Exploring the antifungal potential of Annona muricata leaf extract-loaded hydrogel in treating vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis, mostly caused by Candida albicans, remains a prevalent concern in women's health. Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae), a plant native from Brazil, is well-known for its therapeutic potential, including antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. This study presents an innovative hydrogel formulation containing the ethanolic extract from A. muricata leaves designed to control C. albicans in an in vivo model of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Here, we report the development, thermal, physicochemical and rheological characterization of a Carbopol®-based hydrogel containing A. muricata extract. Furthermore, we evaluated its activity in a vulvovaginal candidiasis in vivo model. Thermal analyses indicated that the addition of the extract increased the polymer-polymer and polymer-solvent interactions.Rheological analysis showed a decrease in the viscosity and elasticity of the formulation as the A. muricata extract concentration increased, suggesting a liquid-like behavior. After treatment with the Carbopol®-based hydrogel with A. muricata, our in vivo results showed a significant reduction in vulvovaginal fungal burden and infection, as well as a reduction in mucosal inflammation. The current research opens up possibilities for the application of the Carbopol®-based hydrogel with A. muricata as a natural therapeutic option for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Competitive balance in football: a comparative study between brazil and the main european leagues (2003-2016) / Equilíbrio competitivo no futebol: um estudo comparativo entre brasil e as principais ligas europeias (2003-2016)

ABSTRACT The present study compared the competitive balance (CB) of Brazilian professional football with those of Germany, Spain, France, England, Italy and Portugal first division leagues, between the period from 2003/2004 to 2016/2017. In addition, a trend line of the period and the overall effect was analysed. The CB was measured by the concentration of points by the first four teams placed in the final standings (C4ICB). Descriptive values ​​showed that the competitions were not fully balanced (i.e. C4ICB> 100). (Md= 145, 148, 148, 152 and 155, respectively, p<0.05), with no differences for France (Md= 140), compared to Germany, Spain, Italy, England and Portugal (Md= 140, p> 0.05). The CB trend lines for Spain, Portugal and the overall effect were significant and showed a decline in the period (p <0.05). There was more stable behavior for Brazil and Italy, observing tendencies to significant models for the increments in the German and French leagues and a reduction in the CB in the English league. It is concluded that the Brazilian league was the most balanced in this period. Globally, there has been a growing inequality in these leagues, which may implicate in the success and attractiveness of the leagues in the future.

RESUMO O presente estudo comparou o equilíbrio competitivo (EC) do futebol brasileiro com os da Alemanha, Espanha, França, Inglaterra, Itália e Portugal), na primeira divisão, entre o período de 2003/2004 a 2016/2017. Além disso, verificou-se a linha de tendência do período e o efeito global. O EC foi medido através da concentração de pontos pelos quatro primeiros colocados na tabela final de classificação (C4 Index of Competitive Balance; C4ICB). Valores descritivos mostraram competições não totalmente equilibradas (i.e., C4ICB>100). C4ICB do campeonato brasileiro (Md=133) foi menor em comparação aos da Alemanha, Espanha, Itália, Inglaterra e Portugal (Md=145, 148, 148, 152 e 155, respectivamente; p<0.05), sem diferenças para a França (Md=140; p>0.05). As linhas de tendência de EC's de Espanha, Portugal e de efeito global foram significativas e demonstraram declínio no período (p<0.05). Para Brasil e Itália houve comportamento com perfil mais estável, observando tendências a modelos significativos para os incrementos nos campeonatos da Alemanha e França e redução de EC no campeonato da Inglaterra. Conclui-se que o campeonato brasileiro foi o torneio menos desequilibrado neste período. De forma global, houve uma crescente desigualdade de equilibrio nessas competições no período analisado o que pode comprometer o sucesso e atratividade no futuro.

Results from portable and of low cost equipment developed for detection of milk adulterations

Abstract This work presents the results of a device, MilkTech, developed to detect milk tampering, based on electrical measurements. The device indicates possible frauds by water, sodium chloride, caustic soda, ethyl alcohol and sodium bicarbonate. The advantages in relation to traditional methods are portability, low cost and detection of mixed frauds. The experiments were conducted in dairy plants at Governador Valadares, in Brazil. The results were compared with cryoscopy and chloride tests. It is demonstrated there is high correlation between MilkTech and Cryoscopy. For instance, the detection limit of the equipment for water addition with the set of analyzed data was 0.78% with precision of 1.1%. Adulterations with sodium chloride, caustic soda, ethyl alcohol and sodium bicarbonate are detected qualitatively, even when added with water, and MilkTech indicates "SUSPECT" milk.