Functionalization and characterization of cotton with phase change materials and thyme oil encapsulated in beta-cyclodextrins

The aim of this work was to study the production of comfortable cotton plain-weave fabrics with antibacterial and antifungal characteristics through a simple finishing process, which consists in applying microcapsules of phase change materials (mPCM), monochlorotriazinyl-β-cyclodextrin (MCT-β-CD) and thyme oil. The fabrics were characterized by Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Contact Angle and Infrared Thermography. The thyme oil release was also analyzed, as well as the antibacterial and antifungal activity. The materials treated with 20 μL/mL of thyme oil have shown anomalous oil release mechanisms, according to the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, and activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Trichophyton rubrum, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. Therefore, it was reached the conclusion that mPCM, conjugated with thyme oil encapsulated in MCT-β-CD, proved to be an interesting option to produce materials possessing thermoregulation properties with putative clinical relevance for the prevention of infections, particularly dermatophytosis. © 2017 ElsevierThis research was partially supported by the Strategic Funding UID/Multi/04423/2013 through national funds provided by FCT ? Foundation for Science and Technology and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), in the framework of the program PT2020

Aspectos clínicos e radiográficos de caprino com megaesôfago

A seven month old female goat showed neck swelling, apathy, appetite and weight loss, restlessness, increased salivation, cough, and regurgitation episodes which occurred post feeding. The animal was evaluated through both clinical and radiographic examinations. Plain radiography was performed and contrasted X-ray was done using barium sulfate. For radiological examination, the lateral projection was used for analysis. The results showed a radiopaque content in the esophageal lumen dorsally positioned to heart with density and appearance similar to the rumen. A dilation of the esophagus was reported and a diagnosis of megaesophagus was made. In conclusion, contrast esophagography must be included in the diagnosis of megaesophagus in goats

Anti-ophidian activity of Bredemeyera floribunda Willd. (Polygalaceae) root extract on the local effects induced by Bothrops jararacussu venom

Bredemeyera floribunda roots are popularly used to treat snakebites in the semiarid region of Northeast Brazil, and previous studies indicate the anti-ophidian actions of triterpenoid saponins found in its roots. To assess B. floribunda root extract (BFRE) activity against the effects of Bothrops jararacussu venom (BjuV), antiphospholipasic, antiproteolytic, antihemorrhagic, antinecrotic, and anti-edematogenic activities were investigated in mice. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, and sugars, with rutin and saccharose being the major constituents of BFRE. Acute toxicity was determined and BFRE was nontoxic to mice. Phospholipase A2 and proteolytic activities induced by BjuV were inhibited in vitro by BFRE at all concentrations tested herein. BFRE (150 mg/kg) inhibited paw edema induced by BjuV (50 µg/animal), reducing total edema calculated by area under the curve, but carrageenan-induced paw edema was unchanged. Hemorrhagic and necrotizing actions of BjuV (50 µg/animal) were considerably decreased by BFRE treatment. Thus, BFRE blocked the toxic actions of B. jararacussu venom despite having no anti-inflammatory activity, which points to a direct inhibition of venom’s toxins, as demonstrated in the in vitro assays. The larger amounts of rutin found in BFRE may play a role in this inhibition, since 3′,4′-OH flavonoids are known inhibitors of phospholipases A2

Impact of acute undernutrition on growth, ileal morphology and nutrient transport in a murine model

Undernutrition represents a major public health challenge for middle- and low-income countries. This study aimed to evaluate whether a multideficient Northeast Brazil regional basic diet (RBD) induces acute morphological and functional changes in the ileum of mice. Swiss mice (∼25 g) were allocated into two groups: i) control mice were fed a standard diet and II) undernourished mice were fed the RBD. After 7 days, mice were killed and the ileum collected for evaluation of electrophysiological parameters (Ussing chambers), transcription (RT-qPCR) and protein expression (western blotting) of intestinal transporters and tight junctions. Body weight gain was significantly decreased in the undernourished group, which also showed decreased crypt depth but no alterations in villus height. Electrophysiology measurements showed a reduced basal short circuit current (Isc) in the undernourished group, with no differences in transepithelial resistance. Specific substrate-evoked Isc related to affinity and efficacy (glutamine and alanyl-glutamine) were not different between groups, except for the maximum Isc (efficacy) induced by glucose. Transcription of Sglt1 and Pept1 was significantly higher in the undernourished group, while SN-2 transcription was decreased. No changes were found in transcription of CAT-1 and CFTR, while claudin-2 and occludin transcriptions were significantly increased in the undernourished group. Despite mRNA changes, SGLT-1, PEPT-1, claudin-2 and occludin protein expression showed no difference between groups. These results demonstrate early effects of the RBD on mice, which include reduced body weight and crypt depth in the absence of significant alterations to villus morphology, intestinal transporters and tight junction expression