In vitro antimicrobial efficiency of a mouthwash containing triclosan/gantrez and sodium bicarbonate

Several antiseptic substances have been used as adjuncts to routine mechanical procedures of oral hygiene, based on their antimicrobial effects. The objective of this study was to assess in vitro the antimicrobial efficiency of a mouthwash containing Triclosan/Gantrez and sodium bicarbonate in comparison to both positive and negative controls. Standard strain samples of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Actinomyces viscosus and Bacillus subtilis were used. Samples of Streptococcus mutans and Gram-negative bacilli were collected from 20 volunteers (10 with a clinically healthy periodontium and 10 presenting biofilm-associated gingivitis). Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity was performed by determining the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). The results indicated that the test solution inhibited the growth of both Gram-negative and Gram-positive microorganisms from the volunteers’ saliva as well as that of the standard strains at the MIC dilution of 1:20, whereas the MIC dilution of 0.12 percent chlorhexidine against the same bacteria was 1:80. Thus, even though the tested mouthrinse solution presented an in-vitro antimicrobial activity superior to that of a placebo, it was inferior to that of chlorhexidine.

Diversas substâncias antisépticas têm sido utilizadas como adjuntos aos procedimentos mecânicos rotineiros de higiene oral, com base em seus efeitos antimicrobianos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar, in vitro, a eficiência antimicrobiana de um enxaguatório bucal contendo Triclosan/Gantrez e bicarbonato de sódio, em comparação a controles positivos e negativos. Linhagens padrão de Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Actinomyces viscosus e Bacillus subtilis foram utilizadas. Amostras de Streptococcus mutans e Bacilos Gram-negativos foram coletadas de 20 voluntários (10 com um periodonto clinicamente saudável e 10 com gengivite associada à presença de biofilme). A avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana foi realizada pela determinação da Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM). Os resultados mostraram que a solução teste inibiu o crescimento de microrganismos Gram-negativos e Gram-positivos da saliva dos voluntários, bem como das linhagens padrão na CIM de 1:20, enquanto que a CIM da diluição de clorexidina 0.12 por cento contra as mesmas bactérias foi de 1:80. Desta forma, apesar de o enxaguatório bucal testado apresentar atividade antimicrobiana in vitro superior à do placebo, esta foi inferior à da Clorexidina.

Perspectives of contraceptive choices for men.

Apart from condoms and vasectomy, which have several limitations of their own, no other methods of contraception are available to men. Various chemical, hormonal, vas based and herbal contraceptives have been examined and few of them have reached the stage of clinical testing. Promising leads have been obtained from testosterone buciclate/undecanoate, alone or in combination with levonorgestrel butanoate or cyproterone acetate, RISUG, an injectable intravasal contraceptive and a few herbal products, particularly the seed products of Carica papaya. It is feasible that an ideal male contraceptive, that meets out all the essential criteria will be made available to the community in the near future.

Effects of a non-rinse conditioner on the enamel of primary teeth

O objetivo deste estudo in vitro foi de avaliar ao microscópio eletrônico de varredura os aspectos morfológicos do esmalte de dentes decíduos após condicionamento com ácido fosfórico a 36 por cento ou com um agente condicionador não lavável. Foram selecionados 10 dentes decíduos anteriores esfoliados naturalmente. As amostras sofreram limpeza coronária com pasta de pedra-pomes e água, em baixa-velocidade. O condicionamento foi realizado no esmalte da face vestibular. Os espécimes foram divididos em dois grupos: G1 (n=10): condicionamento com ácido fosfórico a 36 por cento na forma de gel - Conditioner 36 (Dentsply) durante 20 segundos, seguidos de lavagem com água durante 15 segundos; G2 (n=10): condicionamento com NRC - Non Rinse Conditioner (Dentsply) durante 20 segundos, seguidos de secagem com ar durante 15 segundos. As amostras foram desidratadas, montadas em bases metálicas e cobertas com ouro para análise ao microscópio eletrônico de varredura (Jeol JSM 6.100). A análise da eletromicrografias revelou que ambos os agentes condicionadores foram efetivos para condicionar o esmalte de dentes decíduos, causando microporosidades mas com melhor resultado quando utilizou-se o ácido fosfórico a 36 por cento na forma de gel.

Effect of enterotoxin on glutathione status in the intestinal mucosa.

The effect of luminal exposure of enterotoxins on the intestinal mucosal glutathione (GSH) was studied in rat. Cholera toxin induced fluid secretion and decreased mucosal GSH by 35% without altering oxidized glutathione (GSSG) level. Toxin induced fluid secretion was tested after mucosal GSH depletion by compounds such as diethyl maleate (DEM) and buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) and thiol supplementation with N-Acetyl cysteine (NAC). Fluid secretion was not altered by prior thiol depletion or supplementation. Exposure of intestinal lumen to bacterial endotoxin resulted in 25% decrease in mucosal GSH with two fold increase in GSSG. Luminal exposure of Shiga toxin did not alter the mucosal thiol. The level of other low molecular weight thiols, cysteine and cystine was not altered by luminal exposure of any of these toxins. These results show that although cholera toxin decreased the mucosal GSH level, prior modulation of thiol status of the mucosa may not have any effect on toxin-induced fluid secretion.

Methoxyphenyl maleamic acid augments the activity of cytotoxic drugs against murine tumours.

The anti-tumour effects of methoxyphenyl maleamic acid (MPMA) and cytotoxic drugs, in combination were investigated on P388 leukaemia and S180 (ascites) tumours. Simultaneous administration of MPMA with CTX or HN2 resulted in enhancement of anti-tumour activity. The increased activity was observed against P388 leukaemia, whereas S180 (ascites) tumour was not responsive to the combined treatment. The possible mechanism (s) of action, responsible for the modulation of activity of CTX and HN2 against P388 tumour have been postulated.