Evaluación del sustrato de cultivo de hongos como aditivo para hormigón de cemento Portland

This work aimed to evaluate the possible application of the shiitake production substrate as an additive to concrete, studying its chemical constitution and evaluating the specimens. In the elemental analysis of the substrate samples performed by X-ray fluorescence, the sample inoculated blocks that could not produce (SSP) showed a decrease in calcium, silicon, phosphorus, manganese, and zinc compared to the samples inoculated blocks that were ready to start production (SIP) and blocks inoculated at the end of production (SFP). The concrete mixtures 1:1.5:2.2 and 1:2:3 after 28 days of molding, when 5% of the substrate was added, caused mechanical resistance to compression of 0.19 ± 0.02 MPa and 0.30 ± 0.03 MPa, and absorption of water of 10.17 ± 0.11% and 9.03 ± 0.22%, respectively. With the addition of 1%, it presented 18.87 ± 1.16 MPa and 21.57 ± 0.66 MPa, and 5.58 ± 0.31% and 6.44 ± 0.04%, respectively. Without additive, 28.62 ± 3.45 MPa and 17.28 ± 0.81 MPa, and 6.23 ± 0.11% and 5.44 ± 0.17%, respectively. The interaction between the factors, type of concrete, and substrate concentrations, was significant (p<0.05) only in the tests with 14 days. We conclude that the shiitake substrate can have applications in civil engineering when the drainage characteristics of concrete are necessary. However, validation of these practical applications is required.El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la posible aplicación del sustrato de producción de shiitake como aditivo al concreto, estudiando su constitución química y evaluar las probetas. En el análisis elemental de las muestras de sustrato realizado por fluorescencia de rayos X, la muestra bloques inoculados que no pudieron producir (SSP) mostró una disminución de calcio, silicio, fósforo, manganeso y zinc en comparación con las muestras bloques inoculados que están listos para iniciar la producción (SIP) y bloques inoculados al final de la producción (SFP). Las mezclas de concreto 1:1.5:2.2 y 1:2:3 después de 28 días de moldeado, cuando se fue agregado 5 % del sustrato, causó resistencias mecánicas a la compresión de 0.19 ± 0.02 MPa y 0.30 ± 0.03 MPa, y absorción de agua de 10.17 ± 0.11 % y 9.03 ± 0.22 %, respectivamente. Con la adición de 1 % presentó 18.87 ± 1.16 MPa y 21.57 ± 0.66 MPa, y 5.58 ± 0.31 % y 6.44 ± 0,04 %, respectivamente. Sin aditivo, 28.62 ± 3.45 MPa y 17.28 ± 0.81 MPa, y 6.23 ± 0.11 % y 5.44 ± 0.17 %, respectivamente. La interacción entre los factores, tipo de hormigón y concentraciones de sustrato, fue significativa (p<0,05) solo en los ensayos con 14 días. Concluimos que el sustrato de shiitake puede tener aplicaciones en ingeniería civil cuando las características de drenaje del concreto son necesarias. Sin embargo, se requiere la validación de estas aplicaciones prácticas

Development and Characterization of a Hydrogel Containing Silver Sulfadiazine for Antimicrobial Topical Applications: Part II: Stability, Cytotoxicity and Silver Release Patterns

Hydrogels are interesting for use in the treatment of topical wounds due to their virtually zero toxicity, and capacity for extended release of pharmaceuticals. Silver sulfadiazine (SSDZ) is the drug of choice in the treatment of skin burns. The aim of the study was to determine cytotoxicity, antimicrobial activity and stability of a PVA hydrogel with integrated silver sulfadiazine. SSDZ-hydrogels were prepared using 10% (w/w) PVA (either 89% or 99% hydrolyzed) and 1% (w/w) silver sulfadiazine. Cellular viability was assessed via MTS assays, antimicrobial activity via disk-diffusion and accelerated stability tests were carried out with analysis at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 180 days of storage at 40 ± 2 °C and a relative humidity of 75 ± 5%. The parameters evaluated included organoleptic characteristics, moisture, swelling ability, mechanical strength, FTIR, XRD, TGA and DSC, and silver release patterns via XRD and potentiometry. Cell viability tests indicated some cytotoxicity, although within acceptable levels. After 90 days of storage, SSDZ hydrogel samples exhibited a brown coloration, probably due to the formation of Ag or Ag2O nanoparticles. The SSDZ-loaded hydrogels suffered visual and physical changes; however, these changes did not compromise its use as occlusive wound dressings or its antimicrobial properties

Prospective study of a Bothrops jararacussu venom batch (Bj2015) - phospholipase A(2) activity, immunogenicity, neurotoxicity, and myotoxicity parameters

Bothrops jararacussu venom's (Bj2015) batch was biomonitored quarterly for one year to assess phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) activity, immunogenicity, neurotoxicity, and myotoxicity. In silico models were applied to evaluate losses using decay model and recoveries by predictive trend analysis. Mice were immunized with Bj2015. Antibodies were detected by double-immunodiffusion and total protein and albumin were measured. Neuromuscular blockade-induced by 40 mu g mL(-1) venom solution was carried out using mouse nerve phrenic-diaphragm preparation. Resulting muscles were submitted to light microscopy to evaluate the myotoxicity. PLA(2) activity of 0.1 mg mL(-1) Bj2015 was measured using 4-nitro-3-(octanoyloxy)benzoic acid as substrate. Over time, greater losses occurred in neurotoxicity than PLA(2), but not in myotoxicity and immunogenicity. Concluding, the neurotoxicity decrease can be related to enzymatic losses, including PLA(2). Depending on the purpose of use, the collected venom responds on a long time, avoiding unnecessary new collections, improving life quality of animals in captivity and increasing their longevity331624172421CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESPsem informação04/09705-8; 07/53883-6; 08/52643-4; 12/08271-0; 15/01420-