http://repositorio.ufc.br/handle/riufc/15289 Fri, 12 Jun 2026 08:30:23 GMT 2026-06-12T08:30:23Z http://repositorio.ufc.br/handle/riufc/86039 Título: Avaliação da fotobiomodulação no controle da disgeusia em pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço submetidos à radioterapia: estudo clínico randomizado Autor(es): Viana, Priscilla Parente Abstract: Radiotherapy for head and neck cancer potentially leads to gustatory dysfunction. Dysgeusia is a distortion in taste perception that may result in nutritional deficiencies and reduced quality of life. Photobiomodulation therapy has been used as a supportive measure in cancer treatment, including for the management of taste disorders.This randomized study aimed to evaluate the influence of photobiomodulation therapy on the prevention of dysgeusia in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy, compared with the use of zinc sulfate. The sample included 16 patients, divided into a Test Group (photobiomodulation therapy) and a Control Group (zinc sulfate use). Objective taste testing was performed in both groups at three time points: before radiotherapy (T0), at the 15th radiotherapy session (T1), and at the 30th radiotherapy session (T2). The sample consisted predominantly of male patients (68.8%), with a mean age of 65.63 years. Fisher’s exact test was used for statistical analysis to compare the Test and Control groups at T0, T1, and T2. Salty taste perception was the most affected in both groups. Sweet taste perception showed greater improvement in the zinc group at T2. Sour, bitter, and salty taste perceptions showed greater improvement in the laser group at T2. Statistically, no comparison between groups at T0, T1, or T2 was significant (p > 0.05). Despite the absence of statistically significant differences between groups, laser therapy demonstrated greater effectiveness in reducing the severity of taste disorders related to sour, bitter, and salty tastes throughout radiotherapy, particularly at the most critical time points (T1,T2). The association of both treatments may be beneficial for the treatment and prevention of dysgeusia in patients irradiated for head and neck cancer. Tipo: Dissertação Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://repositorio.ufc.br/handle/riufc/86039 2026-03-01T00:00:00Z http://repositorio.ufc.br/handle/riufc/85997 Título: Anatomia radiográfica em ambiente virtual de ensino: desenvolvimento e validação de um aplicativo Autor(es): Moreira, Mateus Jorge Abstract: Dental radiology and imaging play a fundamental role in academic training, requiring mastery of anatomy and image interpretation for accurate diagnosis. Advances in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have significantly impacted the educational landscape, enabling new methodological approaches. In this context, the development of mobile applications emerges as an innovative tool to support the teaching and learning processes in oral radiology. This study aimed to develop and validate a web application called: Digital and Imaging Dentistry of UFC (ODIM-UFC), focused on teaching dental radiology and imaging. The research adopted a methodological approach based on co-design, involving both professors and students in the development of the tool. The application integrates theoretical content, vectorized radiographic images, and a quiz system, allowing students to test their knowledge and reinforce learning. To evaluate ODIM-UFC as an educational tool, a three-month validation process was conducted with undergraduate dental students from the Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Sobral campus, and with professors from anatomy and radiology disciplines, who were invited through the snowball sampling technique. The usability and acceptance of the application were assessed through structured questionnaires based on the System Usability Scale (SUS) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). A total of 60 dental students and 8 professors from higher education institutions working in the fields of anatomy and radiology participated in the study. The validation results indicate good internal reliability among both students and professors, as demonstrated by a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.86 for the level of technology acceptance and a mean score of 89.0 for the usability scale. This research resulted in the development and validation of ODIM-UFC, an educational application that can complement the teaching–learning process in radiographic anatomy. Tipo: Dissertação Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://repositorio.ufc.br/handle/riufc/85997 2026-04-01T00:00:00Z http://repositorio.ufc.br/handle/riufc/85996 Título: Caracterização e avaliação antifúngica do óleo essencial de Cinnamomum verum J.Presl contra isolados clínicos de Candida Albicans sensíveis e resistentes a fluconazol Autor(es): Rodrigues, Pedro Henrique Lima Abstract: The number of invasive fungal infections has increased in recent years, with Candida species standing out as opportunistic yeasts and major causative agents of systemic mycoses. In this context, aromatic plants such as Cinnamomum verum J.Presl (true cinnamon) have attracted attention due to their antimicrobial properties. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize and determine the antifungal activities of Cinnamomum verum essential oil against Candida albicans. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus. Antifungal activity was evaluated by broth microdilution, and synergistic interactions were assessed using the checkerboard method. Antibiofilm activity and hemolytic effects were also determined. Additionally, the inhibition profile of virulence factors was analyzed through hydrolytic enzyme assays, and the mechanism of action was investigated using ergosterol and sorbitol assays. The essential oil showed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2.5 mg/mL against ATCC 90028 and other clinical isolates, and 1.25 mg/mL against the resistant clinical isolate C14. Checkerboard assays revealed an additive effect for the combination of amphotericin B and essential oil (FICI = 0.75 for ATCC 90028 and FICI = 1. 0 for C16). The combination of fluconazole and essential oil resulted in an additive effect for ATCC 90028 (FICI = 0.63) and a synergistic effect for C16 (FICI = 0.37). The essential oil inhibited biofilm adhesion similarly to fluconazole and amphotericin B but did not eradicate mature biofilms. Hemolytic activity was lower than that observed for the antifungals tested, with the essential oil showing the highest HC50 at 7.56 mg/mL. The oil modulated hydrolytic enzyme activity, particularly in strain ATCC 90028. Its mechanism of action was not associated with ergosterol or sorbitol pathways, suggesting interference with metabolic processes or cell wall integrity. These findings highlight the potential of natural products and their constituents in the search for new antimicrobial therapies. Tipo: Dissertação Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://repositorio.ufc.br/handle/riufc/85996 2026-04-01T00:00:00Z http://repositorio.ufc.br/handle/riufc/85511 Título: Atividade antifúngica dos óleos essenciais das folhas de Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f. e Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck contra cep as de Candida albicans na forma planctônica e de biofilme Autor(es): Fernandes, Maria Alyce Albuquerque Abstract: Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause infections in its host through its virulence factors. The limited antifungal options have led to a search for therapeutic alternatives, and essential oils, such as those from the Citrus genus, stand out for their antifungal potential. The study was conducted in the northern region of the state of Ceará, through partnerships between institutions. It strengthens regional innovation and the potential of bioprospecting natural products in microbiology using plants cultivated in the region, thus presenting important results in the areas of biotechnology and health. This study analyzes the chemical composition, antifungal activity against Candida albicans in planktonic and biofilm forms, cytotoxicity in human erythrocytes, and pharmacokinetic properties of essential oils from Citrus limon and Citrus sinensis. The essential oils were extracted from the leaves by hydrodistillation, and their composition was verified by GC-MS. Antifungal activity was evaluated using broth microdilution and death kinetics. Combined effects were assessed using the Checkerboard method, while antibiofilm tests were evaluated using plate assays and microscopy . Hemolytic activity tests were performed using a percentage of hemolysis. The essential oils contain limonene (40.81-36.69%) as the major constituent. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration was 0.312–1.25 mg/mL, with a killing kinetic of up to 10 h. It showed additive (C. limon/fluconazole) and synergistic (C. sinensis/fluconazole) effects. It exhibited anti-adhesion and anti-polymorphism effects, initiating biofilm formation. It also exhibited low cytotoxicity , with an LC50 of 14,000-13,000 μg/mL. ADMET and BOILED-Egg pharmacokinetic predictions indicated safety for systemic use. Both essential oils exhibited strong anti-Candida activity with minimal cytotoxicity . Their additive/synergistic effects with fluconazole highlight their potential as an alternative or adjuvant therapy against C. albicans infections. Tipo: Dissertação Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://repositorio.ufc.br/handle/riufc/85511 2026-03-01T00:00:00Z