Novel Spray Dried Glycerol 2-Phosphate Cross-Linked Chitosan Microparticulate Vaginal Delivery System—Development,Characterization and Cytotoxicity Studies

Chitosan microparticulate delivery systems containing clotrimazole were prepared by a spray drying technique using glycerol 2-phosphate as an ion cross-linker. The impact of a cross-linking ratio on microparticle characteristics was evaluated. Drug-free and drug-loaded unmodified or ion cross-linked chitosan microparticles were examined for the in vitro cytotoxicity in VK2/E6E7 human vaginal epithelial cells. The presence of glycerol 2-phosphate influenced drug loading and encapsulation efficacy in chitosan microparticles. By increasing the cross-linking ratio, the microparticles with lower diameter, moisture content and smoother surface were observed. Mucoadhesive studies displayed that all formulations possessed mucoadhesive properties. The in vitro release profile of clotrimazole was found to alter considerably by changing the glycerol 2-phosphate/chitosan ratio. Results from cytotoxicity studies showed occurrence of apoptotic cells in the presence of chitosan and ion cross-linked chitosan microparticles, followed by a loss of membrane potential suggesting that cell death might go through the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.     

Effect of poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles or cellulose nanocrystals-based formulations on Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) and tomato plant development

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - Nanotechnology can change the scenario of current tools minimizing the chemical inputs in plant protection. Here, novel poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide acid)...     

Sources of variation for sustainable field pea breeding

The pea crop (Pisum sativum L.) is a convenient source of plant protein for animal feeding. The objective of this research was to evaluate field pea breeding lines for agronomic performance and seed quality focussed to their use in a sustainable production. Thirty-five field pea breeding lines and six elite cultivars were evaluated for their agronomic value in field in Spain upon 20 traits related to flower, cycle, plant architecture, productivity and seed quality. The lines showed significant differences in all the quantitative traits evaluated and three of them, namely MB-0307, MB-0308, and MB-0319 were chosen to be evaluated, together with the advanced cultivar ZP-1233, in field and in growing chamber for agronomic performance, seed quality and ability for sustainable production. The four accessions displayed high seed protein content that had significant effect of cropping density with averages of 253.6 g kg⁻¹ under low cropping density of 60 plants m⁻² and 259.1 g kg⁻¹ under high cropping density of 90 plants m⁻², therefore, the low cropping density should be regarded as the most convenient. Average yield of the lines MB-0307, MB-0308 and MB-0319 and the cultivar ZP-1233 was fair (197.5 g m⁻²), probably due to the absence of fertilizers and irrigation, aiming for the sustainability of the crop. Intercropping with rye and herbicide application resulted in no differences on the seed yield; therefore, the ability of the breeding lines to grow without herbicide seems to be demonstrated, while the germination of the seeds at low temperature was very good. These results indicate that field pea could be a new protein crop in the North of Spain to satisfy the demand of plant protein for animal feed, based upon adapted breeding lines that combine the ability for growing under sustainable conditions with other desirable agronomic traits maintaining an adequate productivity.     

Hybrid performance and heterosis in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duchesne), regarding acidity,soluble solids and dry matter content in fruits

A top‐cross‐mating design among 29 S₄ inbred lines and tester (cultivar ‘Dukat’) was carried out to study their breeding value in terms of general combining ability (GCA). The objectives of this study were to evaluate the acidity, soluble solids and dry matter contents in fruits of progeny F₁ in comparison with S₄ inbred lines as well as the cultivars (S₀); identify strawberry genotypes with high value of GCA for use in cultivar development; and determine mid‐parent heterosis regarding S₄ inbred lines and cultivated strawberry. The 2‐year observations showed statistically significant differences between tested genotypes in terms of the studied traits. The highest breeding value based on GCA was estimated for Chandler 123‐5 for soluble solids and dry matter content, and Kent 7‐6 for acidity. Estimated mid‐parent heterosis had positive and negative values. The highest heterosis in terms of extract and dry matter content (26.71% and 17.50%, respectively) occurred in the offspring Chandler 123‐5 × ‘Dukat’, but as regards acidity in hybrid Chandler 123‐22 with cv. ‘Dukat’. The study of genetic divergence by dendrograms may help to identify parents suitable for obtaining hybrids with higher heterosis effects.     

Induced nutrient deficiencies in Catharanthus roseus impact ajmalicine bioproduction

Plants are key sources to obtain drugs and related medical compounds. In the species Catharanthus roseus L.G. Don, ordinarily known as vinca, contains significant amounts of the alkaloid ajmalicine, which is used as an anti-hypertension drug. The aim of this research was to verify the effect of macro-nutrient deficiencies and boron over ajmalicine bioproduction in vinca roots. The experiment was performed in random blocks with eight treatments: complete, nitrogen deficient (-N), phosphorus deficient (-P), potassium deficient (-K), calcium deficient (-Ca), magnesium deficient (- Mg), sulfur deficient (-S) and boron deficient (-B), with four replicates. Seedlings were initially watered once a day with a complete solution and after 55 days after germination the treatments were started. Plants were collected 135 days after germination and evaluated in relation to root's dry matter, concentration of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B and ajmalicine. Concentration of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S and B within the root's dry matter of the vinca plants in deficient treatments were respectively of 62, 61, 93, 52, 70, 61 and 44% lower when compared with complete treatment. Potassium deficiency resulted in ajmalicine increment of 19% within roots, while deficiencies in N, P, Mg and S reduced ajmalicine concentration in 55, 33, 22 and 26% respectively when compared with complete treatment. Deficiencies in Ca and B had no significant effect in ajmalicine concentration within the plant roots. Within plants with the complete treatment, nutrient contents of ajmalicine from the roots’ dry matter were respectively of 18,5 g kg^?1 N, 1,46 g kg^?1 P, 13,5 g kg^?1 K, 4,47 g kg^?1 Ca, 1,43 g kg^?1 Mg, 1,53 g kg^?1 S, 61 mg kg^?1 B and 1,28 mg g^?1 of vitexin.     

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome in a dog

A 3-year-old, spayed, female Boxer was presented because of acute onset of anorexia, vomiting, and hemorrhagic diarrhea. Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia with intravascular hemolysis, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure were detected. The dog was treated with fluids, antiemetics, antibiotics, and diuretics. Despite supportive therapy, the dog's condition worsened, and the owners elected euthanasia. Necropsy revealed disseminated petechiae on the parietal peritoneum and serosal surfaces of the intestinal tract. The histologic lesions were consistent with severe arteritis and microvascular thrombosis involving only the renal and intestinal arterioles. The final diagnosis was hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), a rarely described disorder in dogs. The clinical presentation of primarily gastrointestinal clinical signs was similar to that of typical or diarrhea-associated HUS (D+ HUS) in humans (mainly children), which is caused by gastrointestinal proliferation of verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli. Bacterial toxins can be adsorbed and cause endothelial injury, activation of hemostasis, and thrombosis, with lesions confined primarily to the kidneys. Although rare, HUS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of dogs with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia.     

Ulcerative enteritis (quail disease) in lories

Ulcerative enteritis is found in a wide range of avian hosts but has not been described in psittacine birds. This case report describes ulcerative enteritis in four lories (two Trichoglossus sp. and two Eos sp.) that were found dead without any previous sign of disease. Macroscopically, all four birds showed good body condition. The only remarkable finding was a moderate dilatation of the small intestine with the presence of multiple yellow foci. Histologically, multiple ulcers extended into the submucosa and were filled with necrotic debris; bacteria and fibrin were observed in the intestinal mucosa. The liver and spleen exhibited a multifocal fibrinoid necrosis associated with a very moderate inflammatory reaction. Microbiological isolation revealed colonies of Clostridium colinum and Clostridium perfringens in the intestinal tract of the investigated birds.     

First report of parasitic esophagitis by Streptocara incognita in Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata domesticus) in Italy

This work describes the first outbreak of streptocariasis by Streptocara incognita reported from Italy. The disease was observed in a backyard flock of 62 ducks (Cairina moschata domesticus) located in Treviso, northeastern Italy. Fifteen birds died in a period of 2 wk, showing debilitation and emaciation. Two ducks were submitted for postmortem examination and an esophagitis associated with nematodes was observed. The nematodes were identified as Streptocara incognita.     

Influence of estrus synchronization of prepubertal gilts on embryo quality

Synchronization and superovulation are commonly used to obtain large numbers of embryos for experimental and practical purposes. This study compared the number, quality, and in vitro development of embryos recovered from gilts following single or double estrus synchronization and superovulation. Prepubertal gilts from the single synchronization group were injected with 1500 I.U. PMSG and 1000 I.U. hCG 72 h later. The double synchronized group of gilts was treated with 750 I.U. PMSG and 500 I.U. hCG 72 h later. After 17 days, 1500 I.U. PMSG followed by 1000 I.U. hCG was administered. Five days after insemination embryos were recovered and cultured for 6 days. Both single and double hormonal stimulation schedules resulted in recovery of elevated numbers of embryos (28.4 and 23.4 vs. 11.3; p<0.01 and p相似文献