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J C Carvalho

Publications and source records attributed to J C Carvalho.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Expression of dorsal-ventral genes during early development of Rhynchosciara americana embryos.

The establishment of dorsal-ventral polarity in Drosophila is a complex process which involves the action of maternal and zygotically expressed genes. Interspecific differences in the expression pattern of some of these genes have been described in other species. Here we present the expression of dorsal-ventral genes during early embryogenesis in the lower dipteran Rhynchosciara americana. The expression of four genes, the ventralizing genes snail (sna) and twist (twi) and the dorsalizing genes decapentaplegic (dpp) and zerknullt (zen), was investigated by whole-mount in situ hybridization. Sense and antisense mRNA were transcribed in vitro using UTP-digoxigenin and hybridized at 55 degrees C with dechorionated fixed embryos. Staining was obtained with anti-digoxigenin alkaline phosphatase-conjugated antibody revealed with NBT-BCIP solution. The results showed that, in general, the spatial-temporal expression of R. americana dorsal-ventral genes is similar to that observed in Drosophila, where twi and sna are restricted to the ventral region, while dpp and zen are expressed in the dorsal side. The differences encountered were subtle and probably represent a particular aspect of dorsal-ventral axis determination in R. americana. In this lower dipteran sna is expressed slightly later than twi and dpp expression is expanded over the lateral ectoderm during cellular blastoderm stage. These data suggest that the establishment of dorsal-ventral polarity in R. americana embryos follows a program similar to that observed in Drosophila melanogaster.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Anti-inflammatory activity of Arnica montana 6cH: preclinical study in animals.

The anti-inflammatory effect of Arnica montana 6cH was evaluated using acute and chronic inflammation models. In the acute, model, carrageenin-induced rat paw oedema, the group treated with Arnica montana 6cH showed 30% inhibition compared to control (P < 0.05). Treatment with Arnica 6cH, 30 min prior to carrageenin, did not produce any inhibition of the inflammatory process. In the chronic model, Nystatin-induced oedema, the group treated 3 days previously with Arnica montana 6cH had reduced inflammation 6 h after the inflammatory agent was applied (P < 0.05). When treatment was given 6 h after Nystatin treatment, there was no significant inhibitory effect. In a model based on histamine-induced increase of vascular permeability, pretreatment with Arnica montana 6cH blocked the action of histamine in increasing vascular permeability.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2004

Caries decline in the primary dentition of Belgian children over 15 years.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To investigate changes in caries prevalence in the primary dentition of children resident in Brussels, Belgium between 1983 and 1998, (2) to analyse associations between changes in caries and children's socioeconomic and ethnic aspects. METHODS: In the Brussels region, children in the first grade at the same schools were sampled in cohort 1983 (n = 396) and cohort 1998 (n = 473). Caries experience of Belgian and non-Belgian nationals was summarized in dmf scores. The socioeconomic status of the children was established based on their parents' education and profession. The children were categorized in eight subgroups in relation to their socioeconomic status, ethnic origin and cohort (SESEC subgroups). RESULTS: The percentage of caries-free children increased significantly from 31.5% to 47.5%. A reduction was observed in the dmft scores from 3.9 to 2.3 (P < 0.001) and in the dmfs scores from 6.9 to 5.0 (P < 0.001). The odds ratio of being caries-free was 2.5 times higher for privileged children and 2.3 times higher for children belonging to cohort 1998. The ANCOVA analyses revealed that most of the SESEC subgroups showed significant reduction in dmft scores from 1983 to 1998 (P < 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Children resident in Brussels showed caries decline in their primary dentition over 15 years. Diversity in caries decline was associated with children's socioeconomic status and ethnic origin.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2002

[Status of dental caries in Belgium and neighboring countries].

The present review describes the evolution of dental health in the Belgian population in the last 30 years, comparing it to other European countries. The studies carried out in the individual regions of Wallonia, Brussels and Flanders and in some municipalities, give a general idea about dental health in the country. In the last decade, dental health in Belgian children and adolescents has improved markedly. However, a specific health policy is required for risk groups such as socio-economically underprivileged, disabled and immigrant children. Belgium may be placed among other European countries which show low caries prevalence in schoolchildren population. Further investigation in young adults and adults are required. The lack of representative data for the whole country suggests that the implementation of a data base system for monitoring the evolution of dental health in Belgium would be useful.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Dental caries and gingivitis in schoolchildren from the municipality of Porto Alegre, Brazil in 1975 and 1996.

This study assesses changes in the prevalence of dental caries and gingivitis in a population of Brazilian schoolchildren in 1975 and 1996. The study was carried out in the municipality of Porto Alegre, Brazil, and included all 8- to 10-year-old children attending the second, third, and fourth grades at the same public school. Data were recorded from 233 children in cohort 1975 and from 185 children in cohort 1996. Only the children from cohort 1996 benefited from fluoridated water and regular use of fluoridated toothpaste. Caries experience was registered clinically and radiographically and summarised in DMFT and DMFS indices. The gingival status was described according to the GBI-index. Over a period of 21 years, the percentage of caries-free children increased significantly in all age groups; sevenfold at the age of 8, ninefold at the age of 9 and fourfold at the age of 10. Dental caries has almost disappeared from front teeth and premolars and was mainly located at the groove-fossa-system of permanent first molars. A seventy percent reduction in DMFS scores was observed. A significantly higher percentage of filled surfaces was registered in cohort 1975 than in cohort 1996 (P=0.001). The gingival bleeding index did not diminish during the study period, indicating that children's oral hygiene did not improve. Since the children had neither better access to dental care nor improved oral hygiene, it is tempting to believe that their access to fluorides contributed most to the marked decline in caries prevalence.

Brazil↗
PubMed2001

Anti-inflammatory activity of cubebin, a lignan from the leaves of Zanthoxyllum naranjillo Griseb.

Cubebin, a dibenzylbutyrolactone lignan isolated from the crude hexane extract of the leaves of Zanthoxyllum naranjillo, showed a significant anti-inflammatory activity by using the paw edema induced by carrageenin in rats, but did not provide a significant reduction in the cell migration for the acute carrageenin-induced inflammatory reaction in the peritoneal cavity of rats. Neither was it effective in reducing the edema induced by dextran nor the edema induced by histamine. It partially reduced the edema induced by serotonin. Moreover, it significantly reduced the edema induced by prostaglandin PGE2 and the number of writhings induced by both acetic acid and PGI2 in mice. Therefore, it may be suggested that the mechanism of action of cubebin is similar to that observed for most of the non-steroidal drugs.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

The decline in dental caries among Belgian children between 1983 and 1998.

OBJECTIVES: to investigate cross-sectionally a probable dental caries decline in Belgian 12-yr-olds and to analyse some factors that may be associated with dental caries during the study period. METHODS: In the region of Brussels, children in the 7th grade at the same schools were sampled in 1983 (n=533) and 1998 (n= 496). DMFT, DMFS and dental fluorosis were clinically recorded. Data on children's home-based and professional dental health care habits were registered. RESULTS: Caries-free children increased from 4% to 50%. A reduction of the mean number of teeth attacked by dental caries from 7.5 to 1.6 and of tooth surfaces from 11.5 to 2.5 (P<0.001) was observed. Early signs of dental fluorosis were identified in 5% in 1983 and 30% of the subjects in 1998. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that tooth brushing with fluoridated toothpaste, dental appointments and dental fluorosis were significantly related to dental caries reduction. CONCLUSIONS: A remarkable decline in dental caries was observed during the 15-yr period. The factors related to the children's home-based and professional dental health care were associated with the observed decline.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

[Oral hygiene and gingival condition among 12-year-old children in the Brussels Region].

The study analyses oral hygiene and gingival status in a group of 12-yr-old children from the Region of Brussels. In 1998, a total of 496 children from eight selected schools participated in the sample. All children were interviewed about their socio-economic status and oral health care. Records of the plaque index and the gingival index were made. The mean plaque and gingivitis were 1.24 (+/- 0.03) and 1.32 (+/- 0.03), respectively. Seventy percent of the examined sites presented plaque and gingivitis. Privileged children showed lower means than non-privileged counterparts. Multiple linear regression showed that dental plaque was significantly associated to age, toothbrushing and appointment in case of discomfort or pain (P = 0.02). Age, gender, type of the toothbrush and use of dental floss were associated to gingivitis (P = 0.05). Daily home-based mechanical plaque removal is critical for the maintenance of gingival health and when efficiently performed it leads to remission of gingivitis. Dentists should be encouraged to give information and training on regular plaque removal to their patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Action of ozonized water in preclinical inflammatory models.

Ozonized water increases oxygen local tension. The ozone by itself produces inflammatory reactions in lung epithelium. The action of ozonized water during the inflammatory process was investigated. In rat paw edema induced by carrageenin, the inflammatory process was stimulated by ozonized water (1.2 microg, p.o.) when applied 30 min prior to the induction. In the inflammatory process induced by Freund's Complete Adjuvant, the ozonized water did not interfere in the inflammatory reaction. Furthermore, in gastric ulcers models induced by stress, there was a significant reduction in the incidence of ulcers types I, II and III (P<0.05, Student's t -test).

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Anti-inflammatory activity of flavone and some of its derivates from Virola michelli Heckel.

The phytochemical study using Virola michelli Heckel (Myristicaceae) leaves allowed the isolation of a flavone named titonine (7,4'-dimethoxy-3'-hydroxyflavone). Titonine was further submitted to methylation and acetylation reactions yielding a 7,3',4'-trimethoxyflavone and a 7,3'-dimethoxy-4'-acetylflavone, respectively. These compounds were evaluated for both anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in rats using the paw edema test with carrageenin, while the analgesic activity was determined in mouse using the writhing test method. The different animal groups were treated with three compounds (10 mg/kg -i.p.) thirty min prior to stimuli application. The inhibition levels obtained for each compound were 22, 41 and 68%, respectively. Using the writhing test, oral doses of 5, 10 and 15 mg/kg of natural flavone reduced the acetic acid-induced contortions in a dose-dependent manner.

Analgesics↗
PubMed1999

Anti-inflammatory activity of the crude extract from the fruits of Pterodon emarginatus Vog.

The vegetal species Pterodon emarginatus Vog. (Leguminosae/Papilonaceae), popularly known in Brazil as 'sucupira branca', is widely used by domestic medicine as an anti-inflammatory. From these observations, the hexanic crude extract (HCE) of the fruits was obtained and submitted for assessment of its anti-inflammatory activity. For this purpose, the following tests were used: (1) Determination of ED50 and LD50; (2) Paw edema induced by carrageenin, dextran, histamine and nystatin; (3) Peritonitis caused by carrageenin and (4) Granuloma test. The ED50 (oral) in the edema induced by carrageenin was 500 mg/kg, and LD50 (oral) was 4.02 g/kg. In the edema caused by nystatin, there was a significant inhibition by 45% (P < 0.05 student's t-test) at the 6th hour following the treatment. In the granuloma test performed in animals treated with HCE, there was an inhibition of the granulomatous tissue formation by 22%. The migration of neutrophils towards the peritoneal cavity was inhibited in HCE treated animals by 43% (P < 0.05). However, in the edema caused by dextran and histamine, there was no significant response in HCE treated animals.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Oral health status in Belgian 3- to 5-year-old children.

The aim of this study was to determine the need for oral health care in young Belgian children in the municipality of Leuven, Belgium. The sample consisted of 750 boys and girls (3 years = 200, 4 years = 200 and 5 years = 350). Clinical examination was carried out by one examiner and duplicate recordings were made on 10% of the sample. The clinical examination included recording of: (1) plaque index; (2) gingival index; (3) caries index; and (4) fluorosis index. Plaque and gingival indices were recorded at six sites of smooth surfaces on selected teeth. Occlusal plaque was also registered. Before the clinical examination for caries and fluorosis, the children had their teeth professionally cleaned with toothbrushes and dental floss and dried by means of gauze bandages. In all age groups, the percentage of plaque-free sites was of the order of 60% and sound gingiva was identified at 83% of the recorded sites. The percentages of caries-free children were 69% (3 years), 57% (4 years) and 52% (5 years). The mean deft scores (standard error) were 1.37 (+/- 0.21), 1.76 (+/- 0.21) and 2.03 (+/- 0.17). The corresponding mean defs scores were 2.04 (+/- 0.44), 2.46 (+/- 0.35) and 3.75 (+/- 0.42). Non-cavitated active lesions, included in the defs scores, represented about 50% of all caries lesions. Early signs of dental fluorosis were identified in 19% (3 years), 17% (4 years) and 9% (5 years) of children. The need for oral health care in the population studied is mainly related to non-operative treatment procedures aimed at controlling the progression of disease.

Belgium↗
PubMed1998

Onset, development and arrest of dental caries in Brazilian pre-school children.

The aim of this study was to describe the onset, development and arrest of dental caries in Brazilian 1- to 5-year-old children with limited access to dental care. The sample represented 40% of all children in these age groups attending public nursery school in the Federal District of Brazil. A total of 1465 children who benefited from fluoridated water soon after birth were examined for caries. For all teeth and tooth surfaces, the examination recorded whether they were sound, showing active or arrested lesions (non-cavitated or cavitated), filled or indicated for extraction. The onset of dental caries was identified at an early age; 89% of children were free of caries at the age of 1 year, decreasing to 28% at the age of 5 years. Non-cavitated lesions (active and arrested) accounted for 71% (<2 years), 58% (3 years), 47% (4 years) and 40% (5 years) of the total number of surfaces showing caries experience. The corresponding values for cavities were 28%, 38%, 47% and 47%, respectively. Maxillary incisors and molars disclosed the highest caries experience in all ages. For children older than 1 year, both mean deft and defs scores not including non-cavitated lesions were significantly different from those for which non-cavitated lesions were taken into account (t-test, P < 0.0001). At the age of 5 years, defs scores were 5.5 and 8.8, respectively. This study documented that the onset and development of dental disease started at an early age in the population studied, leading to a considerable need for dental care.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1998

Malocclusion, dental injuries and dental anomalies in the primary dentition of Belgian children.

AIM: To estimate the prevalence of malocclusion, dental injuries and dental anomalies in a sample of 3-5-year-old Belgian children. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study of 3-5-year-olds attending kindergartens in the municipality of Leuven, Belgium. METHODS: A total of 750 boys and girls participated in the study. The children were examined at the University School Health Centre in connection with their obligatory medical check-up. The clinical examination was performed by one examiner using generally accepted criteria for these oral conditions. RESULTS: 10.1% of the examined children had posterior cross-bite whereas over-bite was seen in only 2.0% of the sample. Open-bite was detected in 32.0% of the studied population. Boys showed a tendency for a higher frequency of malocclusions than girls. Traumatic injuries were identified in 18.0% of children. These were almost entirely restricted to maxillary incisors. Crown fractures were responsible for 42% of all injuries. The following dental anomalies were seen: six cases of supernumerary teeth, three cases of hypodontia, five cases of double teeth and one case of conical maxillary lateral incisor. CONCLUSION: Our findings emphasize the importance of early detection of these oral conditions in order to permit effective and long-term planning, according to the child's individual requirements.

Belgium↗
PubMed1998

Small doses of intrathecal morphine combined with systemic diclofenac for postoperative pain control after cesarean delivery.

UNLABELLED: Postoperative pain control after cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia is effectively obtained with morphine 0.1-0.3 mg intrathecally, although there may be dose-dependent side effects. We evaluated the quality of analgesia and the incidence of side effects with smaller doses of intrathecal morphine combined with intramuscular (i.m.) diclofenac. One hundred-twenty pregnant patients were allocated into six groups, which received the following treatments: Groups 1, 3, and 5 received 0.1, 0.05, and 0.025 mg of intrathecal morphine, respectively, plus 75 mg of i.m. diclofenac every 8 h; Groups 2, 4, and 6 received 0.1, 0.05, and 0.025 mg of intrathecal morphine, respectively, plus i.m. diclofenac on demand. Spinal anesthesia was performed with 15 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine. Pain scores and side effects were evaluated hourly for the first 24 h. Groups 1 and 2 had lower pain scores than Groups 3, 4, 5, and 6. However, only patients in Groups 2, 4, and 6 requested additional analgesics. Severe pruritus was more frequent in Groups 1 and 2. No patient experienced respiratory depression. We conclude that there is no advantage in using doses larger than 0.025 mg of intrathecal morphine if they are combined with systemic diclofenac. IMPLICATIONS: A multimodal approach to pain control may provide good quality analgesia while reducing drug-related side effects. In this study, a very small dose of intrathecal morphine, in association with intramuscular diclofenac, proved effective for controlling pain after cesarean delivery, with a low incidence of morphine-induced pruritus.

Cesarean Section↗
PubMed1998

Traumatic dental injuries in Brazilian pre-school children.

The purpose of this investigation was to estimate the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries in a sample of Brazilian pre-school children with limited access to dental care. The sample included 1,853 one-to-five-year-old children attending public nursery schools in the Federal District of Brazil. Dental injuries were clinically assessed as follows: 1) uncomplicated crown fracture, 2) complicated fracture, 3) crown discoloration, 4) intrusive luxation, 5) extrusive luxation, 6) exarticulation or extraction after trauma and 7) subluxation. The results showed that 10% (< 2 years), 12% (3-4 years) and 20% (5 years) of the children had suffered at least one type of injury clinically identified at the time of the examination. Boys and girls were similarly affected. Dental injuries were almost entirely restricted to the maxillary central incisors (88%). Single tooth injury was predominant in all age groups. In the youngest group the most common types of injuries were crown fracture (69%) and crown discoloration (18%). However, from the age of three, crown discoloration showed percentages ranging from 41% to 47%. Prematurely lost tooth accounted for 11% of the injuries in 5-year-old children. The observed increase of dental injuries with age indicates accumulated treatment needs due to the children's limited access to dental care.

Brazil↗
PubMed1998

[Clinical considerations apropos of topical fluorides in the control of dental caries].

Studies on the caries reducing effect of topical fluorides have provided a great understanding of their therapeutic role in caries control. It is believed that topically applied fluorides interfere with dental tissue demineralisation and reduce the rate of caries progression. According to this assumption, topical fluorides are recommended to both children and adults as a measure to control coronal as well as root caries. In the present review, some aspects of caries development and arrest are considered and the reasoning behind topical fluoride application is discussed. Guidelines concerning self-applied and professionally applied topical fluorides regimes according to the patient's caries risk and caries activity are presented.

Adult↗