Investigation of the protective effect of boric acid against hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic injury induced by acrylamide in rats / Investigación del efecto protector del ácido bórico contra lesiones hepatotóxicas y nefrotóxicas inducidas por acrilamida en ratas

SUMMARY: To investigate if the administration of boric acid (BA) would exert any protective effect against possible nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity induced by the exposure to acrylamide (ACR) in rats. In our study, we used a total of 28 rats that were divided into four equal groups. Group 1: the control group which was not treated with any procedure. Group 2: the ACR group that was administered ACR 50 mg/kg/day via intraperitoneal (i.p) route for 14 days. Group 3: the BA group that was administered BA 200 mg/kg/ day via gavage via peroral (p.o) route for 14 days. Group 4: the ACR+BA group that was administered BA simultaneously with ACR. Total antioxidant and oxidant (TAS/TOS) capacities were measured in all groups at the end of the experiment. In addition, the specimens obtained were evaluated with histopathological examination. Studies showed that the ACR and ACr+BA groups were not significantly different in terms of hepatic TAS level while the TOS level was higher in the ACR group than the ACR+BA group. The groups did not show any significant difference regarding renal TAS and TOS levels. In the histopathological examination of the hepatic tissue, the histopathological injury score of the ACR group was significantly higher than those of the other groups whereas it was significantly lower in the ACR+BA group than the ACR group. Our study concluded that Boric acid had a protective effect against acrylamide- induced hepatotoxicity, but not against nephrotoxicity.

El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar si la administración de ácido bórico (BA) ejercería algún efecto protector frente a la posible nefrotoxicidad y hepatotoxicidad inducida por la exposición a acrilamida (ACR) en ratas. En nuestro estudio, utilizamos un total de 28 ratas que se dividieron en cuatro grupos iguales. Grupo 1: grupo control que no fue tratado. Grupo 2: grupo ACR al que se le administró ACR 50 mg/kg/día por vía intraperitoneal (i.p) durante 14 días. Grupo 3: grupo BA al que se le administró BA 200 mg/kg/día por sonda por vía peroral (p.o) durante 14 días. Grupo 4: grupo ACR+BA al que se administró BA simultáneamente con ACR. Las capacidades antioxidantes y oxidantes totales (TAS/TOS) se midieron en todos los grupos al final del experimento. Además, los especímenes obtenidos fueron evaluados con examen histopatológico. Los estudios demostraron que los grupos ACR y ACr+BA no fueron significativamente diferentes en términos del nivel hepático de TAS, mientras que el nivel de TOS fue mayor en el grupo ACR que en el grupo ACR+BA. Los grupos no mostraron ninguna diferencia significativa con respecto a los niveles renales de TAS y TOS. En el examen histopatológico del tejido hepático, la puntuación de lesión histopatológica del grupo ACR fue significativamente mayor que la de los otros grupos, mientras que fue significativamente menor en el grupo ACR+BA que en el grupo ACR. Nuestro estudio concluyó que el ácido bórico tiene un efecto protector contra la hepatotoxicidad inducida por acrilamida, pero no contra la nefrotoxicidad.

Laboratory evaluation of the efficacy of boric acid containing toxic sugar baits against Anopheles culicifacies, An. stephensi and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes

Background & objectives: Attractive toxic sugar baits (ATSB) is a novel tool which employs mosquito sugar feeding behaviour to kill them. The potential of ATSB against mosquito vectors has been demonstrated in limited scope around the world including Israel, some of the African countries and USA. But their efficacy against mosquito vectors of India is yet to be ascertained. Therefore, current study was planned to evaluate the efficacy of TSB (without attractant) against two important malaria vectors Anopheles culicifacies and An. stephensi along with major dengue vector Aedes aegypti. Methods: TSB solution was prepared by dissolving different concentrations of boric acid in glucose and tested against each of the mosquito species. Another experiment was done by spraying this boric acid sugar solution on to Calendula officinalis plant. It served as a sole source of mosquito feed and mortality of mosquitoes was counted after 24 hours. Results: The TSB resulted in 100% mortality of Ae. aegypti and An. stephensi at 4% concentration of boric acid while in An. culicifacies 100% mortality was achieved at 3% concentration TSB solution. TSB solution with 2% boric acid, resulted in 99.1% mortality in An. culicifacies while ~95 % mortality of An. stephensi and Ae. aegypti. When TSB solution with 2% boric acid was sprayed on plant, ~89-94% mortality was observed in both An. stephensi and An. culicifacies. Interpretation & conclusion: Based on the results, boric acid based toxic sugar bait solution could be a promising tool for vector control. Further studies are needed to find out its toxicity of TSB against non-target organisms and residual efficacy in field trials in different ecotypes.

The effects of boric acid and quercetin on contrast media-induced nephropathy in rats

Abstract We aimed to determine the effects of boric acid and quercetin on contrast media-induced nephropathy in rats. Thirty-two rats were divided into four equal groups with eight rats in each group: the control (C) group, contrast media (CM) group, contrast media plus boric acid (CMB) group, and contrast media plus quercetin (CMQ) group. Boric acid (H3(BO)3, 4% solution) at a dose of 200 mg/kg was administered by oral gavage to rats in the group CMB once daily for 4 consecutive days (days 1 to 4). Quercetin at a dose of 50 mg/kg was administered by oral gavage to rats in the CMQ group once daily for 4 consecutive days (days 1 to 4). A significant decrease was found in the serum urea and creatinine levels in the CMQ group compared with the CM group (P <0.01). The serum nitrite and nitrate levels were higher in the CM group than in the C group and were lower in the CMQ group than in the CM group (P <0.01). A significant decrease in the severity of tubular necrosis was found in the CMQ group compared to the CM group (P <0.05). Quercetin had protective effects against contrast nephropathy, but no beneficial effect of boric acid was found.

Cross pollination of different peony cultivars with 'Feng dan' / Polinização cruzada de diferentes cultivares de peônia com 'Fengdan'

ABSTRACT: Paeonia ostii 'Feng dan' is recommended as a new promising oil crop because of the nutrient elements in its seed; however, the development of this new oil crop is now limited due to its low seed setting rate. This study identified ways to improve the cross pollination of Feng dan as the maternal parent, which has been proved to be a suitable oil crop, so as to improve the seed setting rate of 'Feng dan', and to predict the functional relationship between pollen vigor and seed setting rate. improving the efficiency of cross pollination. Three major steps were conducted, first, to screen the appropriate method of measuring pollen vigor of the paternal parent, which could have a strong relationship with seed setting rate. Second, to obtain the corresponding seed setting rate by cross pollination. Third, the functional relationship between two indexes was founded which could be used in cross pollination practice. Results indicated that the best paternal parents of 'Feng dan' were 'Feng dan' cultivars from other different cultivation populations; The most suitable medium concentration for pollen germination was 100~150 g/L sucrose, 0.06~0.08 g/L boric acid, and 50~200 g/L PEG-6000. Both the seed setting rate and the number of seed grains were positively correlated with the pollen activity, and the seed setting rate was negatively correlated with the local precipitation.

RESUMO: Peonia, Feng dan' (Paeonia ostia) do género Paeonia (o grupo lenhoso) é recomendado como uma nova cultura promissora na produção de óleos, devido aos elementos nutritivos na semente, no entanto, o desenvolvimento desta nova cultura está agora limitado devido às baixas taxas de fixação de sementes. Este estudo tem por objetivo identificar meios de melhorar a polinização cruzada de 'Feng dan' como o parental paterno, por ser uma cultura de óleo adequada, de modo a melhorar as taxas de fixação de sementes de 'Feng dan', e para prever a relação funcional entre o vigor do pólen e as taxas de fixação de sementes para melhorar a eficiência da experiência de polinização. Em primeiro lugar, foram realizados três passos para analisar o método de medição do vigor do pólen do pai paternal, que poderia ter uma relação forte com as taxas de fixação das sementes. Em segundo lugar, obter as taxas de fixação de sementes correspondentes por polinização cruzada. Em terceiro lugar, foi estabelecida a relação funcional entre dois índices que poderiam ser utilizados na prática da polinização cruzada. Os resultados indicaram que os melhores parentais paternos de 'Feng dan' eram cultivares de 'Feng dan' de outras populações de cultivo diferentes. A concentração de meio mais adequada para a germinação do pólen foi 100~150 g/L de sacarose, 0,06~0,08 g/L ácido bórico, e 50~200 g/L PEG-6000. Tanto a taxa de estabelecimento das sementes como o número de sementes foram positivamente correlacionados com a atividade do pólen, e a taxa de estabelecimento das sementes foi negativamente correlacionada com a precipitação local.

Doses, methods and times of application of boron in soybean under field conditions / Doses, métodos e épocas de aplicação de boro na soja sob condições de campo

The boron (B) fertilization in soybean is important to ensure great yields. Boron correction must be applied in deficient soils repairing losses, exports and leaching. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of doses, methods and times of application of B in soybean B content and yield. The field experiments were conducted during the 2015/16 and 2016/17 cropping seasons and set as a randomized block design with nine treatments (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 kg ha-1 of B, 0.5 kg ha-1 of B mixed with NPK (02-28-18) in furrow during sowing, foliar application with 0.3 kg ha-1 of B in V4 soybean stage, foliar application with 0.3 kg ha-1 of B in R1 soybean stage, and foliar application of 0.15 kg ha-1 in V4 plus 0.15 kg ha-1 of B in R1 soybean stage) and four replications. Boric acid was the B source and the variables analyzed were: B leaf content, B exported in seeds, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, weight of 100 seeds (g) and productivity (kg ha-1). The levels of B in leaf were between 30.1 and 43.8 mg kg-1 and between 65.0 and 92.6 mg kg-1 in the 2015/16 and 2016/17 growing season, respectively. Exports of B in seeds were estimated between 166 and 248 g ha-1 and between 208.9 to 260.8 g ha-1 in the 2015/16 and 2016/17 growing season, respectively. Great productivity (3,820 kg ha-1) was observed in the 2016/17 growing season, with an estimated dose of 0.95 kg ha-1 of B.

A fertilização de boro na soja é importante para garantir boas produtividades, corrigir solos deficientes e repor perdas, exportação ou lixiviação. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de doses, avaliar modos e épocas de aplicação de B na produtividade da soja. Os experimentos foram implantados na Fazenda Experimental da UEG, Campus Ipameri, nas safras 2015/2016 e 2016/2017 com delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com nove tratamentos e quatro repetições. 0,0; 0,5; 1,0; 1,5; 2,0 kg ha-1 de boro, - 0,5 kg ha-1 de B junto com NPK 2-28-18 no sulco de semeadura; aplicação foliar com 0,3 kg ha-1 de boro em V4; aplicação foliar com 0,3 kg ha-1 de boro em R1; aplicação foliar de 0,150 kg ha-1 em V4 mais 0,150 kg ha-1 de boro em R1. Foi utilizado como fonte o ácido bórico. As variáveis respostas analisadas foram: teor na folha, exportação pelos grãos, número de vagens por planta, número de grãos por vagem, massa de 100 grãos e produtividade. Os teores de B encontrados ficaram entre 30,12 e 43,83 mg kg-1 na folha de soja na safra 2015/2016 e entre 65,0 e 92,6 mg kg-1 na safra 2016/2017. As exportações de Boro foram estimadas entre 166 e 248 g ha-1 e 208,9 a 260,8 g ha-1 na primeira e segunda safra, respectivamente. Houve maior produtividade na segunda safra (3820 kg ha-1) com dose estimada de 0,95 kg ha-1

Ototoxicity of boric acid powder in a rat animal model / Ototoxicidade de ácido bórico em pó em um modelo animal de rato

Abstract Introduction: Boric acid, which has antiseptic and acidic properties, is used to treat external and middle ear infections. However, we have not found any literature about the effect of boric acid powder on middle ear mucosa and inner ear. Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate possible ototoxic effects of boric acid powder on cochlear outer hair cell function and histological changes in middle ear mucosa in a rat animal model. Methods: Twenty healthy, mature Wistar albino rats were used in this study. The rats were divided into two groups, Group A and Group B, each of which consisted of 10 rats. Initially, the animals in each group underwent distortion product otoacoustic emissions testing of their right and left ears. After the first distortion product otoacoustic emissions test, a surgical microscope was used to make a small perforation in both ears of the rats in each group, and a second distortion product otoacoustic emissions test was used to measure both ears in all of the rats. Boric acid powder was applied to the right middle ear of the rats using tympanic membrane perforation, and the distortion product otoacoustic emissions were measured immediately after the boric acid powder application. The histological changes and distortion product otoacoustic emissions were evaluated three days later in Group A and 40 days later in Group B. Results: No significant differences were found at all of the distortion product otoacoustic emissions frequencies. In Group A, mild inflammation of the middle ear mucosa was found on the third day after boric acid powder application. In Group B, boric acid powder caused mild inflammatory changes on the 40th day, which declined over time. Those changes did not lead to significant fibrosis within the mucosa. Conclusion: In rats, boric acid powder causes mild inflammation in middle ear mucosa and it has no ototoxic effects on cochlear outer hair cell function in the inner ear of rats.

Resumo Introdução: O ácido bórico, que tem propriedades antissépticas e ácidas, é usado para tratar infecções de orelha externa e média. No entanto, não encontramos literatura sobre o efeito do ácido bórico em pó sobre a mucosa da orelha interna e da orelha média. Objetivo: Investigar possíveis efeitos ototóxicos do ácido bórico em pó sobre a função das células ciliadas externas cocleares e alterações histológicas na mucosa da orelha média em um modelo animal de rato. Método: Vinte ratos Wistar albinos maduros e saudáveis foram usados neste estudo. Os ratos foram divididos em dois grupos, Grupo A e Grupo B, cada um dos quais com 10 ratos. Inicialmente, os animais de cada grupo foram submetidos a testes de emissões otoacústicas - produto de distorção, nas orelhas direita e esquerda. Após o primeiro teste de emissões otoacústicas - produto de distorção, utilizou-se um microscópio cirúrgico para fazer uma pequena perfuração em ambas as orelhas dos ratos em cada grupo, e um segundo teste de emissões otoacústicas - produto de distorção foi utilizado para medir e avaliar as orelhas em todos os ratos. O ácido bórico em pó foi aplicado na orelha média direita dos ratos utilizando perfuração da membrana timpânica e as emissões otoacústicas - produto de distorção foram medidas imediatamente após a aplicação de ácido bórico em pó. As alterações histológicas e emissões otoacústicas - produto de distorção foram avaliadas três dias depois no Grupo A e 40 dias depois no Grupo B. Resultados: Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas em todas as frequências da emissões otoacústicas - produto de distorção. No Grupo A, foi observada uma ligeira inflamação da mucosa da orelha média no terceiro dia após a aplicação de ácido bórico em pó. No Grupo B, o ácido bórico em pó causou leves alterações inflamatórias após 40 dias, que diminuíram ao longo do tempo. Essas alterações não levaram à fibrose significativa da mucosa. Conclusão: Em ratos, o ácido bórico em pó causa inflamação leve na mucosa da orelha média e não tem efeitos ototóxicos na função das células ciliadas externas da cóclea na orelha interna.

Rice seed priming / Condicionamento fisiológico de sementes de arroz

The priming is a technique that involves the controlled hydration of seeds up to allows the start of germination preparatory processes without permit radicle protrusion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different procedures of priming on physiological potential of rice seeds. Seeds of rice cultivars Puita Inta Inov CL and CL, each represented by a lot were used. The treatments consisted of: control, hydropriming, priming with Stimulate®, boric acid solution and zinc sulfate solution, with four replications. Prior to priming, the seeds hydration curves were determining. After priming, the seeds evaluated for germination, seedling growth, efficiency of use of the endosperm, germination at lowest temperatures and seedling emergence. Priming procedures used in this study does not improve rice seed physiological potential, of cultivars Puita Inta CL and Inov Cl. Seed priming with boric acid has a negative effect on seed performance.

o condicionamento fisiológico é uma técnica que envolve a hidratação controlada das sementes que permite o início de processos de preparação para a germinação sem permitir que ocorra a protrusão da raiz. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes procedimentos de condicionamento fisiológico no potencial fisiológico de sementes de arroz. Foram utilizadas sementes de arroz das cultivares Puita Inta CL e Inov CL, representadas por um lote cada. Os tratamentos consistiram de: controle, hidrocondicionamento, condicionamento com Stimulate®, com solução de ácido bórico e solução de sulfato de zinco, com quatro repetições. Previamente ao condicionamento, foram realizadas as curvas de hidratação. Após o condicionamento, as sementes foram avaliadas quanto à germinação, crescimento de plântulas, eficiência do uso do endosperma, germinação a baixas temperaturas e emergência das plântulas. Os procedimentos de condicionamento utilizados neste estudo não melhoraram o potencial fisiológico das sementes de arroz das cultivares de Puita Inta CL e Inov Cl. O condicionamento fisiológico de sementes de arroz com ácido bórico tem efeito negativo sobre o desempenho das sementes.

Stress Response in Candida albicans Induced by Boric Acid.

Background: Topical boric acid preparations have been employed in treatment of Candida-associated vaginal infections resistant to typical antifungal treatments; however, a mechanism of boric acid’s antifungal properties is not fully understood. Aims: Investigate the antifungal properties of boric acid associated with Candida albicans and cell number and geometry through flow cytometry. Study Design: Twelve clinical isolates of Candida albicans were grown in Sabouraud broth with varying concentrations of boric acid followed by measurements of cell characteristics. Methodology: Absolute counts, cell size data, and fluorescence of test organisms were determined by flow cytometry. All microbial count and growth experiments were conducted in at least duplicate and averages were reported. Results: Each of the twelve strains showed susceptibility to boric acid with ED50 values below 2400 mg/L. Boric acid decreased cell survival in growth media and distilled water (P<0.05), but disintegration of cells occurred in boric acid and water but not in water alone. Boric acid reduced cell volume implying apoptosis which was supported by annexin V staining. Cell involution and cell number were used to determine relative biomass which showed that biological effects were apparent even at 0.05% (500 mg/L). Mean autofluorescence of test organisms grown in boric acid increased in a dose-dependent manner. Inhibition of catalase could contribute to proapoptotic activity making Candida albicans more susceptible to ROS internally. Conclusion: Boric acid was shown to effectively decrease cell size, induce cell autofluorescence, decrease catalase activity, and initiate programmed cell death. Further experimentation should investigate specific mechanisms of boric acid-induced apoptosis and its role in altering catalase activity.

Chiral separation of fourteen amino alcohols by nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis / 药学学报

We developed a new method for chiral separation of fourteen amino alcohols by nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis (NACE) with the D-(+)-gluconic acid δ-lactone-boric acid complex as chiral selector. In order to achieve good enantioseparation, the effects of D-(+)-gluconic acid δ-lactone and boric acid concentrations, triethylamine concentration, as well as capillary temperature were systematically investigated. The optimized conditions were identified as follows:an uncoated fused silica capillary of 50 μm ID with a total length (Ltot) of 55 cm and an effective length (Leff) of 45 cm; 200 mmol·L-1 D-(+)-gluconic acid δ-lactone, 80 mmol·L-1 boric acid, and 57.4 mmol·L-1 triethylamine in methanol; positive pressure injection at 2.9 psi for 2 s; capillary temperature, 25 ±0.2℃; applied voltage, +15 kV; detection wavelength, 214 nm. Under the optimized conditions, a good chiral resolution was achieved in most of the tested drugs. This method provides a foundation for the development and application of new chiral selectors of polyhydroxy compound-boric acid complexes in chiral drugs analysis by NACE.

Optimization of the Base Formula of Boric Acid Cream by Central Composite Design-response Surface Methodology and Its Quality Control / 中国药师

Objective:To optimize the base formula of boric acid cream,and investigate its quality. Methods:Using central composite design-response surface methodology,with the viscosity of cream as the index,the amounts of Cremophor A6,Cremophor A25,cetyl alcohol,stearyl alcohol,isooctadecyl isooctadecanoate,jojoba oil and light liquid paraffin were optimized. The appearance characteristics,particle size,viscosity and stability of the preparation and the content of boric acid were studied. Results:The optimal conditions were as follows:50 g Cremophor A6-Cremophor A25(3 ∶2),65 g cetyl alcohol-stearyl alcohol(3∶7),and 125 g isooctadecyl isooctadecanoate-jojoba oil- light liquid paraffin(5 ∶3 ∶2). According to the optimal formula,the cream showed the property of semi-fluid cream,the content of boric acid was 98. 5% of the labeling amount,and the viscosity was about 1. 64 × 104 mPa·s. The predicted value was equivalent to the measured one,and the stability of the preparation was promising. Conclusion:The central composite design-response surface methodology used in the base optimization of boric acid cream is simple with high precision and good predictability,and the quality of the preparation is stable and controllable.

In vitro Evaluation of Small Molecule Inhibitors and Probiotic Byproducts on Growth and Viability of Vaginal Microorganisms.

Background: Interest in avoidance of antibiotic resistance development through nonantibiotic therapeutics prompts development of topical vaginal preparations that may inhibit vaginal microorganisms. Prior data on boric acid, zinc salts and probiotic microorganisms suggests a potential role in female genital tract infections. Aims: Determine antimicrobial effects of boric acid, zinc sulfate and metabolites of probiotic lactobacilli alone or in combination on Candida albicans, Gardnerella vaginalis and Streptococcus agalactiae. Methodology: Absolute counts of test organisms cultivated with or without inhibitory compounds were determined by a flow cytometric method and compromise of microbial cell integrity was demonstrated by propidium iodide staining, also determined by flow cytometry. All microbial count growth experiments were conducted in triplicate and averages were reported. Results: The three microbial species challenged with boric acid, zinc sulfate or spent medium from probiotic lactobacilli showed varying degrees of susceptibility to these inhibitors, with boric acid showing consistent activity against C. albicans and also showing yeast cell damage demonstrated by propidium iodide uptake. Boric acid showed greater antibacterial activity against S. agalactiae than against G. vaginalis and neither of the bacterial organisms showed propidium iodide staining. Zinc sulfate inhibition was greatest for Candida and least for Gardnerella. Probiotic Lactobacillus spent media was also inhibitory toward the three test organisms with Gardnerella being slightly less susceptible than the other two test organisms. When binary combinations were tested, the combination of boric acid and Lactobacillus spent medium was the most effective in vitro against all three organisms. Conclusion: Zinc sulfate did not prove any more effective in vitro against the three test organisms than did boric acid or Lactobacillus spent media. The most potent binary combination against the three test microorganisms was boric acid plus spent media from probiotic Lactobacilli.

Exploration of Rational Ethylparaben Contents in Chloramphenicol Eye Drops / 中国药师

Objective: To study whether domestic chloramphenicol eye drops with different ethylparabenin content meet the re-quirements in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Methods:Antimicrobial effect test was used to examine the antimicrobial effect of the different eye drops. Results:The antimicrobial effect of the eye drops was in compliance with the requirements in the pharmacopoeia. Conclu-sion:The ethylparabenin concentration in the eye drops is higher than necessary. Boric acid and borax not only can adjust pH, but also show antimicrobial effect.

Chiral separation of propafenone enantiomers by enantioselective liquid-liquid extraction / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To establish a chiral separation method for propafenone enantiomers by enantioselective liquid-liquid extraction and investigate the related theories of enantioselective liquid-liquid extraction.

Evaluation of commercial boric acid containing vials for urine culture: Low risk of contamination and cost effectiveness considerations.

Background: Urine culture is a gold standard in the diagnosis of urinary tract infection. Clean catch midstream urine collection and prompt transportation is essential for appropriate diagnosis. Improper collection and delay in transportation leads to diagnostic dilemma. In developing countries, higher ambient temperatures further complicate the scenario. Here, we have evaluated the role of boric acid as a preservative for urine samples prior to culture in female patients attending outpatient department at our center. Materials and Method: Consecutive 104 urine samples were cultured simultaneously in plain uricol (Control-C) and boric acid containing tubes from Becton Dickinson urine culture kit (Boric acid group-BA). Results: In the real-time evaluation, we found that in almost 57% (59/104) of the urine samples tested, it was more effective in maintaining the number of the organisms as compared to samples in the container without any preservative. Our in vitro study of simulated urine cultures revealed that urine samples could be kept up to 12 h before culture in the preservative without any inhibitory effect of boric acid. Though the use of boric acid kit may marginally increase the initial cost but has indirect effects like preventing delays in treatment and avoidance of false prescription of antibiotics. If the man-hours spent on repeat investigations are also taken into consideration, then the economic cost borne by the laboratory would also decrease manifold with the use of these containers.

Use of Aspergillus niger in the bioleaching of colemanite for the production of boric acid

Colemanite is one of the most important underground riches of Turkey, having approximately 60 percent of the world boron deposits, and it has a large portion in the deposits. In this study, chemical leaching and biological leaching methods were used for production of boric acid from colemanite (2CaO · 3B3O3 · 5H2O) (Emet-Kütahya, Turkey). Oxalic acid concentration, temperature, stirring time and solid-to-liquid ratio were taken as parameters in the chemical leaching process. It was found that the dissolution rate increases with increasing oxalic acid concentration and temperature but it decreases at higher solid-to-liquid ratios in the chemical leaching process. Using optimum conditions (d100 = 0.075 mm; 5 percent solids by weight; 0.55 M oxalic acid; 80 +/- 2 ºC leaching temperature; 150 rpm stirring speed; 90 min leaching time) for colemanite sample (28.05 percent B2O3) on chemical leaching with oxalic acid experiments, the calculated boric acid extraction efficiency from colemanite ore was 97.89 percent. Optimum conditions on bioleaching of Emet-Kütahya, Turkey colemanite ores using the fungus Aspergillus niger were found to be as follows: reaction temperature 25 +/- 2ºC; solid-to-liquid ratio 5 percent solids by weight; d100 = 0.075 mm; stirring speed 150 rpm; initial the fungus populations in the inocula about 3 x 10(7) cells/ml and reaction time 21 days. The calculated boric acid extraction efficiency from colemanite ore was 90.18 percent under the optimum conditions. Bioleachate contained 12.95 g/l B2O3, 6.60 g/l Ca and 0.087 g/l Mg. Compared with chemical leaching at 5 percent pulp density, the fungus was less efficient in the extraction of B2O3 from colemanite but the difference in the extraction yields between the two processes was less than 10 percent. Although bioleaching generally requires a longer period of operation compared to chemical leaching, these results suggest that bioleaching by A...

Composição do meio de cultura e condições ambientais para germinação de grãos de pólen de porta-enxertos de pereira / Medium composition and environmental conditions for the germination of pollen grains of pear rootsocks

Visando a dar suporte a trabalhos de melhoramento genético para porta-enxertos de pera e ajuste de protocolo de germinação de pólen para fins de polinização intra e interespécies, objetivou-se ajustar os componentes básicos do meio de cultura e as condições ambientais para a realização de testes de germinação in vitro e viabilidade de grãos de pólen dos porta-enxertos para pereiras 'Taiwan Nashi-C' (Pyrus calleryana) e 'Taiwan Mamenashi' (P. betulaefolia). O pólen utilizado foi obtido de anteras provenientes de flores em estádio de balão. Em seguida, com auxílio de um pincel n°2, os grãos de pólen foram espalhados sobre a superfície de placas de Petri, contendo 20ml de meio de cultura de acordo com os seguintes experimentos: 1) concentrações de sacarose (0, 30, 60 e 90g L-1) e agar (4, 6, 8 e 10g L-1); 2) concentrações de nitrato de cálcio (0, 200, 400 e 800mg L-1) e ácido bórico (0, 400, 800 e 1200mg L-1); 3) valores de pH (4,0; 4,5; 5,0; 5,5; 6,0 e 6,5); 4) temperaturas (20; 25; 30 e 35); e 5) tempo de emissão do tubo polínico (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 e 12 horas após a inoculação), os quais foram montados de forma sequencial. A utilização de 10g L-1 de agar e 90g L-1 de sacarose para o porta-enxerto 'Taiwan Mamenashi' e 47,78g L-1 para 'Taiwan Nashi-C', com 795 a 838mg L-1 de ácido bórico, na ausência de nitrato de cálcio, pH entre 5,2 e 5,8 e temperatura de 28°C, proporcionou as melhores condições de germinação de grãos de grãos. A porcentagem máxima de polens germinados é obtida com oito horas após a inoculação para 'Taiwan Nashi-C' e com 12 horas para 'Taiwan Mamenashi'.

In order to support the works with genetic improvement for pear rootstocks and adjust the pollen germination protocol for intra and inter species polinization, this study aimed to adjust the culture medium basic compounds and environmental conditions for the realization of in vitro pears pollen grains germination and viability tests of 'Taiwan Nashi-C' (Pyrus calleryana) e 'Taiwan Mamenashi' (P. betulaefolia) pear rootstock. Thus, five experiments were performed: 1) Sucrose concentrations (0, 30, 60 and 90g L-1) and agar (4, 6, 8 and 10g L-1); 2) calcium nitrate (0, 200, 400 and 800mg L-1) and boric acid (0, 400, 800 and 1200mg L-1); 3) pH (4.0; 4.5; 5.0; 5.5; 6.0 and 6.5); 4) temperatures (20; 25; 30 and 35 ) and 5) emission time of the pollen tube (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 12 hours after inoculation), which were assembled sequentially. The use of 10g L-1 of agar combined with 90g L-1 sucrose for the rootstock 'Taiwan Mamenashi' and 47.78g L-1 for the 'Taiwan Nashi-C', with 795 to 838mg L-1 of boric acid, under absence of calcium nitrate and pH between 5.2 and 5.8 and temperature of 28 °C, provided the best conditions to the germination of the pollen grains. The maximum percentage of germinated pollen is obtained with eight hours after inoculation for 'Taiwan Nashi-C' and twelve hours for 'Taiwan Mamenashi'.

Micropropagação de duas espécies frutíferas, em meio de cultura DSD1, modificado com fontes de boro e zinco / Micropropagation of two fruit tree species on dsd1 culture medium modified with boric acid and zinc sulfate

A micropropagação de frutíferas de clima temperado pode gerar plantas livres de vírus e num curto espaço de tempo. Objetivando-se aprimorar técnicas de propagação in vitro de amoreira-preta e videira, foram testadas diferentes concentrações de boro e zinco, adicionados ao meio de cultivo. O meio foi constituído de sais DSD1, acrescido de 30 g L-1 de sacarose e 7 g L-1 de ágar, e o pH ajustado para 6,4 antes da autoclavagem a 121ºC e 1 atm por 20 minutos. Os tratamentos consistiram de segmentos nodais de amoreira-preta cv. Tupy, do porta-enxerto de videira 'Kobber' e de concentrações de ácido bórico (0; 1,0; 2,0 e 4,0 mg L-1) e sulfato de zinco hidratado (0; 1,0; 2,0 e 4,0 mg L-1), em todas as combinações possíveis. Segmentos nodais de plantas preestabelecidas in vitro foram excisados e inoculados em tubo de ensaio, contendo 15 mL do meio de cultura. Posteriormente, os tubos de ensaio foram transferidos para sala de crescimento a 27 ± 1ºC, irradiância de 35 mmol.m-2.s-1 e fotoperíodo de 16 horas. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualisado, utilizando-se 4 repetições com 12 explantes cada. Após 70 dias de cultivo in vitro verificou-se que, melhores resultados na micropropagação de amoreira-preta cv. Tupy (Rubus sp.) foram obtidos na ausência de ácido bórico e sulfato de zinco hidratado em meio de cultura DSD1. Com 4,0 mg L-1 de ácido bórico adicionado ao meio, verificou-se maior número de folhas e comprimento de raízes do porta-enxerto de videira 'Kobber' (Vitis sp.).

The micropropagation of temperate fruit trees may generate virus-free plants with the additional advantage of a shorter period of time compared to the traditional culture. Aiming to improve the in vitro propagation of blackberry and grapevine, different boron and zinc concentrations added to the culture medium were tested. The culture medium was constituted of DSD1 salts, added of 30 g L-1 sucrose and 7 g L-1 agar, and the pH adjusted to 6.4 before the sterilization at 121ºC and 1 atm per 20 minutes. The treatments consisted of blackberry plants cv. Tupy, the grapevine rootstock 'Kobber' and concentrations of boric acid (0; 1.0; 2.0, and 4.0 mg L-1) and zinc sulfate (0; 1.0; 2.0, and 4.0 mg L-1), mixed in all possible combinations. Nodal segments of in vitro cultivated plants were excised and inoculated in tubes with 15 mL culture medium. After that, the tubes were transferred to a growth room at 27 ± 1ºC, irradiance of 35 mol.m-2.s-1 and photoperiod of 16 hours. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design, using four replications with 12 plants each. After 70 days of in vitro cultivation it was verified that the best results for the micropropagation of blackberry cv. Tupy (Rubus sp.) were obtained in the absence of boric acid and zinc sulfate mixed in the DSD1culture medium. With 4.0 mg L-1 boric acid added to the culture medium higher number of leaves and length of roots of the grapevine rootstock 'Kobber' (Vitis sp.) was observed.

Metodologias de aplicação de AIB no enraizamento de estacas semilenhosas de Sapium glandulatum (vell. ) pax / Methodologies of IBA application in the rooting of Sapium glandulatum (vell. ) pax semi-hardwood cuttings

A espécie Sapium glandulatum, conhecida vulgarmente como leiteiro, é uma das espécies nativas potencialmente recomendada para a recuperação de áreas degradadas, devido principalmente ao seu caráter pioneiro, além de possivelmente possuir características medicinais, uma vez que a família Euphorbiaceae, a qual pertence, é rica em compostos fenólicos. Em abril/2000 e dezembro/2000 foram conduzidos experimentos em casa-de-vegetação para verificar o efeito da aplicação de diferentes concentrações de ácido indolilbutírico (AIB), em solução concentrada (10 segundos de imersão), solução diluída (16 horas de imersão) e em talco, associadas ou não ao ácido bórico, no enraizamento de estacas semilenhosas de Sapium glandulatum. As estacas foram confeccionadas a partir de brotações do ano, coletadas de plantas matrizes localizadas no município de Bocaiúva do Sul -PR, mantendo- as com comprimento de cerca de 10 cm e 2 folhas apicais reduzidas à metade. Os tratamentos utilizados foram: 0, 4000, 6000 e 8000 mg L-1 de AIB, sozinhos e em associação com 150 mg L-1 de ácido bórico (solução concentrada), 0, 200 e 400 mg L-1 de AIB, sozinhos e em associação com 150 mg L-1 ácido bórico (solução diluída) e 0, 4000, 6000 e 8000 mg L-1 de AIB, na forma de talco. Pelos resultados obtidos foi possível concluir que, após 70 dias em casa-de-vegetação, a melhor época para coleta das estacas correspondeu à instalação realizada em dezembro/2000 (verão), onde o tratamento com 8000 mg L-1 de AIB, em solução concentrada, proporcionou o maior percentual de enraizamento (14 por cento), porém não diferindo significativamente dos demais tratamentos. A utilização da solução diluída não se mostrou promissora para a indução do sistema radicial devido à alta mortalidade das estacas. Os tratamentos com AIB veiculados em talco não superaram os resultados obtidos pelos melhores tratamentos para estacas enraizadas em solução concentrada, não sendo um método recomendável para o aumento da indução radicial de Sapium glandulatum. Pelo exposto, pode-se considerar que estacas de brotações do ano desta espécie não são indicadas para sua propagação vegetativa, de acordo com os tratamentos realizados.

The species Sapium glandulatum, commonly known as "leiteiro", is one of the Brazilian native species potentially recommended for the recovery of degraded areas, mainly due to its pioneering character and probable medicinal properties since its family, Euphorbiaceae, is rich in phenolic compounds. In April/2000 and December/2001, experiments were carried out in a greenhouse to investigate the effects of different indolebutyric acid (IBA) levels in concentrated solution (10 seconds immersion), diluted solution (16 hours immersion) and as talc, associated or not with boric acid, on the rooting of Sapium glandulatum semi-hardwood cuttings. The latter were produced from sproutings of the year collected from stock plants located in Bocaiúva do Sul, Paraná State, Brazil. The length of each cutting was about 10 cm, with 2 half apical leaves. The following treatments were evaluated: 0, 4000, 6000 and 8000 mg L-1 IBA, alone and with 150 mg L-1 boric acid (concentrated solution); 0, 200 and 400 mg L-1 IBA, alone and with 150 mg L-1 boric acid (diluted solution); and 0, 4000, 6000 and 8000 mg L-1 IBA as talc. After 70 days in greenhouse, the best period for cutting collection was December/2000 (summer), and 8000 mg L-1 IBA in concentrated solution led to the highest rooting percentage (14 percent), although not significantly different from the remaining treatments. The diluted solution did not show promising results for root system induction due to the high mortality of cuttings. The results for IBA as talc were not higher than those for the best treatments in concentrated solution, which indicates this method is not recommended to increase Sapium glandulatum rooting induction. Thus, sprouting cuttings of the year from this species are not recommended for its vegetative propagation, according to the evaluated treatments.

Improvement of Preparative Method of Boric Acid Ear Drops / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE: To improve the preparative method of boric acid ear drops.METHODS: Boric acid ear drops were prepared using ultrasonic wave rather than waterbath heating to accelerate the solution of boric acid,and a comparison was conducted between the ultrasonic method and the waterbath heating method.RESULTS: The prepared boric acid ear drops were colorless supernatant liquid,which met the standard stated by the "Stipulations of clinical preparations in Zhejiang Province" in tests,identification and content.By ultrasonic method,the time spent for preparing boric acid ear drops was shorter(29?4.2) min than by waterbath heating method(18?1.4) min.CONCLUSION: The improved preparative method for boric acid ear drops is simple and feasible and the quality of the preparation is stable and controllable.

Study on Bacterial Endotoxin Test Method of Boric Acid Rinse / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To establish a method for bacterial endotoxin test of Boric acid rinse.METHODS:According to appendix volumeⅡof Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2005 edition),the tachypleus amebocyte lysate(TAL)method was applied for the pre-inference test and interfence test to investigate non-inference concentration,pH value and sensitivity of TAL.RESULTS:Boric acid did not interfere with TAL and the reaction of bacterial endotoxin at 2 times diluted concentration with pH value adjusted above 6.The sensitivity 0.25 EU?mL-1 of TAL was available.CONCLUSION:The TAL method can control the limit of bacterial endotoxins in Boric acid rinse.