Giardia lamblia is the causative agent of giardiasis, a common parasitic infection of the human and animal digestive tract. Although several drugs have been available to treat this infection, they present unpleasant side effects or cytotoxicity. In order to find a more natural treatment for the disease, we analyzed the effects of the methanolic extract and three fractions obtained from Hovenia dulcis Thunb. (Rhamnaceae) leaves on G. lamblia. Comparing all fractions, dichloromethane was more efficient in reducing Giardia growth. The exposition of G. lamblia to this fraction lead to degenerations in the surface, modifications in the cell shape and alterations in the localization of nuclei. Besides that, the adhesion of G. lamblia was also altered. Experiments revealed that the obtained fraction did not present cytotoxic effects in mammalian cells. In summary, dichloromethane fraction has strong antigiardial effects and could become an important new substance for the treatment of giardiasis.

The creep behavior of a high density polyethylene (PE-HD) was evaluated before and after aging in contact with gasoline and diesel oil. Four viscoelastic models were used to assess changes in creep properties of the material: three parameters model, four parameters model, stretched Burgers model and Findley Law. Viscoelastic properties, stationary creep rate and compliance were used to analyze and compare the behavior between samples. A strain increase could be seen in aged samples in comparison with as-received ones, caused by plasticization due to aging effects. An increase in flexibility and decrease in stiffness in aged samples was also noted. This work also shows that the effects of aging on the creep response of a polymeric material can be analyzed using short term creep tests.