In vitro effects of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil on growth and production of volatile sulphur compounds by oral bacteria

Objective Halitosis can be caused by microorganisms that produce volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs), which colonize the surface of the tongue and subgingival sites. Studies have reported that the use of natural products can reduce the bacterial load and, consequently, the development of halitosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia on the growth and volatile sulphur compound (VSC) production of oral bacteria compared with chlorhexidine. Material and Methods The effects of these substances were evaluated by the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) in planktonic cultures of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Porphyromonas endodontalis. In addition, gas chromatography analyses were performed to measure the concentration of VSCs from bacterial cultures and to characterize M. alternifolia oil components. Results The MIC and MBC values were as follows: M. alternifolia - P. gingivalis (MIC and MBC=0.007%), P. endodontalis (MIC and MBC=0.007%=0.5%); chlorhexidine - P. gingivalis and P. endodontalis (MIC and MBC=1.5 mg/mL). M. alternifolia significantly reduced the growth and production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) by P. gingivalis (

Máscaras caseiras na pandemia de COVID-19: recomendações, características físicas, desinfecção e eficácia de uso

Objective: To describe the recommendations, physical characteristics, methods of disinfection and the effectiveness of using homemade masks in reducing the transmission of COVID-19. Methods: Search was performed in the MEDLINE, SciELO and Google Scholar databases, in addition to the official recommendations for use. Results: 31 references were included. The filtration capacity of tissues varied between 5 and 98%. 100% cotton fabrics in two or three layers showed filtration efficiency between 70 and 99%, in vitro. Homemade masks, surgical and respirators showed breathability between 2.2 to 3.0 Pascal. The ability to reduce the spread of microorganisms by people wearing home masks was three times less than when using surgical masks, but it was superior to not wearing masks. Conclusion: The breathability of homemade masks may be adequate, while the filtration efficiency seems to be inferior to surgical masks, but superior to no mask use. There is no evidence to support the efficacy and effectiveness of homemade masks.Objetivo: Descrever as recomendações, características físicas, métodos de desinfecção e eficácia de uso de máscaras caseiras na redução da transmissão da COVID-19. Métodos: Realizou-se busca nas bases de dados MEDLINE, SciELO e Google Scholar, além das recomendações oficiais de uso. Resultados: Foram incluídas 31 referências. A capacidade de filtração de tecidos variou entre 5 e 98%. Tecidos 100% algodão em duas ou três camadas apresentaram eficácia de filtração entre 70 e 99% em estudos in vitro. Máscaras caseiras, cirúrgicas e respiradores apresentaram respirabilidade entre 2,2 e 3,0 Pascal. A capacidade de redução da propagação de microrganismos por pessoas usando máscaras caseiras foi três vezes menor do que ao usar máscaras cirúrgicas, embora tenha sido superior ao não uso de máscaras. Conclusão: A respirabilidade de máscaras caseiras mostrou-se adequada, enquanto a eficácia de filtração parece ser inferior à das máscaras cirúrgicas, mas superior a não usar máscara. Não há evidências que respaldem a eficácia e efetividade das máscaras caseiras.&nbsp

Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Siswa Kelas IV MIS Tompo Melalui Pemanfaatan Lingkungan Sekolah Sebagai Sumber Belajar IPA

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan hasil belajar siswa pada mata IPA di Kelas IV MIS Tompo melalui Pemanfaatan Lingkungan Sekolah sebagai Sumber Belajar. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian tindakan kelas (PTK), yang dilaksanakan sebanyak dua siklus, setiap siklus terdiri dari perencanaan, pelaksanaan tindakan, observasi dan refleksi yang mengacu pada model KemmisMc Taggart. Data yang diambil adalah data kualitatif dan kuantitatif. Data kualitatif diperoleh dari hasil aktifitas siswa dan guru, sedangkan data kuantitatif diperoleh dari hasil evaluasi disetiap siklus. Hasil siklus I menunjukkan bahwa aktifitas guru adalah: 82,85% dikategorikan baik sedang aktifitas siswa adalah, 71, 1% dikategorikan cukup, dengan ketuntasan belajar Klasikal 62,5%,. Hasil siklus II menunjukkan bahwa aktifitas guru 92,85%) dengan kategori sangat baik, sedang aktifitas siswa 82,2 % dikategorikan baik, dengan persentase daya serap klasikal sebesar 86,3%. Dengan demikian maka dapat dikatakan bahwa pemanfaatan lingkungan sekolah sebagai sumber belajar dapat meningkatkan hasil belajar IPA siswa Kelas IV MIS Tompo Kec. Taopa

Development, characterization and antimicrobial activity of multilayer silica nanoparticles with chlorhexidine incorporated into dental composites

Objective In this study a dentistry nanocomposite with prolonged antibacterial activity using silica nanoparticles (SNPs) loaded with chlorhexidine (CHX) was developed. Methods SNPs were coated with the Layer-by-Layer technique. Dental composites were prepared with organic matrix of BisGMA/TEGDMA and SNPs with or without CHX (0, 10, 20 or 30% w/w). The physicochemical properties of the developed material were evaluated and agar diffusion method was used to test the antibacterial. In addition, the biofilm inhibitory activity of the composites was evaluated against S. mutans. Results SNPs were rounded with diameters about 50 nm, the organic load increased with increasing deposited layers. Material samples with SNPs loaded with CHX (CHX-SNPs) showed the highest values of post-gel volumetric shrinkage, that ranged from 0.3% to 0.81%. Samples containing CHX-SNPs 30% w/w showed the highest values of flexural strength and modulus of elasticity. Only samples containing SNPs-CHX showed growth inhibition against S. mutans, S. mitis and S. gordonii in a concentration-dependent manner. The composites with CHX-SNPs reduced the biofilm formation of S. mutans biofilm at 24 h and 72 h. Significance The nanoparticle studied acted as fillers and did not interfere with the evaluated physicochemical properties while providing antimicrobial activity against streptococci. Therefore, this initial study is a step forward to the synthesis of experimental composites with improved performance using CHX-SNPs

Anti-Inflammatory and Antibothropic Properties of Jatropha Elliptica, a Plant from Brazilian Cerrado Biome

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibothropic and anti-inflammatory properties of J. elliptica. Methods: Phytochemical screening and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) assays were performed on J. elliptica hydroalcoholic extract (TE) in order to observe its main constituents. The antibothropic activity of TE was evaluated by the in vitro neuromuscular blockade caused by Bothrops jararacussu venom (Bjssu), in a mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm model (PND). A quantitative histological study was carried out to observe a possible protection of TE against the venom myotoxicity. The anti-inflammatory activity was also evaluated in two models, Bjssu-induced paw edema, and carrageenan-induced neutrophils migration in the peritoneal cavity. Results: TLC analysis revealed several compounds in TE, such as saponins, alkaloids, and phenolic constituents. TE was able to neutralize the blockade and the myotoxicity induced by venom, when it was pre-incubated for 30 min with venom. In addition, it showed anti-inflammatory activity, inducing less neutrophils migration and reducing paw edema. Conclusion: J. elliptica showed both antibothropic and anti-inflammatory properties

Culturable microbiological profile of a non-sterile drugs pharmaceutical production environment

Abstract For places where non-sterile drug production occurs, regulatory bodies recommend monitoring of the environmental bioburden. This procedure provides information regarding possible microbiological risks to which the products may be exposed, so that subsequent action measures may be implemented. The aim of the present work was to quantify and characterize the microorganisms present in Grade D (ISO 8) cleanrooms of a Brazilian pharmaceutical industry, identifying any possible seasonal climatic influences on these environments. Sampling was performed by surface and air monitoring, over 12 months during the year 2019, in rooms that were in operation. For both sampling methods, no statistically significant differences in bacteria and fungi counts were found between months or seasonal periods. Microorganisms that presented higher incidence included Staphylococcus epidermidis (15%) and Micrococcus spp. (13%), common to the human microbiota, and the fungi Cladosporium sp. (23%) and Penicillium sp. (21%), typical of the external environment. The results showed that microbial contamination in the Grade D cleanrooms was within the permissible maximum levels and remained similar throughout the year. Microbiological quality control in the clean areas of the pharmaceutical industry investigated was considered effective, with regular maintenance being necessary to keep bioburden levels controlled

In vitro effects of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil on growth and production of volatile sulphur compounds by oral bacteria

ABSTRACT Objective Halitosis can be caused by microorganisms that produce volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs), which colonize the surface of the tongue and subgingival sites. Studies have reported that the use of natural products can reduce the bacterial load and, consequently, the development of halitosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia on the growth and volatile sulphur compound (VSC) production of oral bacteria compared with chlorhexidine. Material and Methods The effects of these substances were evaluated by the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) in planktonic cultures of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Porphyromonas endodontalis. In addition, gas chromatography analyses were performed to measure the concentration of VSCs from bacterial cultures and to characterize M. alternifolia oil components. Results The MIC and MBC values were as follows: M. alternifolia - P. gingivalis (MIC and MBC=0.007%), P. endodontalis (MIC and MBC=0.007%=0.5%); chlorhexidine - P. gingivalis and P. endodontalis (MIC and MBC=1.5 mg/mL). M. alternifolia significantly reduced the growth and production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) by P. gingivalis (p<0.05, ANOVA-Dunnet) and the H2S and methyl mercaptan (CH3SH) levels of P. endodontalis (p<0.05, ANOVA-Dunnet). Chlorhexidine reduced the growth of both microorganisms without altering the production of VSC in P. endodontalis. For P. gingivalis, the production of H2S and CH3SH decreased (p<0.05, ANOVA-Dunnet). Conclusion M. alternifolia can reduce bacterial growth and VSCs production and could be used as an alternative to chlorhexidine

Statins and Antimicrobial Effects: Simvastatin as a Potential Drug against Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm.

Statins are important lipid-lowering agents with other pleiotropic effects. Several studies have explored a possible protective effect of statins to reduce the morbidity and mortality of many infectious diseases. Staphylococcus aureus is one of the main pathogens implicated in nosocomial infections; its ability to form biofilms makes treatment difficult. The present study observed the MIC of atorvastatin, pravastatin and simvastatin against S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis. Simvastatin was the only agent with activity against clinical isolates and reference strains of methicilin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Thus, the effects of simvastatin on the growth, viability and biofilm formation of S. aureus were tested. In addition, a possible synergistic effect between simvastatin and vancomycin was evaluated. Simvastatin's MIC was 15.65 µg/mL for S. aureus 29213 and 31.25 µg/mL for the other strains of S. aureus. The effect of simvastatin was bactericidal at 4xMIC and bacteriostatic at the MIC concentration. No synergistic effect was found between simvastatin and vancomycin. However, the results obtained against S. aureus biofilms showed that, in addition to inhibiting adhesion and biofilm formation at concentrations from 1/16xMIC to 4xMIC, simvastatin was also able to act against mature biofilms, reducing cell viability and extra-polysaccharide production. In conclusion, simvastatin showed pronounced antimicrobial activity against S. aureus biofilms, reducing their formation and viability

Initial oral biofilm formation on titanium implants with different surface treatments: an in vivo study

The aim of this study was to examine in vivo the initial bacterial adhesion on titanium implants with different surface treatments. Design Ten subjects wore oral splints containing machined pure titanium disks (Ti-M), acid-etched titanium (Ti-AE) and anodized and laser irradiated disks (Ti-AL) for 24 h. After this period, disks were removed from the splints and adherent bacteria were quantified by an enzymatic assay to assess total viable bacteria and by Real Time PCR to evaluate total bacteria and Streptococcus oralis levels. Additionally, the initial adherent microorganisms were visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Titanium surface morphology was verified using SEM, and roughness was evaluated by profilometer analysis. Results Regarding titanium surface roughness, Ti-AL (1.423 ± 0.397) showed significantly higher Ra values than did Ti-M (0.771 ± 0.182) and Ti-AE (0.735 ± 0.196) (p 0.05, ANOVA – Tahame). SEM images showed similar bacterial adhesion on the three titanium surfaces, predominantly characterized by cocci and several bacilli, indicating an initial colonization of the oral biofilm. Conclusion In conclusion, roughness and microtopography did not stimulate initial biofilm formation on titanium surfaces with different surface treatments69333