Allelopathy of Ricinus communis and light spectrum variation decrease emergence and growth of Cyperus rotundus

Weeds negatively influence agricultural production. However, those losses depend on weed specie, its time of emergence, and period of interference on agricultural crops. Synthetic herbicides are commonly used to control these plants species; however, they may cause damage to the environment, human beings and animals health, and this problem justify the need to develop alternative bioherbicides. To evaluate the allelopathic potential of Ricinus communis (Castor bean) and light spectrum variation on the emergence and growth of Cyperus rotundus L., a trial was carried out in a protected environment with 15% of brightness reduction at the Center for Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the Paraíba State University. Four aqueous extract concentrations of R. communis leaves were tested (0, 5, 10, and 15%) and four light spectrums variations (white, purple, blue, and red lights). Variables such as emergence, length, dry matter accumulation and growth rates of shoots and root of C. rotundus seedlings were assessed. Data were analyzed by normality test, analysis of variance, polynomial regression, and averages test. Soot and root emergence, length, and dry matter accumulation of C. rotundus seedlings were reduced due to the allelopathy caused by R. communis aqueous extract leaves (15% concentration) and under purple or red light spectrum radiation.

Identification and expression pattern analysis of RcACA gene family in castor under abiotic stresses / 生物工程学报

Auto-inhibited Ca2+-ATPase (ACA) is one of the Ca2+-ATPase subfamilies that plays an important role in maintaining Ca2+ concentration balance in plant cells. To explore the function and gene expression pattern of the RcACA gene family in castor, bioinformatics analysis was used to identify the members of the RcACA gene family in castor. The basic physical and chemical properties, subcellular location, protein secondary and tertiary structure, conserved domain, conserved motif, gene structure, chromosome location and collinear relationship, as well as the evolutionary characteristics and promoter cis-acting elements were predicted and analyzed. The expression pattern of the RcACA gene under abiotic stress was analyzed by expression (fragments per kilobase of exon model per million mapped fragments, FPKM) in castor transcriptome data. The results showed that 8 RcACA gene family members were identified in castor, acidic proteins located in the plasma membrane. In the secondary structure of all proteins, the α-helix and random coil is more; the RcACA genes were clustered into three categories, and the design of the genes in the same category was similar to the conserved motif. Both of them had four typical domains, RcACA3-RcACA8 had a Ca2+-ATPase N-terminal autoinhibitory domain. The RcACA gene is mostly located on the long arm of the chromosome and has 2 pairs of collinear relationships. There are more light response elements but fewer hormone-induced elements located upstream of the RcACA coding region. Interspecific clustering showed that the evolution of ACA genes among species was conservative. Tissue expression pattern analysis showed that RcACA genes showed apparent tissue expression specificity, and most of the genes showed the highest expression level in male flowers. Expression analysis under abiotic stress showed that RcACA2-RcACA8 were up-regulated under high salt and drought stress, and RcACA1 was up-regulated at 0-24 h under low-temperature stress, indicating that RcACA genes positively responded to abiotic stresses. The above results provide a theoretical basis for exploring the role of the RcACA gene in castor growth, development and stress response.

Establishment of a quantitative method for GC analysis of polyoxyethylene (35) castor oil in microemulsion extracts / 中国中药杂志

With the continuous exploration of microemulsions as solvents for traditional Chinese medicine extraction, polyoxyethy-lene(35) castor oil(CrEL), a commonly used surfactant, is being utilized by researchers. However, the problem of detecting residues of this surfactant in microemulsion extracts has greatly hampered the further development of microemulsion solvents. Based on the chemical structures of the components in CrEL and the content determination method of castor oil in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia(Vol. Ⅳ), this study employed gas chromatography(GC) and single-factor experiments to optimize the preparation method of methyl ricinoleate from CrEL. The conversion coefficient between the two was validated, and the optimal sample preparation method was used to process microemulsion extracts of Zexie Decoction from three batches. The content of methyl ricinoleate generated was determined, and the content of CrEL in the microemulsion extracts of Zexie Decoction was calculated using the above conversion coefficient. The results showed that the optimal preparation method for CrEL was determined. Specifically, 10 mL of 1 mol·L~(-1) KOH-methanol solution was heated at 60 ℃ for 15 min in a water bath. Subsequently, 10 mL of boron trifluoride etherate-methanol(1∶3) solution was heated at 60 ℃ for 15 min in a water bath, followed by extraction with n-hexane twice. CrEL could stably produce 20.84% methyl ricinoleate. According to this conversion coefficient, the average mass concentration of CrEL in the three batches of Zexie Decoction microemulsion extracts was 11.94 mg·mL~(-1), which was not significantly different from the CrEL mass concentration of 11.57 mg·mL~(-1) during microemulsion formulation, indicating that the established content determination method of this study was highly accurate, sensitive, and repeatable. It can be used for subsequent research on microemulsion extracts of Zexie Decoction and provide a reference for quality control of other drug formulations containing CrEL.

Effects of single ingestion of arginine on mTORC1 activation in rat fast- and slow-twitch muscles / 体力科学

This study aimed to examine whether a single ingestion of arginine activates the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) in rat fast- and slow-twitch skeletal muscles. In the first experiment, the rats were orally administered arginine (3 or 10 mmol/kg body weight) in water. The plantaris, gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles were excised 1 h after the administration. Immunoblot analysis showed that the administration with a higher dose (10 mmol/kg) resulted in increased phosphorylation of ribosomal S6 kinase (S6K) and ribosomal protein S6 only in the soleus muscles. The amounts of cellular arginine sensor for mTORC1 subunit 1 (CASTOR1) expressed were similar in these three muscles. In the second experiment, the plantaris and soleus muscles were excised 1 h after the administration of 10 mmol/kg of arginine. The binding of CASTOR1 to the GATOR2 complex was not detected in either muscle in co-immunoprecipitation and immunoblot analyses, irrespective of arginine administration. In the third experiment, a role of nitric oxide (NO) was elucidated. Treatment with an inhibitor of NO synthase blocked the arginine-induced increase in S6K phosphorylation. These results indicate that a single ingestion of arginine is capable of activating mTORC1 only in slow-twitch muscles and suggest that the activation may be mediated via NO, but not via the CASTOR1-GATOR2 complex pathway.

Impacts of the biological invasion by Ricinus communis L. on the native biota of the Atlantic Forest, Aracaju, Sergipe State, Brazil / Impacts of the biological invasion by Ricinus communis L. on the native biota of the Atlantic Forest, Aracaju, Sergipe State, Brazil

The existence of environmental disturbances is an important facilitating factor to the establishment of biological invasions (BI). Biological invasions are considered the second biggest threat to the planet's biodiversity, behind only anthropic actions such as deforestation and habitat fragmentation. Thus, all environments are subjected to biological invasions, including Conservation Units (CU). The objective of the work was to evaluate the impacts of the exotic invasive Ricinus communis L. on the native biota of the Morro do Urubu Environmental Protection Area, Aracaju, Sergipe State, Brazil. Plots were allocated in places invaded by exotic invasive and in non-invaded places. Within the sample units, the number of individuals of each species present was counted. With these data, the statistics of the present study were performed. In the plots plotted on the non-invaded sites, 28 species were found. In the plots plotted on the invaded sites, only three species were sampled, among them the exotic invader studied, which showed to be the most abundant taxon in the area. In total, 75 individuals were counted in the invaded sites, of which 72 were from R. communis. In the non-invaded sites, 210 individuals. The average number of species was statistically higher in the plots where the exotic invader was removed, while from the second reading and remained until the eighth reading, the

The existence of environmental disturbances is an important facilitating factor to the establishment of biological invasions (BI). Biological invasions are considered the second biggest threat to the planet's biodiversity, behind only anthropic actions such as deforestation and habitat fragmentation. Thus, all environments are subjected to biological invasions, including Conservation Units (CU). The objective of the work was to evaluate the impacts of the exotic invasive Ricinus communis L. on the native biota of the Morro do Urubu Environmental Protection Area, Aracaju, Sergipe State, Brazil. Plots were allocated in places invaded by exotic invasive and in non-invaded places. Within the sample units, the number of individuals of each species present was counted. With these data, the statistics of the present study were performed. In the plots plotted on the non-invaded sites, 28 species were found. In the plots plotted on the invaded sites, only three species were sampled, among them the exotic invader studied, which showed to be the most abundant taxon in the area. In total, 75 individuals were counted in the invaded sites, of which 72 were from R. communis. In the non-invaded sites, 210 individuals. The average number of species was statistically higher in the plots where the exotic invader was removed, while from the second reading and remained until the eighth reading, the

Antidiarrheal activity of aqueous ethanol extract of Cyperus esculentus tuber in albino rats

Cyperus esculentus is used in the treatment of diarrhea in traditional medicine. Antidiarrheal activity of aqueousethanol extract of C. esculentus tuber was investigated in albino rats with castor oil induced and charcoal mealassays. Acute toxicity and preliminary phytochemical constituents were determined. Fifty albino rats were dividedinto five groups of five animals each for each assay. The extract was administered at doses of 250, 500, and 1,000mg/kg, loperamide at 2 mg/kg, and atropine at 0.1 mg/kg (positive control groups), while 1% tracaganth mucilagewas given to negative control group. The LD50 was above 5,000 mg/kg. Phytochemical evaluation indicated thepresence of steroids, carbohydrates, alkaloids, and saponins. A non-statistically significant (p > 0.05) decrease inmean weight of wet feces (1.71 ± 1.23 g, 1.75 ± 0.77 g) and mean frequency of watery defecation (1.6 ± 1.03,1.8 ± 0.97) at 500 and 1,000 mg/kg extract doses. Percentage inhibition of defecation was 46.7% and 40% at 500and 1,000 mg/kg doses of the extract, respectively, while that of loperamide was 46.7% relative to the negativecontrol in castor oil induced test. The findings have shown that the aqueous ethanol extract of C. esculentus tuberseems to possess anti-secretory effect but does not have anti-motility effect.

Safety study and compositional analysis of polyoxyethylene 35 castor oil by UPCC-Q-TOF-MS / 药学学报

A UPCC-Q-TOF-MS method was established to analyze the components of polyoxyethylene 35 castor oil. The separation was performed at 50 ℃ on a Waters Acquity UPCC system by an Torus Diol column (3.0 mm × 100 mm, 1.7 μm) with gradient elution of CO2 and methanol - acetonitrile (50∶50); the flow rate was 1.0 mL·min-1, the back pressure was 2 000 psi, and methanol containing 2.5 mmol·L-1 ammonium formate was used as ionization reagent, whose flow rate was 0.2 mL·min-1. Positive ion electrospray ionization (ESI) mode and MSE technology were used. The qualitative analyses were carried out by using precise mass information of the parent and product ions and a PCA model was established by UPCC-Q-TOF-MS. L-02 cells and RBL-2H3 cells were used to study the cytotoxicity and histamine release of CrEL samples in vitro. A total of 13 kinds of CrEL components were obtained and their structures were identified by UPCC-Q-TOF-MS, with 255 compounds in total. The percentage content of 13 types of components was calculated by the normalization method. The content of polyoxyethylene glycerol tri-ricinoleate (PGTri-ricinoleate) in all samples was 0.36% - 2.80% and the main components were polyethylene glycol, polyethylene glycerol and polyoxyethylene glycerol mono-ricinoleate. All samples have different degrees of cytotoxicity and histamine release, which is negatively correlated with the content of PGTri-ricinoleate and positively correlated with the content of polyoxyethylene glycol fatty acid esters. The UPCC-Q-TOF-MS method is simple and rapid, has strong separation ability and high accuracy. It is suitable for the analysis of CrEL components. It is suggested that the fatty acid composition should be included in the monograph of CrEL for injection to increase the content of PGTri-ricinoleate and decrease the content of polyoxyethylene glycol fatty acid esters, so as to improve the product safety.

Antidiarrhoea Activities of Aqueous Extract of Myrianthus arboreus Leaves in Albino Rats

Diarrhoea is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children under the age of 5 years. Due to this problem, the World Health Organization has encouraged studies that will bring about the desired treatment and prevention of diarrhoea. Myrianthus arboreus leaves (MA) is used in some tribes of Nigeria for food. In this study, the antidiarrhoea activities of the aqueous extract of Myrianthus arboreus leaveswere investigated with experimental animals via feacal count, measurement gastrointestinal charcoal meal distance and electrolyte composition. The extract (500, 1000 and 2000) mg/kg in comparison with loperamide hydrochloride, decreased the degree of gastrointestinal motility, production of diarrhoea stool, reduced the frequency of defecation and delayed the onset of diarrhoea in castor oil induced in albino rats. Also the extract inhibited the concentration of intestinal fluid electrolytes.

Antibiofilm activity of an experimental ricinus communis dentifrice on soft denture liners

Abstract The disadvantage of liners materials is the difficulty of biofilm control. It was compared an experimental dentifrice contained Ricinus communis, with commercials dentifrices as antibiofilm activity against microorganisms on denture liner. Six hundred specimens were distributed in 5 groups (n=18/ microorganism): water; experimental dentifrice; specific dentifrice for denture and two conventional dentifrices against C. albicans; C. glabrata; S. mutans; S. aureus; E. coli. Each group had a negative (n=5; without contamination) and positive control (n=15/ microorganism; without cleaning). The antibiofilm activity was evaluated by the method of biofilm formation in triplicate. The specimens were contaminated in a standard way and incubated. After that, manual brushing was performed (60 s), washed with PBS, immersed in liquid culture medium for resuspension and sowing in solid medium. The results (mean of triplicates) were expressed in CFU/mL. The data was submitted to Shapiro-Wilk, ANOVA and Tukey test (p<0.05). The specific dentifrice (1.27±1.20) was the most effective against S. mutans, followed by conventional (Trihydral, 3.13±0.88; Colgate, 2.16±2.02) and experimental (3.81±1.37) dentifrices, which were similar to each other (p=0.008). All of them were different from water (4.79±1.42). The specific (0.21±0.21) and experimental (0.36±0.25) dentifrices were similar against S. aureus, with a higher mean of CFU when compared to conventional (Colgate, 0.06±0.13), which was more efficient (p=0.000). For C. albicans, C. glabrata and E. coli, all dentifrices were similar to water (p=0.186). It was concluded, that the experimental dentifrice was effective against S. aureus and had not efficacy against Candida spp.; S. mutans; E. coli, as occurred with the commercials dentifrices.

Resumo A desvantagem dos materiais resilientes é a dificuldade de controle do biofilme. Este estudo comparou um dentífrico experimental contendo Ricinus communis, com dentifrícios comerciais quanto atividade contra biofilme formado em reembasador de próteses totais. Seiscentos espécimes foram distribuídos em 5 grupos (n=18/microrganismo): água; dentifrício experimental; dentifrício específico para próteses totais e dois convencionais; contra C. albicans; C. glabrata; S. mutans; S. aureus; E. coli. Cada grupo teve um controle negativo (n=5; sem contaminação) e um positivo (n=15/ microrganismo; sem higienização). A atividade contra biofilme foi avaliada pelo método de formação do biofilme, em triplicata. Os espécimes foram contaminados, padronizadamente, e incubados. Posteriormente, foi realizada escovação manual (60 s), lavagem em PBS, imersão em meio de cultura líquido para ressuspensão e semeadura em meio sólido. Os resultados (média das triplicatas) foram expressos em UFC/mL. Os dados foram submetidos aos testes Shapiro-Wilk, ANOVA e Tukey (p<0,05). O dentifrício específico (1,27±1,20) foi o mais eficaz contra S. mutans, seguido dos convencionais (Trihydral, 3,13±0,88; Colgate, 2,16±2,02) e experimental (3,81±1,37), que foram semelhantes entre si (p=0,008). Todos eles foram diferentes da água (4,79±1,42). O dentifrício específico (0,21±0,21) e o experimental (0,36±0,25) foram semelhantes contra S. aureus, com maiores médias de UFC quando comparado ao convencional (Colgate, 0,06±0,13), que foi mais eficiente (p=0,000). Para C. albicans, C. glabrata e E.coli, todos os dentifrícios foram similares à água (p=0,186). Conclui-se que o dentifrício experimental foi efetivo somente contra S. aureus e não foi eficiente perante Candida spp.; S. mutans; E. coli, como ocorrido com os dentifrícios comerciais.

Antibacterial and antidiarrheal activity of Simarouba amara (Aubl.) bark

The present study was conducted to determine the nutritional elements in Simarouba amara (Aubl.) bark aqueousextract (SAAE) by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and the in vitroantibacterial activity against pathogens enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcous aureus,Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by agar well diffusion, minimum inhibitory, and bactericidalconcentration. Then, antidiarrheal effect was studied on castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice model. Recorded Mg > Fe> Cu > Zn elements in SAAE invariably found to be effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens.Effective concentration of bark showed the zone of inhibition against enterotoxigenic E. coli (200 mg/ml), S. typhiand S. aureus (300 mg/ml), and P. aeruginosa and K. pneumonia (100 mg/ml). The standard ratio between minimuminhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was meticulously recorded “one”against all pathogens, which confirms the bactericidal property. Results in mice model prominently showed that SAAEsignificantly (p < 0.05) reduced the frequency and number of diarrheal episodes, intestinal fluid accumulation, andintestinal transit time in dose-dependent manner. Inordinate delay in charcoal movement in the intestine positivelyconfirmed the antispasmodic effect by reducing propulsive movement. Confirmed findings in this study naturallysuggested that SAAE could be an effective antibacterial and antidiarrheal formulation.

Biology of Corythucha gossypii Fabricius, 1794 (Hemiptera: Tingidae) in Ricinus communis at different temperatures and thermal requirements / Biologia de Corythucha gossypii Fabricius, 1794 (Hemiptera: Tingidae) em Ricinus communis em diferentes temperaturas e exigências térmicas

Abstract We studied the biology of Corythucha gossypii in Ricinus communis under different temperatures in climatic chambers adjusted at 20, 23, 25, and 28 °C, 60 ± 10% relative humidity, and a 12-h photoperiod. The development period and viability of eggs, the development period and survival rate of nymphs, and egg-adult cycle of C. gossypii as well as the adult longevity and fecundity were estimated. The thermal requirements (K) and temperature-base (Tb) were estimated for each of the immature stages and for the eggs-adults period. The duration of the eggs and nymphs phases and the egg-adult cycle of the C. gossypii on castor bean leaves at 20-28 °C were 7.6-17 days, 10.2-27.5 days, and 16.9-44.5 days, respectively. The lower temperature inhibited the oviposition of C. gossypii, whereas the higher temperatures were most favorable for its development. The municipalities of the Bahia state of Brumado, Irecê, Itaberaba, Jacobina, and Senhor do Bonfim were estimated to have a high potential for the population growth of C. gossypii. However, a greater number of generations per year of C. gossypii were observed in the municipalities of Brumado and Itaberaba.

Resumo Estudamos a biologia de Corythucha gossypii em Ricinus communis sob diferentes temperaturas em câmaras climatizadas ajustadas as temperaturas de 20, 23, 25 e 28 °C, umidade relativa de 60 ± 10% e fotoperíodo de 12 horas. O período de desenvolvimento e a viabilidade dos ovos, o período de desenvolvimento e a taxa de sobrevivência de ninfas e do ciclo de ovo-adulto de C. gossypii, bem como a longevidade dos adultos e fecundidade foram estimados. As exigências térmicas (K) e as temperaturas-bases (Tb) foram estimadas para cada um dos estádios imaturos e para o ciclo de ovo-adulto. A duração das fases de ovos e ninfas e do ciclo de ovo a adulto de C. gossypii em folhas de mamona a 20-28 °C foram de 7,6-17 dias, 10,2-27,5 dias e 16,9-44,5 dias, respectivamente. A temperatura mais baixa inibiu a oviposição de C. gossypii , enquanto as temperaturas mais altas foram favoráveis ao seu desenvolvimento. Os municípios do estado da Bahia de Brumado, Irecê, Itaberaba, Jacobina e Senhor do Bonfim foram estimados para ter um alto potencial para o crescimento populacional de C. gossypii. No entanto, o maior número de gerações por ano de C. gossypii foi observado nos municípios de Brumado e Itaberaba.

Natural Alternative to D.P.X (Mounting Medium) - Comparison between Honey and Castor Oil

Introduction: To go organic is the theme of the present day.With added benefits of both honey and castor oil being ecofriendly, easily available, cost effective, nontoxic and noninflammable, they can also be used as an effective naturalalternative to synthetic mounting media as they have goodrefractive index. Study aimed to evaluate and compare theefficacy of honey and castor oil with D.P.X as a mountingmedium.Material and Methods: Six paraffin-embedded blocks with aconfirmed histopathological diagnosis of pyogenic granulomawere taken from the archives. Three sections were taken fromeach block and subjected to routine H & E staining procedures,and later they were mounted with three different mountingmedia and analyzed for different parameters.Result: The results were tabulated. Krushkal wallis test wasused for comparing the results. Statistically significant resultswere observed for different mounting media and castor oilshowed better details of cellular architecture than D.P.X andhoney.Conclusion: Both Castor oil and honey as a mounting mediashowed a superior quality over D.P.X due to their propertiesbut they do not adhere to the slide as well as cover slip withlack of adhesive agents. Both can be used as an alternative toD.P.X with the addition of some adhesive agents because theyare having a good refractive index.

Genetic parameters in agronomic characters for selection of superior lineages of Ricinus communis L / Parâmetros genéticos em caracteres agronômicos na seleção de linhagens superiores de Ricinus communis L

ABSTRACT: Knowledge on the variability and heritability of agronomic characters of interest aid the selection of superior materials. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic parameters of agronomic traits in castor bean plant lineages and to quantify the genetic correlations between them. The study was performed in the experimental area of the Federal University of the Recôncavo da Bahia, Cruz das Almas, Bahia. Seed oil content, vegetative cycle, plant height, and the number and weight of seeds per plant were evaluated in 47 lineages of castor bean seedlings. The coefficient of genetic variation was higher for weight of seeds per plant, revealing greater variability. The broad-sense heritability of individual plots presented a higher value for oil content and a lower value for seed number per plant. Selection precision was moderate for plant height, number and weight of seeds per plant, high for vegetative cycle, and very high for oil content. The genetic parameters allowed superior genotypes to be ranked and selected. Positive correlations between vegetative cycle and plant height, associated with negative correlations for number and weight of seeds, and oil content, allow significant gains for crop productivity.

RESUMO: O conhecimento da variabilidade e herdabilidade dos caracteres agronômicos de interesse auxiliam na seleção de materiais superiores. Desta forma, objetivou-se avaliar os parâmetros genéticos de caracteres agronômicos em linhagens de mamoneira e quantificar as correlações genéticas entre eles. O trabalho foi desenvolvido na área experimental da Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, Cruz das Almas, Bahia. Foram avaliados o teor de óleo na semente, ciclo vegetativo, estatura de planta, número de sementes por planta e peso de sementes por planta em 47 linhagens de mamoneira. O coeficiente de variação genético foi maior para o peso de sementes por planta revelando maior variabilidade. A herdabilidade de parcelas individuais no sentido amplo apresentou maior valor para o teor de óleo e menor valor para o número de sementes por planta. A precisão de seleção foi moderada para estatura de planta, número de sementes por planta e peso de semente por planta; alta para o ciclo vegetativo; e muito alta para o teor de óleo. Os parâmetros genéticos permitiram o ranqueamento e seleção dos genótipos superiores. As correlações positivas entre o ciclo vegetativo e estatura de planta, associada às correlações negativas para o número de sementes, peso de sementes e teor de óleo, possibilitam ganhos expressivos para a produtividade da cultura.

Antidiarrheal Effect of Limonitum with Different Mineral Genesis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To investigate the antidiarrheal effect and the gastrointestinal motility of two kinds of Limonitum with different mineral genesis, so as to select the optimal mineral genesis, and provide a theoretical basis for clinical use. Method: The selected research samples were leaching type and sedimentary type Limonitum with different mineral genesis, including powder, water decoction and dregs. In the experiment, castor oil (0.2 mL/10 g) was used to induce diarrhea, loperamide (4 mg·kg-1) was used for positive control, and then the antidiarrheal activity and the gastrointestinal motility were observed. Result: In the castor oil-induced diarrhea experiment, the diarrhea index of the water decoction (2.5,5,10 g·kg-1) and the dregs (2.5 g·kg-1) of leaching type Limonitum significantly reduced (P-1) of leaching type limonitum and the dregs (2.5,5,10 g·kg-1) of the leaching type Limonitum were significant different at the first defecation (P-1) and the water decoction (2.5 g·kg-1) of leaching type Limonitum, and the total feces weight of the mice were significantly decreased (P-1), the dregs (2.5,5,10 g·kg-1) of the sedimentary, the powder (2.5,5 g·kg-1), the water decoction (2.5,5,10 g·kg-1) and the dregs (10 g·kg-1) of leaching type Limonitum were significantly lower than those of the model group on the intestinal motility, with charcoal as a marker (P-1) of leaching type Limonitum was significantly higher than that of the model group on the content of small intestine contents (P-1) of sedimentary type limonitum, and the water decoction (2.5,5 g·kg-1) of leaching type Limonitum were significantly lower than those of the model group on gastric residual rate (P-1), the dregs (5 g·kg-1) of sedimentary type Limonitum were significantly reduced on the water content of large intestine compared with the model group (P-1 of Limonitum can inhibit the contraction of isolated ileum induced by acetylcholine in rabbits except 0.003 3 g·mL-1 water decoction of leaching type. Conclusion: Mineral medicine Limonitum has a certain therapeutic effect in castor oil-induced diarrhea. Leaching type limonitum has the best antidiarrheal effect.

Phytochemical Screening and Anti-diarrheal Activity of the Pulp and Seed Extracts of Ziziphus mauritiana in Rats

In the present study, attempt was made to evaluate the phytochemical composition and anti-diarrheal activity of the seed and pulp extract of Ziziphus mauritania. The anti-diarrheal activity of the crude seed and pulp were evaluated using castor oil induced diarrheal model, charcoal meal test and anti-fluid accumulation test in rats. The result of phytochemical test indicated that tannins, flavonoids, saponin, cyanogenic glycosides, and terpenoids were present in both seed and pulp. In the castor oil induced model both the seed and pulp extract significantly prolonged diarrheal onset was observed in treated rats compared to the negative control. Similarly, in the fluid accumulation test, the extract of the seed and pulp produced a significant decline in volume of intestinal contents. Results from the charcoal meal test revealed that all the extract produced a significant anti-motility effect. Based on the findings of this work, the pulp extract of this plant possess anti-diarrheal properties and validates its use in traditional medicine for the treatment of diarrhea

Accidental poisoning by castor bean (Ricinus communis) cake in horses / Intoxicação acidental por torta de mamona (Ricinus communis) em equinos

Ricinus communis is a shrub of the family Euphorbiaceae popularly known in Brazil as "mamona" or "carrapateira". It is an oleaginous plant whose seeds have been used mainly in biodiesel production. Plant seed oil can be extracted mechanically or using solvents, generating castor bean cake and castor bean meal as by-products, respectively. Accidental ingestion of these by-products can cause poisoning in animals and humans, characterized by digestive signs resulting from the presence of a toxalbumin called ricin. Seed toxicity varies among animal species; in horses, the lethal dose of seeds is 0.1 g/kg of body weight. The literature presents plenty of studies addressing poisoning by R. communis in different animal species and in humans; however, reports are scarce and little information is available on the pathological aspects of poisoning regarding equines. Therefore, the present study aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects observed in an outbreak of accidental poisoning with castor bean cake in horses. The equines were supplemented with palm kernel (Elaeis guianeesis) cake; however, in the purchase of a new batch, there was an error in the order, and castor bean cake was requested instead. Four horses that received castor bean cake presented clinical signs indicative of colic, which started about 21 hours after administration. Three of these horses died, with clinical evolution from 2 to 4.5 hours; the other animal was treated with intravenous fluid and antibiotic therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and recovered after five days. In the necropsy of two of these horses, the main lesions were found in the small intestine, where mucosae with pronounced redness and covered with a thin layer of yellow fibrous material were observed. In the intestinal lumen, there was a large amount of bloody liquid. The stomach was full, and dark lumps similar to crushed castor bean seeds were observed in the contents. The adrenal glands of both horses presented congestion and hemorrhage in the cortex. In microscopy, the main lesion was an acute, diffuse and accentuated fibrin-necrotic enteropathy affecting the jejunum. The diagnosis of castor bean cake poisoning was based on the circumstantial evidence of by-product consumption supported by clinical and pathological aspects. The results indicate that castor bean cake commercially available as fertilizer is extremely toxic when ingested, and there is a need for appropriate detoxification or labeling informing of its toxicity.(AU)

Ricinus communis é um arbusto da família Euphorbiaceae conhecido popularmente como "mamona" ou "carrapateira". A planta é considerada oleaginosa e suas sementes têm sido utilizadas, principalmente, na produção de biodiesel. A extração do óleo pode ser mecânica ou com solventes, gerando, como subprodutos, a torta de mamona e a farinha de mamona, respectivamente. A ingestão acidental desses subprodutos pode causar intoxicação em animais e humanos, caracterizada por sinais digestivos devido a toxalbumina ricina. A toxidez das sementes varia entre as espécies animais, em equinos a dose letal de sementes é de 0,1g/kg de peso vivo. Há vasta literatura sobre a intoxicação por R. communis em diferentes espécies animais e humanos. Em relação aos equinos os relatos são escassos e com poucas informações sobre os aspectos patológicos da intoxicação. Assim, os objetivos do presente estudo foram descrever os aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos observados em um surto de intoxicação acidental por torta de mamona em equinos. Os equinos eram suplementados com torta de dendê (Elaeis guianeesis), no entanto, na compra de uma nova partida, houve um erro no pedido sendo solicitada torta de mamona. Os quatro equinos que receberam a torta de mamona apresentaram sinais clínicos indicativos de cólica, que iniciaram cerca de 21 horas após administração. Três destes morreram, com evolução clínica 2 a 4,5 horas, o outro animal foi tratado com fluidoterapia intravenosa, antibioticoterapia e anti-inflamatório não esteroidal, recuperando-se em 5 dias. Na necropsia de dois destes equinos, as principais lesões foram encontradas no intestino delgado, sendo observadas mucosas com avermelhamento acentuado e recobertas por fina camada de material amarelado fibrinoso. No lúmen intestinal, havia grande quantidade de líquido sanguinolento. O estômago estava repleto de grumos escuros semelhantes às sementes trituradas da mamona em meio ao conteúdo. As adrenais de ambos equinos apresentavam congestão e hemorragias corticais. Na microscopia, a principal lesão foi uma enteropatia fibrino-necrótica, aguda, difusa e acentuada, afetando com maior intensidade o jejuno. O diagnóstico de intoxicação por torta de mamona foi baseado na evidência circunstancial de consumo do subproduto, sendo corroborado pelos aspectos clínicos e patológicos. Os resultados indicam que a torta de mamona vendida para fertilização do solo é extremamente tóxica quando ingerida, havendo a necessidade de detoxicação ou rotulagem adequada informando sobre a sua toxicidade.(AU)

Functional oils affect blood and bacteriological parameters in sheep / Los aceites funcionales afectan parámetros sanguíneos y bacteriológicos en ovinos / Óleos funcionais afetam parâmetros sanguíneos e bacteriológicos em ovinos

Abstract Background: Feeding ionophores to sheep is intended for improving feed efficiency. Functional oils (FO) are an alternative to the use of ionophores. Objective: To evaluate the effect of feeding FO to sheep on blood parameters and fecal bacteria. Methods: Five sheep were used in a Latin square design with five treatments: 190, 285, 380, 570, and 675 g/t FO in the diet. White cell count and levels of blood glucose, total protein, urea nitrogen, and fecal bacteria presence in feces were determined. Results: The FO levels did not affect serum parameters. Salmonella spp was found only in feces of sheep fed 190 mg/t FO. Conclusion: Functional oils can be added to sheep diets to reduce the presence of Salmonella spp in the feces.

Resumen Antecedentes: Los ionóforos se suministran a los ovinos para mejorar la eficiencia alimenticia. Una alternativa al uso de ionóforos son los aceites funcionales (FO). Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos del suministro de FO en el alimento sobre los parámetros sanguíneos y bacterias fecales de ovinos. Métodos: Cinco ovejos fueron usados en un diseño de cuadrado latino con cinco tratamientos: 190, 285, 380, 570 y 675 g/t FO en la dieta. Se realizó conteo de leucocitos y niveles de glucosa, proteína total y nitrógeno ureico, y se determinó la presencia de bacterias fecales. Resultados: La inclusión dietaria de FO no afectó los parametros séricos. Se encontró Salmonella spp únicamente en heces de los ovinos que habían consumido 190 mg/t FO. Conclusión: Se puede agregar FO a la dieta de ovinos para reducir la presencia de Salmonella spp en heces.

Resumo Antecedentes: Na produção animal, ionóforos são ingeridos por ovinos para melhorar a eficiência alimentar. Alternativa ao uso de ionóforos são os óleos funcionais (FO). Objetivos: Avaliar os efeitos de FO em ovinos por meio da alimentação sobre os parâmetros sanguíneos e bacteriológicos. Métodos: Cinco ovinos foram usados em Quadrado Latino com cinco tratamentos: 190, 285, 380, 570 e 675 g/t FO nas dietas. Contagem de leucócitos e níveis de glicose, proteína total, nitrogênio ureico e presença de bactérias nas fezes foram determinados. Resultados: Os níveis de FO não afetaram os níveis séricos dos fatores mencionados. Salmonella spp foi encontrada somente em fezes de ovinos que haviam ingerido dietas com 190 mg/t FO. Conclusão: Óleos funcionais podem ser adicionados em dietas para ovinos para reduzir a presença de Salmonella spp nas fezes.

The sustained release effect of ropivacaine loading poly (lactic acid co castor oil) microspheres for sciatic nerve block in mice / 解放军医学杂志

Objective To investigate the efficacy ofpoly (lactic acid co castor oil) microspheres containing ropivacaine for sciatic nerve block of mice.Methods A total of 150 Kunming male mice were randomly assigned into 3 groups,namely placebo microspheres (lactic acid co castor oil) group (group A,n=50),ropivacaine injection group (group B,n=50) and ropivacaine microspheres group (group C,n=50).After sevoflurane anesthesia,the mouse was fixed on the operating table and the bilateral sciatic nerve was exposed.The corresponding preparations were implanted or injected near the sciatic nerve.Five mice were randomly selected from each group for the next experiments.Paw withdrawal thermal latency,the ability to splay and flex of the hind paw and plasma ropivacaine concentration were measured 10min,30min,1h,3h,5h,7h,10h,15h,30h and 48h after drug administration.Results The anesthetic effect of group C began to work at 3h.Compared with group B,the duration of sciatic nerve sensory block of group C was significantly longer and the effect of motor block was weaker.No anesthetic effect was observed in group A.The sensory and motor block of group B reached the peak at 1h,and the pharmacodynamics subsided at 7h.Compared with group B,the concentration of ropivacaine in group C increased slowly,and the peak value at 10h after administration was gradually decreased.Conclusions Ropivacaine loading poly (lactic acid co castor oil) microspheres can significantly extend the effect of ropivacaine on sciatic nerve sensory block.Compared with ropivacaine injection,motor block effect of ropivacaine loading poly (lactic acid co castor oil) microspheres is reduced and its plasma ropivacaine concentration fluctuation range is small.

Morphophysiological and biochemical alterations in Ricinus communis L. seeds submitted to cobalt60 gamma radiation

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the radiosensitivity of castor bean seeds after applications of different doses of Cobalt60 gamma radiation. Seeds were pre-soaked for 24 hours in distilled water and then irradiated with 50, 100, 150, and 200 Gy, except the control. Sowing was performed in trays, which contained soil as substrate and were maintained in a greenhouse. The electrical conductivity, emergence, emergence speed index, growth parameters and activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and catalase) were evaluated in the leaves and roots of castor bean seedlings. Gamma radiation did not affect the electrical conductivity of the seeds; however, at a dose of 200 Gy, the emergence and emergence speed index of the seedlings was negatively affected. An analysis of the morphophysiological parameters revealed a reduction in seedling size as the radiation dose increased. There was a significant increase in superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase activities at higher radiation doses in the leaves, but not in roots. Thus, the analysis of all the variables suggests a response pattern as to the morphophysiological and biochemical changes of castor bean seedlings due to the increase of gamma radiation, which may serve as a tool for generating greater genetic variability.

Behavior study of the doped castor bean polymer rod with bioactive glass and hidroxyapatite in mice femur medullary canal

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the polymer doped rods behavior with bioactive glass and hydroxyapatite for possible application as a fracture fixing method. Methods Twenty eight Rattus norvegicus Wistar underwent bone defect for access to the femoral medullary canal and distributed into three experimental groups: group A - doped castor bean polymer with bioactive glass; group B - castor bean polymer and; group C - castor bean polymer doped with bioactive glass and hydroxyapatite. After 15 and 60 evaluation days, the femurs were removed and sent for histology and scanning electron microscopy. Results Initially mild and moderate inflammatory infiltrate is observed that decreases as time goes by, and the presence of connective tissue capsule around the graft in all groups. Regarding the biomaterials resorption little was observed. The implanted rods did not favor the osteoconductive process in the femoral medullary canal which was observed only in the C15 group. Conclusions The association of castor bean polymer, bioactive glass and hydroxyapatite was biocompatible and osteointegrable. The osteoconductive only occurred in the presence of hydroxyapatite and bioactive glass (C15 Group) and little biodegradation was observed.