Anti-biofilm and antimicrobial activity of Mentha pulegium L essential oil against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii

Purpose: To investigate the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities of essential oil from Mentha pulegium L. (EOMP) on multi-drug resistant (MDR) isolates of A. baumannii , as well as its phytochemical composition, antioxidant properties and cytotoxic activity. Methods: The phytochemical composition of EOMP was analyzed by gas chromatography, while its antimicrobial activities were determined by disc diffusion and broth micro-dilution methods. Minimal biofilm inhibition concentration (MBIC) and minimal biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) tests were used for assessment of its anti-biofilm properties. Viability in the biofilm was studied using 2,3-bis (2- methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) assay, while colorimetric assay was used to assess its cytotoxicity on L929 cells. Results: D-isomenthone, pulegone, isopulegone, menthol and piperitenone were the major components of the plant extract. EOMP produced > 22 mm inhibition zone for the isolates, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and MBIC of 0.6 - 2.5 and 0.6 - 1.25 μL/mL, respectively, while MBEC was ≥ 10 μL/msL. EOMP damaged biofilm structures formed by A. baumannii strains at MIC by 26 – 91 %. Conclusion: These results suggest that EOMP contains agents that may be useful in the development of new drugs against A. baumannii infections.

First description of Candida nivariensis in Brazil: antifungal susceptibility profile and potential virulence attributes

This study evaluated the antifungal susceptibility profile and the production of potential virulence attributes in a clinical strain of Candida nivariensis for the first time in Brazil, as identified by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS)1-5.8S-ITS2 region and D1/D2 domains of the 28S of the rDNA. For comparative purposes, tests were also performed with reference strains. All strains presented low planktonic minimal inhibitory concentrations (PMICs) to amphotericin B (AMB), caspofungin (CAS), and voriconazole. However, our strain showed elevated planktonic MICs to posaconazole (POS) and itraconazole, in addition to fluconazole resistance. Adherence to inert surfaces was conducted onto glass and polystyrene. The biofilm formation and antifungal susceptibility on biofilmgrowing cells were evaluated by crystal violet staining and a XTT reduction assay. All fungal strains were able to bind both tested surfaces and form biofilm, with a binding preference to polystyrene (p < 0.001). AMB promoted significant reductions (≈50%) in biofilm production by our C. nivariensis strain using both methodologies. This reduction was also observed for CAS and POS, but only in the XTT assay. All strains were excellent protease producers and moderate phytase producers, but lipases were not detected. This study reinforces the pathogenic potential of C. nivariensis and its possible resistance profile to the azolic drugs generally used for candidiasis management.

Recombinant human endostatin reduces hypertrophic scar formation in rabbit ear model through down- regulation of VEGF and TIMP-1.

Background: Recombinant human endostatin (Endostar) has been widely used to suppress angiogenesis in carcinoma patients. Hypertrophic scar (HS) tissue, much like a carcinoma, is often associated with angiogenesis. However, there have been few studies conducted on the effects of Endostar on HS or its mechanism. Objective: This paper investigated the effects Endostar on the HS of rabbit ears and studied the effects of Endostar on VEGF and TIMP-1 expression. Methods: Sixteen New Zealand white rabbits were used to establish HS models. Then, rabbit ears containing HS were randomly assigned to either the Endostar group or the control group. The changes of appearance and histology were evaluated using the naked eye, hematoxylin eosin staining, and a scar elevation index. The VEGF and TIMP-1 expressions were detected by immunohistochemical staining, RT-PCR, and western blot. Results: The thickness of the connective tissue in the Endostar group were thinner, the numbers of micro vessels and fibroblasts were fewer, and the collagen fibers were smoother. Moreover, the mRNA and protein expressions of VEGF and TIMP-1 in the Endostar group were significantly lower than those in the control group. Conclusion: The results suggested that Endostar reduced the formation of HS by down-regulation of VEGF and TIMP-1 expressions.

Sodium hypochlorite effects on dentin bond strength and acid-base resistant zone formation by adhesive systems

Aim: To evaluate the effects of 10% NaOCl gel application on the dentin bond strengths and morphology of resin-dentin interfaces formed by three adhesives. Methods: Two etch-and-rinse adhesives (One-Step Plus, Bisco Inc. and Clearfil Photo Bond, Kuraray Noritake Dental) and one self-etch adhesive (Clearfil SE Bond, Kuraray Noritake Dental) were applied on dentin according to the manufacturers’ instructions or after the treatment with 10% NaOCl (ED-Gel, Kuraray Noritake Dental) for 60 s. For interfacial analysis, specimens were subjected to acid-base challenge and observed by SEM to identify the formation of the acid-base resistant zone (ABRZ). For microtensile bond strength, the same groups were investigated and the restored teeth were thermocycled (5,000 cycles) or not before testing. Bond strength data were subjected to two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p<0.05). Results: NaOCl application affected the bond strengths for One-Step Plus and Clearfil Photo Bond. Thermocycling reduced the bond strengths for Clearfil Photo Bond and Clearfil SE Bond when used after NaOCl application and One-Step Plus when used as recommended by manufacturer. ABRZ was observed adjacent to the hybrid layer for self-etch primer. The etch-and-rinse systems showed external lesions after acid-base challenge and no ABRZ formation when applied according to manufacturer’s instructions. Conclusions: 10% NaOCl changed the morphology of the bonding interfaces and its use with etch-&-rinse adhesives reduced the dentin bond strength. Formation of ABRZ was material-dependent and the interface morphologies were different among the tested materials.