In vitro antibacterial activities of silver nanoparticles synthesised using the seed extracts of three varieties of Phoenix dactylifera / Atividades antibacterianas in vitro de nanopartículas de prata sintetizadas usando extratos de sementes de três variedades de Phoenix dactylifera

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is an ecofriendly, cost-effective and promising approach for discovery of novel therapeutics. The aim of the current work was to biogenic synthesize, characterize AgNPs using seed extracts of three economically important varieties of date palm (Iklas, Irziz and Shishi), and assess their anti-pathogenic bacterial activities. AgNPs were synthesised then characterised using electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared analyses. The bactericidal activities of AgNPs against five different bacterial pathogens, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, were determined in vitro. In particular, changes in membrane integrity of virulent bacterial strains in response to AgNPs were investigated. Results of lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase activity assays, and measurement of membrane potential revealed that the cytotoxic effects of the AgNPs were mainly centred on the plasma membrane of bacterial cells, leading to loss of its integrity and eventually cell death. In conclusion, green synthesis of AgNPs is an efficient, cost-effective and promising strategy to combat virulent antibiotic-resistant strains.

A síntese verde de nanopartículas de prata (AgNPs) é uma abordagem ecologicamente correta, econômica e promissora para a descoberta de novas terapêuticas. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi sintetizar biogênica, caracterizar AgNPs usando extratos de sementes de três variedades economicamente importantes de tamareira (Iklas, Irziz e Shishi) e avaliar suas atividades bacterianas antipatogênicas. AgNPs foram sintetizados e caracterizados usando microscopia eletrônica e análise de infravermelho por transformada de Fourier. As atividades bactericidas de AgNPs contra cinco diferentes patógenos bacterianos, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina e Streptococcus pneumoniae, foram determinadas in vitro. Em particular, foram investigadas alterações na integridade da membrana de cepas bacterianas virulentas em resposta a AgNPs. Os resultados da lactato desidrogenase, dos ensaios da atividade da fosfatase alcalina e da medição do potencial de membrana revelaram que os efeitos citotóxicos dos AgNPs estavam principalmente centrados na membrana plasmática das células bacterianas, levando à perda de sua integridade e, eventualmente, à morte celular. A síntese verde de AgNPs é uma estratégia eficiente, econômica e promissora para combater cepas virulentas resistentes a antibióticos.

Prevalência de diagnóstico médico de asma em adultos brasileiros: Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, 2013 / Prevalence of asthma medical diagnosis among Brazilian adults: National Health Survey, 2013

RESUMO: Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência de diagnóstico médico de asma na população adulta brasileira (≥ 18 anos). Métodos: Estudo transversal de base populacional com dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS), de 2013; processo amostral por conglomerado com três estágios de seleção: setor censitário, domicílio e indivíduo. Calculou-se a prevalência e intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%) do desfecho "diagnóstico médico de asma" relatado pelo entrevistado e sua distribuição conforme variáveis demográficas, socioeconômicas, macrorregiões e zona urbana ou rural do país. Ainda foi investigado o manejo da asma naqueles que responderam afirmativamente sobre o diagnóstico médico; as análises foram ponderadas. Resultados: Foram entrevistados 60.202 adultos. A prevalência do diagnóstico médico de asma foi de 4,4% (IC95% 4,1 - 4,7), maior no sexo feminino, nos de cor branca, com maior escolaridade e moradores na região Sul; entre aqueles com diagnóstico médico, observou-se percentual elevado (38,2%) de crises de asma nos últimos 12 meses, com cerca de 80% usando medicação e 15% com limitação severa às atividades diárias. Conclusões: Apesar da estabilidade da prevalência da asma comparada a estudos anteriores no país, ainda são necessárias políticas para melhor manejo da doença.

ABSTRACT: Objective: To estimate the prevalence of asthma medical diagnosis among the adult Brazilian population (aged ≥ 18 years). Methods: This is a cross-sectional, population-based study from the 2013 National Health Survey (NHS); it is a sampling cluster process with three stages of selection: census tracts, households, and individuals. The prevalence and 95% confidence interval for the outcome "asthma medical diagnosis" reported by the interviewed subjects were calculated, besides its distribution according to demographic and socioeconomic variables, macroregions, and urban or rural area of the country. Management of the disease was also evaluated among those who reported asthma medical diagnosis and the analyses were weighted. Results: A total of 60,202 adults were interviewed. The prevalence of asthma medical diagnosis was 4.4% (95%CI 4.1 - 4.7), and it was higher among the female subjects, the white skin-colored subjects, those with higher educational level, and those who lived in the south of Brazil. Among those who reported asthma medical diagnosis, a high percentage of asthma attacks were seen in the last 12 months, with around 80% using medication and about 15% referring severe limitation to their daily activities. Conclusions: Although it seems there is asthma diagnosis stability in the country when compared with other researches, we still need public policies for improving the disease management.

Anti-bacterial activity of Achatina CRP and its mechanism of action.

The physiological role of C-reactive protein (CRP), the classical acute-phase protein, is not well documented, despite many reports on biological effects of CRP in vitro and in model systems in vivo. It has been suggested that CRP protects mice against lethal toxicity of bacterial infections by implementing immunological responses. In Achatina fulica CRP is a constitutive multifunctional protein in haemolymph and considered responsible for their survival in the environment for millions of years. The efficacy of Achatina CRP (ACRP) was tested against both Salmonella typhimurium and Bacillus subtilis infections in mice where endogenous CRP level is negligible even after inflammatory stimulus. Further, growth curves of the bacteria revealed that ACRP (50 µg/mL) is bacteriostatic against gram negative salmonellae and bactericidal against gram positive bacilli. ACRP induced energy crises in bacterial cells, inhibited key carbohydrate metabolic enzymes such as phosphofructokinase in glycolysis, isocitrate dehydrogenase in TCA cycle, isocitrate lyase in glyoxylate cycle and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase in gluconeogenesis. ACRP disturbed the homeostasis of cellular redox potential as well as reduced glutathione status, which is accompanied by an enhanced rate of lipid peroxidation. Annexin V-Cy3/CFDA dual staining clearly showed ACRP induced apoptosis-like death in bacterial cell population. Moreover, immunoblot analyses also indicated apoptosis-like death in ACRP treated bacterial cells, where activation of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP) and caspase-3 was noteworthy. It is concluded that metabolic impairment by ACRP in bacterial cells is primarily due to generation of reactive oxygen species and ACRP induced anti-bacterial effect is mediated by metabolic impairment leading to apoptosis-like death in bacterial cells.

In vivo antipyretic, antiemetic, in vitro membrane stabilization, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities of different extracts from Spilanthes paniculata leaves

BACKGROUND: The study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity, cytotoxic, and membrane stabilization activities, and in vivo antiemetic and antipyretic potentials of ethanolic extract, n-hexane and ethyl acetate soluble fractions of Spilanthes paniculata leaves for the first time widely used in the traditional treatments in Bangladesh. RESULTS: In antipyretic activity assay, a significant reduction (P < 0.05) was observed in the temperature in the mice tested. At dose 400 mg/kg-body weight, the n-hexane soluble fraction showed the effect (36.7 ± 0.63°C ) as like as the standard (dose 150 mg/kg-body weight) after 5 h of administration. Extracts showed significant (P < 0.001) potential when tested for the antiemetic activity compared to the standard, metoclopramide. At dose 50 mg/kg-body weight, the standard showed 67.23% inhibition, whereas n-hexane and ethyl acetate soluble fractions showed 37.53% and 24.93% inhibition of emesis respectively at dose 400 mg/kg-body weight. In antimicrobial activity assay, the n-hexane soluble fraction (400 µg/disc) showed salient activity against the tested organisms. It exerts highest activity against Salmonella typhi (16.9 mm zone of inhibition); besides, crude, and ethyl acetate extracts showed resistance to Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis, and Vibrio cholera respectively. All the extracts were tested for lysis of the erythrocytes. At the concentration of 1mg/ml, ethanol extract, and n-hexane and ethyl acetate soluble fractions significantly inhibited hypotonic solution induced lysis of the human red blood cell (HRBC) (27.406 ± 3.57, 46.034 ± 3.251, and 30.72 ± 5.679% respectively); where standard drug acetylsalicylic acid (concentration 0.1 mg/ml) showed 77.276 ± 0.321% inhibition. In case of heat induced HRBC hemolysis, the plant extracts also showed significant activity (34.21 ± 4.72, 21.81 ± 3.08, and 27.62 ± 8.79% inhibition respectively). In the brine shrimp lethality bioassay, the n-hexane fraction showed potent (LC50 value 48.978 µg/ml) activity, whereas ethyl acetate fraction showed mild (LC50 value 216.77 µg/ml) cytotoxic activity. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that the n-hexane extract has better effects than the other in all trials. In the context, it can be said that the leaves of S. paniculata possess remarkable pharmacological effects, and justify its folkloric use as antimicrobial, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and antiemetic agent. Therefore, further research may be suggested to find possible mode of action of the plant part.

Efficacy of various spray disinfectants on irreversible hydrocolloid impression materials: An in vitro study.

Background: Most of the materials (casts, impressions, etc.) that are sent to the dental laboratories show the presence of numerous pathogenic microorganisms. All the spray disinfectants are not equally effective against these microorganisms. Aims and Objectives: The aim was to compare the effectiveness of different spray disinfectants on irreversible hydrocolloid impressions and to find out the most effective dilution, contact time, and effect against each microorganism studied. Materials and Methods: The effects of four spray disinfectants, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, 0.525% sodium hypochlorite, 1:213 (1 part in 213 parts of water) povidone iodine, and 2% glutaraldehyde along with control (distilled water) on irreversible hydrocolloid impressions contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Streptococcus viridans were studied. Results: Sodium hypochlorite, 5.25%, showed 1-min exposure time which was able to effect a 4log10 reduction in bacterial counts against S. aureus and S. viridans followed by 0.525% sodium hypochlorite and 2% glutaraldehyde for 10 min. None were able to effect a 4 log10 reduction against B. subtilis. Conclusion: Sodium hypochlorite with a concentration of 5.25% was the most effective disinfectant and required the shortest contact time (1 min). Not all ADA-approved concentrations of surface disinfectants work equally well on irreversible hydrocolloid impression materials.

Chitosan-based polyherbal toothpaste: As novel oral hygiene product.

Objective: The objective of the present work was to develop chitosan-based polyherbal toothpaste and evaluate its plaque-reducing potential and efficacy in reduction of dental pathogens. Materials and Methods: Antimicrobial activity of herbal extracts against dental pathogens were performed by using disk diffusion method. The pharmaceutical evaluation of toothpaste was carried out as per the US Government Tooth Paste Specifications. A 4-week clinical study was conducted in patients with oro-dental problems to evaluate the plaque removing efficacy of chitosan-based polyherbal toothpaste with commercially available chlorhexidine gluconate (0.2% w/v) mouthwash as positive control. Total microbial count was carried out to determine the percentage decrease in the oral bacterial count over the period of treatment. Result: Herbal extracts were found to possess satisfactory antimicrobial activity against most of the dental pathogens. Chitosan-containing polyherbal toothpaste significantly reduces the plaque index by 70.47% and bacterial count by 85.29%, and thus fulfills the majority of esthetic and medicinal requirements of oral hygiene products. Conclusion: Chitosan-based polyherbal toothpaste proves itself as a promising novel oral hygiene product as compared with currently available oral hygiene products. A further study to confirm the exact mechanism and active constituents behind antiplaque and antimicrobial activity of chitosan-based polyherbal toothpaste and its efficacy in large number of patient population is on high demand.

The mutagenic and antimutagenic effects of the traditional phytoestrogen-rich herbs, Pueraria mirifica and Pueraria lobata

Pueraria mirifica is a Thai phytoestrogen-rich herb traditionally used for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Pueraria lobata is also a phytoestrogen-rich herb traditionally used in Japan, Korea and China for the treatment of hypertension and alcoholism. We evaluated the mutagenic and antimutagenic activity of the two plant extracts using the Ames test preincubation method plus or minus the rat liver mixture S9 for metabolic activation using Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100 as indicator strains. The cytotoxicity of the two extracts to the two S. typhimurium indicators was evaluated before the mutagenic and antimutagenic tests. Both extracts at a final concentration of 2.5, 5, 10, or 20 mg/plate exhibited only mild cytotoxic effects. The plant extracts at the concentrations of 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/plate in the presence and absence of the S9 mixture were negative in the mutagenic Ames test. In contrast, both extracts were positive in the antimutagenic Ames test towards either one or both of the tested mutagens 2-(2-furyl)-3-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-acrylamide and benzo(a)pyrene. The absence of mutagenic and the presence of anti-mutagenic activities of the two plant extracts were confirmed in rec-assays and further supported by a micronucleus test where both plant extracts at doses up to 300 mg/kg body weight (equivalent to 16 g/kg body weight plant tuberous powder) failed to exhibit significant micronucleus formation in rats. The tests confirmed the non-mutagenic but reasonably antimutagenic activities of the two plant extracts, supporting their current use as safe dietary supplements and cosmetics.

Antibacterial and antifungal activity of extracts and exudates of the Amazonian medicinal tree Himatanthus articulatus (Vahl) Woodson (common name: sucuba)

Himatanthus articulatus (Vahl) Woodson is a tree found in the northern Amazon savannahs (common name: sucuba) that is used in local Amerindian medicine. Leaf, bark and branch wood methanol extracts, sequentially obtained hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts and latex were evaluated for antifungal and antibacterial activities against American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) and local clinical strains using the disc diffusion method. Methanol extracts and latex inhibited Candida albicans, leaf methanol extracts inhibited Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis and bark methanol extracts inhibited B. subtilis. Active extracts inhibited the ATCC and clinical strains. Polar antifungal and antibacterial principles in latex and extracts are thought to be responsible for the inhibition.

Production of peptide antifungal antibiotic and biocontrol activity of Bacillus subtilis.

Among different bacterial cultures, a potent Bacillus subtilis MTCC-8114 was isolated from garden soil samples which showed 16 and 14 mm inhibition zones by spot inoculation method and 24 and 22 mm inhibition zones by well agar diffusion method against test fungi i.e. Microsporum fulvum and Trichophyton species. Among four media tested, the maximum growth and antibiotic production was found in trypticase soya broth (TSB) medium at 37 degrees C, pH-7 and 48 h of incubation. The Rf value (0.64) by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) technique and UV and FTIR spectral data of the active antifungal compound, indicated that the isolated compound belongs to peptide antifungal antibiotic group. MIC value of antifungal antibiotic was 135 and 145 microg/ml.

Biological screening of euphorbia helioscopial

The present research is preliminary biological screening of Euphorbia helioscopia L. [Euphorbiaceae]. Dichloromethane and methanol extracts of the aerial parts of the plant were investigated for their antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial and phytotoxic activities. Dichloromethane extract exhibited significant activity against Fusarium solani with 90% Inhibition, where as the same extract also showed non-significant activity against Salmonella typhi and Bacillus subtilis. Methanolic extract has promising radical-scavenging activity in this assay. Both the extracts have non-significant phytotoxicity against lemna minor

Effect of endosulfan on growth, alpha amylase activity and plasmids amplification in Bacillus subtilis.

Endosulfan, a chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide of cyclodiene subgroup acts as a contact poison in a wide variety of organisms. In the present study, the effect of endosulfan on the growth, alpha amylase activity and plasmid amplification was investigated in Bacillus subtilis system. The bacteria were grown in medium, incubated with different concentrations (32, 48, 64 and 80 microg/mL) of endosulfan. The bacterial growth was gradually seen after 1st day at up to 48 microg/L endosulfan. The 48 microg/L endosulfan inhibited approximately 50% of the bacterial growth. No growth was observed at and after 64 microg/L endosulfan, for all days (1-5). Also, no alpha amylase activity was found in the supernatant of the culture medium containing 64 and 80 microg/L endosulfan, whereas slight activity was observed with 32 and 48 microg/L endosulfan concentration. The amount of plasmid increased up to 50% in the presence of 32 microg/L endosulfan. Endosulfan had no effect on the alpha amylase activity in vitro.

Antibacterial activity of indole alkaloids from Aspidosperma ramiflorum

We evaluated the antibacterial activities of the crude methanol extract, fractions (I-V) obtained after acid-base extraction and pure compounds from the stem bark of Aspidosperma ramiflorum. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by the microdilution technique in Mueller-Hinton broth. Inoculates were prepared in this medium from 24-h broth cultures of bacteria (10(7) CFU/mL). Microtiter plates were incubated at 37°C and the MICs were recorded after 24 h of incubation. Two susceptibility endpoints were recorded for each isolate. The crude methanol extract presented moderate activity against the Gram-positive bacteria B. subtilis (MIC = 250 µg/mL) and S. aureus (MIC = 500 µg/mL), and was inactive against the Gram-negative bacteria E. coli and P. aeruginosa (MIC > 1000 µg/mL). Fractions I and II were inactive against standard strains at concentrations of <=1000 µg/mL and fraction III displayed moderate antibacterial activity against B. subtilis (MIC = 500 µg/mL) and S. aureus (MIC = 250 µg/mL). Fraction IV showed high activity against B. subtilis and S. aureus (MIC = 15.6 µg/mL) and moderate activity against E. coli and P. aeruginosa (MIC = 250 µg/mL). Fraction V presented high activity against B. subtilis (MIC = 15.6 µg/mL) and S. aureus (MIC = 31.3 µg/mL) and was inactive against Gram-negative bacteria (MIC > 1000 µg/mL). Fractions III, IV and V were then submitted to bioassay-guided fractionation by silica gel column chromatography, yielding individual purified ramiflorines A and B. Both ramiflorines showed significant activity against S. aureus (MIC = 25 µg/mL) and E. faecalis (MIC = 50 µg/mL), with EC50 of 8 and 2.5 µg/mL for ramiflorines A and B, respectively, against S. aureus. These results are promising, showing that these compounds are biologically active against Gram-positive bacteria.

Antimicrobial analysis of different root canal filling pastes used in pediatric dentistry by two experimental methods

The objective of this study was to compare, by two experimental methods, the antimicrobial efficacy of different root canal fillingpastes used in pediatric dentistry. The tested materials were: Guedes-Pinto paste (GPP), zinc oxide-eugenol paste (OZEP), calcium hydroxide paste (CHP), chloramphenicol + tetracycline + zinc oxide and eugenol paste (CTZP) and Vitapex®. Fiven microbial strains (S. aureus, E. faecalis, P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis and C. albicans) obtained from the American Type Culture Collection were inoculated in Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. For the direct exposure test (DET), 72 paper points were contaminated with the standard microbial suspensions and exposed to the root canal filling pastes for 1, 24, 48 and 72 h. The points were immersed in Letheen Broth (LB), followed by incubation at 37°C for 48 h. An inoculum of 0.1 mL obtained from LB was then transferred to 7 mL of BHI, under identical incubations conditions and the microbial growth was evaluated. The pastes showed activity between 1 and 24 h, depending on the material. For the agar diffusion test (ADT), 30 Petri plates with 20 mL of BHI agar were inoculated with 0.1 mL of the microbial suspension, using sterile swabs that were spread on the medium. Three cavities were made in each agar plate (total = 90) and completely filled with one of the filling root canal pastes. The plates were pre-incubated for 1 h at room temperature and then incubated at 37°C for 24 to 48 h. The inhibition zone around each well was recorded in mm. The complete antimicrobial effect in the direct exposure test was observed after 24 h on all microbial indicators. All root canal filling materials induced the formation of inhibition zones, except for Vitapex® (range, 6.0-39.0 mm).

O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar o efeito antimicrobiano de diferentes pastas obturadoras do canal radicular usadas na Odontopediatria, por dois métodos experimentais. Os materiais testados foram: pasta Guedes Pinto, pasta de óxido de zinco e eugenol, pasta de hidróxido de cálcio, pasta CTZ e Vitapex®, sobre cinco microrganismos (S. aureus, E. faecalis, P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis e C. albicans) obtidos do American Type Culture Collection. As cepas foram inoculadas no Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) e incubadas a 37°C por 24 h. Para o teste de contato direto, 72 pontas de papel foram contaminadas com suspensões padrão dos microrganismos e expostas às pastas obturadoras por 1, 24, 48 e 72 h. As pontas foram imersas em Letheen Broth (LB), seguido de incubação a 37°C por 48 h. Um inóculo de 0,1 mL obtido do LB foi transferido para 7 mL de BHI, sobre condições idênticas de incubação e o crescimento microbiano foi avaliado. As pastas mostraram ação entre 1 e 24 h, dependendo da pasta testada. Para o teste de difusão em ágar, 30 placas de Petri com 20 mL de agar BHI foi inoculada com 0,1 mL da suspensão microbiana, utilizando-se de swab esterilizado, semeado de modo confluente no meio. Três cavidades foram feitas em cada placa de ágar (total = 90) e completamente preenchidas com uma das pastas obturadoras. As placas foram pré-incubadas por 1 h em temperatura ambiente e então incubadas a 37°C por 48 h. As zonas de inibição em torno das cavidades foram mensuradas. O efeito antimicrobiano completo obtido pelas pastas analisadas, por meio do teste por contato direto, foi observado após 24 h em todos os microrganismos. No teste por difusão em ágar, todos os materiais induziram a formação de zonas de inibição, exceto o Vitapex® (variando de 6,0 - 39,0 mm).

In Vivo and In Vitro evaluation of the efficacy of a peracetic acid-based disinfectant for decontamination of acrylic resins

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficácia antimicrobiológica de um desinfetante à base de ácido peracético na descontaminação de resinas acrílicas termicamente ativada, quimicamente ativada e polimerizada em forno de microondas. Placas de resina foram contaminadas in vivo por meio do uso intraoral por 10 voluntários durante 7 noites e corpos-de-prova de resina foram contaminados in vitro por meio do contato com microrganismos conhecidos: Bacillus subtilis e Bacillus stearothermophilus. Os espécimes contaminados foram imersos em desinfetante à base de ácido peracético a 0,2% (Sterilife®; Lifemed) durante 5 ou 10 min e então colocados no meio de cultura BHI. Após incubação a 37°C for 48 h, o crescimento bacteriano foi avaliado por meio análise da turvação do meio de cultura. Todos os espécimes imersos em ácido peracético por 5 ou 10 min não apresentaram turvação do meio de cultura, enquanto os espécimes contaminados e colocados diretamente no meio de cultura (grupo controle) apresentaram turvação. Concluiu-se que a imersão em ácido peracético por pelo menos 5 min foi eficaz na desinfecção de resinas acrílicas termicamente ativada, quimicamente ativada e polimerizada em forno de microondas contaminadas tanto com saliva humana quanto com Bacillus subtilis ou Bacillus stearothermophilus.

Antibiotic principles from a streptomyces species and theit sub-acute toxicity studies on hepatic, renal and haemopoietic system of rats

Two promising antibiotics, JF-A and JF-B were isolated from the chloroform extract of a Banglaeshi Streptomyces strain. The mean zones of inhibition produced by the chloroform extract [400 ug/disc], JF-A [200 ug/disc] and JF-B [200 ug/disc] against 19 pathogenic bacteria were found to be 9-50, 12-38 and 10-41 mm while those produced by a standard antibiotic, kanamycin were 11-40 mm at 30 ug/disc. MICs of JF-A and JF-B were determined to be 64 ug/ml against Bacillus subtilis and 64 and 128 ug/ml against Shigella sonnei, respectively. The extract and the antibiotics were also tested for cytotoxicity against Artemia salina nauplii and LC50 values of 23.26, 18.05 and 32.27 ug/ml were obtained. 90% mortality of shrimp nauplii was observed at 69.18, 50.12 and 110.91 ug/ml, respectively. In a potato disc bioassay, the chloroform extract at 25 ug/disc demonstrated 37.39% inhibition of crown gall tumour induced by G -ve Agrobacterium tumefaciens B6 and the result was statistically significant [P < 0.05]. The sub-acute toxicity studies on the JF-A and JF-B reflected innocuous nature of these antibiotics on hepatic, renal and haemopoietic system of rats at 1 mg/kg b.w. on daily administration for 21 consecutive days. This is also confirmed by detailed histopathological studies. No mortality was observed in experimental animals

Antimicrobial effect of 2 percent sodium hypochlorite and 2 percent chlorhexidine tested by different methods

The objective of this study was to analyze the antimicrobial effect of 2 percent sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 2 percent chlorhexidine (CHX) by agar diffusion test and by direct exposure test. Five microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans, and one mixture of these were used. These strains were inoculated in brain heart infusion (BHI) and incubated at 37ºC for 24 h. For the agar diffusion test (ADT), 18 Petri plates with 20 ml of BHI agar were inoculated with 0.1 ml of the microbial suspensions, using sterile swabs that were spread on the medium, obtaining growth in junction. Fifty-four paper disks (9 mm in diameter) were immersed in the experimental solutions for 1 min. Subsequently, three papers disks containing one of the substances were placed on the BHI agar surface in each agar plate. The plates were maintained for 1 h at room temperature, and then incubated at 37ºC for 48 h. The diameter of microbial inhibition was measured around the papers disks containing the substances. For the direct exposure test, 162 #50 sterile absorbent paper points were immersed in the experimental suspensions for 5 min, and were then placed on Petri plates and covered with one of the irrigant solutions, or with sterile distilled water (control group). After intervals of 5, 10 and 30 min, the paper points were removed from contact with the solutions and individually immersed in 7 ml of Letheen Broth, followed by incubation at 37ºC for 48 h. Microbial growth was evaluated by turbidity of the culture medium. A 0.1 ml inoculum obtained from the Letheen Broth was transferred to 7 ml of BHI, and incubated at 37ºC for 48 h. Bacterial growth was again evaluated by turbidity of the culture medium. Gram stain of BHI cultures was used for verification of contamination and growth was determined by macroscopic and microscopic examination. The best performance of antimicrobial effectiveness of NaOCl was observed in the direct exposure test, and of CHX was observed in the agar diffusion test. The magnitude of antimicrobial effect was influenced by the experimental methods, biological indicators and exposure time

Atividade antimicrobiana das pastilhas de Paraformaldeído reproduzindo as condições de uso nas instituições de saúde do Brasil / Actividad antimicrobiana de las PastilLas de Paraformaldehído reproduciendo las condiciones de uso en las instituciones de salud del Brasil / Paraformaldehyde Tablets microbiological activity reproducing the use conditions of the Brazilian health Institutions

A atividade antimicrobiana das Pastilhas de Paraformaldeído, reproduzindo as condições de uso das Instituições de Saúde do Brasil (sem o aquecimento, sem o acréscimo da umidade relativa, a 5 por cento, por um período longo de exposição de 12 horas), foi avaliada "in vitro" por meio do monitoramento microbiológico, segundo a metodologia da AOAC, adotada oficialmente pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil para o registro dessa categoria de produtos. Os resultados dos experimentos refutaram a ação esterilizante das Pastilhas de Paraformaldeído nestas condições. Diante destes resultados, realizou-se, então, os testes para avaliação desinfetante do produto utilizando-se o Método de Diluição de Uso, preconizada pela AOAC, adaptado para produtos gasosos, contra os microrganismos teste padronizados Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC nº. 6538), Samonella choleraesuis (ATCC nº. 10708) e Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC nº. 15442). Nestes experimentos, os resultados das culturas mostraram-se 100 por cento negativos contra todas as bactérias testadas inferindo-se indícios de atividade desinfetante de alto nível.

The sterilizing activity of Parafolmaldehyde Tablets reproducing the conditions of use in the Brazilian health Institutions (without the heating, without increment of the relative humidity, in 0.5 percent, even for a long period of exhibition of 12 hours) was evaluated "in vitro" by microbiologic monitoring, according to the methodology of the AOAC, officially adopted by the Brazilian Health Ministry for registration of that category of products. The results of the experiments refuted the sterilizing action of Parafolmaldehyde Tablets in this conditions. Thus, it was evaluated the disinfectant action of the product using the vegetative bacterias by Use Dilution Method, preconized for AOAC and adapted for gaseous products, against the tests microorganisms standardized Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC n. 6538), Samonella choleraesuis (ATCC n. 10708) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC n. 15442). In these experiments, the results of the cultures showed 100 percent negative against all the tested bacterias inferring indications of disinfectant activity of high level action.

La actividad antimicrobiana de las Pastillas de Paraformaldehído, reproduciendo las condiciones de uso en las Instituciones de Salud del Brasil (sin el calentamiento y aumento de la humedad relativa, en un porcentaje del 0,5 por ciento, pese al largo período de exposición de 12 horas), fue evaluada "in vitro" por medio del monitoramiento microbiológico, según la metodología de la AOAC, adoptada oficialmente por el Ministerio de Salud del Brasil para el registro de esa categoría de produtos. Los resultados de los experimentos refutaron la acción esterilizante de las Pastillas de Paraformaldehído en las condiciones estudiadas. Frente a estos resultados se realizó, entonces, los test para evaluación desinfectante del produto utilizándose el Método de Dilución de Uso, preconizada por la AOAC, adaptado para productos gaseosos, contra los microorganismos test patronizados Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC nº. 6538), Samonella choleraesuis (ATCC nº. 10708) e Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC nº. 15442). En estos experimentos, los resultados de los cultivos se mostraron 100 por ciento negativos contra todas las bacterias probadas. Los resultados microbiológicos nos permiten inferir que las Pastillas de Paraformaldehído mostró indícios de actividad desinfectante de alto nivel.

Control of microorganisms in vitro by endodontic irrigants

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a concentração inibitória mínima (MIC) e o efeito antimicrobiano, através do teste de exposição direta, de quatro soluções irrigantes [hipoclorito de sódio a 1 por cento, clorexidina a 2 por cento, solução de hidróxido de cálcio a 1 por cento - preparada com 1g de Ca(OH)2 e 100 mL de água destilada esterilizada, solução de hidróxido de cálcio + detergente (HCT20)] sobre S. aureus, E. faecalis, P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis, C. albicans e uma cultura mista. O crescimento microbiano foi analisado por dois métodos: turvação do meio de cultura e confirmação pela coloração de Gram e subcultura em caldo nutriente específico. No teste de diluição, o hipoclorito de sódio a 1 por cento apresentou MIC igual a 0,1 por cento para S. aureus, E. faecalis, P. aeruginosa, e C. albicans e igual a 1 por cento para o B. subtilis e a cultura mista. A clorexidina a 2 por cento mostrou MIC igual a 0,000002 por cento para o S. aureus, 0,02 por cento para E. faecalis, B. subtilis, C. albicans e a cultura mista e 0,002 por cento para P. aeruginosa. A solução de hidróxido de cálcio a 1 por cento apresentou MIC superior a 1 por cento para todos os microrganismos testados, com exceção da P. aeruginosa, cuja MIC foi igual a 1 por cento. A solução de hidróxido de cálcio + detergente mostrou MIC igual a 4,5 mL para S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis, C. albicans e a cultura mista e superior a 4,5 mL para o E. faecalis. No teste de exposição direta, o hipoclorito de sódio a 1 por cento apresentou melhor efeito antimicrobiano para todos os microrganismos em todos os períodos experimentais. A clorexidina a 2 por cento foi efetiva sobre S. aureus, E. faecalis, e C. albicans em todos os períodos, e inefetivo sobre P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis e sobre a cultura mista. As outras soluções mostraram os piores resultados.

Açäo antimicrobiana de solventes de guta-pecha / Antimicrobial action of gutta-percha solvents

Estudou-se a açäo antimicrobiana de solventes de guta-percha (halotano, óleo de laranja, eucaliptol e xilol) sobre os microrganismos Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans e uma mistura destes. Duzentos e quarenta cones de papel contaminados foram mantidos em contato com os solventes por períodos de 5, 10, 15 e 30 minutos e, a seguir, transportados para 7mL de Brain Heart Infusion e incubados a 37ºC por 48 horas. Posteriormente, foi analisada a presença ou ausência de turvaçäo, indicativa ou näo de crescimento e multiplicaçäo dos microrganismos. Para a confirmaçäo dos resultados, empregou-se a coloraçäo de Gram. O halotano mostrou efetividade antimicrobiana em todos os tempos de análise para a C. albicans; a partir de 10 minutos para o E. faecalis e P. aeuruginosa; a partir de 15 minutos para o S. aureus e foi inefetivo para o B. subtilis e sobre a mistura. Os demais solventes foram enefetivos sobre todos os microrganismos testados, em todos os períodos de observaçäo

Avaliaçäo microbiológica de soluçöes desinfetantes e barreiras protetoras, usadas como meio de controle de infecçäo nos procedimentos radiográficos em Odontologia / Microbiologic study of desinfectant solutions and protector barriers, used for infection control in the radiographic procedures in Dentistry

Essa pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar, através de testes microbiológicos, a efetividade de soluçöes desinfetantes e barreiras mecânicas usadas para controle de infecçäo durante os procedimentos radiográficos em Odontologia. As soluçöes testadas foram: álcool 70 por cento (p/v); hipoclorito de sódio 1 por cento - liquido de Milton; Germpol Plus - fenóis, as quais foram friccionadas com gazes estéreis durante 30 segundos em ambos os lados dos filmes radiográficos intrabucais Kodak EP-21P e Agfa Dentus M2 Comfort. As barreiras usadas foram: filme de polietileno - LAFRApack; filme de PVC - FACILpack; e sacos plásticos transparentes, pequenos, vendidos a granel. Para os testes microbiológicos foram usados vários meios de cultura, incubaçäo em aerobiose e anaerobiose, e bactérias do tipo Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis e Escherichia coli. Também foi realizado teste com microorganismo menor que as bactérias acima relacionadas, sendo utilizados bacteriófagos (fagos), que têm entre 50 e 70 mm. Com esses vírus de bactéria, testaram-se somente as barreiras...