Photodynamic antimicrobial therapy (PACT) promotes bacterial death as a result of the photosensitization of microbial components. This study evaluated the effect of PACT on dentine caries produced in situ. Over the course of 14 d, 20 volunteers wore intra-oral devices containing human dentine slabs that were treated 10 times daily with a 40% sucrose solution. Afterwards, the antimicrobial effect of toluidine blue O, associated with 47 or 94 J cm(-2) of a light-emitting diode, was evaluated. Before and after the treatments, dentine samples were analysed with regard to the total number of microorganisms, total streptococci, mutans streptococci, and lactobacilli. Significant reductions in the bacterial count were observed for PACT with both energy densities tested, with the following values observed for 47 and 94 J cm(-2) of irradiation: for total streptococci, 3.45 and 5.18; for mutans streptococci, 3.08 and 4.16; for lactobacilli, 3.24 and 4.66; and for total microorganisms, 4.29 and 5.43, respectively. The control, treated with 94 J cm(-2) of irradiation alone, was also effective against all bacteria. To conclude, PACT was effective in killing oral microorganisms present in dentine caries produced in situ and may be a useful technique for eliminating bacteria from dentine carious lesions before restoration.

Aim: The effect of photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) on oral biofilms was evaluated. Methods: Biofilms formed in vitro were treated with sensitizer (S) and/or light (L) in the test (S⁺L⁺) and control (S^–L^–, S⁺L^–, S^–L⁺) groups. Additionally, 21 volunteers wore intraoral devices and the biofilms formed on each side of the device were referred to as S⁺L⁺ or S^–L^– groups. Results: Significant decreases in the viability of in vitro biofilms were observed after PACT. PACT was ineffective in inhibiting multi-species biofilms formed in situ. Conclusion: PACT was effective on in vitro biofilms and was ineffective on in situ biofilms.

O Centro de Especialidades Odontológicas Regional de Sobral (CEO-R), no Ceará, possui características que o tornam único: tem abrangência regional, é administrado por um Consórcio intermunicipal de Saúde (totalizando 24 municípios) e funciona juntamente com o Curso de Odontologia da Universidade Federal do Ceará - Campus Sobral, congregando no mesmo espaço serviço e academia. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a acessibilidade à atenção especializada nesta região após a implantação do CEO-R Sobral. Foi realizado um estudo exploratoìrio-descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa, por meio da coleta e análise de dados secundários de oferta e utilização desse serviço, além da aplicação de entrevista semiestruturada aos Coordenadores de Saúde Bucal dos 24 municiìpios consorciados. Os resultados evidenciaram que o CEO-R está preparado para atender à demanda. Contudo, foram encontradas barreiras geográficas, financeiras e organizacionais que explicam as baixas taxas de aproveitamento de marcação de consultas e de utilização do serviço e a alta taxa de faltosos, causando um importante impacto financeiro para os municípios consorciados.

The carbohydrate-binding activity of the algal lectins from the closely related red marine algal species Bryothamnion triquetrum (BTL) and Bryothamnion seaforthii (BSL) was used to differentiate human colon carcinoma cell variants with respect to their cell membrane glyco-receptors. These lectins interacted with the cells tested in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the fluorescence spectra of both lectins clearly differentiated the cells used as shown by FACS profiles. Furthermore, as observed by confocal microscopy, BTL and BSL bound to cell surface glycoproteins underwent intense internalization, which makes them possible tools in targeting strategies.

Periodontitis is very prevalent worldwide and is one of the major causes of tooth loss in adults. About 80% of the worldwide population use medicinal plants for their health care. Stemodia maritima L. (S. maritima) antioxidant and antimicrobial effects in vitro as well as anti-inflammatory properties. Herein, the potential therapeutic effect of S. maritima was assessed in rats subjected to experimental periodontitis (EP). EP was induced in female Wistar rats by nylon thread ligature around 2nd upper left molars for 11 days. Animals received (per os) S. maritima (0.2; 1 or 5 mg/kg) or vehicle (saline + DMSO) 1 h before ligature and then once daily for 11 days. The naive group had no manipulation. After this time-point, the animals were terminally anesthetized, and the maxillae were removed for morphometric and histological analyzes (HE). Gingival tissues were dissected to cytokine levels detection (TNF-α, IL1-β, CINC-1, and IL-10), enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) analysis, as well as gene expression (TNF-α, IL-1β, RANK, and iNOS) by qRT-PCR. Systemic parameters (weight variation, plasma levels of hepatic enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine, total alkaline phosphatase (TALP), and bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) were performed. Histological analysis of the stomach, liver, kidney, and heart was also performed. S. maritima (5 mg/kg) decreased alveolar bone loss, TNF-α and CINC-1 gingival levels, oxidative stress, and transcription of TNF-α, IL1-β, RANK, and iNOS genes. It elevated both BALP activity and IL-10 gingival levels. The animals showed no any signs of toxicity. In conclusion, S. maritima reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine production, oxidative stress, and alveolar bone loss in a pre-clinical trial of periodontitis. S. maritima is a potential tool for controlling the development of periodontitis.