Publications by authors named "Rachel M Monteiro"

Article Synopsis
  • - The study investigates a new protein, rEnd2, from a bacteriophage that targets and degrades the protective outer layer of bacteria, particularly focusing on its interaction with the antibiotic colistin and its effectiveness when paired with nanoparticles.
  • - The purification and analysis of rEnd2 showed it works best in neutral pH and warm temperatures, with a structural similarity to other known antibacterial proteins, but it loses effectiveness in the presence of certain surfactants.
  • - Despite demonstrating some ability to break down bacterial structure, rEnd2 was not effective enough on its own or even when combined with colistin, indicating the need for further research to improve its antimicrobial capabilities.
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Background: Peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) remain the primary mode of short-term venous access for managing intravenous fluid, obtaining blood samples, and peripheral parenteral nutrition. They may get contaminated and require regular monitoring to prevent complications. This study evaluated the occurrence of phlebitis and its associated-clinical and microbiological indicators.

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This study investigated the effect of water at high temperature on the physical and mechanical properties of polyurethane and on biofilm removal, aiming for its applicability in dental unit waterlines. The evaluations were carried out after simulating a 1-year period of daily immersion and measured changes in color, microhardness, surface roughness, and tensile strength before and after reproducing a disinfection protocol. For antibiofilm activity measurement, fragments of waterline were contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and submitted to the disinfection protocols.

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Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of five alkaline peroxide-based effervescent tablets in reducing both biofilms and the food layer adhered on the cobalt-chromium surface.

Methods: Cobalt-chromium metal alloy specimens were contaminated with Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus. After biofilm maturation, the specimens were immersed in Polident 3 Minute, Polident for Partials, Efferdent, Steradent, Corega Tabs or distilled water (control).

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Studies involving antimicrobial-coated endotracheal tubes are scarce, and new approaches to control multidrug-resistant biofilm on these devices should be investigated. In this study, five new bacteriophages from domestic sewage were isolated. All of them belong to the order , family.

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Cross-infection in contrast injectors is still a subject under discussion with little understanding. This study evaluated the biosafety of non-return valves (NRVs). Initially, the maximum pressure during backflow of intact and disrupted flexible diaphragms (FDs) from NRVs, as well as the functionality of connectors with NRVs were verified.

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Biofilm on dental unit waterlines can spread microbial contamination in the water. The aim of this study was to investigate microbial contamination of water from supplies and dental units before and after the implementation of a protocol for microbial quality improvement and maintenance of dental unit water. The microbial load was evaluated in water from 27 taps and dental units (reservoirs, air-water syringes and highspeed outputs without handpieces) using the PetrifilmT system (total aerobic bacteria and fungi) and conventional culture media (enterobacteria and Legionella spp.

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The cross-infections may occur during handling of dental elements, affecting the health of dental practitioners and researchers. This study aimed to analyze the influence of the storage medium temperature on the bacterial contingent of the human teeth used for research purposes. Thirty human teeth were donated to the Human Teeth Biobank immediately after extraction.

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The aim of the present study was to evaluate, in vitro, the effect of different pre-irradiation times of the photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy in biofilms formed by Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans, through the evaluation of the microbial load. The factors under study were as follows: times of pre-irradiation of the photosensitizer in three levels (1, 2, or 5 min). For the control of the cariogenic dental biofilm with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), methylene blue (0.

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