Enhancing Titanium Disk Performance through In-Pack Cold Atmospheric Plasma Treatment.

While titanium dental implants have already been clinically established, ongoing research is continuously being conducted to advance the fields of osseointegration and bacterial resistance, seeking further improvements in these areas. In this study, we introduce an innovative method for treating titanium surfaces within tightly sealed packaging. Specifically, titanium discs, enclosed in surgical-grade packaging, underwent treatment using cold atmospheric plasma (CAP). The surfaces were thoroughly characterized in terms of wettability, crystalline structure, and chemical composition. Hemocompatibility analyses were conducted using blood diluted in sodium citrate (1:9) exposed to titanium discs for 30 min inside a CO2 incubator at 37 °C. Subsequently, various blood parameters were evaluated, including prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and platelet adhesion. Microbiological analyses were also performed using Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) for 4 h at 37 °C. The treatment with CAP Jet resulted in a reduction in contact angle without causing any changes in the crystalline structure. No statistically significant differences were observed in the blood parameters. The plasma-treated samples exhibited lower PT and APTT values compared to those of the control group. The surfaces treated with CAP Jet showed increased platelet activation, platelet density, and thrombus formation when compared with the untreated samples. Moreover, the treated surfaces demonstrated lower bacterial colony formation compared with other surfaces.

Antimicrobial activity and chemical profile of wood vinegar from eucalyptus (Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus grandis - clone I144) and bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris).

Microbial resistance to drugs is a public health problem; therefore, there is a search for alternatives to replace conventional products with natural agents. One of the potential antimicrobial agents is wood vinegar derived from the carbonization of lignocellulosic raw materials. The objectives of the present work were to evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal action of two kinds of wood vinegar (WV), one of Eucalyptus urograndis wood and another of Bambusa vulgaris biomass, and determine their chemical profile. The antimicrobial effect was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Candida albicans. The minimum inhibitory concentration and the minimum bactericidal and fungicidal concentrations were determined. Micrographs of the microorganisms before and after exposure to both kinds of wood vinegar were obtained by scanning electron microscopy. The chemical profile of the eucalyptus and bamboo vinegar was carried out by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Both types of WV presented significant antimicrobial activity, with the bamboo one having a higher efficiency. Both studied pyroligneous extracts seem promising for developing natural antimicrobials due to their efficiency against pathogens. GC/MS analyses demonstrated that the chemical profiles of both kinds of WV were similar but with some significant differences. The major component of the eucalyptus vinegar was furfural (17.2%), while the bamboo WV was phenol (15.3%). Several compounds in both WVs have proven antimicrobial activity, such as acetic acid, furfural, phenol, cresols, guaiacol, and xylenols. Together, they are the major in the chemical composition of the organic fraction of both WVs. Bamboo vinegar had a more expressive content of organic acids. Micrographs of microorganisms taken after exposure to both kinds of wood vinegar displayed several cell modifications. The potential of both types of wood vinegar as a basis for natural antimicrobial products seems feasible due to their proven effect on inhibiting the microorganisms' growth assessed in this experiment.

Use of a product based on wood vinegar of Eucalyptus clone I144 used in the control of bovine mastitis.

Bovine mastitis is one of the most frequent diseases in dairy cattle worldwide. The use of antiseptics in milking, if properly used, can lead to a reduction in potentially pathogenic microorganisms and their transmission between herds. Several medicinal plants have antiseptic potential, including eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.). Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of wood vinegar from Eucalyptus urograndis clone GG I144 (EU) as an antiseptic in vitro and in vivo; in addition, to its cytotoxicity and antimicrobial resistance. Fifteen bovines were used, lactating females 3-6 years of age and divided into three groups of five animals each. The wood vinegar was placed in the teats of the animal for 28 days and collections of cellular debris were performed every 7 days. At the Veterinary Microbiology Laboratory (LAMIV) of UFERSA, the samples were processed and serial dilution was performed in Petri plates with plate count agar (PCA) at 37 °C. Cytotoxicity was verified based on morphological alterations and metabolic activity. Morphological changes were not observed in all cells incubated with 1 % pyroligneous extract. The in vitro data demonstrated antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, S. agalactiae, Salmonella, E. coli and P. aeruginosa. The bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium were resistant to penicillin (PEN), rifampicin (RIF), nitrofurantoin (NIT), erythromycin (ERI), and ciprofloxacin (CIP). The extract was used in vivo in the post-dipping of dairy cows, which reduced the microbiological load present in the mammary glands from 4.74 to 2.54 CFU, indicating its future use as an antiseptic.

Efficiency of Pyroligneous Extract from Jurema Preta (Mimosa tenuiflora [Willd.] Poiret) as an Antiseptic in Cats (Felis catus) Subjected to Ovariosalpingohysterectomy.

Pyroligneous extract of Jurema preta (Mimosa tenuiflora [Willd.] Poiret) was evaluated for its efficacy as a cutaneous antiseptic in cats (Felis catus) that were subjected to ovariosalpingohysterectomy. For this purpose, 30 cats without a defined breed were sterilized and divided into two groups. The first group was the positive control, treated with 0.5% chlorhexidine-alcohol solution, and the second group was treated with 20% pyroligneous extract of M. tenuiflora. Regardless of age and sex, all animals had visible healing at similar times. A significant reduction in bacterial growth was observed in animals treated with the extract, and no cytotoxicity was observed in the feline epithelial cells. In addition, surgical wounds of cats treated with M. tenuiflora extract exhibited improved healing. On agar plates, treatment with both chlorhexidine and M. tenuiflora extract resulted in the inhibition zones for all bacterial strains isolated from surgical wounds. Therefore, M. tenuiflora extract is demonstrated to have antiseptic effects on the surgical wounds of cats undergoing ovariosalpingohysterectomy.

Influence of antibiotics on bacterial load and sperm parameters during short-term preservation of collared peccary semen.

Studies on semen and sperm cells are critical to develop assisted reproductive technologies for the conservation of the collared peccary. The objective of the study was to compare the effect of different antibiotics on the bacterial load and sperm quality during short-term storage of peccary semen. Fresh semen samples from 10 males were extended in Tris-egg yolk or Tris-Aloe vera supplemented with streptomycin-penicillin (SP; 1 mg/mL - 1000 IU/mL or 2 mg/mL - 2000 IU/mL) or gentamicin (30 µg/mL or 70 µg/mL) before storage at 5°C. Bacterial load and sperm motility, membrane integrity and function, mitochondrial activity, and morphology, were evaluated at different time points for 36 h. The SP and gentamicin treatments concentration inhibited (p < 0.05) bacterial growth for 36 h regardless of the extender. Compared to the other treatments, Tris-egg yolk plus 70 µg/mL gentamicin maintained the sperm parameters for longer, including total motility (41.9 ± 6.1%) at 24 h, and membrane integrity (58.3 ± 2.1%) at 36 h. In contrast, the highest SP concentration in both extenders impaired sperm membrane integrity at 36 h (p < 0.05). For the liquid storage of collared peccary semen, it therefore is recommended to use Tris extender supplemented with egg yolk and gentamicin (70 µg/mL).

Microbiological load and preantral follicle preservation using different systems for ovarian tissue vitrification in the red-rumped agouti.

We evaluated the effect of open and closed systems used for ovarian tissue vitrification on the microbiological load and preservation of preantral follicles (PAFs) in the red-rumped agoutis. The ovaries from eight females were recovered and fragmented, with four cortexes fragments immediately fixed and evaluated (fresh group). The other fragments were processed for the solid-surface vitrification method (SSV) or an ovarian tissue cryosystem (OTC) using fetal calf serum, ethylene glycol, and sucrose as cryoprotectants, stored for two weeks, and rewarmed. Subsequently, fragments were subjected to a 24-h in vitro culture and assessed for microbiological load, PAF morphology, and DNA integrity. There was no fungal contamination; however, the vitrified samples from two individuals showed bacterial contamination of 79 200 colony forming units per milliliter (CFU)/mL for SSV and 3120 CFU/mL for OTC. From those samples, a total of eight different types of bacterial colonies were isolated and identified as coagulase-negative Staphylococci and Gram-positive bacilli. Regarding PAF morphology, both systems provided adequate preservation, with values higher than 70% normal follicles observed before and after culture. The TUNEL assay revealed that both SSV (52.39%) and OTC (41.67%) could preserve DNA integrity after vitrification and after 24 h of culture. In summary, both open and closed systems were equally efficient in preserving agouti ovarian tissues, especially concerning the preantral follicle morphology and DNA integrity; however, the OTC seems to provide a less adequate environment for bacterial proliferation.

Libidibia ferrea antimicrobial and disinfectant activity

Microorganisms are becoming resistant to the commonly used chemical disinfectants. Thereby, these chemical products should now be replaced by natural ones. In this context, this research aimed to evaluate the disinfectant activity of the extract and decoction of Libidibia ferrea leaves in different surfaces. Thus, two forms of jucá leaf extraction (decoction and hydroalcoholic extraction) were tested through the diffusion disk technique from Kirby and Bauer, growth curve, acceptability test with the population, and surface test. Results showed sensibility to decoction of S. aureus and E. faecalis strains; however, for the extract, the strains that demonstrated sensibility were S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, Micrococcus spp. Corynebacterium spp., and S. Typhimurium in the diffusion disk test. A reduction of the bacterial charge throughout the growth curve was seen through the absorbance values after 24 hours to the strains of E. coli, E. feacalis, Micrococcus spp. and K. pneumoniae in the concentration of 100 mg/mL of the decoction and extract. Regarding the surfaces test, there was a reduction in the bacterial charge in all tested strains. Therefore, the L. ferrea may be used as an effective alternative disinfectant measure.

Current and alternative trends in antibacterial agents used in mammalian semen technology.

The use of antibacterial substances as additives in extenders for ensuring the sanitary quality of the semen employed in reproductive biotechniques and preserving it from bacterial deterioration has been reported since the mid-twentieth century. However, the deleterious effects of these drugs on the sperm quality as well as their effectiveness in controlling bacterial growth in the preserved semen have been questioned. The aim of this review was to report the antimicrobials primarily used in the extenders added to the semen of mammals, and to present alternatives to their use. Among the various mammalian species, there is a large variation regarding the antimicrobial types added to semen extenders as cephalosporins (ceftiofur, cefdinir, eg) and quinolones (ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin), alone or in combination with large action spectra substances as penicillin-streptomycin and gentamicin-tylosin-lincomycin-spectinomycin. To combat problems related to bacterial resistance to these drugs, the emergence of alternatives is increasingly evident. Among these alternatives, use of physical methods as centrifugation and filtration, as well as the use of antimicrobial peptides and other substances from different origins have been highlighted for presenting antimicrobial potential.

Spondias mombin L. decoction utilization as antiseptic in cats submitted to castration / Uso de decocto de Spondias mombin L. como antisséptico em felinos submetidos à castração

This survey evaluated mombin leaves (Spondias mombin L.) decoction efficiency as an antiseptic during post-surgery period on cats submitted to orchiectomy and ovariosalpingohisterectomy. For this purpose, 45 castrated mongrels cats were divided into three groups, the first group as a positive control using 0.5% chlorhexidine-alcohol solution, the second a negative control group using sterile distilled water and, finally, the test group using mombin leaves decocted with a concentration of 100 mg/mL. All animals, independent of age and sex, had visibly healed in most cases in a similar time. Animals treated with mombin leaves decoction presented a significant reduction of bacterial growth. In addition, the animals treated in the test group had better surgical wound healing. All isolated bacterial strains presented inhibition halo for chlorhexidine and for Spondias mombin L. Thus, the decoction of Spondias mombin L. leaves proved antiseptic efficacy in the surgical wounds of cats submitted to orchiectomy and ovariosalpingohisterectomy.(AU)

Foi avaliada a eficiência do decocto das folhas de cajá (Spondias mombin L.) como antisséptico no pós-cirúrgico de gatos submetidos à orquiectomia e ovariosalpingohisterectomia. Para tal, foram submetidos à castração 45 gatos sem raça definida, divididos em três grupos. O primeiro grupo como controle positivo com Solução Alcoólica de Clorexidine a 0,5%; segundo grupo controle negativo com água destilada estéril; e o grupo teste com o decocto de cajá à concentração de 100 mg/mL. Todos os animais, independentemente da idade e sexo, tiveram cicatrização visível em tempo similar. Animais tratados com o decocto apresentaram uma redução significativa do crescimento bacteriano. Além disso, observou-se uma melhor cicatrização das feridas cirúrgicas dos animais tratados no grupo teste. Todas as estirpes bacterianas isoladas apresentaram halo de inibição para clorexidine e para Spondias mombin L. Portanto, o decocto das folhas da Spondias mombin L. apresentou eficácia antisséptica nas feridas cirúrgicas de gatos submetidos à orquiectomia e ovariosalpingohisterectomia.(AU)

Establishment of a protocol for the isolation of ovarian preantral follicles derived from collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu).

We compare the efficiency of mechanical or enzymatic methods, and their combination, for the isolation of ovarian preantral follicles (PFs) from collared peccaries. The ovaries from six females were subjected to the different methods investigated here. For the enzymatic method, ovary fragments were exposed to collagenase type IV in TCM-HEPES medium; the mechanical procedure was based on ovarian cortex dissociation by using a scalpel blade. The residual solution obtained after the mechanical isolation was subjected to the enzymatic procedure. The number of isolated PFs was quantified and classified as primordial, primary, or secondary; their viability was assessed using trypan blue dye assay. To confirm the results, PFs derived from the most efficient method were evaluated for integrity using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and subjected to a 24 h in vitro culture for subsequent evaluation of viability by using fluorescent probes. A higher number of PFs (P < 0.05) was obtained from the enzymatic method (961.7 ± 132.9) in comparison with the mechanical method (434.3 ± 88.9), but no difference was observed between the two methods and their combination (743.2 ± 92.8). The trypan blue assay showed that the enzymatic method (98.7 ± 0.6%) provided the highest percentage of viable follicles (P < 0.05). Furthermore, SEM confirmed the ultrastructural integrity of the surface architecture of peccary PFs isolated by the enzymatic procedure; epifluorescence microscopy was used to confirm their viability (86.0%). In conclusion, we suggest that the enzymatic method investigated here is useful for the isolation of viable ovarian PFs from collared peccaries.