Although the literature does not provide evidence of health risks from exposure to fluoride (F) in therapeutic doses, questions remain about the effects of long-term and high-dose use on the function of the central nervous system. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of long-term exposure to F at levels similar to those found in areas of artificial water fluoridation and in areas of endemic fluorosis on biochemical, proteomic, cell density, and functional parameters associated with the cerebellum. For this, mice were exposed to water containing 10 mg F/L or 50 mg F/L (as sodium fluoride) for 60 days. After the exposure period, the animals were submitted to motor tests and the cerebellum was evaluated for fluoride levels, antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals (ACAP), lipid peroxidation (MDA), and nitrite levels (NO). The proteomic profile and morphological integrity were also evaluated. The results showed that the 10 mg F/L dose was able to decrease the ACAP levels, and the animals exposed to 50 mg F/L presented lower levels of ACAP and higher levels of MDA and NO. The cerebellar proteomic profile in both groups was modulated, highlighting proteins related to the antioxidant system, energy production, and cell death, however no neuronal density change in cerebellum was observed. Functionally, the horizontal exploratory activity of both exposed groups was impaired, while only the 50 mg F/L group showed significant changes in postural stability. No motor coordination and balance impairments were observed in both groups. Our results suggest that fluoride may impair the cerebellar oxidative biochemistry, which is associated with the proteomic modulation and, although no morphological impairment was observed, only the highest concentration of fluoride was able to impair some cerebellar motor functions.
The high prevalence of dental trauma among the population highlights the importance of the preventative actions taken after trauma to preserve the integrity of the dental organ. The present study aimed to evaluate the perception of the Community Health Workers (CHW) in relation to dental trauma. A cross-sectional qualitative study was carried out using a questionnaire for 169 CHW of the metropolitan region of Belém, in the state of Pará, Brazil, in order to evaluate the association between the experience of the CHW and their respective knowledge and attitudes regarding dental trauma. After data tabulation, the statistical analysis of the results was performed using the chi-square and the Fisher's exact test, with a = 0.05 level. Descriptive analysis revealed that 93.5% of the agents are unaware of what dental avulsion is, 68% would not try to reimplant in cases of avulsion and 53,84% would not store the dental fragment in any kind of solution after traumatism. This demonstrates unsatisfactory performance of the CHW, with a lack of basic knowledge on this topic. Also, the results indicated that there is no association between the experience of the CHW and their respective knowledge and attitude in regards to dento-alveolar trauma. From this study it was possible to conclude that the perceptions of CHW on dento-alveolar trauma are insufficient. Consequently, there is a need for better training and understanding on the subject so that appropriate first aid can be provided in cases of dental trauma.
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