Fluoride content in children's dentifrices marketed in Lima, Peru

The aim of the present study was to determine the concentration of total fluoride (TF) and total soluble fluoride (TSF) in children's dentifrices marketed in the city of Lima, Peru. Three samples of 23 dentifrices (4 without fluoride and 19 with fluoride) were purchased in different pharmacies in Lima, Peru. The TF and TSF concentrations found in the dentifrices were determined by ion-selective electrode, expressed in ppm F (μg F/g of dentifrice). The TF concentration in the majority of the fluoride toothpastes matched that shown on the label, except for one declared as 1450 ppm F by the manufacturer, whereas only 515.1 ppm F was found. The concentration of TSF found in the fluoride toothpastes ranged from 457.5 to 1134.8 ppm F. All the dentifrices were formulated with silica, but one also presented calcium carbonate. In conclusion, 83% of the children's dentifrices marketed in Lima, Peru, were fluoridated, but only 53% contained a TSF concentration greater than 1000 ppm F, the minimum concentration required to provide an anticaries effect33COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIOR - CAPESnão te

The Therapeutic Potential of Non-Invasive and Invasive Cerebellar Stimulation Techniques in Hereditary Ataxias.

The degenerative ataxias comprise a heterogeneous group of inherited and acquired disorders that are characterized by a progressive cerebellar syndrome, frequently in combination with one or more extracerebellar signs. Specific disease-modifying interventions are currently not available for many of these rare conditions, which underscores the necessity of finding effective symptomatic therapies. During the past five to ten years, an increasing number of randomized controlled trials have been conducted examining the potential of different non-invasive brain stimulation techniques to induce symptomatic improvement. In addition, a few smaller studies have explored deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the dentate nucleus as an invasive means to directly modulate cerebellar output, thereby aiming to alleviate ataxia severity. In this paper, we comprehensively review the clinical and neurophysiological effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and dentate nucleus DBS in patients with hereditary ataxias, as well as the presumed underlying mechanisms at the cellular and network level and perspectives for future research

Snake venom components enhance pain upon subcutaneous injection: an initial examination of spinal cord mediators

Snakebites are a relevant public health problem in Central and South America. Snake bite envenomations cause intense pain, not relieved by anti-venom. The fangs of many species are short, causing subcutaneous injection. Fangs of larger species inflict subcutaneous or intramuscular envenomation. To understand pain induced by subcutaneous venom, this study examined spinal mechanisms involved in pain-enhancing effects of subcutaneous Lys49 and Asp49 secretory phospholipase-A2 (sPLA2), two components of Bothrops asper snake venom showing highly different enzymatic activities. Unilateral intraplantar sPLA2-Lys49 (catalytically inactive) or sPLA2-Asp49 (catalytically active) into rat hindpaws each induced mechanical hyperalgesia (Randall–Selitto test), whereas only catalytically active sPLA2-Asp49 caused mechanical allodynia (von Frey test). Effects induced by both sPLA2s were inhibited by intrathecal fluorocitrate, a reversible glial metabolic inhibitor. In support, immunohistochemical analysis revealed activation of dorsal horn astrocytes and microglia after intraplantar injection of either sPLA2. Spinal proinflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide, and prostanoids each appear to be involved in the pain-enhancing effects of these sPLA2s. Blockade of interleukin-1 (IL1) inhibited hyperalgesia induced by both sPLA2s, while leaving allodynia unaffected. Blockade of tumor necrosis factor reduced responses to sPLA2-Asp49. An inhibitor of neuronal nitric oxide synthase, 7-nitroindazole (7-NI), inhibited hyperalgesia induced by both sPLA2s, without interfering with allodynia induced by sPLA2-Asp49. On the other hand, l-N6-(1-iminoethyl)lysine (l-NI), an inhibitor of the inducible nitric oxide synthase, did not alter any sPLA2-induced effect. Lastly, celecoxib, an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2, attenuated sPLA2 actions. These data provide the first evidence of spinal mediators involved in pain facilitation induced by subcutaneous venoms.International Association for the Study of Pain//IASP/Estados UnidosCoordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior/[0596/02-7]/CAPES/BrasilConselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico//CNPq/BrasilFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/[99/08432-8]/FAPESP/BrasilFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/[00/12303-8]/FAPESP/BrasilUCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias de la Salud::Instituto Clodomiro Picado (ICP

Pain in Parkinson's Disease: Current Concepts and a New Diagnostic Algorithm

Background: Pain is a significant burden for patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) with a high impact on quality of life. The present article aims at summarizing epidemiological, pathophysiological, clinical, and neurophysiological data regarding pain in PD. Methods: In this domain, a procedure of systematic assessment is still lacking for the syndromic diagnosis and should take into account pain characteristics, effects of dopaminergic treatment, motor fluctuations, and non-PD-associated pain. Findings: We propose an original questionnaire addressing an algorithm suitable for daily clinical practice. The questionnaire is based on a three-step approach addressing first the relationship between pain and PD (including temporal relationship with the course of the disease, association with motor fluctuations, and impact of antiparkinsonian treatment), before classifying pain into one of three main syndromes (i.e., musculoskeletal pain, psychomotor restlessness pain, and neuropathic pain). Conclusions: The proposed questionnaire allows the characteristics of each pain type to be determined according to its relationship with the disease and its treatment. The validation of the clinical use of this questionnaire will be the goal of a forthcoming work. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society