Study and evaluation of antimicrobial activity and antioxidant capacity of dry extract and fractions of leaves of Raphanus sativus var. oleiferus Metzg / Estudo e avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana e capacidade antioxidante do extrato seco e frações de folhas de Raphanus sativus var. oleiferus Metzg

The radish (Raphanus sativus L.) is a vegetable of the Brassicaceae family cultivated worldwide and has several medicinal properties. Its biological activities are related to various secondary metabolites present in the species, especially phenolics. Thus, the objectives of this study were the chemical analysis and evaluation of the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the dry extract and fractions of the fodder turnip leaves (R. sativus var. oleiferus Metzg.). Samples were analyzed by mass spectrometry and the antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical method and the reducing power method. Antimicrobial activity was determined by the agar diffusion and microdilution methods. The total phenols were concentrated in the butanol fraction (121.27 mg GAE/g) and the flavonoids were concentrated in the ethyl acetate fraction (98.02 mg EQ/g). The ethyl acetate fraction showed the best antioxidants results, with 83.45% of free radical scavenging and 11.34% of ferric ions reduction. The analysis of antimicrobial activity showed that the dry extract had the highest average zone of inhibition against Bacillus subtilis (18.67 mm). Smaller values of the minimum inhibitory concentration for Micrococcus luteus were, and the ethyl acetate fraction showed a lower minimum inhibitory concentration (0.1 mg/ml) for that microorganism. There was a strong correlation between the antioxidant activity and the content of phenols and flavonoids. The results showed the potential antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of this extract with the ethyl acetate fraction being most promising for further studies.

O rabanete(Raphanus sativus L.) é um vegetal da família Brassicaceae cultivado em todo o mundo e possui diversas propriedades medicinais. Suas atividades biológicas estão relacionadas aos vários metabólitos secundários presentes na espécie, especialmente os compostos fenólicos. Desta forma, os objetivos deste estudo foram realizar análises químicas e avaliar as atividades antioxidante e antimicrobiana do extrato seco e das frações das folhas de R. sativus var. oleiferus Metzg. As amostras foram analisadas em espectrômetro de massas e o potencial antioxidante foi avaliado pelos métodos do radical DPPH (2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazila) e do poder redutor. A atividade antimicrobiana foi determinada pelos métodos de difusão em ágar e da microdiluição. Observou-se que os fenóis totais se concentraram na fração butanólica (121,27 mg EAG/g), enquanto que e os teores de flavonoides concentraram-se na fração acetato de etila (98,02 mg EQ/g). A fração acetato de etila apresentou os melhores resultados antioxidantes, com porcentagem de sequestro dos radicais DPPH de 83,45% e com porcentagem de redução dos íons férrico de 11,34%. A análise da atividade antimicrobiana revelou que o extrato seco teve maior média de halos de inibição frente ao Bacillus subtilis(18,67 mm). Os menores valores da concentração inibitória mínima foram para Micrococcus luteus, sendo que a fração acetato de etila demonstrou menor concentração inibitória mínima (0,1 mg/mL) para esse micro-organismo. Houve uma forte correlação entre a atividade antioxidante e o teor de fenóis e de flavonoides. Os resultados demonstraram potenciais ações antioxidante e antimicrobiana do extrato e das frações avaliados, sendo a fração acetato de etila promissora para estudos posteriores.

Bioactive phenazines from an earwig-associated Streptomyces sp / 中国天然药物

Three new phenazine-type compounds, named phenazines SA-SC (1-3), together with four new natural products (4-7), were isolated from the fermentation broth of an earwig-associated Streptomyces sp. NA04227. The structures of these compounds were determined by extensive analyses of NMR, high resolution mass spectroscopic data, as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurement. Sequencing and analysis of the genome data allowed us to identify the gene cluster (spz) and propose a biosynthetic pathway for these phenazine-type compounds. Additionally, compounds 1-5 exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and compound 3 showed antimicrobial activities against Micrococcus luteus.

Preparation and characterization of polyhydroxyalkanoate bioplastics with antibacterial activity / 生物工程学报

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), as a novel class of biopolymer, are attracting more attention due to their diverse material properties and environment-independent biodegradability. Here we report the preparation of PHA exhibiting efficient antibacterial activity by embedding Nisin, a food additive generally recognized as safe, into poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx), a type of PHA with high biocompatibility. We first prepared Nisin-containing PHBHHx films using solvent casting method. Confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis showed that a well-mixed integrated structure of the films with an even distribution of the Nisin particles in the PHBHHx matrices. Then the antimicrobial activity of PHBHHx/Nisin films against Micrococcus luteus was quantified on agar plate by measuring the size of inhibition zone. Cultivation in liquid media further confirmed the releasing of Nisin from the films and the long-time antibacterial activity. Results showed that the threshold of Nisin concentration for long-time and effective inhibition against bacteria growth is 25 μg/g. These results altogether establish a technological foundation for the application of PHA in biomedicine and food industry.

Relationship between Intrauterine Bacterial Infection and Early Embryonic Developmental Arrest / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Early embryonic developmental arrest is the most commonly understudied adverse outcome of pregnancy. The relevance of intrauterine infection to spontaneous embryonic death is rarely studied and remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between intrauterine bacterial infection and early embryonic developmental arrest.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Embryonic chorion tissue and uterine swabs for bacterial detection were obtained from 33 patients who underwent artificial abortion (control group) and from 45 patients who displayed early embryonic developmental arrest (trial group).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Intrauterine bacterial infection was discovered in both groups. The infection rate was 24.44% (11/45) in the early embryonic developmental arrest group and 9.09% (3/33) in the artificial abortion group. Classification analysis revealed that the highest detection rate for Micrococcus luteus in the early embryonic developmental arrest group was 13.33% (6/45), and none was detected in the artificial abortion group. M. luteus infection was significantly different between the groups (P < 0.05 as shown by Fisher's exact test). In addition, no correlation was found between intrauterine bacterial infection and history of early embryonic developmental arrest.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>M. luteus infection is related to early embryonic developmental arrest and might be one of its causative factors.</p>

Distribution of Skin and Oral Microorganisms in Atopic Dermatitis / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronically relapsing skin disease that is associated with a disturbance of the epidermal barrier function. Changes in the human skin microbiome have been suggested as a risk factor for AD. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the species distribution of microflora on the skin and in the oral cavity of healthy volunteers and patients with AD. METHODS: Samples for culture were obtained from both lesional skin and the oral cavity in 211 patients with AD and from both the normal skin and oral cavity of 24 healthy controls. Species identification was performed with the VITEK 2 system (bioMerieux Inc., Hazelwood, MO, USA). RESULTS: The isolation of Staphylococcus aureus from the skin was statistically more frequent among patients with AD than among healthy controls, while the isolation of Staphylococcus hominis and Micrococcus luteus were statistically more frequent among healthy controls than among patients with AD (p<0.05). In the oral cavity, S. aureus and Candida albicans were found more frequently in patients with AD, but the difference did was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: This study provides an important insight into the species distribution of microorganisms on human skin and in the oral cavity. Further investigation is required to determine the role of specific microorganisms in the etiology and pathogenicity of AD.

Keratinolytic abilities of Micrococcus luteus from poultry waste

Keratinolytic microorganisms have become the subject of scientific interest due to their ability to biosynthesize specific keratinases and their prospective application in keratinic waste management. Among several bacterial classes, actinobacteria remain one of the most important sources of keratin-degrading strains, however members of the Micrococcaceae family are rarely scrutinized in regard to their applicatory keratinolytic potential. The tested Micrococcus sp. B1pz isolate from poultry feather waste was identified as M. luteus. The strain, grown in the medium with 1–2% chicken feathers and a yeast extract supplement, produced keratinases of 32 KU and lower level of proteases, 6 PU. It was capable to effectively decompose feathers or “soft” keratin of stratum corneum, in contrast to other “hard” hair-type keratins. The produced keratinolytic enzymes were mainly a combination of alkaline serine or thiol proteases, active at the optimum pH 9.4, 55 °C. Four main protease fractions of 62, 185, 139 and 229 kDa were identified in the crude culture fluid. The research on the auxiliary role of reducing factors revealed that reducing sulfur compounds could be applied in keratinolysis enhancement during enzymatic digestion of keratin, rather than in culture conditions. The presented M. luteus isolate exhibits a significant keratinolytic potential, which determines its feasible applicatory capacity towards biodegradation of poultry by-products or formulation of keratin-based feed components.

Chemical composition, antimicrobial, insecticidal, phytotoxic and antioxidant activities of Mediterranean Pinus brutia and Pinus pinea resin essential oils / 中国天然药物

Essential oils of the resins of Pinus brutia and Pinus pinea were evaluated for their biological potential. Essential oils were characterized using GC-MS and GC/FID. in vitro antimicrobial, phytotoxic, antioxidant, and insecticidal activities were carried out using the direct contact and the fumigant assays, respectively. The chemical profile of the essential oils of the resins of P. pinea and P. brutia included mainly α-pinene (21.39% and 25.40%), β-pinene (9.68% and 9.69%), and caryophyllene (9.12% and 4.81%). The essential oils of P. pinea and P. brutia exerted notable antimicrobial activities on Micrococcus luteus and Bacillus subtilis, insecticidal activities on Ephestia kuehniella eggs, phytotoxic activities on Lactuca sativa, Lepidium sativum, and Portulaca oleracea, as well as antioxidant potential. Indications of the biological activities of the essential oils suggest their use in the formulation of ecofriendly and biocompatible pharmaceuticals.

Production of peptide antibiotics by Bacillus sp: GU 057 indigenously isolated from saline soil

A total of 112 soil samples were taken from differents areas of district D.I.Khan and Kohat (KPK) Pakistan and screened for production of antibiotics against the Micrococcus luteus and Staphylococcus aureus. Widest zone of inhibition (18mm) was produced by microorganism isolated from saline soil. The strain was later identified as Bacillus GU057 by standard biochemical assays. Maximum activity (18mm inhibition zone) was observed against Staphylococcus aureus after 48 hours of incubation at pH 8 and 4% concentration of glucose. The antibiotic was identified by autobiography as bacitracin. The Bacillus strain GU057 was confirmed as good peptide antibiotic producer and can effectively be indulged as biocontrol agent.

The efficacy and stability of five sanitizing agents challenged with reference microorganisms and clean area isolates / Eficácia e estabilidade de cinco agentes sanitizantes avaliados frente a microrganismos de referência e isolados de áreas limpas

The antimicrobial activity of five sanitizing agents employed in clean areas designated for the pharmaceutical manufacturing of sterile products was tested against nine microorganisms, including four microorganisms from the clean area microbiota. The method consisted of challenging 5 mL of each sanitizing agent - 70% isopropyl alcohol, 0.4% LPH®, 1.16% hydrogen peroxide, 4% hydrogen peroxide, 1% Bioper® and 5% phenol - with 0.1mL each of concentrated suspensions (105 ? 106 CFU/mL) of Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Corynebacterium sp., Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus sp. and Bacillus sp. for 10 minutes, followed by serial dilutions and plating. The results demonstrated that the five agents were effective against S. aureus, C. albicans, Corynebacterium sp., and M. luteus. The same was true of E. coli, except that isopropyl alcohol showed low levels of inactivation. With A. niger, isopropyl alcohol, 0.4% LPH® and hydrogen peroxide were more effective and 5% phenol and 1% Bioper® less effective. 1% Bioper® and 4% hydrogen peroxide showed greater inactivation of Staphylococcus sp., Bacillus sp. and B. subtilis than the other agents. Against S. aureus, C. albicans, Corynebacterium sp. and M. luteus, 5% phenol showed similar activity to other agents, while with A. niger, B. subtilis, Staphylococcus sp. and Bacillus sp., it was similar to or less active than the other agents. It was demonstrated that two microorganisms from the clean area microbiota, Staphylococcus sp. and Bacillus sp., were the most difficult to eradicate, requiring more frequent application of hydrogen peroxide and 1% Bioper® than the other strains.

O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana de cinco agentes sanitizantes empregados em áreas limpas construídas para a fabricação de produtos farmacêuticos estéreis contra nove microrganismos, incluindo quatro microrganismos oriundos da área limpa. A metodologia constituiu em desafiar 5 mL de cada agente sanitizante, álcool isopropílico 70%, LPH® 0,400%, peróxido de hidrogênio 1,160% e 4%, Bioper® 1% e fenol 5% com 0,1 mL de suspensão concentrada (105 ? 106 UFC/mL) de Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Corynebacterium sp., Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus sp. e Bacillus sp. individualmente por 10 minutos, seguido de diluições seriadas e plaqueamento. Os resultados demonstraram que os cinco agentes sanitizantes foram efetivos contra S. aureus, C. albicans, Corynebacterium sp., e M. luteus. Os mesmos resultados foram observados com E. coli, exceto para o álcool isopropílico, que demonstrou baixos níveis de inativação. Contra A. niger, álcool isopropílico, 0.4% LPH® e peróxido de hidrogênio foram mais efetivos e fenol e Bioper® menos efetivos. Bioper® e peróxido de hidrogênio 4% demonstraram altos níveis de inativação de Staphylococcus sp., Bacillus sp. e B. subtilis quando comparados com outros agentes. Fenol demonstrou atividade antimicrobiana similar aos outros agentes contra S. aureus, C. albicans, Corynebacterium sp. e M. luteus. Contra A. niger, B. subtilis, Staphylococcus sp. e Bacillus sp., a atividade antimicrobiana do fenol foi similar ou inferior a dos outros agentes. Foi demonstrado que os microrganismos isolados da área limpa, Staphylococcus sp. e Bacillus sp., foram os que apresentaram maior dificuldade para inativar, sendo necessária a aplicação de peróxido de hidrogênio e Bioper® , com maior frequência.

Atividade antibacteriana in vitro de extratos de Rhizophora mangle L. / In vitro antibacterial activity of Rhizophora mangle L. extracts

Ensaios para avaliar o potencial antibacteriano de Rhizophora mangle (mangue-vermelho), coletada no município de Conde, Bahia, foram realizados com cepas bacterianas Gram-positivas (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 e Micrococcus luteus ATCC 9341) e Gram-negativas (Echerichia coli ATCC 10536, Salmonella Cholerea-suis 10708, Klebsiela pneumoniae ATCC 700603 e Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442). A atividade antibacteriana foi avaliada pelos métodos de difusão em disco e concentração inibitória mínima (CIM), e os resultados analisados estatisticamente. Os resultados do ensaio de difusão em disco mostraram diferença significativa quanto à sensibilidade dos micro-organismos frente aos extratos testados (p<0,05). A CIM do extrato da folha (313 µg mL-1) apresentou o melhor desempenho para inibir o crescimento das cepas Gram-positivas, enquanto o extrato da casca foi mais eficaz para as cepas Gram-negativas. De acordo com os dados levantados por este estudo, R. mangle apresentou propriedade antibacteriana para cepas Gram-positivas e Gram-negativas, podendo tornar-se alternativa terapêutica tanto para o uso popular quanto para a indústria farmacêutica.

Assays to evaluate the antibacterial potential of Rhizophora mangle (red mangrove), sampled at Conde Municipality, Bahia State, Brazil, were performed against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and Micrococcus luteus ATCC 9341) and Gram-negative (Echerichia coli ATCC 10536, Salmonella Cholerea-suis 10708, Klebsiela pneumoniae ATCC 700603 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442) bacteria. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by disc diffusion and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and results were statistically analyzed. The results of disc diffusion assay showed a significant difference as to the sensitivity of microorganisms against the tested extracts (p<0.05). The MIC of leaf extract (313 µg mL-1) indicated the best performance to inhibit the growth of Gram-positive strains, while bark extract had a better efficacy against Gram-negative strains. Based on the presented data, R. mangle showed antibacterial properties against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains and can be used as an alternative therapy for popular use or for the pharmaceutical industry.

Avaliação histológica e microbiológica de curativos de demora à base de hidróxido de cálcio usados em endodontia / Histological and microbiological evaluation of calcium hydroxide-based intracanal dressing used in endodontics

Este estudo objetivou avaliar a biocompatibilidade, a atividade antimicrobiana e o pH de curativos de demora à base de hidróxido de cálcio usados em endodontia. A análise da biocompatibilidade foi realizada no tecido conjuntivo subcutâneo de ratos. Nesta metodologia, três medicações intracanal à base de hidróxido de cálcio Calen, UltraCal XS e Hydropast após serem colocadas separadamente em tubos de silicone, foram inseridos no subcutâneo de ratos. Os 48 ratos (Rattus Norvegicus Holtzman) foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em três grupos: Grupo Calen (GC), Grupo UltraCal XS (GU) e grupo Hydropast (GH). Após os períodos de 7 e 30 dias estes animais foram mortos, as peças obtidas processadas e realizada análise morfológica e morfométrica. No teste de difusão em ágar com a confecção de poços, cinco curativos de demora, Calen, Calen PMCC, Hydropast, Hydropasi+I e UtraCal XS foram expostos aos microrganismos Micrococcus luteus (ATCC 9341), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29122), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) e Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) para avaliar o poder antimicrobiano destas pastas. E, por fim, a análise do pH foi realizada preenchendo tubos de polivinil (PVC), 10 para cada curativo de demora, Calen, Calen PMCC, Hydropast, Hydropast+I e UltraCal XS. Em seguida, foram mergulhados em frascos plásticos contendo 10 ml de água deionizada, cujo pH foi aferido previamente. Os frascos foram fechados e mantidos em uma estufa a 37°C. Após 12, 24, 48 e 72 horas, o pH das soluções contidas nos frascos plásticos foi medido com auxílio do peagâmetro DMPH-2. De acordo com as metodologias empregadas, os resultados obtidos no teste de biocompatibilidade, por meio de análises morfológicas e morfométricas mostraram, inicialmente, severa resposta inflamatória nos...

This study aimed to evaluate the biocompatibility, the antibacterial activity and the pH of intracanal medicaments based on of calcium hydroxide used in endodontics. The analysis of the biocompatibility was performed in the subcutaneous tissue of rats. In the methodology, three intracanal medications to the base of calcium hydroxide: Calen, UltraCal XS and Hydropast were placed in separate silicone tubes and then inserted into the subcutaneous tissue of rats. The 48 rats (Rattus Norvegicus Holtzman) were randomly and equally distributed into three groups as follows: Calen group (CG), UltraCal XS group (UG) and Hydropast group (HG). After periods of 7 and 30 days these animals were dead and the specimens were processed and in the end the morphological and morphometric analysis were done. In the agar diffusion method with the construction of wells, five intracanal medicaments (Calen, Calen PMCC, Hydropast, Hidropast + I and UtraCal XS) were exposed to the microorganisms: Micrococcus luteus (ATCC 9341), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29122), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) to evaluate the antimicrobial power of these pastes. And finally, the pH analysis was performed by filling tubes of polyvinyl (PVC), 10 for each intracal medication with Calen, Calen PMCC, Hydropast, Hydropast + I and UltraCal XS. Were then immersed in plastic vials containing 10 ml of deionized water, whose pH was previously measured. The vials were sealed and kept in an incubator at 37°C. After 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours, the pH of the solutions contained in plastic bottles was measured on the pH meter DMPH-2. According to the methodologies employed, the biocompatibility tests results by morphometrical and morphological analysis, initially, showed a severe inflammatory response in tissues...

[Antibacterial activity of Mentha microphylla essential oil]

The resistance developed by bacteria against antibiotics is an urgent problem in the medical field, therefore, the researchers always work to find new antibiotics and develop them. And because of what was known of the ancient use of plants which contain essential oils as antiseptics, researches have tended to study this effect accurately. The aim of the research is to study the antibacterial activities of Mentha microphylla on several types of bacteria. The essential oil was extracted from dry and fresh samples of the studied plant by water distillation method. The disk diffusion method was used to study the effect of the essential oil on the bacterial groups which were as follows: Staphylococcus aurous, bacillus subtiis, Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and then calculate the MIC values. The bacterial effect in fresh plant case was as follows: Bacillus subtilis [IZ=18.33 mm, MIC=0.4 mg/ml], Staphylococcus aureus [IZ=14 mm, MIC=0.4 mg/ml], Escherichia coli [IZ=l3mm, MIC=12.6 mg/ml], Micrococcus luteus [IZ=11.33 mm, MIC=12.6 mg/ml] and Pseudomonas aeruginosa [no effect]. While in case of dry plant the effect was as follows: Bacillus subtilis [IZ=16.33 mm, MIC=0.8 mg/ml], Staphylococcus aureus [IZ=9.67 mm, MIC=0.8 mg/ml], Escherichia. Coli [IZ=7.6 mm], Micrococcus luteus [IZ=10.33 mm, MIC=12.6 mg/mi] and Pseudomonas aeruginosa [no effect]

Antibacterial activity of the latex of Argemone ochroleuca sweet

To investigate the antibacterial effect of the crude latex of Argemone ochroleuca [A. ochroleuca] as antibacterial potential against a range of human pathogenic bacteria. This study was carried out at King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from January to March 2010. Seventeen ml of fresh latex from A. ochroleuca Sweet was collected, and the antibacterial activity of crude and diluted latex were examined using one ml of standardized inoculum suspension, and using the agar diffusion method test against Bacillus subtilis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. All inoculated plates were incubated aerobically at 29 [degree sign] C for 48 hours. The diameter of the zones of inhibition was measured to the nearest mm. the crude latex of A. ochroleuca exhibited a potent antibacter effect on all bacterial strains examined. The zones of inhibition against the tested bacteria were found in the range of 9.30 - 40.3 mm along with their respective minimum inhibitory concentration values 100 micro l/ml. The observable inhibition on selected bacteria by latex of A. ochroleuca makes it a promising alternatives as a potential source of natural antibacterial

Annual Report on External Quality Assessment in Clinical Microbiology Laboratory in Korea (2009) / 임상검사와정도관리

Two trials of external quality assessment for clinical microbiology laboratories were performed in 2009. A total of 16 specimens were distributed. Eight specimens were distributed to 339 laboratories with 322 (95.0%) returns in Trial I, and another eight specimens to 337 laboratories with 327 returns (97.0%) in Trial II. Two slide specimens for mycobacterium stain (AFB) were distributed in both Trial I and II. The acceptable percentages of Gram stain were relatively good for both stainability and morphology. The acceptable percentages of bacterial identification (correct answers to species level) on Sterotrophomonas maltophilia, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Micrococcus luteus, Vibrio parahemolyticus and Candida glabrata (Trial I) were 94.4%, 98.5%, 92.1%, 62.3%, 92.1% and 71.5%, respectively. The acceptable percentages of bacterial identification on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Moraxella catarrhalis and Enterobacter cloacae (Trial II) were 98.5%, 94.1%, 89.2%, 86.2%, 79.6% and 98.5%, respectively. The acceptable percentages for antimicrobial susceptibility tests on S. maltophilia and S. aureus (Trial I), and P. aeruginosa and E. faecalis(Trial II) were relatively good compared to data of the last year, except results using disk method for S. maltophilia. The acceptable percentages for AFB stain in Trial I and II were relatively high. In summary, the acceptable percentages of bacterial stain and identification were relatively good. However, it is still necessary that the quality assurance of the individual laboratories should be improved for antimicrobial susceptibility tests, and the selection of the most appropriate antimicrobial agents to test should be also considered.

Evaluation of antibacterial activities of some medicinal plants from north-West Iran

Aim of the present study was to screen the antibacterial activities of some medicinal plants extracts traditionally used in Azarbaijan area [Iran]. Thirty-six extracts obtained from different parts of ten plants including Tanacetum balsam ita L. [Copmositae], Muscari caucasicum Baker [Hyacinthaceae], Equisetum arvense L. [Equisetaceae], Achillea millefollum L. [Copmositae], Stachys fruticulosa M. Bieb. [Labiatae], Stachys schtschegleevii Sons. ex, Grossh. [Labiatae], Salvia sahendica Boiss and Buhse [Labiatae], Phlomis caucasica Rech. f. [Labiatae], Etchium italicum L. [Boraginaceae] and Thalictrum minus L. [Ranunculaceae] from north-west Iran with traditional medicinal use were examined for their antibacterial activities against some Gram-negative strains such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella paratyphi and Serratia marcescens, also, Gram-positive strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Staph. epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Bacillus cereus. The filter paper disc diffusion method as well as broth serial dilution technique were applied to screen the antibacterial efficacy of the extracts and determination of minimum inhibitory values. Results indicated that the majority of tested plant extracts had antibacterial activity at least against one of the selected bacteria, with the exception of Muscari caucasicum. Methanol extract of the aerial part of Thalictrum minus L. [Ranunculaceae] showed the most potent antibacterial activity against Staph. Aureus with MIC value of 0.3125 mg/ml. The results of this study show that most of the studied plants are potentially a good source of antimicrobial agents and support the traditional applications of some of the tested plants

In vitro antimicrobial activity of different gutta-percha points and calcium hydroxide pastes

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of different trademarks and compositions of gutta-percha points and calcium hydroxide pastes used in endodontic therapy. The evaluated material consisted of gutta-percha points containing calcium hydroxide (RoekoTM), gutta-percha points containing chlorhexidine (RoekoTM), two convencional gutta-percha points (Endo PointsTM and RoekoTM) and two calcium hydroxide pastes (CalenTM and Calen/PMCC TM). Antimicrobial tests included five species of microorganisms: Escherichia coli (ATCC10538), Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC12228), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC6538), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC27853), and Micrococcus luteus (ATCC9341). The Agar difusion method was employed. The plates were kept at room temperature for 2 h for prediffusion and then incubated at 37°C for 24 h. The triphenyltetrazolium chloride gel was added for optimization and the zones of inhibition were measured. Statistical evaluation was carried out using analysis of variance and Tukey Test. The obtained results showed that all microbial species used in the study were inhibited by the gutta-percha points containing chlorhexidine and by the calcium hydroxide pastes (CalenTM and Calen/PMCC TM), with similar results (p > 0.05). No antimicrobial activity was observed for the other groups. It was concluded that the gutta-percha points containing chlorhexidine presented antimicrobial activity, whereas the gutta-percha points containing calcium hydroxide did not.

O objetivo deste estudo foi a avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana de diferentes marcas e composições de cones de guta-percha e pastas à base de hidróxido de cálcio utilizados em endodontia. Os materiais avaliados foram: cones de guta-percha contendo hidróxido de cálcio (RoekoTM), cones de guta-percha contendo clorexidina (RoekoTM), duas marcas de cones de guta-percha (Endo PointsTM e RoekoTM) e duas pastas à base de hidróxido de cálcio (CalenTM e Calen/PMCC TM). Os testes antimicrobianos incluíram 5 espécies de microrganismos: Escherichia coli (ATCC10538), Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC12228), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC6538), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC27853) e Micrococcus luteus (ATCC9341). O método empregado foi o de difusão em Agar. As placas foram mantidas em temperatura ambiente por 2 horas para pré-difusão e então incubadas a 37°C por 24 horas. O gel de cloreto de trifeniltetrazólio foi acrescentado para otimização e as zonas de inibição foram medidas. A análise estatística foi realizada pela análise de variância e pelo teste de Tukey. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que todas as espécies microbianas usadas foram inibidas pelos cones de guta-percha com clorexidina e pelas pastas à base de hidróxido de cálcio (CalenTM e Calen/PMCC TM), com resultados similares entre os materiais (p > 0.05). Nenhuma atividade antimicrobiana foi observada para os demais grupos. Concluiu-se que os cones de guta-percha com clorexidina apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana, enquanto os cones com hidróxido de cálcio não demonstraram esta propriedade.

A clinical study of deep neck abscess in children / 소아과

PURPOSE: It has been reported that deep neck abscesses are recently increasing again. We analyzed pediatric cases with deep neck abscesses during the last several years to contribute to the treatment of the disease. METHODS: The clinical data of 30 children under 16 years of age with deep neck abscess from February 2001 to July 2006 were analysed retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean age was 9 years (2-16 years), and the male/female ratio was 19/11. Abscesses in the peritonsillar space were most common (57%), followed by the retropharyngeal (30%) and parapharyngeal (13%) spaces. Upper respiratory infection in 10 cases (33%), dental infection in four case (14%), cervical lymphadenitis in three case (10%) and sinusitis in two case (6%) contributed to the development of deep neck infections. The frequent symptoms were fever in 16 case (53%), sore throat in 15 case (50%), poor oral intake in 10 (33%), odynophagia in eight (27%), and neck pain in eight (27%). Unilateral tonsillar hypertrophy and displacement in 15 case (50%) were most common. Neck mass in 13 patients (43%), neck stiffness in three (10%) and trismus in three (10%) were also found. Bacteria were isolated in 8 among 10 pus cultures; Streptococcus species 7 and Micrococcus luteus 1. All of those bacteria except Micrococcus luteus were sensitive to penicillin G. Surgical intervention was applied to 12 cases (40%), and the remaining 18 patients (60%) were treated with antibiotics only. There were no differences between the two groups in the duration of admission and antibiotic treatment. No complicated cases were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Peritonsillar abscesses were most frequent. Upper respiratory infection was the most common predisposing factor, followed by dental infection and sinusitis. Symptoms of respiratory tract obstruction were not found. The most common pathogens were Streptococcus species. Deep neck abscesses in children, if diagnosed at the early stage, possibly can be treated by antibiotics only, without surgical intervention.

A rapid and accurate 3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide colorimetric assay for quantification of bacteriocins with nisin as an example / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

The objective of this study is to propose a more accurate and faster MTT [3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] colorimetric assay (MCA) for quantitative measurement of polypeptide bacteriocins in solutions with nisin as an example. After an initial incubation of nisin and indicator bacterium Micrococcus luteus NCIB 8166 in tubes, MTT was added for another incubation period. After that, nisin was quantified by estimating the number of viable bacteria based on measuring the amount of purple formazan produced by cleavage of yellow tetrazolium salt MTT. Then MCA was compared to a standard agar diffusion assay (ADA). The results suggested a high correlation coefficient (r(2)=0.975+/-0.004) between optical density (OD) and the inhibitory effect of nisin on a bacterial strain Micrococcus luteus NCIB 8166 at a range of 0.125-32 IU/ml. The MCA described in this study was very quick. Quantification of nisin took only 7-8 h and the detection limit was at the level of 0.125 IU/ml when compared to 12 IU/ml and 24-28 h for ADA. The MCA provides an accurate and rapid method for quantification of nisin in solutions and is expected to be used for quantification of other antimicrobial substances.

Iterative ACORN as a high throughput tool in structural genomics.

High throughput macromolecular structure determination is very essential in structural genomics as the available number of sequence information far exceeds the number of available 3D structures. ACORN, a freely available resource in the CCP4 suite of programs is a comprehensive and efficient program for phasing in the determination of protein structures, when atomic resolution data are available. ACORN with the automatic model-building program ARP/wARP and refinement program REFMAC is a suitable combination for the high throughput structural genomics. ACORN can also be run with secondary structural elements like helices and sheets as inputs with high resolution data. In situations, where ACORN phasing is not sufficient for building the protein model, the fragments (incomplete model/dummy atoms) can again be used as a starting input. Iterative ACORN is proved to work efficiently in the subsequent model building stages in congerin (PDB-ID: lis3) and catalase (PDB-ID: 1gwe) for which models are available.