war ; Armed Conflicts ; Nuclear Energy ; Atomic Energy ; Radiation ; Nuclear Weapons

Background: Pain remains one of the main causes of apprehension during dental procedures. In this context, topical anesthetics play an essential role in reducing discomfort, and new compounds such as amitriptyline and jambu (Acmella oleracea) extract have been investigated as promising alternatives. Drug delivery systems, such as PentravanⓇ , a nanosomal transdermal base, are also of interest; however, their application on oral mucosa has not yet been clinically evaluated. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the anesthetic efficacy of lidocaine (LDC) and prilocaine (PLC) combined with either amitriptyline or jambu, formulated as ointments or incorporated into PentravanⓇ , for topical anesthesia of the buccal and palatal mucosa of maxillary premolars, using pulpal response and puncture sensitivity as outcome measures. Methods: A randomized, blinded, crossover clinical trial was conducted with 40 healthy volunteers who received six formulations: (1) LDC 2.5% + PLC 2.5% (positive control); (2) LDC 2.5% + PLC 2.5% + amitriptyline 5%; (3) LDC 2.5% + PLC 2.5% + jambu extract 20% (7.5% spilanthol); (4) LDC 2.5% + PLC 2.5% + amitriptyline 5% in PentravanⓇ ; (5) LDC 2.5% + PLC 2.5% + jambu extract 20% in PentravanⓇ ; and (6) base ointment without active ingredients (placebo). Pain upon needle puncture was assessed using the visual analog scale, and pulpal anesthesia was evaluated with an electric pulp tester. Results: Formulations 1 and 2 produced the lowest pain scores in the buccal mucosa, with Formulation 1 showing statistically superior results than Formulations 3, 4, 5, and 6 (P < 0.05). Formulation 6 yielded the highest pain scores, while Formulations 2–5 demonstrated intermediate efficacy without significant differences.Formulations 1 and 2 were also the most effective on the palatal mucosa. None of the formulations achieved significant pulpal anesthesia. Adverse effects were mild and self-limiting, with mucosal desquamation observed only with Formulation 2. Conclusion Amitriptyline demonstrated relevant clinical potential, whereas jambu extract showed intermediate efficacy. PentravanⓇ -based formulations did not exhibit clinical superiority. Future studies should focus on optimizing these combined formulations to enhance the efficacy of topical anesthesia in dentistry.

Halicephalobus gingivalis is a free-living nematode that occasionally causes infections in horses. We report a rare case of limb fracture of horse caused by infection with H. gingivalis. An 8-year-old mare was referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Lavras with claudication grade 5 of the right hind limb, that had been started 3 months ago. The patient had aseptic arthritis in the tarsal joint and edema that extended to the quartile. The radiographic examination showed punctate osteolysis with exacerbation of bone trabeculation along the calcaneus, talus, proximal epiphysis of the third metatarsal and distal epiphysis of the tibia. Treatment for arthritis was initiated, and the animal showed a slight improvement in limb function. However, 21 days after hospitalization, due to a comminuted fracture of the tibia, it was euthanized. At necropsy, yellowish masses were found from the metatarsal to the tibia, and around the tarsal bones and joint. Similar masses were also found in the left kidney. Numerous nematodes compatible with H. gingivalis were identified. This is the first description of a pathological fracture caused by H. gingivalis infection in an equine limb.

In January, 2023, the Science and Security Board of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists moved the hands of the Doomsday Clock forward to 90’s before midnight, reflecting the growing risk of nuclear war.1 In August, 2022, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the world is now in “a time of nuclear danger not seen since the height of the Cold War.2 The danger has been underlined by growing tensions between many nuclear armed states.1,3 As editors of health and medical journals worldwide, we call on health professionals to alert the public and our leaders to this major danger to public health and the essential life support systems of the planet—and urge action to prevent it.
Armed Conflicts ; Nuclear Energy ; Radiation

This study aimed to measure the levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin 1 (IL-1), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and nitrite/nitrate (NOx) in serum of dogs experimentally infected with Rangelia vitalii. Twelve female mongrel dogs were divided into 2 groups; group A (uninfected controls) composed by healthy dogs (n=5) and group B consisting of dogs inoculated with R. vitalii (n=7). Animals were monitored by blood smear examinations, which showed intraerythrocytic forms of the parasite on day 5 post-infection (PI). Blood samples were collected through the jugular vein on days 0, 10, and 20 PI to determine the serum levels of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6, and NOx. Cytokines were assessed by ELISA quantitative sandwich technique, and NOx was measured by the modified Griess method. Cytokine levels (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-1, and IL-6) were increased (P<0.01) in serum of infected animals. Serum levels of NOx were also increased on days 10 PI (P<0.01) and 20 PI (P<0.05) in infected animals. Therefore, the infection with R. vitalii causes an increase in proinflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide content. These alterations may be associated with host immune protection against the parasite.
Animals ; Chemistry Techniques, Analytical ; Cytokines/*blood ; Disease Models, Animal ; Dogs ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Nitric Oxide/*blood ; Piroplasmida/*immunology ; Protozoan Infections/*immunology/parasitology/pathology ; Serum/chemistry