Microbial Contamination of the Outer Surface of X-ray Films

Objectives Infection control is one of the most important aspects of dentistry. Since intraoral radiographic films are directly in contact with the oral environment, microbial contamination may transmit infectious diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of microbial contamination of intraoral radiographic films and compare the probable microbial contamination of two intraoral radiographic film brands available in the Iranian market. Methods in this in vitro, experimental study, 900 radiographic films of two commercial brands, i.e. Intra X-ray and Carestream films were placed in aerobic, anaerobic, and fungal culture media immediately after removal from the packaging in sterile conditions. The samples were transferred to the respective culture media after incubation. The cultured bacteria were Gram-stained, and microscopically observed. The percentage of the contaminated intraoral radiographic films and the type of microbial contamination were reported. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results Of all, 32.6% of the Carestream films and 44.6% of Intra X-ray films were infected by aerobic microorganisms, mostly Bacillus. In the anaerobic culture, the turbidity of the medium indicated the possible presence of microorganisms. In the fungal culture, no fungal hyphae were observed microscopically. Conclusion The results of this study showed that intraoral films cannot be considered sterile. Intra X-ray radiographic films were significantly more contaminated than Care stream radiographic films

In vitro antifungal effect of cinnamon extract on candida species

Introduction: Cinnamon zeylanicum is used for various medical purposes. The aim of this study was to compare the antifungal efficacy of cinnamon and amphotericin B against Candida species in vitro. Material & Methods: Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Candida krusei (C. Krusei) were obtained from the Iranian Industrial and Scientific Research Center. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of cinnamon extract was determined and compared with that of amphotericin B. Results: The results of this study showed that Amphotericin B, ethanolic  and aqueous extract of cinnamon inhibited the growth of C. albicans and C. Krusei with different MICs. Conclusion: Ethanolic extract of cinnamon has inhibitory effects on Candida species comparable to that of amphotericin B. So, it can be used as a herbal alternative

In-Vitro Evaluation of Crocus Sativus L. Petals and Stamens as Natural Antibacterial Agents Against Food-Borne Bacterial Strains: Crocus sativus L. petals and stamens as natural antibacterial agents against food-borne bacterial strains

Growing interest to use natural preservatives and spices with antimicrobial effects and large amounts of floral bio-residues (92.6 g per 100 g) generated and wasted in the production of saffron spice guided this study to evaluate the opportunity to expand the uses of C. sativus flowers (petals and stamens), beyond the spice (dried stigmas). The antibacterial potential of total extracts and different sub-fractions of floral bio-residues of saffron production (petals and stamens) were primarily evaluated against five bacterial strains potentially causing food-borne disease (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli and Shigella dysenteriae) using well diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were determined by macrodilution method. Methanol extract of petals had shown more antibacterial activity against S. aureus, S. enteric, and S. dysenteriae compared to stigma. Methanol extract and ethyl acetate sub-fraction of stamens showed more antimicrobial effect against B. cereus and E. coli. The petals total extract showed the most antibacterial activity against Shigella dysenteriae (MIC 15.6mg/ml) while the ethyl acetate and chloroform sub fractions showed the maximum effect against Bacillus cereus(MIC 62.5mg/ml). Stamen methanol total extract and aqueous sub fraction have the maximum effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus (MIC 62.5mg/ml) while the ethyl acetate sub fraction has the best effect against Shigella dysenteriae (MIC 15.6mg/ml). Results showed that both petals and stamens could act as new and natural sources of antibacterial agents with food industrial applications

In-Vitro Evaluation of Crocus Sativus L. Petals and Stamens as Natural Antibacterial Agents Against Food-Borne Bacterial Strains

Abstract Growing interest to use natural preservatives and spices with antimicrobial effects and large amounts of floral bioresidues (92.6 g per 100 g) generated and wasted in the production of saffron spice guided this study to evaluate the opportunity to expand the uses of C. sativus flowers (petals and stamens), beyond the spice (dried stigmas). The antibacterial potential of total extracts and different sub-fractions of floral bio-residues of saffron production (petals and stamens) were primarily evaluated against five bacterial strains potentially causing food-borne disease (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli and Shigella dysenteriae) using well diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were determined by macrodilution method. Methanol extract of petals had shown more antibacterial activity against S. aureus, S. enteric, and S. dysenteriae compared to stigma. Methanol extract and ethyl acetate sub-fraction of stamens showed more antimicrobial effect against B. cereus and E. coli. The petals total extract showed the most antibacterial activity against Shigella dysenteriae (MIC 15.6mg/ml) while the ethyl acetate and chloroform sub fractions showed the maximum effect against Bacillus cereus(MIC 62.5mg/ml). Stamen methanol total extract and aqueous sub fraction have the maximum effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus (MIC 62.5mg/ml) while the ethyl acetate sub fraction has the best effect against Shigella dysenteriae (MIC 15.6mg/ml). Results showed that both petals and stamens could act as new and natural sources of antibacterial agents with food industrial applications