Multivariate optimization of mebeverine analysis using molecularly imprinted polymer electrochemical sensor based on silver nanoparticles

Thin film of a moleculary imprinted polymer (MIP) based on electropolymerization method with sensitive and selective binding sites for mebeverine (MEB) was developed. This film was cast on pencil graphite electrode (PGE) by electrochemical polymerization in solution of pyrrole (PY) and template MEB via cyclic voltammetry scans and further electrodeposition of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Several parameters controlling the performance of the silver nano particles MIP pencil graphite electrode (AgNPs-MIP-PGE) including concentration of PY(mM) concentration of mebeverine (mM), number of cycles in electropolymerization, scan rate of CV process (mV. s^?1), deposition time of AgNPs on to the MIP surface (s), stirring rate of loading solution (rpm), electrode loading time (min), pH of Britton–Robinson Buffer (BRB) solution were examined and optimized using multivariate optimization methods such as Plackett–Burman design (PBD) and central composite design (CCD). Two dynamic linear ranges of concentration for the MIP sensor were obtained as. 1 × 10 ^?8 to 1 × 10 ^?6 and 1 × 10 ^?5 to1 × 10^?3 M with the limit of detection (LOD) of 8.6 × 10 ^?9M (S/N = 3). The proposed method was successfully intended for the determination of MEB in real samples (serum, capsule). The sensor was showed highly reproducible response (RSD 1.1%) to MEB concentration.     

A successful third resection-anastomosis in a tracheal restenosis

Reoperation due to recurrence after tracheal resection and reconstruction still seems challenging. Although recurrence may lead to serious morbidity, an appropriate surgical technique plays a significant role in the cure of these patients. We report our experience of a patient who successfully underwent a third resection and anastomosis of the trachea. We believe that the number of previous operations is not a contraindication by itself against reoperating on a patient with restenosis. Also the success rate might be acceptably high if a sufficiently healthy tracheal length remains.     

Effect of cryoanalgesia on post-thoracotomy pain

We prepared this study to determine the effect of cryoanalgesia on post-thoracotomy pain. In this double-blinded randomized clinical trial, 60 patients who underwent thoracotomy were divided into two groups (control and cryoanalgesia). Visual Analogue Scale (VAS, 0-10) was used for the measurement of severity of post-thoracotomy pain. It was classified into three categories: 0-1 (mild), 2-3 (moderate), and 4-10 (severe). Pethidine (0.5-1 mg/kg) was administered in case of need for both groups. Patients were visited at the hospital a week later, and were contacted by phone at the first, second, and third months post-operatively. Intensity of pain in the control group was higher than the cryoanalgesia group in all visits the follow-up period. On the second day, the frequencies of severe pain (4-10) were 33.3% and 0 in the control and cryoanalgesia groups, respectively. The mild pain on the seventh day was 13.3% and 83.3% in the control and cryoanalgesia groups, respectively (P < 0.01). Pethidine consumption was 151.6 ± 27 mg in the control group and 87.5 ±48 mg in the cryoanalgesia group on the first day post-operation (P < 0.001). Cryoanalgesia is a useful technique with not serious side effects in order to alleviate post-thoracotomy pain and reduce the need for opiate consumption.     

Zinc and selenium status in cows with dermatophytosis

Dermatophytosis (ringworm), an infection of the superficial keratinized structures of the skin and hair, is the most common contagious skin disease in cattle. The infectious diseases caused by dermatophytes are mainly related to the enzymes product by these fungi. Conversely, elements such as zinc and selenium are involved in the regulation of immune responses to infection. There are rare reports about the possible role of zinc and selenium concentration in the pathogenesis of cattle dermatophytosis. Thus, this study was conducted in a humid area of Iran on 35 healthy and 35 infected cows. After diagnosis confirmation by direct microscopic examination and fungi isolation via inoculation on Sabouraud dextrose agar using skin scrap and broken hair samples of infected cows, the zinc and selenium concentration of serum and hair in both groups were determined by potentiometric stripping analyzer and atomic absorption spectrometry, respectively. Results showed that serum concentration of selenium and zinc in cattle with dermatophytosis were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than the healthy ones. Although hair concentration of selenium and zinc in infected cattle were lower than the healthy ones, the differences were not significant (P > 0.05). In conclusion, it seems that zinc and selenium have a determinant role in immune status and the response of animal’s immunity system to dermatophytosis.     

Trichophyton verrucosum isolation from a historical horse fillet

This report describes the isolation of Trichophyton verrucosum from a 70-year-old horse fillet. This fillet was not used since 1992 and was kept in a memorial collection. The report may imply longer viability for T. verrucosum than currently thought.     

Pathologic lesions of naturally occurring coccidiosis in sheep and goats

Small ruminant coccidiosis is a contagious protozoal disease that especially occurs in kids and lambs, with a worldwide distribution. In this study, a total number of 21 small ruminants including six goats and 15 sheep with ages between 2 weeks to 6 years old with history of depression, loss of appetite, yellow to dark watery diarrhea, progressive dehydration, and emaciation were referred for diagnosis of the disease. At necropsy, gross lesions were seen mostly in the jejunum, ileum, cecum, and sometimes in proximal colon. Three cases had minimal lesions including a few scattered whitish non-pedunculated to pedunculated nodules on the mucosa of the jejunum and ileum. Eighteen cases had marked lesions including numerous small whitish non-pedunculated nodules on the mucosa of the jejunum, ileum, cecum, and proximal colon. Advanced cases had adenomatous-like mucosa and a cerebriform or gyrate pattern on the serosal surface. Microscopically, lesions in both minimal and marked cases were similar to proliferative enteritis except the extent of lesions and amount of inflammatory reaction. In marked cases, the epithelial cells of hyperplastic crypts and villi of the jejunum, ileum, cecum, and proximal part of colon were full of developmental stages of Eimeria, especially progamonts. The giant schizonts were easily discernible in five cases. There was no histologic evidence of presence of developmental stages of Eimeria in the duodenum, distal colon, rectum, submucosal tissues, or mesenteric lymph nodes. In conclusion, this study showed no differences between sheep and goat cases with regards to clinical signs, gross and histopathologic lesions. The most common lesions were in the jejunum, ileum, and cecum, grossly as non-pedunculated whitish nodules and microscopically, as proliferative enteritis with presence of developmental stages of the Eimeria in the hyperplastic enterocytes.