rates were calculated, and values were normalized by CFU. Results were analyzed with factorial analyses of variance (α = .05)., Results: C tropicalis and C glabrata were proteolytic and phospholipolytic. The clinical sources of isolates had no significant effect on the enzymatic activities (P > .05). C tropicalis had significantly higher enzymatic activity for both PL and SAP (P < .001) than did C glabrata., Conclusions: C tropicalis isolates produced significantly higher amounts of both enzymes than did the C glabrata isolates., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The present study elevates the number of cytogenetically analyzed ctenid species and genera from two to eight and six, respectively, presenting comparisons between chromosomal data obtained and the phylogenetic hypothesis proposed in the literature. Six ctenid species presented 13 autosomal pairs, exhibiting either X1X2O (Ctenus ornatus, Ctenus sp., Parabatinga brevipes and Phoneutria nigriventer) or X1X2X3O sex chromosome systems (Nothroctenus sp. and Viracucha andicola). Asthenoctenus borellii showed 2n ♂ = 20 + X1X2O. In all species, the chromosomes were telocentric. Some cells of one C. ornatus specimen exhibited one extra chromosome that, considering the behavioral similarities between the two chromosomes, can be considered to be supernumerary, derived from or giving rise to a sex chromosome. Silver impregnation revealed nucleolar organizer regions on one autosomal pair of C. ornatus and P. nigriventer (Cteninae) and two pairs of V. andicola (Acanthocteninae). Chromosomal data suggests that the X1X2X3O system arose several times in the evolution of entelegyne spiders, and that conversion of an X1X2O system into an X1X2X3O system and vice-versa has been a relatively common event in spiders. All the chromosomal data corroborate the close relationship between Ctenus and Phoneutria, the placement of P. brevipes within Cteninae, the placement of Anahita in a separated branch within Cteninae, and the inclusion of A. borellii in a distinct group within the ctenids (Viridasiinae), all of which are as proposed by phylogenetic hypotheses available in the literature.

Objective: This study investigated the susceptibility of 198 clinical isolates of Candida species against caspofungin, amphotericin B, itraconazole, and fluconazole., Study Design: Suspensions of the microorganisms were spread on Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) agar plates. Etest strips were placed on the plates, and the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was read after incubation (48 h at 37 °C). Data were analyzed by a factorial analysis of variance and a 2 × 2 post hoc test (α = .05)., Results: C glabrata showed the highest MIC values (P < .001) against caspofungin, itraconazole, and fluconazole. For amphotericin B, the MIC values of C tropicalis and C glabrata (P = .0521) were higher than those of C albicans (P < .001). Itraconazole was the least effective antifungal; 93.3% of the C glabrata isolates, 3.3% of the C albicans, and 1.3% of the C tropicalis were resistant. All microorganisms were susceptible to caspofungin and amphotericin B., Conclusions: Caspofungin and amphotericin B should be recommended as an effective alternative for the management of oral Candida infections when treatment with topical or other systemic drugs has definitely failed., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To compare the cephalometric and intraoral characteristics between Long Face pattern and Pattern I patients, besides evaluating associations between subjective facial patterns, cephalometric facial patterns and the intraoral characteristics., Methods: Through evaluation of frontal and right side extraoral photographs, three previously calibrated and experienced examiners selected 30 Long Face patients (Group 1) and 30 Pattern I patients (Group 2), aged between 9 and 19 years, of both genders. The cephalometric characteristics were assessed by the following variables: SN.GoGn, NS.Gn, AIFH, SNA, SNB, ANB, 1.1, 1.NA,1-NA, 1.NB, 1-NB, NA.Po, nasolabial angle and H-Nose. Clinical evaluations were also performed to determine the presence of posterior crossbite, anterior open bite and type of Angle's malocclusion. The cephalometric data were compared by independent t test. The chi-square test was used to evaluate the association between qualitative variables., Results: Significant differences were observed between groups regarding the variables SN.GoGn, NS.Gn, AIFH, ANB, NA.Pog, 1-NA, 1.NB and 1-NB, with an increase of these measures in Group 1. There were also significant differences between groups on variable 1.1, being lower in Group 1 than in Group 2., Conclusions: The Long Face was associated to Angle Class II malocclusion, to the presence of posterior crossbite and to anterior open bite. The Long Face subjective facial pattern was associated to dolichofacial cephalometric pattern.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of denture microwave disinfection and antifungal therapy on treatment of denture stomatitis., Study Design: Sixty denture wearers with denture stomatitis (3 groups; n = 20 each), were treated with nystatin or denture microwave disinfection (1 or 3 times/wk) for 14 days. Mycologic samples from palates and dentures were quantified and identified with the use of Chromagar, and clinical photographs of palates were taken. Microbiologic and clinical data were analyzed with the use of a series of statistical tests (α = .05)., Results: Both treatments similarly reduced clinical signs of denture stomatitis and growth on palates and dentures at days 14 and 30 (P > .05). At sequential appointments, the predominant species (P < .01) isolated was C. albicans (range 98%-53%), followed by C. glabrata (range 22%-12%) and C. tropicalis (range 25%-7%)., Conclusions: Microwave disinfection, at once per week for 2 treatments, was as effective as topical antifungal therapy for treating denture stomatitis., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the disinfection of complete dentures. Biofilm samples were collected from dentures of 60 denture users who were randomly divided into four experimental groups (n = 15 each): subjects whose maxillary dentures were sprayed with 50 and 100 mg/l of Photogem® suspension (groups P50S and P100S) and patients whose maxillary dentures were treated with 50 and 100 mg/l of Photogem® gel (groups P50G and P100G). Dentures with photosensitizers were left in the dark for 30 min (pre-irradiation time) and then irradiated with blue LED light at 37.5 J/cm(2) (26 min). Denture samples were taken with sterile cotton swab before (left side surfaces) and after (right side surfaces) PDT. All microbial material was diluted and plated on selective media for Candida spp., Staphylococcus mutans spp., streptococci and a non-selective media. After incubation (48 h/37°C), the number of colony-forming units (cfu/ml) was counted. Microorganisms grown on selective media were identified using biochemical methods before and after PDT. The data were submitted to McNemar and Kruskal-Wallis tests (α = 0.05). No growth after PDT was observed in 60, 53, 47, and 40% of dentures from P100G, P50G, P100S, and P50S groups, respectively. When evidence of microorganisms' growth was observed, PDT regimens eliminated over 90% of microorganisms on dentures. This clinical study showed that PDT was effective for disinfecting dentures.

Purpose: to describe lower urinary tract dysfunctions and clinical demographic characteristics of patients with urinary symptoms. This study assessed the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and urodynamic changes in these women., Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, retrospective study on 578 women. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and urodynamic diagnoses was assessed in patients with lower urinary tract dysfunctions, with their respective 95% confidence intervals. The prevalence ratios of urodynamic alterations were calculated according to the diabetes mellitus diagnoses., Results: Seventy-seven patients (13.3%) had diabetes and type 2 diabetes was predominant (96.1%). Stress urinary incontinence was the most frequent urodynamic diagnosis (39%) in diabetic patients, followed by detrusor overactivity (23.4%). The prevalence of urodynamic alterations was associated with diabetes (PR=1.31; 95%CI=1.17-1.48). Changes in detrusor contractility (over- or underactivity) were diagnosed in 42.8% diabetic patients and in 31.5% non-diabetic patients., Conclusions: Diabetic women had a greater prevalence of urodynamic alterations than the non-diabetic ones. There was no association between diabetes mellitus and detrusor contractility alterations (p=0.80).

Objective: This in vitro study evaluated the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the inactivation of different species of Candida on maxillary complete dentures., Background Data: The treatment of denture stomatitis requires the inactivation of Candida spp. on dentures. PDT has been reported as an effective method for Candida inactivation., Methods: Reference strains of C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. dubliniensis and C. krusei were tested. Thirty-four dentures were fabricated in a standardized procedure and subjected to ethylene oxide sterilization. The dentures were individually inoculated with one of the strains and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. Dentures submitted to PDT (P+L+) were individually sprayed with 50 mg/L of Photogem(®) (PS) and, after 30 min, illuminated by LED light for 26 min (37.5 J/cm(2)). Additional dentures were treated only with PS (P+L-) or light (P-L+) or neither (P-L-). Samples of serial dilutions were spread on Sabouraud dextrose agar and incubated at 37°C for 48 h. The colonies were counted and the values of log (cfu/mL) were analyzed by Kruskall-Wallis and Dunn tests (p<0.05)., Results: For all species of Candida, PDT resulted in significant reduction (p<0.05) of cfu/mL values from dentures when compared with P-L- (reductions from 1.73 to 3.99 log(10)). Significant differences (p<0.05), but lower reductions, were also observed for P+L- and P-L+when compared with P-L- for some species of Candida., Conclusions: PDT was an effective method for reducing Candida spp. on dentures.

Objective: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective method for Candida spp. inactivation in vitro and in vivo, but as yet, no clinical trial has been conducted. This report describes 5 cases of denture stomatitis (DS) treated with PDT., Study Design: Five subjects with clinical and microbiologic diagnosis of DS were submitted to 6 sessions of PDT 3 times a week for 15 days. In each session, patients' dentures and palates were sprayed with 500 mg/L Photogem, and, after 30 minutes of incubation, irradiated by light-emitting diode light source at 455 nm (37.5 and 122 J/cm(2), respectively). Cultures of Candida spp. from dentures and palates and standard photographs of the palates were taken at baseline (day 0), at the end of the treatment (day 15), and at follow-up time intervals (days 30 and 60)., Results: Four patients showed clinical resolution of DS (no inflammation) after PDT sessions, and only 1 subject demonstrated reduction in palatal inflammation. Recurrence of DS was observed in 2 patients during the follow-up period., Conclusions: PDT appears to be an alternative treatment for DS., (Copyright © 2011 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

This in vitro study evaluated different concentrations of chlorhexidine (CHX) solution on the disinfection of dentures colonised with a reference (ATCC 90028) and azole-resistant (R1, R2 e R3) strains of Candida albicans. Sterile dentures were individually inoculated with one of the strains and incubated at 37 °C for 24 h. Then, each denture was immersed in sterile saline (control) or CHX (2%, 1% or 0.2%) for 10 min. Samples of serial dilutions were spread on Agar Sabouraud Dextrose and incubated at 37 °C for 48 h. The colonies were counted and the values of log(cfu ml(-1)) were analysed by Kruskal-Wallis test (P < 0.05). Dentures immersed in CHX were incubated for 7 days. For all strains, the cfu ml(-1) values of 0.2% CHX were significantly higher than those of 2% and 1% CHX. There was no difference between the cfu ml(-1) values of 2% and 1% CHX. For dentures immersed in CHX, ATCC 90028 strain showed lower cfu ml(-1) values than R2 and R3 strains. For control dentures, cfu ml(-1) values of ATCC 90028 strain were higher than those of R strains. Immersion in 2% CHX resulted in the highest number of dentures without fungal growth after 7 days. For denture disinfection, 2% CHX was the most effective concentration, and R strains were less susceptible to disinfection. Chlorhexidine is effective in disinfection of dentures contaminated with azole-resistant C. albicans., (© 2011 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.)

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of Candida spp. in diabetics and nondiabetics with and without denture stomatitis (DS)., Study Design: Mycologic samples were taken from the dentures of 90 healthy subjects (control group [CG]), 80 denture stomatitis nondiabetics (DSND), and 40 denture stomatitis diabetics (DSD; well controlled type 2) for identification of Candida spp. Results were analyzed by Fisher exact test, Bonferroni-corrected confidence interval, and χ(2) test (α = .05)., Results: Candida albicans was the predominant species isolated (81.9%; P < .016), with C. tropicalis and C. glabrata demonstrating similar prevalence (15.71% and 15.24%, respectively). The prevalence of C. albicans and C. tropicalis in the DS groups were significantly higher (P < .01) than in the CG. The prevalence of C. tropicalis significantly increased with the highest degree of inflammation (P < .05)., Conclusions: The prevalence of Candida spp. was similar between diabetic and nondiabetic patients with DS. Candida tropicalis may play a role in the progression of DS., (Copyright © 2011 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Although photodynamic therapy (PDT) has shown great promise for the inactivation of Candida species, its effectiveness against azole-resistant pathogens remains poorly documented. This in vitro study describes the association of Photogem® (Photogem, Moscow, Russia) with LED (light emitting diode) light for the photoinactivation of fluconazole-resistant (FR) and American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) strains of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. Suspensions of each Candida strain were treated with five Photogem® concentrations and exposed to four LED light fluences (14, 24, 34 or 50 min of illumination). After incubation (48 h at 37 °C), colonies were counted (CFU ml(-1)). Single-species biofilms were generated on cellulose membrane filters, treated with 25.0 mg l(-1) of Photogem® and illuminated at 37.5 J cm(-2). The biofilms were then disrupted and the viable yeast cells present were determined. Planktonic suspensions of FR strains were effectively killed after PDT. It was observed that the fungicidal effect of PDT was strain-dependent. Significant decreases in biofilm viability were observed for three strains of C. albicans and for two strains of C. glabrata. The results of this investigation demonstrated that although PDT was effective against Candida species, fluconazole-resistant strains showed reduced sensitivity to PDT. Moreover, single-species biofilms were less susceptible to PDT than their planktonic counterparts., (© 2009 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.)

Objective: In vivo studies of antimicrobial PDT in animal models of oral candidosis are scarce and the association of porphyrin and LED light has not been evaluated for in vivo photoinactivation of Candida. In this study the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on the inactivation of Candida albicans in vivo was evaluated., Study Design: Seventy-one 6-week-old female Swiss mice were immunosuppressed, provided tetracycline to their drinking water, then orally swabbed with a suspension of C. albicans (10(7) CFU/mL). Four days after oral inoculation, PDT was performed on the dorsum of the tongue after topical administration of Photogem at 400, 500, or 1000 mg/L and followed 30 minutes later by illumination with LED light (305 J/cm(2)) at 455 or 630 nm (n = 5 each). After swabbing to recover yeast from the tongue, the number of surviving yeast cells was determined (CFU/mL) and analyzed by ANOVA and Holm-Sidak tests (P < .05). Animals were humanely killed, and the tongues surgically removed and processed for histological evaluation of presence of yeast and inflammatory reaction., Results: PDT resulted in a significant reduction in C. albicans recovered from the tongue (P < .001) when compared with mice from the positive control group. There was no difference between the concentrations of Photogem and LED light wavelengths used. Histological evaluation of the tongue revealed that PDT causes no significant adverse effects to the local mucosa., Conclusion: PDT promoted significant reduction in the viability of C. albicans biofilm without harming the tongue tissue., (Copyright 2010 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

This study was carried from October 1997 to October 1998 with the purpose of investigating the link between the species Vibrio cholerae and zooplankton in the estuaries of rivers Anil and Bacanga in São Luis, Maranhão. Research of viable but non culturable forms of Vibrio cholerae O1, and analyze the correlation between pH values, salinity and water temperature with the presence of bacteria in zooplankton samples. The traditional method of cultivation and fluorescent antibody technique were applied to detect the bacteria. A total of 52 samples of zooplankton were collected. There was a predominance of Copepoda. The culture enabled 55 isolates of Vibrio cholerae non-O1. The serogroups O1 and O139 were identified in 37 (71.1%) and 17 (32.7%) samples respectively by the fluorescence. Viable but non culturable forms of Vibrio cholerae were detected in 70.8% of the samples studied. A significant correlation was established between salinity and the water's pH value and Vibrio cholerae.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of microwave irradiation sterilization on hard chairside reline resins., Materials and Methods: Specimens of three reline resins (Kooliner, Tokuso Rebase, and Ufi Gel Hard) were fabricated and subjected to ethylene oxide sterilization. The specimens were then individually inoculated (10(7) cfu/mL) with Tryptic Soy Broth media containing one of the tested microorganisms (C albicans, S aureus, B subtilis, and P aeruginosa). After 48 hours at 37 degrees C, the samples were vortexed for 1 minute and allowed to stand for 9 minutes, followed by a short vortex to resuspend any organisms present. After inoculation, 40 specimens of each material were immersed in 200 mL of water and subjected to microwave irradiation at 650 W for 6 minutes. Forty non-irradiated specimens were used as positive controls. Replicate specimens (25 microL) of suspension were plated at dilutions of 10(-3) to 10(-6) on plates of selective media appropriate for each organism. All plates were incubated at 37 degrees C for 48 hours. After incubation, colonies were counted, and the data were statistically analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis test. Twelve specimens of each material were prepared for SEM., Results: All immersed specimens showed consistent sterilization of all the individual organisms after microwave irradiation. SEM examination indicated an alteration in cell morphology after microwave irradiation., Conclusion: Microwave sterilization for 6 minutes at 650 W proved to be effective for the sterilization of hard chairside reline resins.

With previously defined criteria of inclusion and previous consent, twenty six consecutive patients (19 to 64 years old), with upper digestive symptoms, were submitted to endoscopy, with biopsy, constant of eight samples of the antropyloric region (four of the anterior aspect and four of the posterior aspect). Two samples were been for culture; two for free urease test, two for smears; all gathered in adequate transport medium over refrigeration. Two samples immersed in formaline to 10% for histopathologic exam. 25/26 (96%) of the patients showed infection by H. pylori by means of one or more methods utilized. In 16/26 (61%), alterations were observed in endoscopy (gastric inflammation in eleven, peptic ulcer in two and ulcer scars in three cases). Of the patients with endoscopic gastric inflammation, presented positive as well as all (100%) bearers of scar or peptic ulcer. A close relationship was observed between the presence of H. pylori and chronic gastric inflammation 24/25 (96%). Histopathologic slices stained by hematoxilin-eosin was the test of highest diagnostic sensitivity 24/25 (96%), followed by urease test 23%25 (92%), stained smears 19/25 (76%) and culture 18/25 (72%). Our conclusion is that the prevalence of gastric infection for H. pylori in symptomatic patients is high, correlated with chronic gastric inflammation and ulcers. Histopathologic slices stained by hematoxilin-eosin and free urease test are the most sensitive indicators of the presence of H. pylori. This study should proceed for further elucidation of questions realised and include a control group of symptomatics individuals paired for sex and age.