Feasibility of increasing calcium content of drinking tap water following quality regulations to improve calcium intake at population level.

Background: Calcium intake is below recommendations in several parts of the world. Improving calcium intake has benefits not only for bone health but also helps to prevent pregnancy hypertension disorders. Calcium concentration of tap water is usually low The aim of the present study was to determine the maximum amount of calcium that can be added to tap water while complying with drinking water Argentine regulations. Methods: Tap water samples were collected from the Province of Buenos Aires (Argentina). Physicochemical properties and saturation index were measured. Different incremental concentrations of calcium chloride were added to the experimental aliquots. Results: Baseline water had a mean calcium concentration of 22.00 ± 2.54 mg/L, water hardness of 89.9 ± 6.4 mg/L CaCO 3, and a saturation index of -1.50 ± 0.11. After the addition of 0.4554 ± 0.0071 g of salt, water hard-ness reached 355.0 ± 7.1 mg/L CaCO 3, a calcium concentration of 140.50 ± 2.12 mg/L, and a saturation index -0.53 ± 0.02. Conclusions: This study shows that at laboratory level it is feasible to increase calcium concentration of drinking water by adding calcium chloride while complying with national standards. Calcium concentration of drinking tap water could be evaluated and minimum calcium concentration of tap water regulated so as to improve calcium intake in populations with low calcium intake.

[Development, techniques, and utility of experimental animal models of thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms]. / Desarrollo, técnicas y utilidad de modelos animales experimentales de aneurismas aórticos torácicos y abdominales.

Aneurysms are clinical entities that can develop and affect human aorta; and although in most cases they have an asymptomatic course, these pathological dilatations can lead to a lethal outcome when rupture occurs, thus the establishment of predictors is crucial for death prevention. Essential events that take place in the vessel wall have been identified and described, such as inflammation, proteolysis, smooth muscle cell apoptosis, angiogenesis, and vascular remodeling. Porcine and ovine models have been useful for the development and evaluation of endovascular devices of the aorta. However, since the worldwide introduction and adoption of these minimally invasive techniques for aneurysm repair, there is lesser availability of diseased aortic tissue for molecular, cellular, and histopathological analysis, therefore over the last three decades it has been proposed various small species models that have allowed the focal induction of these lesions for the study of physiopathological mechanisms and possible useful biomarkers as diagnostic and therapeutic targets. The present review article presents and discusses the animal models available as their applications, characteristics, advantages, and limitations for the development of preclinical studies, and their importance in the comprehension of this pathology in humans.

Los aneurismas son una de las entidades clínicas que pueden desarrollarse y afectar la aorta humana. Aunque en la mayoría de los casos tienen un carácter asintomático, estas dilataciones patológicas pueden resultar letales cuando se presentan con ruptura, por lo que el reconocimiento de factores predictores de esta complicación es crucial para evitar muertes. Fisiopatológicamente se han identificado eventos esenciales que ocurren en la pared del vaso, como inflamación, proteólisis, apoptosis del músculo liso, angiogénesis y remodelación. Las grandes especies como porcinos y ovinos han sido de utilidad para el desarrollo y evaluación del desempeño de dispositivos endovasculares en la aorta, así como la remodelación; con el advenimiento y disposición de estas técnicas mínimamente invasivas para su reparación existe una menor disponibilidad de tejido aórtico para el análisis molecular, celular e histopatológico, por lo que en las últimas tres décadas se han propuesto e introducido distintos modelos que han permitido, mediante la inducción focal de estas lesiones, el estudio de los mecanismos fisiopatológicos y posibles biomarcadores de utilidad como dianas diagnósticas y terapéuticas. El presente artículo de revisión aborda tipos de modelos animales disponibles, así como sus aplicaciones, consideraciones, ventajas y limitaciones para el desarrollo de estudios preclínicos y su importancia en el entendimiento de esta patología en la especie humana.

The Use of Additives to Prevent Urolithiasis in Lambs Fed Diets with a High Proportion of Concentrate.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different additives in preventing urolithiasis in lambs fed a diet rich in concentrate and their impact on performance and blood and urinary parameters. Thirty-two noncastrated male lambs, crossbred Dorper × Santa Inês, with initial body weights (BWs) of 23 ± 0.1 kg and ages of 50 ± 5 days, were kept in individual pens and fed a diet composed of 6% Cynodon ssp. hay and 94% concentrate and subjected to four treatments: CON without inclusion of additives, addition of ACL 5 g/kg of dry matter (DM), addition of CCL 6.3 g/kg of DM, and addition of BZA 5 g/kg of DM. There was no effect of treatment or interaction with time on blood parameters (p > 0.050), and performance characteristics, morphometry of ruminal papillae, and scores of cecum and rumen lesions were not affected by the addition of additives to the diet (p > 0.050). Greater urinary acidification was observed in animals from CCL and ACL treatments (p = 0.033). Calcium chloride acidified the urinary pH and can be used instead of ammonium chloride at a concentration of 0.63% based on DM, when this is the objective.

Dietary olive oil intake aggravates psoriatic skin inflammation in mice via Nrf2 activation and polyunsaturated fatty acid imbalance.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, which does not have effective treatment options. However, olive oil has been suggested as an alternative to treat psoriasis, but no study has evaluated the mechanisms involved in the effects of olive oil on psoriasis. Thus, the current study investigated whether olive oil could ameliorate psoriasiform skin inflammation. To test this, mice received topical application of imiquimod to induce inflammation and were treated orally with olive oil. Human immortalized keratinocytes were also treated with imiquimod and olive oil. Epidermal thickness and keratinocyte proliferation were increased in imiquimod-induced lesions of olive-oil-treated animals. In both in vitro and in vivo studies, protein levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) were elevated following imiquimod and olive oil administration. Inhibition of Nrf2 abolished the increased proliferation of keratinocytes treated with imiquimod and olive oil, demonstrating the role of Nrf2 in olive oil-mediated exacerbation of psoriasiform skin inflammation. In addition, lower levels of linoleic acid and higher levels of oleic acid were observed in imiquimod- and olive-oil-treated animals, which may also contribute to the adverse effects of olive oil on psoriasis. In conclusion, dietary intake of olive oil aggravates the symptoms of psoriatic skin lesions through the overexpression of Nrf2 and an imbalance in oleic and linoleic acids levels, suggesting that a diet rich in olive oil may have significant negative effects on psoriasis.

Caracterizações física e química de cimentos experimentais autoadesivos à base de cálcio / Physical and chemical characterizations of calcium-based self-adhesive experimental cements

Objetivo: Avaliar a Resistência de União (RU), Grau de Conversão (GC), Liberação de Cálcio (LC), Resistência Flexural (RF), Módulo de Elasticidade (ME) e Viscosidade (VS) de cimentos experimentais à base de cálcio autocondicionantes e autoadesivos. Três cimentos experimentais: A (CONTROLE) ­ sem fonte de cálcio, B (HIDROCAL) ­ com hidróxido de cálcio, C (CLORECAL) ­ com cloreto de cálcio foram sintetizados e avaliados juntamente a um cimento comercial D (ULTRAPLUS) (Ultra-Blend Plus®). Metodologia: Para a RU, foi utilizado o teste de cisalhamento, cujas amostras (1,3mm de diâmetro com 2mm de altura) foram aderidas à dentina bovina (n=10) e tensionadas em máquina de ensaios (1 mm/min) até́ ocorrer o deslocamento. Para o GC (n=3), foi utilizada a Espectroscopia Infravermelha com transformada de Fourier (FTIR). Na determinação da LC (n=3) foram utilizadas amostras circulares (1,0 mm x 0,4 mm) e a leitura foi realizada através de um espectrofotômetro de absorção atômica nos tempos de 3h, 24h e 72h. Para RF/ME (n=10), amostras em formato de barra (7mm x 2mm x 1mm) foram confeccionadas e avaliadas por meio de uma Máquina de Ensaios Universal no teste de flexão de três pontos. Para a VS (n=30), a variação da taxa de deformação foi determinada por um reômetro rotacional de cilindros concêntricos. Os dados foram analisados por ANOVA 1 e 2 fatores seguido pelo pós teste de tukey (p<0,05). Resultados: Para RU todos os materiais experimentais apresentaram valores estatisticamente maiores que o comercial (p<0,01). Para o GC os cimentos CONTROLE e HIDROCAL apresentaram valores estatisticamente maiores que os demais (p<0,01). Frente à LC o CLORECAL e ULTRAPLUS apresentaram valores estatisticamente superiores após 72h (p<0,01). O ULTRAPLUS apresentou estatisticamente a maior RF e o menor ME (p<0,05). Os cimentos HIDROCAL e CLORECAL apresentaram valores de VS estatisticamente superiores aos demais (p<0,01). Conclusão: De maneira geral, o cimento experimental à base de cloreto de cálcio mostrou-se mais promissor (AU).

Objective: To evaluate the Bond Strength (BS), Degree of Conversion (DC), Calcium Release (CR), Flexural Strength (FS), Elastic Modulus (EM) and Viscosity (VS) of experimentally calcium based cements self-etching and self-adhesive. Three experimental cements: A (CONTROL), B (HYDROCAL), C (CLORECAL) were synthesized and evaluated with a commercial cement D (ULTRAPLUS) (Ultra-Blend Plus®- South Jordan, Utah, USA). Methodology: For the BS, the shear test was used, whose samples 1.3mm in diameter and 2mm in height) were adhered to the bovine dentin (n=10) and tensioned in a testing machine (1mm/min) until occurring the displacement. For the DC (n=3), Infrared Spectroscopy with Fourier transform (FTIR) was used. In determining the CR (n = 3) circular samples (1.0mmx0.4 mm) were used and the reading was performed through an atomic absorption spectrophotometer at 3h, 24h and 72h. For FS/ ME (n= 0), bar-shaped samples (7mmx 2mmx1mm) were made and evaluated using a Universal Testing Machine in the three-point flexion test. For VS (n = 30), the variation in the strain rate was determined by a rotational concentric cylinder rheometer. Results: For BS, all experimental materials showed statistically higher values than the commercial material (p <0.01). For the DC, the CONTROL and HIDROCAL cements showed statistically higher values than the others (p <0.01). In relation to CR, CLORECAL and ULTRAPLUS showed statistically higher values after 72 hours (p <0.01). ULTRAPLUS showed statistically the highest FS and the lowest EM (p <0.05). The HIDROCAL and CLORECAL cements showed VS values statistically higher than the others (p <0.01) Conclusion: In general, the experimental cement based on calcium chloride proved to be more promising (AU).

Impact of calcium aluminate cement with additives on dental pulp-derived cells

Abstract Calcium aluminate cement (CAC) has been highlighted as a promising alternative for endodontic use aiming at periapical tissue repair. However, its effects on dental pulp cells have been poorly explored. Objective: This study assessed the impact of calcium chloride (CaCl2) and bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) or zinc oxide (ZnO) additives on odontoblast cell response to CAC. Methodology: MDPC-23 cells were exposed for up to 14 d: 1) CAC with 2.8% CaCl2 and 25% ZnO (CACz); 2) CAC with 2.8% CaCl2 and 25% Bi2O3 (CACb); 3) CAC with 10% CaCl2 and 25% Bi2O3 (CACb+); or 4) mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), placed on inserts. Non-exposed cultures served as control. Cell morphology, cell viability, gene expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone sialoprotein (BSP), and dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP-1), ALP activity, and extracellular matrix mineralization were evaluated. Data were compared using ANOVA (α=5%). Results: Lower cell density was detected only for MTA and CACb+ compared with Control, with areas showing reduced cell spreading. Cell viability was similar among groups at days one and three (p>0.05). CACb+ and MTA showed the lowest cell viability values at day seven (p>0.05). CACb and CACb+ promoted higher ALP and BSP expression compared with CACz (p<0.05); despite that, all cements supported ALP activity. Matrix mineralization were enhanced in CACb+ and MTA. Conclusion: In conclusion, CAC with Bi2O3, but not with ZnO, supported the expression of odontoblastic phenotype, but only the composition with 10% CaCl2 promoted mineralized matrix formation, rendering it suitable for dentin-pulp complex repair.

Two enteral solutions with different chloride concentrations administered by naso-ruminal route for fluid therapy in adult cattle / Comparação de duas soluções enterais com diferentes concentrações de cloreto administradas por via nasorruminal para hidratação em bovinos adultos

Six adult Holstein cows were used in this fluid therapy study. All animals were previously submitted to 24 hours of water and food abstaining period and submitted to both hydration treatments for eight hours in a crossover design 6x2. Two treatments with hypotonic solutions (190 mOsm/L) with low strong ion difference and different chloride concentrations solutions were executed. Physical, biochemical, blood gas analysis and urinary evaluation were executed in five different experimental times (T-24h, T0h, T4h, T8h e T24h). The hydration period caused plasmatic volume expansion. An increase in faeces humidity, excretion of Na+ and Cl- in urine, reduction of PCV, osmolarity, blood and urinary pH was observed. Both solutions can be used for fluid therapy for adult cattle and solution containing calcium chloride (SECaCl) was the most suitable for use in animals with hypochloraemia.(AU)

Seis vacas holandesas adultas foram utilizadas neste estudo de hidratação. Todos os animais foram submetidos previamente a 24 horas de jejum hídrico e alimentar e submetidos a ambos os tratamentos de hidratação por oito horas, em delineamento transversal 6x2. Foram realizados dois tratamentos com soluções hipotônicas balanceadas (190 mOsm/L) com diferentes concentrações de cloretos. Foram realizadas avaliações físicas, bioquímicas, hemogasometria e avaliação urinária em cinco diferentes tempos experimentais (T-24h, T0h, T4h, T8h e T24h). O período de hidratação causou expansão de volume plamático. Foi observado aumento da umidade das fezes e da excreção de Na+ e Cl- na urina, redução do volume globular, osmolaridade, pH sangüíneo e pH urinário. Ambas as soluções podem ser usadas para hidratação de bovinos adultos, sendo a solução que contém cloreto de cálcio (SECaCl) a mais indicada para o uso em animais com hipocloremia.(AU)

Calcium chloride treatment modifies cell wall metabolism and activates defense responses in strawberry fruit (Fragaria × ananassa, Duch).

BACKGROUND: Fruit dips in calcium ions solutions have been shown as an effective treatment to extend strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa, Duch) quality during storage. In the present work, strawberry fruit were treated with 10 g L-1 calcium chloride solution and treatment effects on cell wall enzymes activities and the expression of encoding genes, as well as enzymes involved in fruit defense responses were investigated. RESULTS: Calcium treatment enhanced pectin methylesterase activity while inhibited those corresponding to pectin hydrolases as polygalacturonase and ß-galactosidase. The expression of key genes for strawberry pectin metabolism was up-regulated (for FaPME1) and down-regulated (for FaPG1, FaPLB, FaPLC, FaßGal1 and FaAra1) by calcium dips. In agreement, a higher firmness level and ionically-bound pectins (IBPs) amount were detected in calcium-treated fruit compared with controls. The in vitro and in vivo growth rate of fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea was limited by calcium treatment. Moreover, the activities of polyphenol oxidases, chitinases, peroxidases and ß-1,3-glucanases were enhanced by calcium ion dips. CONCLUSION: News insights concerning the biochemical and molecular basis of cell wall preservation and resistance to fungal pathogens on calcium-treated strawberries are provided. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Potential of the Moringa oleifera saline extract for the treatment of dairy wastewater: application of the response surface methodology.

In this work, the coagulation/flocculation/sedimentation treatment of dairy wastewater samples was investigated through serial factorial designs utilizing the saline extract obtained from Moringa oleifera (Moringa) as a coagulant. The sedimentation time (ST), pH, Moringa coagulant (MC) dose and concentration of CaCl2 have been evaluated through the response surface methodology in order to obtain the ideal turbidity removal (TR) conditions. The empirical quadratic model, in conjunction with the desirability function, demonstrated that it is possible to obtain TRs of 98.35% using a coagulant dose, concentration of CaCl2 and pH of 280 mg L-1, 0.8 mol L-1 and 9, respectively. The saline extract from Moringa presented its best efficiency at an alkaline pH, which influenced the reduction of the ST to a value of 25 min. It was verified that the increase in the solubility of the proteins in the Moringa stimulated the reduction of the coagulant content in the reaction medium, and it is related to the use of calcium chloride as an extracting agent of these proteins. The MC proved to be an excellent alternative for the dairy wastewater treatment, compared to the traditional coagulants.

Two enteral solutions with different chloride concentrations administered by naso-ruminal route for fluid therapy in adult cattle / Comparação de duas soluções enterais com diferentes concentrações de cloreto administradas por via nasorruminal para hidratação em bovinos adultos

ABSTRACT: Six adult Holstein cows were used in this fluid therapy study. All animals were previously submitted to 24 hours of water and food abstaining period and submitted to both hydration treatments for eight hours in a crossover design 6x2. Two treatments with hypotonic solutions (190 mOsm/L) with low strong ion difference and different chloride concentrations solutions were executed. Physical, biochemical, blood gas analysis and urinary evaluation were executed in five different experimental times (T-24h, T0h, T4h, T8h e T24h). The hydration period caused plasmatic volume expansion. An increase in faeces humidity, excretion of Na+ and Cl- in urine, reduction of PCV, osmolarity, blood and urinary pH was observed. Both solutions can be used for fluid therapy for adult cattle and solution containing calcium chloride (SECaCl) was the most suitable for use in animals with hypochloraemia.

RESUMO: Seis vacas holandesas adultas foram utilizadas neste estudo de hidratação. Todos os animais foram submetidos previamente a 24 horas de jejum hídrico e alimentar e submetidos a ambos os tratamentos de hidratação por oito horas, em delineamento transversal 6x2. Foram realizados dois tratamentos com soluções hipotônicas balanceadas (190 mOsm/L) com diferentes concentrações de cloretos. Foram realizadas avaliações físicas, bioquímicas, hemogasometria e avaliação urinária em cinco diferentes tempos experimentais (T-24h, T0h, T4h, T8h e T24h). O período de hidratação causou expansão de volume plamático. Foi observado aumento da umidade das fezes e da excreção de Na+ e Cl- na urina, redução do volume globular, osmolaridade, pH sangüíneo e pH urinário. Ambas as soluções podem ser usadas para hidratação de bovinos adultos, sendo a solução que contém cloreto de cálcio (SECaCl) a mais indicada para o uso em animais com hipocloremia.

High Catalytic Activity of Lipase from Yarrowia lipolytica Immobilized by Microencapsulation.

Microencapsulation of lipase from Yarrowia lipolytica IMUFRJ 50682 was performed by ionotropic gelation with sodium alginate. Sodium alginate, calcium chloride and chitosan concentrations as well as complexation time were evaluated through experimental designs to increase immobilization yield (IY) and immobilized lipase activity (ImLipA) using p-nitrophenyl laurate as substrate. To adjust both parameters (IY and ImLipA), the desirability function showed that microcapsule formation with 3.1%(w/v) sodium alginate, 0.19%(w/v) chitosan, 0.14 M calcium chloride, and 1 min complexation time are ideal for maximal immobilization yield and immobilized lipase activity. A nearly twofold enhancement in Immobilization yield and an increase up to 280 U/g of the lipase activity of the microcapsules were achieved using the experimental design optimization tool. Chitosan was vital for the high activity of this new biocatalyst, which could be reused a second time with about 50% of initial activity and for four more times with about 20% of activity.

Testicular histological evaluation and serum testosterone concentrations of bulls after chemical castration with calcium chloride / Avaliação histológica e das concentrações séricas de testosterona de touros após a castração química com cloreto de cálcio

Orchiectomized bulls have advantages in the meat quality and ease of handling. Chemical castration is an option for surgical castration and the sclerosing agents can be administered into the testicular or epididymis parenchyma. These agents have a lower incidence of complications than surgery, especially when associated with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), which has anti-inflammatory action and increases the absorption of other drugs. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of a single intratesticular injection of calcium chloride solution associated with DMSO for the chemical sterilization of bulls. Twenty-four young adult bulls were utilized, distributed into 3 groups (G20, G30 and G40, n = 8/group), according to the calcium chloride concentration (20, 30 and 40%), in 10mL volume. Serum concentrations of testosterone, body weight, testicular volume and ecotexture, clinical signs and behavior and were evaluated for 45 days. Thus, the animals were orchiectomized and testicles were assessed histologically. There were no changes in body weight, decreased serum testosterone concentrations (except G30), signs of scrotal sensitivity or changes in behavior over the period. However, there was significant increase in testicular volume, especially on the 2nd and 3rd day after treatment, with values returning to the value initials at 15 days. Testicular adherence and firm consistency were observed during orchiectomy. Ultrasound examination revealed a loss of integrity of the median raphe, with cavity formation and an alteration of the testicular echotexture. In the histological evaluation, coagulation necrosis of seminiferous tubules and interstitial cells was observed, mainly in the medial portion in all groups. Some animals presented total absence of tubular formations in all the studied groups, being the effects of greater intensity in the G40. Additionally, pronounced edema was noted in all groups, especially in G40. Inflammatory infiltrate, fibroplasia and neovascularization were found to be predominantly discrete. Based on the conditions used in this study, we conclude that calcium chloride associated with DMSO can be used as a method of chemical sterilization in bovines.(AU)

Bovinos orquiectomizados apresentam vantagens na qualidade da carne e facilidade no manejo. A quimioesterilização é uma opção à castração cirúrgica e os agentes esclerosantes podem ser administrados no parênquima testicular ou epidídimo. Estes produtos possuem menor incidência de complicações, comparados a cirurgia, especialmente quando associados ao dimetilsulfóxido (DMSO), que apresenta ação anti-inflamatória e aumenta a absorção de outros fármacos. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de uma única injeção intratesticular de solução de cloreto de cálcio associado com 0,5% de DMSO para a esterilização química de bovinos. Vinte e quatro touros adultos jovens foram utilizados, distribuídos em 3 grupos (G20, G30 e G40, n = 8/grupo) de acordo com a concentração de cloreto de cálcio (20, 30 e 40%), em um volume de 10mL. Foram avaliadas as concentrações séricas de testosterona, peso corporal, volume e ecotextura testicular, sinais clínicos e comportamento por 45 dias. A seguir, os animais foram submetidos à orquiectomia e os testículos avaliados histologicamente. Não foram observadas alterações do peso corporal, diminuição das concentrações de testosterona sérica (exceto no G30), sinais de sensibilidade escrotal ou alterações no comportamento no período avaliado. Porém, houve aumento significativo do volume testicular, especialmente nos 2º e 3º dia após o tratamento, com valores retornando aos iniciais aos 15 dias. Aderência e consistência firme dos testículos foram achados observados durante a orquiectomia. O exame ultrassonográfico revelou perda de integridade da rafe mediana, com formação de cavidades e alteração da ecotextura testicular. Na avaliação histológica, verificou-se necrose de coagulação de túbulos seminíferos e células intersticiais acentuada, principalmente, na porção medial em todos os grupos, sendo que em alguns animais havia ausência total das formações tubulares em todos os grupos estudados, sendo os efeitos de maior intensidade no G40. Além disso, edema foi acentuado em todos os grupos, principalmente em G40. Infiltrado inflamatório, fibroplasia e neovascularização foram achados predominantemente discretos. Com base nas condições utilizadas neste estudo, conclui-se que o cloreto de cálcio associado com o DMSO pode ser utilizado como um método de esterilização química em bovinos.(AU)

Testicular histological evaluation and serum testosterone concentrations of bulls after chemical castration with calcium chloride / Avaliação histológica e das concentrações séricas de testosterona de touros após a castração química com cloreto de cálcio

Orchiectomized bulls have advantages in the meat quality and ease of handling. Chemical castration is an option for surgical castration and the sclerosing agents can be administered into the testicular or epididymis parenchyma. These agents have a lower incidence of complications than surgery, especially when associated with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), which has anti-inflammatory action and increases the absorption of other drugs. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of a single intratesticular injection of calcium chloride solution associated with DMSO for the chemical sterilization of bulls. Twenty-four young adult bulls were utilized, distributed into 3 groups (G20, G30 and G40, n = 8/group), according to the calcium chloride concentration (20, 30 and 40%), in 10mL volume. Serum concentrations of testosterone, body weight, testicular volume and ecotexture, clinical signs and behavior and were evaluated for 45 days. Thus, the animals were orchiectomized and testicles were assessed histologically. There were no changes in body weight, decreased serum testosterone concentrations (except G30), signs of scrotal sensitivity or changes in behavior over the period. However, there was significant increase in testicular volume, especially on the 2nd and 3rd day after treatment, with values returning to the value initials at 15 days. Testicular adherence and firm consistency were observed during orchiectomy. Ultrasound examination revealed a loss of integrity of the median raphe, with cavity formation and an alteration of the testicular echotexture. In the histological evaluation, coagulation necrosis of seminiferous tubules and interstitial cells was observed, mainly in the medial portion in all groups. Some animals presented total absence of tubular formations in all the studied groups, being the effects of greater intensity in the G40. Additionally, pronounced edema was noted in all groups, especially in G40. Inflammatory infiltrate, fibroplasia and neovascularization were found to be predominantly discrete. Based on the conditions used in this study, we conclude that calcium chloride associated with DMSO can be used as a method of chemical sterilization in bovines.(AU)

Bovinos orquiectomizados apresentam vantagens na qualidade da carne e facilidade no manejo. A quimioesterilização é uma opção à castração cirúrgica e os agentes esclerosantes podem ser administrados no parênquima testicular ou epidídimo. Estes produtos possuem menor incidência de complicações, comparados a cirurgia, especialmente quando associados ao dimetilsulfóxido (DMSO), que apresenta ação anti-inflamatória e aumenta a absorção de outros fármacos. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de uma única injeção intratesticular de solução de cloreto de cálcio associado com 0,5% de DMSO para a esterilização química de bovinos. Vinte e quatro touros adultos jovens foram utilizados, distribuídos em 3 grupos (G20, G30 e G40, n = 8/grupo) de acordo com a concentração de cloreto de cálcio (20, 30 e 40%), em um volume de 10mL. Foram avaliadas as concentrações séricas de testosterona, peso corporal, volume e ecotextura testicular, sinais clínicos e comportamento por 45 dias. A seguir, os animais foram submetidos à orquiectomia e os testículos avaliados histologicamente. Não foram observadas alterações do peso corporal, diminuição das concentrações de testosterona sérica (exceto no G30), sinais de sensibilidade escrotal ou alterações no comportamento no período avaliado. Porém, houve aumento significativo do volume testicular, especialmente nos 2º e 3º dia após o tratamento, com valores retornando aos iniciais aos 15 dias. Aderência e consistência firme dos testículos foram achados observados durante a orquiectomia. O exame ultrassonográfico revelou perda de integridade da rafe mediana, com formação de cavidades e alteração da ecotextura testicular. Na avaliação histológica, verificou-se necrose de coagulação de túbulos seminíferos e células intersticiais acentuada, principalmente, na porção medial em todos os grupos, sendo que em alguns animais havia ausência total das formações tubulares em todos os grupos estudados, sendo os efeitos de maior intensidade no G40. Além disso, edema foi acentuado em todos os grupos, principalmente em G40. Infiltrado inflamatório, fibroplasia e neovascularização foram achados predominantemente discretos. Com base nas condições utilizadas neste estudo, conclui-se que o cloreto de cálcio associado com o DMSO pode ser utilizado como um método de esterilização química em bovinos.(AU)

Calcium chloride-enriched calcium aluminate cement promotes in vitro osteogenesis.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of 2.8% or 10% calcium chloride (CaCl2 ) in calcium aluminate cement (CAC) with either bismuth oxide (Bi2 O3 ) or zinc oxide (ZnO) as radiopacifiers on the progression of osteogenic cell cultures. METHODOLOGY: Rat calvaria-derived cells were grown on Thermanox® coverslips for 24 h and exposed to samples of (i) CACb: with 2.8% CaCl2 and 25% Bi2 O3 ; (ii) CACb+: with 10% CaCl2 and 25% Bi2 O3 ; (iii) CACz: with 2.8% CaCl2 and 25% ZnO; or (iv) CACz+: with 10% CaCl2 and 25% ZnO, placed on inserts. Nonexposed cultures served as the control. Calcium and phosphorus contents in culture media were quantified. The effects of the cements on cell apoptosis, cell viability and acquisition of the osteogenic cell phenotype were evaluated. Data were compared by Kruskal-Wallis test (α = 5%). RESULTS: CACb+ promoted the highest levels of calcium in the culture media; CACz+, the lowest levels of phosphorus (P < 0.05). CACz+ and CACb increased cell apoptosis (P < 0.05). CACb reduced cell viability (P < 0.05) and the expression of the osteoblastic phenotype. CACz+ and CACb+ promoted greater cell differentiation and matrix mineralization compared to CACz and CACb (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: For CAC with the lower CaCl2 content, the use of Bi2 O3 was detrimental for osteoblastic cell survival and differentiation compared to ZnO, while CAC with the higher CaCl2 content supported the acquisition of the osteogenic cell phenotype in vitro regardless of the radiopacifier used. Thus, CAC with 10% CaCl2 would potentially promote bone repair in the context of endodontic therapies.

Alginate hydrogel improves anti-angiogenic bevacizumab activity in cancer therapy.

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy applied to solid tumors is a promising strategy, yet, the challenge to deliver these agents at high drug concentrations together with the maintenance of therapeutic doses locally, at the tumor site, minimizes its benefits. To overcome these obstacles, we propose the development of a bevacizumab-loaded alginate hydrogel by electrostatic interactions to design a delivery system for controlled and anti-angiogenic therapy under tumor microenvironmental conditions. The tridimensional hydrogel structure produced provides drug stability and a system able to be introduced as a flowable solution, stablishing a depot after local administration. Biological performance by the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay indicated a pH-independent improved anti-angiogenic activity (∼50%) compared to commercial available anti-VEGF drug. Moreover, there was a considerable regression in tumor size when treated with this system. Immunohistochemistry highlighted a reduced number and disorganization of microscopic blood vessels resulting from applied therapy. These results suggest that the developed hydrogel is a promising approach to create an innovative delivery system that offers the possibility to treat different solid tumors by intratumoral administration.

Browplasminin, a condensed tannin with anti-plasmin activity isolated from an aqueous extract of Brownea grandiceps Jacq. flowers.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Following Venezuelan traditional medicine, females with heavy menstrual blood loss (menorrhagia) drink Brownea grandiceps Jacq. flowers (BG) decoctions to reduce the bleeding. In a previous study, we demonstrated that BG aqueous extract (E) possesses a potent anti-fibrinolytic activity capable of inhibiting plasmin, the main serine-protease that degrades fibrin. It is widely known that plasmin inhibitors are often used as anti-fibrinolytics to reduce bleeding during surgeries with high risk of blood loss such as cardiac, liver, vascular, tooth extraction and large orthopedic procedures, as well as for menorrhagia treatments. The aim of this work was to isolate and characterize from BGE the compound responsible for the reported anti-fibrinolytic activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A decoction of BG was prepared; then it was homogenized, centrifuged and lyophilized to obtain BGE. Subsequently the extract was fractionated by gel filtration and reverse phase using HPLC and the active compound was characterized by MALDI-ToF MS. The kinetic parameters of anti-plasmin activity were evaluated by an amidolytic assay using a chromogenic substrate; also the anti-plasmin activity was estimated by fibrin plate method. Data were analyzed by nonparametric statistics. RESULTS: The active compound was a condensed tannin denominated Browplasminin, which is capable of inhibiting the plasmin activity in a dose-dependent manner when measured in fibrin plates or by the amidolytic activity method; it also has a minor effect on the FXa activity. However, it does not affect the activity of other serine-proteases such as trypsin, t-PA or u-PA. Browplasminin consists predominately of heteroflavan-3-ols of catechin with B-type linkages, and extents up to heptadecamers (~ 5000Da), with hexose residues attached to the polymer that presents a high degree of galloylation. Its IC50 for plasmin was 47.80µg/mL and for FXa was 237.08µg/mL, while the Ki were 0.76 and 61.61µg/mL for plasmin and FXa, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The overall outcome of this study suggests that Browplasminin could be responsible for reducing heavy menstrual bleeding in women because its kinetic parameters showed that is a good plasmin inhibitor.

Orange waste: A valuable carbohydrate source for the development of beads with enhanced adsorption properties for cationic dyes.

Eco-friendly pectin and pectin/cellulose microfibers beads (PB and PB-CF) were synthesized using compounds extracted from orange bagasse, a solid waste from the food industry. PB-CF beads showed remarkable differences regarding several properties as compared to the beads without CF. The adsorption capability of PB and PB-CF was tested towards the removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution. The effect of various parameters on the MB adsorption was investigated. The kinetics and mechanism of adsorption were explained by the pseudo-second-order kinetics and intra-particle diffusion models. Equilibrium adsorption data are explained by the Langmuir isotherm model, which revealed a maximum adsorption capacity of 1550.3mg/g for PB and 2307.9mg/g for PB-CF5. Thermodynamic analysis suggests that the adsorption of MB on the beads is spontaneous and favorable. Recycling study demonstrated that both PB and PB-CF5 can be implemented in 6 consecutive adsorption/desorption cycles without losing their adsorption capacity. These results enable the use of PB and PB-CF as potentially low-cost adsorbents for wastewater treatments.

Chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol)/bovine bone powder biocomposites: A potential biomaterial for the treatment of atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects a large percent of the world́s population. This long-lasting skin disease has been treated by different approaches according to its causative agent and severity. Nonetheless, the use of advanced biomaterials to treat AD is poorly explored. The present study assessed the protective effectiveness of biocomposites films based on chitosan (Cs), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and bovine bone powder (BBP) on AD-like skin lesions. These original biocomposites were fully characterized and in vivo biological assays concerning the AD treatment were performed using a mouse model induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). The dorsal skin and ear of Balb/c female mice were challenging cutaneously with DNCB. Our findings demonstrate BBP-based biocomposite attenuated and treated considerably the DNCB-induced skin lesions in an AD-like model. In this sense, this study suggests that this original biocomposite may be applied as an active biomaterial for AD treatment.

Sensory and physicochemical characteristics of low sodium salami

The aim of the present study was to develop low sodium salami prepared with pork, low-fat beef and a small quantity of pork back fat (150 g kg1). Sodium chloride (NaCl) was replaced by potassium chloride (KCl) and calcium chloride (CaCl2), and salamis were tasted to obtain low-salt salami with sensory characteristics similar to those found in commercial ones. Salamis were prepared following seven different treatments. Treatments included five different combinations of KCl and CaCl2 which varied from 5 g kg1 to 10 g kg1 and two controls containing high (25 g kg1) and low (10 g kg1) concentrations of NaCl. The right level of saltiness of each treatment was evaluated on just-about-right (JAR) scales and analyzed by Penalty Analysis. The results showed differences in pH and Aw (water activity) due to NaCl reduction. Salt replacement mixtures of KCl/CaCl2 in salamis did not affect this process technologically (slicing, appearance and texture), and the decrease in Na content was approximately 55 %. Although no significant differences were observed in appearance, treatments differed (p 0.05) in flavor, texture, and overall liking. As regards salt content of salami, consumers considered treatments with low NaCl content and replacers KCl and CaCl2 (% Na) as having an acceptable level of saltiness. However, this replacement produced a strange taste. Thus, the production of low sodium salamis using salt replacers (KCl and CaCl2) or salamis without replacers with a value higher than 1 % of NaCl can be used effectively without compromising major sensorial attributes.(AU)

Sensory and physicochemical characteristics of low sodium salami

The aim of the present study was to develop low sodium salami prepared with pork, low-fat beef and a small quantity of pork back fat (150 g kg1). Sodium chloride (NaCl) was replaced by potassium chloride (KCl) and calcium chloride (CaCl2), and salamis were tasted to obtain low-salt salami with sensory characteristics similar to those found in commercial ones. Salamis were prepared following seven different treatments. Treatments included five different combinations of KCl and CaCl2 which varied from 5 g kg1 to 10 g kg1 and two controls containing high (25 g kg1) and low (10 g kg1) concentrations of NaCl. The right level of saltiness of each treatment was evaluated on just-about-right (JAR) scales and analyzed by Penalty Analysis. The results showed differences in pH and Aw (water activity) due to NaCl reduction. Salt replacement mixtures of KCl/CaCl2 in salamis did not affect this process technologically (slicing, appearance and texture), and the decrease in Na content was approximately 55 %. Although no significant differences were observed in appearance, treatments differed (p 0.05) in flavor, texture, and overall liking. As regards salt content of salami, consumers considered treatments with low NaCl content and replacers KCl and CaCl2 (% Na) as having an acceptable level of saltiness. However, this replacement produced a strange taste. Thus, the production of low sodium salamis using salt replacers (KCl and CaCl2) or salamis without replacers with a value higher than 1 % of NaCl can be used effectively without compromising major sensorial attributes.