Reduction In Total Bacterial Count Research Articles

QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF BEEF HAMBURGER ENRICHED WITH RED GRAPE POMACE POWDER DURING FREEZING STORAGE

Integrating the consumption of agro-industrial residues with satisfactory consumers is an opposition that, may affect the financial dividend of the frozen meat manufacturing, aside from producing products with diversified nutritional values and satisfying technical characteristics. Thence, we aimed in this research to elaborate and appraise the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of beef hamburger with the addendum 2 and 4 % of red grape pomace powder (RGPP) throughout its stockpiling at (-18 ± 2°C) over a period 12 weeks. A significant influence on pH value was observed at the beginning (zero time), however the control sample, 2% and 4% had pH values of 6.68, 6.41 and 6.22, respectively. Meantime, there was a significant influence of (RGPP) on thiobarbituric acid (TBA) evidenced on 4th week. The results showed that the microbial growth increased as a function to storage period for all and the addendum of RGPP in beef burger caused a reduction in total bacterial count in comparison with control. Thus, in general, it can be concluded that addendum of RGPP is an efficacious mean to improve burger quality and increasing its storage stability.Key words: beef burger; red grape pomace; storage stability

Comparative Evaluation of Diode Laser and Scalpel Surgery in the Treatment of Inflammatory Fibrous Hyperplasia: A Split-Mouth Study

Objective: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of diode laser surgery and the scalpel surgery in the removal of inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia (IFH). Background data: Diode laser systems are proposed as an alternative to scalpel surgery on surgeries involving oral soft tissues. Some of the advantages of the laser systems are ease of application, adequate coagulation, reduced postoperative pain, and decreased scarring. In addition, there are increasing data on the antibacterial effects of the diode lasers in dentistry; however, the direct bactericidal role of the diode laser in oral soft tissue procedures has not yet been investigated. Materials and methods: A total of 22 patients were enrolled in this study. One side of IFH was randomly assigned for excision with scalpel blade or with diode laser. Perioperative bleeding, postoperative pain, wound healing, and bacterial counts were evaluated for both methods. Results: The bleeding on the side treated by diode laser was found significantly lower (p < 0.05). A notable reduction in total bacterial counts was observed in the laser group after the first postoperative day. However, this trend did not reach statistical significance. No significant differences were recorded regarding subjective postoperative pain between the groups (p = 0.065). The healing of the postoperative wounds was significantly faster in the conventional group at each time point. Conclusions: Diode laser has offered some advantages over conventional method in the management of IFH. However, large-cohort comparative studies are required to provide additional data regarding the wound healing capacity of the diode laser.

2181. Efficacy of UV-C Disinfection with or Without Sodium Hypochlorite Compared with Usual Disinfection of Hospital Environmental Surfaces: Pilot Study

BackgroundThe hospital environment is known to harbor pathogens that cause healthcare-associated infections. Sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) has been a common method for disinfection due to its low cost and wide availability. Nevertheless, UV-C is less time-consuming and less prone to human errors. We are aware of only one study that has directly compared UV-C against NaClO in a high-income country.1MethodsA pilot study was designed to test three different methods for terminal room disinfection: (1) NaClO (1,000 ppm); (2) UV-C (two 5-minute cycles at a maximum radius of 2.4 m with the UVDI UV360™ device); and (3) NaClO followed by UV-C. After patient discharge, housekeeping staff cleaned every room with detergent. Next, the rooms were subjected to one of the three disinfection procedures in a nonrandomized way. Environmental cultures were taken before and after cleaning and after every disinfection procedure, from three high touch areas: bedrails, patient tables and mattresses. Bedrails were sampled with swabs and the rest of the surfaces with RODAC™ plates. Cultures were processed by the same external accredited laboratory. Our main objective was to calculate reductions in total bacterial counts (measured in CFUs) to estimate the sample size for a larger multicenter study. We hypothesized that similar bacterial count reductions would be observed for the three methods.ResultsEight rooms were tested in 4 hospitals in Mexico City (total of 85 cultures). Median bacterial count reductions with their respective IQRs, adjusted to CFUs after cleaning, were: 1 (0–10) after NaClO only; 5 (0–30) after UV-C only, and 1 (0–10) after NaClO + UV-C (Kruskal–Wallis test, P = 0.419); the respective median proportion reductions were 95.8% (0–100%), 90.1% (75–100%) and 100% (10–100%).ConclusionAll three disinfection methods seem to be equally effective for the reduction of total bacterial counts on hospital surfaces, regardless the type of hospital or ward. With a sufficiently powered study, we will attempt to demonstrate that UV-C alone could be used instead of NaClO (reference disinfectant in Mexico), possibly with time and economic savings.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

THE USE OF CARBON-NANOTUBES FOR REMOVAL OF BACTERIAL PATHOGENS FROM RIVER WATER

Providing clean and affordable water to meet human needs is a grand challenge of the 21st century. Worldwide, water supply struggles to keep up with the fast growing demand, which is exacerbated by population growth, global climate change, and water quality deterioration. The need for technological innovation to enable integrated water management cannot be overstated. Nanotechnology holds great potential in advancing water and wastewater treatment to improve treatment efficiency as well as to augment water supply through safe use of unconventional water sources. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are microscopic, hollow, cylindrical tubes made out of graphene sheets. They contain several different, unique functions. Two functions in particular, mechanical and antimicrobial, cause nanotubes to be lethal to microbacteria, as well as being small, strong and flexible. This has allowed nanotubes to be produced as decontaminant filters. The main objective of the present study is to develop a filter targeting the removal of microbial pathogens from river water. An experimental setup was constructed in which the multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) are used directly as a layer in the filter. The parameters investigated in the present work includes; the pressure, the temperature, the quantity of MWCNT utilized, and the thickness of MWCNT. The present investigation reveals that the percentage reduction in total bacterial count, total coliforms count, fecal coliforms count and fecal streptococci count increases with the increase of the water temperature and larger thickness of CNTs. However, increase water pressure results in lower percentage reduction in total bacterial count, total coliforms count, fecal coliforms count and fecal streptococci count.

Efficacy of Papacarie in Reduction Total Bacterial Count in Comparison with the Conventional Rotary Method

Background: The change in the concepts of cavity preparation and the development of reliable adhesive materials lead to the development of alternative methods of caries removal. Chemo-mechanical caries removal (CMCR) involves the chemical softening of carious dentin, followed by its removal with manual excavation. The present study was conducted to evaluate clinically the efficiency of caries removal using a new chemo-mechanical agent (Papacarie) compared to the conventional drilling method in reduction of total bacterial count. Material and methods: The study is a split mouth design. The sample composes from sixty mandibular deciduous molars teeth in thirty children, between six to nine years of age with bilateral class I deep occlusal carious lesions without pulp involvement. Samples of this study were classified into group A and B with thirteen teeth for each. In groupAtreatment by Papacarie while group B were treated by the conventional drilling method Results: The results showed significant different in total bacterial count in period after treatment with Papacarie as comparative with drill method for caries remove. Conclusions: It was concluded that Papacarie could be an effective caries removal method to treat children, particularly those who present with early childhood caries or management problems.

Evaluation of The Antimicrobial Effect of Propolis Extract on Oral Microflora

Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of propolis extract with different dilutions when applied as mouth wash in vivo against a known antiseptic agent (0.2%Chlorhexidine) . Material and Methods: Ninety children were selected for this study. All children were examined clinically for dental caries and used to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of studied materials. The childern were divided equally into two groups (fourty five in every group). In the first group childern were instructed to rinse with 3 ml of propolis extract for specific time and divided into three sub groubs while in the other group childern were instructed to rinse with 3 ml of Chlorhexidine. Result: The results of this study revealed that the use of propolis mouth washby childern achieved mean of reduction of total bacterial count. The effect of 0.2% Chlorhexidine was higher than the effect of propolis in total bacterial count reduction .Conclusion: This study concluded that Propolis is an antimicrobial agent as it significantly reduced the total bacterial count in the saliva of childern when compared by apotent antiseptic like 0.2% chlorhexidine.

Effect of 2 different premilking teat sanitation routines on reduction of bacterial counts on teat skin of cows on commercial dairy farms

Premilking teat sanitation reduces the load of bacteria on teat skin before milking and it is a fundamental practice used to ensure collection of high-quality milk. The objective of this study was to compare reduction in bacterial populations of teat skin after premilking preparation using either predipping with 0.5% iodine followed by drying (conventional; CONV) or using a semiautomated teat scrubber that uses chlorine dioxide (TS; FutureCow, Longwood, FL). Ten farms currently using a commercial teat scrubber system were enrolled. Cows (n=40 per farm) were assigned to CONV (n=198) or TS (n=196) premilking udder preparation. Teat skin swabs were collected before and after udder preparation and analyzed for total bacterial count (TBC), Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., and gram-negative bacteria (GNB). Reduction (RED) of each bacterial group was defined as the difference in the number of bacteria measured before and after udder preparation. Before udder preparation, Staphylococcus spp. (15,036 cfu/mL) and Streptococcus spp. (12,621 cfu/mL) were the most numerous microflora. Gram-negative bacteria were less numerous (1,538 cfu/mL). A significant treatment by farm interaction was identified for RED of all bacterial counts. Compared with teats prepared using TS, teats prepared using CONV preparation had greater RED of TBC on 3 farms, of Streptococcus spp. on 2 farms, and of Staphylococcus spp. on 1 farm. On all other farms, RED in TBC, Streptococcus spp., and Staphylococcus spp. did not differ based on teat preparation method. Use of TS resulted in greater RED of GNB of teats on 3 farms, but RED in GNB was greater for teats cleaned by CONV on 1 farm; for the other 6 farms, RED of GNB did not differ between methods. For all bacterial counts, an effect of chlorine dioxide concentration used in the teat scrubber was observed. Results from this study suggest both CONV and TS can effectively reduce bacterial counts, but farm conditions and management practices can have a significant effect on the effectiveness of teat disinfection.

Use of Microfiltration to Improve Quality and Shelf Life of Ultra-High Temperature Milk

The main objectives of this research were to evaluate the efficacy of microfiltration in extending the shelf life and improving the quality of ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk. Results showed that in high somatic cell counts (SCC) and low SCC raw milk, microfiltration resulted in an average 3.56 and 3.57 log reduction of total bacterial counts, and 1.52 × 106 and 2.10 × 105 to <1.00 × 103 of SCC, respectively. Microfiltered UHT milk had higher pH values and lower titratable acidity compared to nonmicrofiltered UHT control milk during storage. After 112 days and 63 days of storage, there were significant differences of noncasein nitrogen/total nitrogen between the microfiltered UHT milk and nonmicrofiltered UHT control milk in high SCC and low SCC milk (P < 0.05). Particle size distribution in microfiltered UHT milk followed monodisperse distribution during storage. The shelf life of microfiltered UHT milk made by low SCC and high SCC raw milk were effectively extended by 21 and 63 days. Practical Applications Microfiltration process was to reduce bacteria and to remove somatic cell counts (SCC) of raw milk. Compared with nonmicrofiltered ultra-high temperature (UHT) control milk, the quality of microfiltered UHT milk was greatly enhanced. Microfiltration in combination with UHT process resulted in longer shelf life of UHT milk, especially for high SCC milk.

Microfiltration of Milk with Third Generation Ceramic Membranes

The objective of this study was to compare the behavior of different ceramic membranes during skimmed milk microfiltration. Permeate flow rates, protein rejection, and decimal reduction of bacteria were compared for three different 1.4-µm pore size ceramic membranes, one of which was considered traditional (ceramic multichannel membrane) while the other two had a modified structure (on either the macroporous support or the filtering layer). Permeate flux ranged from 400 to 530 Lm−2h−1 at 0.5 bar of transmembrane pressure. Protein rejection values between 0.8 and 2.9% were obtained. Temperature (21–45°C) did not have a significant effect. Membranes showed decimal reduction in total bacterial count between 3.5 and 5.2, with Isoflux® membranes showing higher values. The lifespan of microfiltered milk was extended to 10 days in the absence of heat treatment.

Activity of cyclooxygenase-2 and nitric oxide in milk leucocytes following intramammary inoculation of a bio-response modifier during bovine Staphylococcus aureus subclinical mastitis.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of intramammary infusion of a bio-response modifier (BRM) prepared from Nocardia globerula on certain inflammatory markers and percentage of neutrophil/lymphocyte in mammary secretions during bovine Staphylococcus aureus subclinical mastitis (SCM). The somatic cell count (SCC), total bacterial count (TBC) in milk, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity, production of nitrite and nitrate (NOx) in milk leukocytes and neutrophil % and lymphocyte % in milk were evaluated before and after intramammary infusion of BRM in healthy and quarters inflicted with S. aureus SCM. Intramammary infusion of BRM significantly enhanced the SCC in earlier phase with subsequent reduction on day 7 after initiation of treatment. Whereas, the reduction of TBC was observed from day 3 onwards. The COX-2 activity and NOx production in milk cell increased initially on day 3 of post treatment but reduced on day 5 in SCM infected quarters following BRM infusion. The neutrophil % and lymphocyte % in milk also enhanced significantly on day 3 but reduced on day 5 in SCM infected quarters in response to BRM infusion. Initial influx of SCC, increased neutrophil%, lymphocyte % and enhanced COX-2 and NOx activity indicate the immunomodulatory potential of BRM in S. aureus SCM. Reduction of TBC could be due to increased leukocytosis or direct microbicidal activity of the activated milk cells. The beneficial effect of the BRM could be used as alternative therapy in the control of S. aureus SCM in cows, either alone or in conjunction with antibiotic therapy.

Measurements of Halitosis: Merits and demerits of various techniques

Bad breath (1550BC Ebers Papyrus) has been recorded in the literature for thousands of years and has only come to the force, as it can be a significant social handicap in sophisticated world. Modern literature on bad breath dates back to a monograph published in the 19th century itself. Prevalence is unclear, assessment is difficult and treatment strategies to control oral malodor are primarily directed at reduction of total bacterial counts in the oral cavity. In the present article, we would like to discuss the merits and demerits of different instruments used to measure halitosis.

Impact of γ-Irradiation on Aroma Flavour, Bio-Active Constituents and Quality Attributes of Water Melon Juice

γ-Irradiation is highly effective in inactivating microorganisms and enzymes activity in various foods and it offers a safe alternative method of food decontamination and maintaining quality. Water melon juice was exposed to γ- irradiation of 1, 3 and 5 kGy at room temperature (25 ± 1°C). With regard to colorimetric parameters the fresh water melon juice was lower than the irradiated samples. There was an improvement in the Hunter color value in irradiated water melon juice compared with fresh samples. The ascorbic acid, other antioxidants measured (DPPH, β-carotene asays, total phenols, flavonoids and antioxidant capacity) showed enhancement on expsoure to γ-irradiation. Microbial studies showed reduction in total bacterial counts in irradiated juice at 5 kGy. γ-irradiation improves microbial decontamination and antioxidant activity as well as colour of the water melon juice (WMJ) without any adverse change in bioactive and volatile compounds qualities. These results support the application of γ-irradiation as a measure of food preservation technique for water melon juice that can be explored commercially to benefit both the producers and consumers.

Susceptibility of As-yet-uncultivated and Difficult-to-culture Bacteria to Chemomechanical Procedures

IntroductionA significant portion of the bacteria taking part of the microbiome associated with apical periodontitis still remain to be cultivated and phenotypically characterized. This molecular study evaluated the prevalence of selected as-yet-uncultivated and difficult-to-culture bacterial taxa in infected root canals and their susceptibility to chemomechanical procedures. MethodsRoot canals of single-rooted teeth with apical periodontitis were prepared using rotary nickel-titanium instruments and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite as the irrigant. DNA extracts from samples taken before (S1) and after (S2) chemomechanical preparation were surveyed for the presence of 7 as-yet-uncultivated phylotypes and 1 difficult-to-culture species using end-point polymerase chain reaction. Samples were also subjected to quantitative analysis of total bacteria and levels of the 2 most prevalent taxa. ResultsBacteroidaceae sp. HOT-272 (24%) and Fretibacterium fastidiosum (20%) were the most prevalent taxa in S1. Their mean counts in S1 were 8.25 × 103 and 2.13 × 103 rRNA gene copies, corresponding to 0.18% and 0.55% of the total bacteria. Chemomechanical debridement promoted a highly statistically significant reduction in total bacterial counts (P < .001), but 64% of the canals were still positive for bacterial presence. Of the target taxa, only Bacteroidaceae sp. HOT-272 and F. fastidiosum were detected in S2 (each one in 1 sample). The reduction in counts of both taxa was also highly significant (P < .001). ConclusionsFindings confirmed that several as-yet-uncultivated and difficult-to-grow bacterial taxa can participate in the microbiome associated with apical periodontitis. Two of them were found in relatively high prevalence but rarely as a dominant species. Chemomechanical procedures were highly effective in completely eliminating these taxa or at least substantially reducing their numbers.

Dynamics of milk leukocytes in response to a biological response modifier during bovine subclinical mastitis

The objective of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of milk leukocyte in response to intramammary infusion of a biological response modifier (BRM) prepared from Nocardia globerula during bovine subclinical mastitis (SCM). The somatic cell count (SCC), total bacterial count (TBC) in milk, cyclooxygenase (COX) activity, phagocytic activity, production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in milk leukocytes were evaluated after intramammary infusion of BRM in quarters inflicted with SCM. Intramammary infusion of BRM significantly enhanced the SCC in earlier phase with subsequent reduction on day 7 after initiation of treatment. Similarly, the COX activity in milk cell lysate increased on day 3 and reduced on day 5. However reduction in TBC could be observed from day 3 onwards. The phagocytic activity of milk leukocytes was lower in mastitic cows whereas, significant enhancement in phagocytic activity was recorded in post treated cows with BRM. Similarly, the H2O2 production and MPO activities in milk leukocytes were enhanced significantly in diseased cows in response to BRM infusion. Significant enhancement of phagocytic activity, H2O2 and MPO activities indicate the priming of resident milk leukocytes in response to BRM infusion. Initial influx of SCC and raised COX activity also indicate the immunomodulatory activity of BRM. Reduction of TBC could be due to increased leukocytosis or direct microbicidal activity of activated milk cells. In the present study, the biological activity of BRM at standardized dose against bovine SCM is reported for the first time. Development of such therapy is warranted to reduce the drug resistance of microorganisms and contamination of milk with antibiotic residue.

Clinical antibacterial effectiveness of the self‐adjusting file system

To evaluate in vivo the antibacterial effectiveness of the self-adjusting file (SAF) using molecular methods. Root canals from single-rooted teeth with apical periodontitis were instrumented using the SAF system under continuous irrigation with 2.5% NaOCl. DNA extracts from samples taken before and after instrumentation were subjected to quantitative analysis of total bacteria counts and levels of streptococci by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The reverse-capture checkerboard assay was also used to identify 28 bacterial taxa before (S1) and after (S2) SAF instrumentation. SAF was also compared with a conventional hand nickel-titanium instrumentation technique for total bacterial reduction. Data from qPCR were analysed statistically within groups using the Wilcoxon matched pairs test and between groups using the Mann-Whitney U-test and the Fisher's exact test, with significance level set at P < 0.05. Self-adjusting file significantly reduced the total bacterial counts from a mean number of 1.96 × 10(7) cells to 1.34 × 10(4) cells (P < 0.001). Quantitatively, the 99.9% reduction in total bacterial counts associated with the SAF system was significantly superior to the 95.1% reduction obtained by hand instrumentation (P < 0.001). Qualitatively, SAF resulted in significantly more cases with negative PCR results for bacteria (54.5%) than hand instrumentation (4.5%) (P < 0.001). The SAF system succeeded in significantly reducing the streptococcal levels, but four cases still harboured these bacteria in S2. Checkerboard analysis revealed that not only streptococci but also some anaerobic and even as-yet-uncultivated bacteria may resist the effects of chemomechanical procedures. The SAF instrumentation system was highly effective in reducing bacterial populations from infected root canals and performed significantly better than hand instrumentation. However, because half of the samples still had detectable bacteria after preparation with SAF, supplementary disinfection is still required to maximize bacterial elimination.

Multiple-pass high-pressure homogenization of milk for the development of pasteurization-like processing conditions

Multiple-pass ultrahigh pressure homogenization (UHPH) was used for reducing microbial population of both indigenous spoilage microflora in whole raw milk and a baroresistant pathogen (Staphylococcus aureus) inoculated in whole sterile milk to define pasteurization-like processing conditions. Response surface methodology was followed and multiple response optimization of UHPH operating pressure (OP) (100, 175, 250 MPa) and number of passes (N) (1-5) was conducted through overlaid contour plot analysis. Increasing OP and N had a significant effect (P < 0·05) on microbial reduction of both spoilage microflora and Staph. aureus in milk. Optimized UHPH processes (five 202-MPa passes; four 232-MPa passes) defined a region where a 5-log(10) reduction of total bacterial count of milk and a baroresistant pathogen are attainable, as a requisite parameter for establishing an alternative method of pasteurization. Multiple-pass UHPH optimized conditions might help in producing safe milk without the detrimental effects associated with thermal pasteurization.

Sodium alginate based mucoadhesive system for gatifloxacin and its in vitro antibacterial activity.

The objective of this study was to formulate sodium alginate based ophthalmic mucoadhesive system of gatifloxacin and its in vitro antibacterial potential on pathogenic microorganisms, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) was added to the formulations to enhance the gel bioadhesion properties. The prepared formulations were evaluated for their in vitro drug release, gelation behaviour, rheological behavior, and mucoadhesion force. All formulations in non-physiological and physiological condition showed pseudo plastic behavior. Increase in the concentration of sodium alginate and sodium CMC enhanced the mucoadhesive force significantly. In vitro release of gatifloxacin from the system in simulated tear fluid (STF, pH – 7.4), was influenced significantly by the properties and concentration of sodium alginate, NaCMC. Significant reduction in total bacterial count was observed between control and treatment groups with both the test organisms.

Evaluation of mammary gland immunity and therapeutic potential of Tinospora cordifolia against bovine subclinical mastitis

Enhancement of the diseased mammary gland immunity and therapeutic potential of hydro-methanolic extract of Tinospora cordifolia (T. cordifolia; stem) in bovine subclinical mastitis was investigated. Somatic cell count (SCC), total bacterial count (TBC), phagocytic activity, and leukocyte lysosomal enzymes like myeloperoxidase and acid phosphatase activity and Interleukin-8 (IL-8) level were evaluated after intramammary infusion of hydro-methanolic extract (stem) of T.cordifolia in diseased cows. The qualitative analysis of the extract revealed the presence of polysaccharide, phenol, alkaloid, and protein. Intramammary infusion of hydro-methanolic extract of T. cordifolia treatment initially enhanced the SCC; thereafter, significant reduction in cell count (P < 0.05) was observed on day 15 of the treatment period, however, reduction in TBC was observed from day 3 onwards. The phagocytic activity of milk polymorphonuclear cells enhanced in the diseased cows treated with the T. cordifolia extract. Similarly, the lysosomal enzyme content of the milk polymorphonuclear cells enhanced significantly (P < 0.05) in diseased cows treated with T. cordifolia. The IL-8 level in milk serum also increased significantly (P < 0.05) in diseased cows treated with the herb extract. The results suggest that the hydro-methanolic extract of T.cordifolia (stem) possesses antibacterial and immunomodulatory properties. In the present study, the biological activity of the Tinospora cordifolia extract at standardized dose against bovine subclinical mastitis is reported for the first time. Development of alternative therapy with medicinal plants is an option for livestock farmers who are not allowed to use the conventional allopathic drugs under certain farming system or cannot afford to use allopathic drugs.

Comparison of the immediate effects of gaseous ozone and chlorhexidine gel on bacteria in cavitated carious lesions in children in vivo

Clinical application of ozone gas has been shown to arrest the progression of dentinal caries in children. In this study, we compare the immediate effects of gaseous ozone and chlorhexidine gel on bacteria in cavitated carious lesions in children. Forty children, each with at least two open occlusal carious lesions, were enrolled in the study. Two teeth were chosen randomly. In one lesion, overlying soft biological material was removed, whilst the other lesion was not excavated. Cavities were rinsed with sterile water and dried with air. A standardised sample was taken from the mesial part of each lesion. Then, gaseous ozone (HealOzone) or 1% chlorhexidine gel (Corsodyl) was applied for 30 s on both lesions of 20 children each, and a second sample was taken from the distal part of each lesion. The anaerobic microbiota was cultivated; the number of colony forming units was calculated per milligram sample. The two-sided paired t test showed no significant (P > 0.05) differences in the reduction of total bacterial counts per milligram comparing samples before and after ozone or chlorhexidine application. The tests also showed no statistically significant difference whether the superficial decayed dentine had been removed before ozone or with chlorhexidine treatment or not. It can be concluded that gaseous ozone or chlorhexidine gel application for 30 s to deep occlusal carious cavities had no significant immediate antimicrobial effects whether the superficial decayed layers dentine were removed or not.

Ethylcellulose Inserts of an Orphan Drug for Periodontitis: Preparation, In Vitro, and Clinical Studies

Ethylcellulose inserts of niridazole fabricated by casting were studied for in vitro release and in vivo clinical effectiveness. The in vitro drug release was steady and sustained for over 7 days and followed diffusion kinetics. Selected batch, EN3, was evaluated clinically in patients with periodontitis for 6 months. A significant improvement (α ≤ 0.05) in clinical indices from baseline was observed. Intergroup study revealed a significant (α ≤ 0.01) change in the bleeding index, gingival index, plaque index, calculus criteria, and pocket depth. Significant reduction in total bacterial count in gingival crevicular fluid was observed before and postdevice insertion, as well as between control and treatment groups.