Calcium Channel Inhibitory Effect of Marjoram (Origanum majorana L.): Its Medicinal Use in Diarrhea and Gut Hyperactivity.

BACKGROUND: The leaves of Origanum majorana (O. majorana) are traditionally renowned for treating diarrhea and gut spasms. This study was therefore planned to evaluate its methanolic extract. METHODS: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify the phytochemicals, and Swiss albino mice were used for an in vivo antidiarrheal assay. Isolated rat ileum was used as an ex vivo assay model to study the possible antispasmodic effect and its mechanism(s). RESULTS: The GC-MS analysis of O. majorana detected the presence of 21 compounds, of which alpha-terpineol was a major constituent. In the antidiarrheal experiment, O. majorana showed a substantial inhibitory effect on diarrheal episodes in mice at an oral dosage of 200 mg/kg, resulting in 40% protection. Furthermore, an oral dosage of 400 mg/kg provided even greater protection, with 80% effectiveness. Similarly, loperamide showed 100% protection at oral doses of 10 mg/kg. O. majorana caused complete inhibition of carbachol (CCh, 1 µM) and high K+ (80 mM)-evoked spasms in isolated ileal tissues by expressing significantly higher potency (p < 0.05) against high K+ compared to CCh, similar to verapamil, a Ca++ antagonist. The verapamil-like predominant Ca++ ion inhibitory action of O. majorana was further confirmed in the ileal tissues that were made Ca++-free by incubating the tissues in a physiological salt solution having ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as a chelating agent. The preincubation of O. majorana at increasing concentrations (0.3 and 1 mg/mL) shifted towards the right of the CaCl2-mediated concentration-response curves (CRCs) with suppression of the maximum contraction. Similarly, verapamil also caused non-specific suppression of Ca++ CRCs towards the right, as expected. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, this study conducted an analysis to determine the chemical constituents of the leaf extract of O. majorana and provided a detailed mechanistic basis for the medicinal use of O. majorana in hyperactive gut motility disorders.

Salvia officinalis flowers extract ameliorates liver and kidney injuries induced by simultaneous intoxication with ethanol/castor oil.

The current study investigated the possible mechanisms of aqueous extract Salvia officinalis flowers (SF-AE) and its protective effects against hepatorenal toxicities produced by simultaneous acute administration of ethanol (EtOH)/castor oil (CO). Healthy male rats (N = 50) were separated into five equal groups: control, Ethanol (EtOH) + Castor oil (CO), doses of increasing orders of SF-AE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.) during 15 days. Liver and kidney injuries were induced by EtOH (4 g/kg, b.w., p.o.) combined with CO (5 mL/kg, b.w., p.o.). Compared to the control group, SF-AE pretreatment protected against simultaneous administration of EtOH and CO-caused serious histological alterations in liver and kidney tissues. SF-AE also reversed liver and kidney biochemical parameters and lipid profile alterations. More importantly, SF-AE significantly reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and counteracted the depletion of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. SF-AE also prevents against inflammation induced by EtOH combined with CO, expressed by the rise of inflammation biomarkers (C-reactive protein: CRP and alkaline phosphatase: ALP). Additionally, combined EtOH intoxication and CO poisoning exerted an increase in H2 O2 , free iron and calcium levels. Impressively, SF-AE treatment regulated levels of these studied intracellular mediators in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, SF-AE can potentially improve liver and kidney injuries associated with biochemical parameter deregulations, possibly by controlling oxidative stress and inflammation.

Effects on the Human Tear Film of Applying Skin Lipids to the Ocular Surface.

PURPOSE: The effect of skin lipids on the formation and stability of the human tear film was investigated. METHODS: Skin swab substances (SSSs) were applied to the eyes of volunteers and studied using fluorescein or with TearView, which records infrared emissivity showing tear film integrity in real time. Results were compared with similar experiments using castor oil, freshly collected meibum, or acetic acid, which simulated the low pH of the skin. RESULTS: Fluorescein and TearView results were comparable. TearView showed the natural unaltered tear film over the whole eye, instant changes to the tear film, and meibomian gland activity. Minimal amounts of SSS destroyed the integrity of the film and caused pain. Corneal epithelial damage could be detected. TearView showed that SSS stimulated meibomian gland secretion if applied directly to the posterior eyelid margin. Excess meibum had no effect on the tear film spread or integrity. Castor oil formed floating lenses on the tear film which were spread by a blink but then condensed back toward themselves. There was no pain or surface damage with these oils. CONCLUSIONS: SSS contamination of the ocular surface disrupts the tear film, causes stinging, and fluorescein staining of the corneal epithelial cells after a blink. SSS stimulates meibomian gland activity. It is possible that various ocular conditions associated with dry eye, such as blepharitis and ocular rosacea, may compromise a meibomian lipid barrier of the eye lid margin. Skin lipids would then have access to the ocular surface and cause dry eye symptoms.

Liver and spleen of hosts of Rhipicephalus linnaei exposed to synthetic (afoxolaner) and natural acaricides (esters from castor oil). A comparative clinical-morphological study.

In dogs, Rhipicephalus linnaei transmits pathogens such as Ehrlichia canis, Babesia vogeli, and Hepatozoon canis. The veterinary market has synthetic acaricides to ticks control. Esters derived from castor oil are efficient. However, there is little information about their effects on non-target organisms. This work consisted of a clinical (AST, ALT, and ALP) and histological and histochemical analysis (liver and spleen) of female rabbits exposed to these esters and afoxolaner. The rabbits were divided into three groups: control group (CG) received Bandeirante® rabbit feed; the afoxolaner treatment (TG1) received rabbit feed and two doses of afoxolaner; castor oil esters treatment (TG2) received rabbit feed enriched with esters (1.75 g esters/kg). No alterations were observed in the AST, ALT, and ALP enzymes in exposure to esters TG2. Rabbits from TG1 showed changes in AST. The liver of rabbits exposed to afoxolaner underwent histological and histochemical changes, such as steatosis and vacuolation, as well as poor protein labeling. Polysaccharides were intensely observed in the group exposed to esters. The spleen showed no changes in any of the exposure. Esters from castor oil caused fewer liver changes when incorporated into the feed and fed to rabbits than exposure to afoxolaner.

Early response of Solanum nigrum L. to Lumax and castor oil combination in relation to antioxidant activity, osmolyte concentration and chlorophyll a fluorescence.

Solanum nigrum L. (Black nightshade), is one of the most troublesome weeds of summer crops such as corn, soybean, sunflower, etc. To study the effect of combined Castor oil as an adjuvant with different doses of Lumax (Mesotrion + S-metolacholor + Terbuthylazine) on the physiological behavior of Solanum nigrum L., a greenhouse experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with four replications in agricultural faculty of the University of Tabriz in 2021. A foliar application of Lumax increased proline, malondialdehyde, and hydrogen peroxide concentrations and superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase activity. The content of protein and photosynthetic pigments (Chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoids) also decreased significantly by using Lumax herbicide. Applying castor oil in combination with Lumax intensifies oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Results showed that by increasing the herbicide doses in comparison with control (non-herbicide), Area, Fm, Fv, Fv/Fm, Fv/F0, Sm, Sm/Tfm, and Fv/F0 decreased 48.32%, 19.52%, 27.95%, 10.47%, 50.90%, 28.34%, 79.38%, and 50.90%, respectively and F0, F0/Fm increased 46.76% and 82.38%, respectively. Castor oil showed a synergistic effect on Lumax herbicide and enhanced its efficacy on Solanum nigrum. The presented results supported the view that by evaluating chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters, we would realize herbicide (alone or mixed with any adjacent) efficacy before the visual symptoms appear in the plant.

Compatibility and efficiency of preservatives in emulsive cosmetics containing high surfactant content

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the influence of nonionic surfactants on the effectiveness of preservatives used in emulsions containing high surfactant content. Mixtures of different concentrations were prepared between polyethoxylated (40) hydrogenated castor oil (PHCO) and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (PSO), with methylparaben, phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and isobutylparaben (PMEPBI) blend, phenoxyethanol and benzoic acid (BP) blend, and phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol (PC) blend. Subsequently, the compatibility of the formulation ingredients and the effectiveness of the preservatives were evaluated by the challenge test. It was found that PHCO and PSO inactivated the antimicrobial action of methylparaben and PMEPBI. Paraben-free preservatives BP and PC had less influence on surfactants than systems containing parabens. When incorporated into microemulsions and nanoemulsions containing 40% and 20% surfactants, methylparaben and BP 0.2% and 0.5% were only effective against Aspergillus niger. The PMEPBI 0.2% was effective as a preservative in nanoemulsified formulations against A. niger, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. The results demonstrate that the efficacy of the preservative system in formulations containing nonionic surfactant excipients depends on the type of excipient, the components of the formulation, the preservative systems composition, the excipient to preservative ratio, and the availability in the formulation.

Epoxy Coatings Based on Modified Vegetable Oils for Wood Surface Protection against Fungal Degradation.

The study describes the curing and thermal behavior of a new castor oil maleic anhydride adduct/epoxy oils/5-Bromosalicylic acid coatings and their composites with wood. The epoxidized oils were flax and hemp. The kinetic parameters of the curing and thermal degradation processes were calculated. The resistance of the coated wood surfaces against Cladosporium cladosporioides, Aspergillus brasiliensis, and Penicillium chrysogenum was tested. Color changes, FT-IR and SEM were conducted before and after fungal attack. The decay resistance and color change of raw wood and wood treated samples against fungi was tested. Based on the color changes and according to ASTM D 2017, the decay resistance rating for covered samples was considered as "highly resistant". Chemical resistance and coating performance tests were also undertaken. The obtained results recommend the described materials for applications in wood protective coatings.

In Vivo, Proteomic, and In Silico Investigation of Sapodilla for Therapeutic Potential in Gastrointestinal Disorders.

This study aims to delineate the effects of Manilkara zapota Linn. (Sapodilla) fruit chloroform (Mz.CHCl3) and aqueous (Mz.Aq) extracts tested through different techniques. Antidiarrheal activity and intestinal fluid accumulation were examined by using castor oil-induced diarrhea and castor oil fluid accumulation models. Isolated rabbit jejunum tissues were employed for in vitro experiments. Antimotility and antiulcer were performed through charcoal meal transient time and ethanol-induced ulcer assay, molecular studies were conducted through proteomic analysis, and virtual screening was performed by using a discovery studio visualizer (DSV). Mz.CHCl3 and Mz.Aq extracts attributed dose-dependent (50-300 mg/kg) protection (20-100%) against castor oil-induced diarrhea and dose-dependently (50-300 mg/kg) inhibited intestinal fluid secretions in mice. Mz.CHCl3 and Mz.Aq extracts produce relaxation of spontaneous and K+ (80 Mm) induced contractions in isolated tissue preparations and decreased the distance moved by charcoal in the gastrointestinal transit model in rats. It showed gastroprotective effect in ulcerative stomach of rats and decreased levels of IL-18 quantified by proteomic analysis. Histopathological results showed ethanol-induced significant gastric injury, leading to cloudy swelling, hydropic degeneration, apoptosis, and focal necrosis in all gastric zones using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Moreover, ethanol increased the activation and the expression of tumor necrotic factor (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase (COX-2), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (p-NFκB). In silico results were comparative to in vitro results evaluated through virtual screening. Moreover, ethanol increased the activation and expression of tumor necrotic factor, cyclooxygenase, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells. This study exhibits the gastroprotective effect of Manilkara zapota extracts in the peritoneal cavity using a proteomic and in silico approach which reveals different energy values against target proteins, which mediate the gastrointestinal functions.

Comparison between a commercial blend of functional oils and monensin on the performance and microbiota of coccidiosis-challenged broilers.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of a cashew nut shell oil and commercial castor oil blend (CNSL-Castor oil) on the performance and microbiota of broiler chickens with and without coccidiosis challenge. A total of 864 one-day-old male chicks (Cobb) were randomly distributed to receive 6 treatments (8 pens/treatment; 18 chicks/pen) in a 3 × 2 factorial, with 3 additives (control [non-additives], 100 ppm sodium monensin, or 0.15% CNSL-Castor oil blend), and 2 levels of coccidiosis challenge at 14 D of age (unchallenged or inoculated by gavage with 1 mL of solution containing oocysts sporulated with Eimeria tenella, Eimeria acervulina, and Eimeria maxima). No differences in productive performance were observed among treatments in the pre-challenge period and in unchallenged birds (P > 0.05). Seven-days post-challenge, birds receiving monensin performed better than birds in the positive control group (non-additive and challenge) or in the CNSL-Castor oil group (P > 0.05). However, 14 D post-challenge, birds supplemented with CNSL-Castor oil presented higher weight gain and better feed conversion (P > 0.05), without any change in feed intake (P > 0.05). During the accumulated period (1 to 42 D of age), the live weight, weight gain, and feed intake did not differ between the CNSL-Castor oil and monensin groups, both of which presented higher values than the positive control. Lactobacillus spp. and Clostridium perfringens numbers were increased in the challenged birds (P < 0.05). CNSL-Castor oil supplementation reduced Clostridium cluster XIV, C. perfringens, and S. aureus, compared with the monensin and control groups (P > 0.05). In addition, the CNSL-Castor oil group presented the highest number of Lactobacillus spp. copies, followed by the monensin and positive control groups (P > 0.05). Thus, monensin and CNSL-Castor oil effectively minimized the impact of coccidiosis at different times. While monensin acts as an antimicrobial, CNSL-Castor oil modulates the intestinal microbiota with antimicrobial action against gram-positive bacteria, mainly C. perfringens and S. aureus.

In-situ modification of castor oil with divalent metal ions like Zn (II), Cu (II), Co (II) and Ba (II) and their comparative antioxidant study by in-vitro methods.

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permitted for direct addition of castor oil into food for human consumption and recently FDA approved castor oil as over-the-counter (OTC) for laxative drug. Castor oil (COL) is a vegetable oil and naturally polyol which is inexpensive, environmental friendly and a very valuable renewable resource. Metals are believed to influence antioxidant property of ligands. Metals copper, zinc, cobalt and barium were incorporated with castor oil and subsequently structures were established by FT-IR, UV-Visible, and 1H NMR spectroscopic techniques. In vitro antioxidant activities of metal containing COL were determined by DPPH and superoxide scavenging methods and the results were compared with vitamin C. Enhanced antioxidant nature of metal containing castor oil was noticed and compared to virgin castor oil. This study reveals that synthesized metal containing-COL is a potential antioxidant material.

Rosemary, Castor Oils, and Propolis Extract: Activity Against Candida Albicans and Alterations on Properties of Dental Acrylic Resins.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the in vitro activity of 8% rosemary, 2% castor oils, and 12% propolis glycolic extract against Candida albicans, as well as the physical changes of properties in colorless and pink acrylic resins after immersion in these liquids. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Colorimetric, roughness, and Knoop microhardness assays were evaluated in 25 specimens distributed into five groups (3 test groups and 2 control groups - distilled water and hypochlorite 1%), totaling five specimens per group for each acrylic resin (colorless and pink). The specimens were individually immersed for 30 minutes in 10 mL of these liquids, washed, and dried once a week. They were maintained in distilled water at 37°C between processes during all experiments. The analyses were performed before immersion and in the 4th and/or 12th month. In vitro, 18 acrylic resins were exposed to C. albicans and, after a process of 30 minutes in immersion in the five groups cited and oil vehicle control of vesicle (liquid Vaseline), the specimens were washed and incubated for 24 hours in 37°C. The growth was determined by colony counting. For comparisons between the groups in each trial and the disinfection test, paired Student's t-tests and ANOVA with post hoc Tukey were performed by the SPSS program, considering α = 0.05. RESULTS: None of the liquids altered the microhardness, but all the natural compounds and 1% sodium hypochlorite (control) altered color and roughness after the 12th month of immersion in these agents. In the colorless specimens, 8% rosemary oil caused a color change similar to water, and less color and roughness alterations when compared to 2% castor oil and 1% sodium hypochlorite, respectively. There was no growth of yeast colonies after immersion in rosemary oil, propolis glycolic extract, and 1% sodium hypochlorite. CONCLUSION: Eight percent rosemary oil has the potential to be used as an acrylic resin disinfectant.

Copper(II) complex-loaded castor oil-based nanostructured lipid carriers used against Mycobacterium tuberculosis : Development, characterisation, in vitro and in vivo biological assays.

A copper(II) complex-loaded castor oil-based nanostructured lipid carrier was evaluated to enhance the poor water solubility of antimicrobial compounds, improving their biological properties and antimicrobial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Nanostructured lipid carriers were composed of the castor oil, polyoxyethylene 40 stearate and caprylic/capric triglyceride, poloxamer 407, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and three different copper(II) complexes. The systems were ultrasonicated at an amplitude of 8% for 20 min and an ice bath was used throughout the procedure. The blank nanostructured lipid carrier (F5) and nanostructured lipid carriers loaded with copper(II) complex 1, 2 and 3 (F5.1, F5.2 and F5.3, respectively) for 45 days presented values of mean diameter, poly dispersity index and zeta potential ranging from 186 to 199 nm, 0.14 to 0.2 and 24 to 30 mV, respectively. Atomic force microscopy indicated that the nanostructured lipid carriers were distributed at the nanoscale, corroborating the mean diameter data. Differential scanning calorimetry determined the melting points of the constituents of the nanostructured lipid carriers. The antimicrobial activity of copper(II) complexloaded F5 against M. tuberculosis H37Rv showed better anti-tuberculosis activity than the free complexes. In vivo biological assays of complex-loaded F5 demonstrated reduced toxicity. Our results suggest that nanostructured lipid carriers could be a potential nanotechnological strategy to optimise tuberculosis treatment.

Enhanced oral bioavailability of an antipsychotic drug through nanostructured lipid carriers.

Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic, undergoes extensive first pass metabolism, also has poor aqueous solubility and belongs to BCS (Biopharmaceutical Classification System) Class II drug) exhibit low oral bioavailability. To overcome this and to enhance the bioavailability, intestinal lymphatic transport of drugs can be exploited through Nano structured lipid carriers (NLCs). The NLCs were formulated by solvent diffusion method using solid lipid (glyceryl tripalmitate), liquid lipid (castor oil) and surfactants (Pluronic F-68, Soylecithin). The formulated NLCs were characterized for physico-chemical properties, in-vitro release studies and in-vivo oral bioavailability. F6 has shown average particle size of 158.5 nm with PI of 0.115 indicating narrow particle size distribution and follows uni modal distribution. It was found that the batch with stearyl amine has a zeta potential of 28.39 mV which confers stability to the dispersion. Bioavailability studies indicate that there was more than 5½-fold increase in oral bioavailability in case of NLCs (F6) compared to olanzapine suspension which indicates that NLCs provided sustained release of the drugs, and these systems can be the preferred as drug carriers for lipophilic drugs in long term disease conditions such as schizophrenia for enhanced bioavailability.

Design and development of low cost polyurethane biopolymer based on castor oil and glycerol for biomedical applications.

In the current study, we present the synthesis of novel low cost bio-polyurethane compositions with variable mechanical properties based on castor oil and glycerol for biomedical applications. A detailed investigation of the physicochemical properties of the polymer was carried out by using mechanical testing, ATR-FTIR, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Polymers were also tested in short term in-vitro cell culture with human mesenchymal stem cells to evaluate their biocompatibility for potential applications as biomaterial. FTIR analysis confirmed the synthesis of castor oil and glycerol based PU polymers. FTIR also showed that the addition of glycerol as co-polyol increases crosslinking within the polymer backbone hence enhancing the bulk mechanical properties of the polymer. XPS data showed that glycerol incorporation leads to an enrichment of oxidized organic species on the surface of the polymers. Preliminary investigation into in vitro biocompatibility showed that serum protein adsorption can be controlled by varying the glycerol content with polymer backbone. An alamar blue assay looking at the metabolic activity of the cells indicated that castor oil based PU and its variants containing glycerol are non-toxic to the cells. This study opens an avenue for using low cost bio-polyurethane based on castor oil and glycerol for biomedical applications.

Antidiarrheal and antimicrobial activities of the ethanol extract from the Icacina senegalensis root bark.

BACKGROUND: The Icacina senegalensis root bark is traditionally used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in Nigeria. To date, no scientific study has substantiated or refuted this claim. METHODS: The antidiarrheal and antimicrobial activities of the ethanol root bark extract were investigated in rats and against some selected diarrhea-causing microorganisms. RESULTS: The extract significantly decreased the frequency of castor oil-induced diarrhea, and inhibited the masses and volumes of intestinal fluid accumulation in the castor oil-induced enteropooling method. The distance travelled by the charcoal meal was also decreased by the extract gastrointestinal transit method. The extract also strongly inhibited the growth of some selected microorganisms. CONCLUSIONS: The ethanol extract of the I. senegalensis root bark showed antidiarrheal activity, thus justifying its long folkloric use in diarrhea treatment. The extract also demonstrated antimicrobial activity against selected diarrheal causing organisms.

Castor oil as a natural alternative to labor induction: A retrospective descriptive study.

AIM: To describe birthing outcomes among women who consumed castor oil cocktail as part of a freestanding birth center labor induction protocol. METHODS: De-identified data from birth logs and electronic medical records were entered into SPSS Statistics 22.0 for analysis for all women who received the castor oil cocktail (n=323) to induce labor between January 2008 and May 2015 at a birth center in the United States. Descriptive statistics were analyzed for trends in safety and birthing outcomes. RESULTS: Of the women who utilized the castor oil cocktail to stimulate labor, 293 (90.7%) birthed vaginally at the birth center or hospital. The incidence of maternal adverse effects (e.g., nausea, vomiting, extreme diarrhea) was less than 7%, and adverse effects of any kind were reported in less than 15% of births. An independent sample t-test revealed that parous women were more likely to birth vaginally at the birth center after using the castor oil cocktail than their nulliparous counterparts (p<.010), while gestational age (p=.26), woman's age (p=.23), and body mass index (p=.28) were not significantly associated. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 91% of women in the study who consumed the castor oil cocktail to induce labor were able to give birth vaginally with little to no maternal or fetal complications. Findings indicate further research is needed to compare the safety and effectiveness of natural labor induction methodologies, including castor oil, to commonly used labor induction techniques in a prospective study or clinical trial.

Monensin and a blend of castor oil and cashew nut shell liquid used in a high-concentrate diet abruptly fed to Nellore cattle.

Monensin and functional oils (FO) were supplemented to a high-concentrate diet abruptly fed to 12 ruminally cannulated Zebu steers to study their effects on rumen fermentation, blood metabolites, and , , and relative population. A randomized complete block design with repeated measures over time within 2 experimental periods of 21 d each was used. Treatments were a control (CTR; with no additives), FO (included at 400 mg/kg), and monensin included at 30 mg/kg (M30) or 40 mg/kg (M40). All steers were fed the same high-concentrate basal diet, which consisted of 92.25% concentrate. The first 60 h after transition showed a treatment and hour interaction for ruminal propionate proportion ( = 0.028), and no change in acetate molar proportion ( = 0.633), rumen pH ( = 0.370), and time the rumen pH remained below 5.6 ( = 0.242) were observed. The acetate:propionate ratio decreased ( = 0.020) when monensin was fed in both concentrations (2.30 for the M30 treatment and 2.32 for the M40 treatment) compared with when the CTR was fed (2.85), without being different when the FO (2.71) treatment was fed. Only the M30 treatment did not show pH below 5.2 (P=0.047) over the 60 h after the abrupt transition. Within the entire period, DMI ( = 0.008) and mean ruminal pH ( = 0.040) as well as molar proportions of propionate ( = 0.034) and valerate ( = 0.031) had significant interactions between treatment and day. Total VFA concentration was greater ( = 0.017) for the M30 (117.36 m) and CTR treatments (115.77 m) compared with the M40 treatment (105.02 m), without being different for the FO treatment (111.55 m). Treatments did not change feed behavior parameters. Blood HCO ( = 0.006) and total carbon dioxide ( = 0.003) were greater for the M30 (27.8 and 29.3 mmol/L, respectively) and FO treatments (28.3 and 29.7 mmol/L, respectively) compared with the CTR treatment (25.7 and 26.9 mmol/L, respectively). ( < 0.0001) and ( < 0.0001) decreased their population throughout days, whereas ( = 0.026) increased its population. Independent of ciliated protozoa genera, the greatest ( < 0.0001) protozoa counts were observed for the CTR treatment (52.7 × 10/mL), intermediate for the FO treatment (35.3 x10/mL), and least for steers fed monensin in both concentrations (15 × 10/mL for the M30 treatment and 14 × 10/mL for the M40 treatment). Feed additives had different effects to reduce the subacute acidosis. The use of the FO and M40 treatments did not change most of the rumen fermentation variables, especially in the first week after abrupt transition, when the M30 treatment provided higher protection against acidosis.

Histologic and immunohistochemical evaluation of biocompatibility of castor oil polyurethane polymer with calcium carbonate in equine bone tissue.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of castor oil polyurethane polymer with calcium carbonate for use in a unicortical ostectomy on the dorsal surface of the third metacarpal bone of horses. ANIMALS 6 adult horses. PROCEDURES A unicortical ostectomy was created on the dorsal surface of both third metacarpal bones of each horse. Castor bean (Ricinus communis) oil polyurethane polymer with calcium carbonate was implanted into the ostectomy on 1 limb, and the ostectomy of the contralateral limb was left unfilled and served as a control sample. Ostectomy sites were evaluated histologically 120 days later. Biopsy specimens were obtained from the interface of bone and polymer or the interface of bone and newly formed tissue; specimens were processed for histomorphometric evaluation by use of light microscopy, immunohistochemical analysis, histochemical analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS Osteoconductive activity of the biomaterial was confirmed by the presence of osteoblasts in the biopsy specimens. Absence of a chronic inflammatory response or foreign body reaction indicated biocompatibility. Expression of osteoblast markers was detected in the newly formed tissue. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that castor oil polyurethane polymer with calcium carbonate could be an acceptable compound for use as a bone substitute in horses with fractures in which bone filling is necessary.

Anti-diarrhoeal therapeutic potential and safety assessment of sulphated polysaccharide fraction from Gracilaria intermedia seaweed in mice.

Sulphated polysaccharides extracted from algae have been extensively studied for their diverse biological activities. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition, the anti-diarrhoeal effect and acute toxicity of a sulphated polysaccharide fraction obtained from Gracilaria intermedia (SP-Gi). Initially, the FT-IR of SP-Gi revealed to be an agaran with sulphation at C-6 of the l-galactosyl residues. The anti-diarrhoeal activity of SP-Gi was evaluated in a castor oil-induced diarrhoea model. The effects of SP-Gi on enteropooling, Na +-K +-ATPase activity, gastrointestinal transit, and gastric emptying were then examined. Subsequently, the effect of SP-Gi on diarrhoea induced by cholera toxin (CT) and Escherichia coli was examined. In addition, an acute toxicity test was conducted in accordance with OECD guideline 423. Pre-treatment with SP-Gi reduces the total faeces, total diarrhoeal faeces, and enteropooling. SP-Gi (30mg/kg p.o.) increased Na+/K+-ATPase activity and reduced gastrointestinal transit through anticholinergic mechanisms. ELISA demonstrated that SP-Gi can interact with GM1 receptors and CT. SP-Gi reduced diarrhoea induced by E. coli and prevented weight loss in the animals. Moreover, SP-Gi did not induce any toxicity signs. These results suggest that SP-Gi is a possible candidate for the treatment of diarrhoeal illnesses.

In Vitro Analysis of Surface Roughness of Acrylic Resin Exposed to the Combined Hygiene Method of Brushing and Immersion in Ricinus communis and Sodium Hypochlorite.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a solution based on Ricinus communis (Castor oil) for denture cleansing, comparing it to sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) for the surface roughness of heat-polymerized acrylic resin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty polished and unpolished resin specimens (90 × 30 × 4 mm) were evaluated before and after their exposure to protocol hygiene: brushing the specimens with a specific denture brush and mild soap for 3 minutes, three times a day, and immersing them in hygiene solutions (0.25% NaOCl-S1 and 0.5% NaOCl-S2; 10% R. communis-S3; saline-S4: control) for 20 minutes. Surface roughness was evaluated by rugosimeter and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before and after the protocol. For evaluation of surface roughness, polished and unpolished surfaces were used. RESULTS: The roughness of the polished surface was not affected by time (p = 0.062), but was affected by solutions (p < 0.0001) and the interaction between factors (p = 0.005). For S1 and S4, the period did not influence the roughness. For S2, there was a change after 7 days, remaining stable after 14 days. For S3, there were changes, and stabilization occurred after 14 days. After 7 and 14 days, S2 and S3 promoted major changes, but after 21 days, there were no differences among solutions, except saline. The unpolished surface was not influenced by factors: period (p = 0.115), solution (p = 0.120), and their interaction (p = 0.382). SEM analysis showed similar results on the evaluation of surface roughness. CONCLUSIONS: The polished surface of the prosthesis was more susceptible to changes when exposed to hygiene solutions, and although the 0.5% NaOCl solution promoted an increase in the surface roughness compared with the same solution at 0.25% and R. communis at 10%, the values are clinically acceptable.