A modified device for intraoral radiography to assess the distal osseous defects of mandibular second molar after impacted third molar surgery

Ana, Faria-Inocencio,Mercedes, Gallas-Torreira Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology 2011 Imaging Science in Dentistry Vol.41 No.3

Purpose : This article is to describe a modified device for intraoral radiography which was developed to obtain reproducible radiographic images for assessment of distal osseous defects of the mandibular second molar (2 Mm) after impacted third molar (3 Mm) surgery. Materials and Methods : A commercial available alignment system for posterior region was modified by adding a reference gauge pin (millimetric) and threading a hollow acrylic cylinder at the ring of the radiographic positioner to attach the X-ray collimator. The design included customized resin acrylic stent for the occlusal surface of the 2Mm in maximum intercuspal position, individualizing the biteblock positioner. Periapical radiographs were taken before and after surgical extraction of 3 Mm, employing the radiographic technique of parallelism described by Kugelberg (1986) with this modified film holder and inserting the gauge pin on the deepest bone probing depth point. Results : This technique permitted to obtain standardized periapical radiographs with a moderate to high resolution, repeatability, and accuracy. There was no difference between the measurements on the pre- and post-operative radiographs. This technique allowed better maintenance of the same geometric position compared with conventional one. The insertion of the gauge pin provided the same reference point and localized the deepest osseous defect on the two-dimensional radiographs. Conclusion : This technique allowed better reproducibility in posterior radiographic records (distal surface of 2 Mm) and more accurate measurements of radiographic bone level by the use of a millimetric pin.

A modified device for intraoral radiography to assess the distal osseous defects of mandibular second molar after impacted third molar surgery

Faria-Inocencio Ana,Gallas-Torreira Mercedes 대한구강악안면방사선학회 2011 Imaging Science in Dentistry Vol.41 No.3

Purpose This article is to describe a modified device for intraoral radiography which was developed to obtain reproducible radiographic images for assessment of distal osseous defects of the mandibular second molar (2 Mm) after impacted third molar (3 Mm) surgery. Materials and Methods A commercial available alignment system for posterior region was modified by adding a reference gauge pin (millimetric) and threading a hollow acrylic cylinder at the ring of the radiographic positioner to attach the X-ray collimator. The design included customized resin acrylic stent for the occlusal surface of the 2Mm in maximum intercuspal position, individualizing the biteblock positioner. Periapical radiographs were taken before and after surgical extraction of 3 Mm, employing the radiographic technique of parallelism described by Kugelberg (1986) with this modified film holder and inserting the gauge pin on the deepest bone probing depth point. Results This technique permitted to obtain standardized periapical radiographs with a moderate to high resolution, repeatability, and accuracy. There was no difference between the measurements on the pre- and post-operative radiographs. This technique allowed better maintenance of the same geometric position compared with conventional one. The insertion of the gauge pin provided the same reference point and localized the deepest osseous defect on the two-dimensional radiographs. Conclusion This technique allowed better reproducibility in posterior radiographic records (distal surface of 2 Mm) and more accurate measurements of radiographic bone level by the use of a millimetric pin.

Pomegranate Juice Effects on Cytochrome P450s Expression: In Vivo Studies

Ana Faria,Rosario Monteiro,Isabel Azevedo,Conceicao Calhau 한국식품영양과학회 2007 Journal of medicinal food Vol.10 No.4

Beneficial health effects have recently been claimed for pomegranate juice. In vitroand in vivo studies havedemonstrated its anti-atherosclerotic capacity, chemoprevention and chemotherapy of prostate cancer, and antiproliferative,apoptotic, and antioxidant activity, among others. On the other hand, there is a complex interplay between tumor initiation,promotion, and progression and xenobiotic biotranformation. This led us to investigate the effect of pomegranate juice con-sumption on cytochrome P450 (CYP) activity and expression. For this purpose, male mice consumed this fruit juice for 4over, the activity of CYP isoform 2E1 and expression of the main CYP isoforms, namely, CYP1A1/2, CYP2E1, and CYP3A,were also assessed. It was found that pomegranate juice consumption decreased total hepatic CYP content as well as the ex-pression of CYP1A2 and CYP3A. Prevention of procarcinogen activation through CYP activity/expression inhibition may beinvolved in pomegranate juice’s effect on tumor initiation, promotion, and progression.

The effects of different metal posts, cements, and exposure parameters on cone-beam computed tomography artifacts

Freitas Ana Priscila Lira de Farias,Peixoto Larissa Rangel,Mariz Suassuna Fernanda Clotilde,Bento Patrícia Meira,Maia Amorim Ana Marly Araújo,Rovaris Silva Karla,de Almeida Barros Renata Quirino,Pontu 대한영상치의학회 2023 Imaging Science in Dentistry Vol.53 No.2

Purpose: This study assessed the intensity of artifacts produced by 2 metal posts, 2 cements, and different exposure parameters using 2 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) units. Materials and Methods: The sample was composed of 20 single-rooted premolars, divided into 4 groups: Ni-Cr/ zinc phosphate, Ni-Cr/resin cement, Ag-Pd/zinc phosphate, and Ag-Pd/resin cement. Samples were scanned before and after post insertion and cementation using a CS9000 3D scanner with 4 exposure parameters (85/90 kV and 6.3/10 mA) and an i-CAT scanner with 120 kV and 5 mA. The presence of artifacts was assessed subjectively by 2 observers and objectively by a trained observer using ImageJ software. The Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon, weighted kappa, and chi-square tests were used to assess data at a 95% confidence level (α<0.05). Results: In the subjective analyses, AgPd presented more hypodense and hyperdense lines than NiCr (P<0.05), and more hypodense halos were found using i-CAT (P<0.05) than using CS9000 3D. More hypodense halos, hypodense lines, and hyperdense lines were observed at 10 mA than at 6.3 mA (P<0.05). More hypodense halos were observed at 85 kV than at 90 kV (P<0.05). CS9000 3D presented more hypodense and hyperdense lines than i-CAT (P<0.05). In the objective analyses, AgPd presented higher percentages of hyperdense and hypodense artifacts than NiCr (P<0.05). Zinc phosphate cement presented higher hyperdense artifact percentages on CS9000 3D scans (P<0.05). CS9000 3D presented higher artifact percentages than i-CAT (P<0.05). Conclusion: High-atomic-number alloys, higher tube current, and lower tube voltage may increase the artifacts present in CBCT images.

Effect of Rheedia longifolia Leaf Extract and Fractions on the P2X_7 Receptor In Vitro: Novel Antagonists?

José A.A. Santos,Antonio Augusto Fidalgo-Neto,Robson X. Faria,Ana Simo˜es,Andrea S. Calheiros,Ana Luiza Be´renger,Hugo C.C. Faria-Neto,Maria Raquel Figueiredo,Valber S. Luiz Frutuoso,Luiz Anastacio Al 한국식품영양과학회 2011 Journal of medicinal food Vol.14 No.9

Recently, the P2X_7 receptor has been reported to be associated with chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Because Rheedia longifolia extract has analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity, we evaluated the in vitro inhibitory potential of methanol extract and fractions from its leaves on the P2X_7 purinergic receptor. The activity of P2X_7 was studied with a dye uptake assay and with the whole-cell patch clamp technique in mouse peritoneal macrophages treated with methanol extract of R. longifolia leaves and fractions. The dye uptake was evaluated by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. The R. longifolia extract and some fractions showed an inhibitory effect on the P2X_7 purinergic receptor in a dose-dependent manner. The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the most potent inhibitory effects. The methanol extract and the butanol fraction showed the same inhibitory effects, despite their lower potency compared with the other fractions. The R. longifolia extract and some of its fractions may be anti-inflammatory because of their inhibitory effect on the P2X_7 receptor. Further investigation is needed to determine the pattern of inhibition and selectivity. Chromatographic analysis indicated the presence of bisflavonoids in the methanol extract fractions. A member of this chemical family is the most probable active compound responsible for the P2X_7 inhibitory effects present in the R. Longifolia extract and fractions.

The Ketone Bridge Between the Heart and the Bladder: How Fast Should We Go?

Gabriel Faria-Costa,João Oliveira,Inês Vilas-Boas,Inês Campelo,Elisa Azeredo Silva,Carmen Brás-Silva,Susana Maria Silva,Tiago Antunes-Lopes,Ana Charrua 대한배뇨장애요실금학회 2024 International Neurourology Journal Vol.28 No.-

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is associated with both cardiovascular and bladder dysfunction. Insulin resistance (IR) and central obesity, in particular, are the main risk factors. In these patients, vicious pathological cycles exacerbate abnormal carbohydrate metabolism and sustain an inflammatory state, with serious implications for both the heart and bladder. Ketone bodies serve as an alternative energy source in this context. They are considered a “super-fuel” because they generate adenosine triphosphate with less oxygen consumption per molecule, thus enhancing metabolic efficiency. Ketone bodies have a positive impact on all components of MS. They aid in weight loss and glycemic control, lower blood pressure, improve lipid profiles, and enhance endothelial function. Additionally, they possess direct anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and vasodilatory properties. A shared key player in dysfunction of both the heart and bladder dysfunction is the formation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which ketone bodies inhibit. Interventions that elevate ketone body levels—such as fasting, a ketogenic diet, ketone supplements, and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors—have been shown to directly affect cardiovascular outcomes and improve lower urinary tract symptoms derived from MS. This review explores the pathophysiological basis of the benefits of ketone bodies in cardiac and bladder dysfunction.

Plaster body wrap: effects on abdominal fat

Juliana Santos Moreira,Ana Sofia Carneiro Pinto de Melo,Andreia Noites,Miriam Faria Couto,Cristina Argel de Melo,Nuno Carvalho Freire de Almeida Adubeiro 한국한의학연구원 2013 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.2 No.4

Background: Abdominal fat is associated with metabolic disorders, leading to cardiovascular risk factors and numerous diseases. This study aimed to analyze the effect of plaster body wrap in combination with aerobic exercise on abdominal fat. Methods: Nineteen female volunteers were randomly divided into intervention group (IG; n = 10) performing aerobic exercise with plaster body wrap, and control group (CG; n = 9) performing only exercise. Subcutaneous and visceral fat were measured using ultrasound; subcutaneous fat was also estimated on analysis of skinfolds and abdominal perimeters. Results: At the end of the 10-sessions protocol, the IG demonstrated a significant decrease (p ≤ 0.05) in subcutaneous fat at the left anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) level and in iliac crest perimeter measurements. A large intervention effect size strength (0.80) was found in subcutaneous fat below the navel and a moderate effect size strength on the vertical abdominal skinfold (0.62) and the perimeter of the most prominent abdominal point (0.57). Comparing the initial and final data of each group, the IG showed a significant decrease in numerous variables including visceral and subcutaneous fat above and below the navel measured by ultrasound (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Plaster body wrap in combination with aerobic exercise seems to be effective for abdominal fat reduction.

Genotype–environment interaction for milk production of Gyr cattle in Brazil and Colombia

Alejandra Maria Toro‑Ospina,Ricardo Antonio Faria,Dominguez-Castaño Pablo,Santana Mario Luiz,Gonzalez Luis Gabriel,Espasandin Ana Carolina,Silva Josineudson Augusto II Vasconcelos 한국유전학회 2023 Genes & Genomics Vol.45 No.2

Background Genotype by environment interactions (G × E) can play an important role in cattle populations and should be included in breeding programs in order to select the best animals for different environments. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the G × E for milk production of Gyr cattle in Brazil and Colombia by applying a reaction norm model used genomics information, and to identify genomic regions associated with milk production in the two countries. Methods The Brazilian and Colombian database included 464 animals (273 cows and 33 sires from Brazil and 158 cows from Colombia) and 27,505 SNPs. A two-trait animal model was used for milk yield adjusted to 305 days in Brazil and Colombia as a function of country of origin, which included genomic information obtained with a single-step genomic reaction norm model. The GIBBS3F90 and POSTGSf90 programs were used. Results The results obtained indicate G × E based on the reranking of bulls between Brazil and Colombia, demonstrating environmental differences between the two countries. The findings highlight the importance of considering the environment when choosing breeding animals in order to ensure the adequate performance of their progeny. Within this context, the reranking of bulls and the different SNPs associated with milk production in the two countries suggest that G × E is an important effect that should be included in the genetic evaluation of Dairy Gyr cattle in Brazil and Colombia. Conclusion The Gyr breeding program can be optimized by choosing a selection environment that will allow maximum genetic progress in milk production in different environments within and between countries.

Chemical Profile and Antinociceptive Efficacy of Rheedia longifolia Leaf Extract

José A.A. Santos,Andrea Calheiros,Diogo D. Nascimento,Ana Luiza R. Bérenger,Fábio C. Amendoeira,Hugo C. Castro-Faria-Neto,Maria Raquel Figueiredo,Luiz A. Alves,Valber da Silva Frutuoso 한국식품영양과학회 2011 Journal of medicinal food Vol.14 No.9

Different species of the family Clusiaceae, including Rheedia longifolia, are used in folk medicine to treat inflammatory diseases. This family is largely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas of Brazil, but their chemical and pharmacological properties have been the subject of a few studies. In previous studies, we found that the aqueous extract from R. longifolia leaves presented important anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. We investigated the chemical profile of R. longifolia and characterized the pharmacological effect of different chemically identified fractions in pharmacological models of neurogenic and inflammatory nociception. The pharmacological tests showed that oral treatment with aqueous crude extract and fractions of methanol extract of R. longifolia leaf induced a significant antinociceptive effect using von Frey filaments. In addition, the most polar fractions presented antinociceptive activity in a neurogenic model of nociception (capsaicin model). The chromatographic analysis indicated the presence of bisflavonoids in the fractions obtained from the methanol extract. These results suggest that bisflavonoids found in methanol-extracted fractions are involved in the inhibition of inflammatory and neurogenic nociception. It is important that the R. longifolia aqueous extract treatment inhibited ulcer formation induced by indomethacin, suggesting an anti-ulcerogenic activity closely associated with its analgesic effect.

IPA and its precursors differently modulate the proliferation, differentiation, and integrity of intestinal epithelial cells

Ismael Shámila,Rodrigues Catarina,Santos Gilberto Maia,Castela Inês,Barreiros-Mota Inês,Almeida Maria João,Calhau Conceição,Faria Ana,Araújo João Ricardo 한국영양학회 2023 Nutrition Research and Practice Vol.17 No.4

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) is a tr yptophan-derived microbial metabolite that has been associated with protective effects against inflammator y and metabolic diseases. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the effects of IPA under physiological conditions and at the intestinal level. MATERIALS/METHODS: Human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells were treated for 2, 24, and/ or 72 h with IPA or its precursors – indole, tr yptophan, and propionate – at 1, 10, 100, 250, or 500 μM to assess cell viability, integrity, differentiation, and proliferation. RESULTS: IPA induced cell proliferation and this effect was associated with a higher expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) and a lower expression of c-Jun. Although indole and propionate also induced cell proliferation, this involved ERK2 and c-Jun independent mechanisms. On the other hand, both tr yptophan and propionate increased cell integrity and reduced the expression of claudin-1, whereas propionate decreased cell differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, these findings suggested that IPA and its precursors distinctly contribute to the proliferation, differentiation, and barrier function properties of human intestinal epithelial cells. Moreover, the pro-proliferative effect of IPA in intestinal epithelial cells was not explained by its precursors and is rather related to its whole chemical structure. Maintaining IPA at physiological levels, e.g., through IPA-producing commensal bacteria, may be important to preser ve the integrity of the intestinal barrier and play an integral role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis.