Effect of hydroxylated solvents on the active constituents of Salvadora persica root “Siwak”

Previously, the antimicrobial activity of Salvadora persica was traced to benzyl isothiocyanate. In the present study known inactive compounds were isolated from extracts obtained by different solvents including β-amyrin, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol glucoside, benzyl cyanide and sulphur. However, some inactive compounds were present only in the ethanol and methanol extracts. This observation indicated that these compounds most likely are artifacts resulted from interaction with the solvents used in extraction. Pure benzyl isothiocyanate was kept with different solvents for 72?h and after TLC study they were heated under reflux for 8?h to explore the possibility of interactions. Only solvents with OH groups reacted with benzyl isothiocyanate and gave products similar to those isolated from the alcohol extracts. In conclusion extraction of S. persica with hydroxylated solvents will alter the structure of the active compound benzyl isothiocyanate and leads to loss of antimicrobial activity.     

Effect of nano copper on visceral organs and the contents of trace elements in weanling pigs

We determine the effect of nano copper on visceral organs and contents of trace elements in organs and serum in weanling pigs. Our results showed that following supplementary concentration with 25, 50 and 200?mg/kg/day of nano copper, contents of copper shows trend of increasing in liver, kidney and intestinal; and ferrum shows gradually decreasing. The histopathological examination showed hemolysis, degeneration, nucleus pycnosis in liver, while renal tubular epithelial cell exfoliation and lymphocyte infiltration were found in kidney on supplementation of high concentration of nano-copper. Therefore, dietary supplementation of nano-copper 25?mg/kg b.wt could be a potential substitute for weaning piglets.     

Sustained release and enhanced oral bioavailability of rivaroxaban by PLGA nanoparticles with no food effect

Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis - The purpose of the currents study was to enhance bioavailability of rivaroxaban (RXB) and reduce the food effect. RXB loaded PLGA nanoparticles...     

Adult intestinal intussusception — A report of 2 cases and literature review

Every five years or so a case of adult small bowel intussusception secondary to pathologies such as inflammatory fibroid polyp (IFP) appears in English literature. Likewise rare cases of adult colonic intussusception due to a tumour have been reported including, more recently, their successful management by laparoscopic approach. We describe two such cases, one each of small bowel and large bowel intussusception, due to IFP and caecal tumour respectively and discuss their management. We also suggest role of combined laparoscopy/endoscopy in selected cases of colonic resections.     

Safety and efficacy of an aroA-deleted live vaccine against avian colibacillosis in a multicentre field trial in broilers in Morocco

The safety and efficacy of an aroA-deleted live vaccine against avian colibacillosis (Poulvac^® E. coli) was evaluated in broilers in a multicentre field trial. The trial sites consisted of 18 paired bird houses (randomly assigned to either the vaccination or the control treatment groups) located in 15 farms in three different regions of Morocco. A field dose of vaccine was administered on day of hatch by the spray route. Both clinical and performance parameters were compared between vaccinated and control groups, in which the experimental unit was defined as the individual bird house. No adverse reactions attributable to the vaccine were observed throughout the study. Non-inferiority of the vaccinated bird houses versus the control houses during a 2-week period post vaccination was statistically demonstrated for mortality and average daily weight gain. Vaccine efficacy was confirmed based on significant differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups measured for the full duration of the trial, including colibacillosis-like lesions observed at slaughter (1.7 versus 3.5%; P = 0.0054), total mortality (9.3 versus 10.3%; P = 0.0203), average daily weight gain (47.8 versus 46.2 g/day; P = 0.0006), average number of antibiotic treatment days (0.5 versus 2.0; P = 0.0008) and percentage of the birds that was marketed (90.0 versus 89.0%; P = 0.0309). In conclusion, the vaccine was demonstrated to be both safe and efficacious under field conditions.     

Polypyrrole nanoparticles-based soft actuator for artificial muscle applications

Currently, a straightforward fabrication technique for the development of soft actuators to explore their potential in robotic applications using environmentally compatible raw materials represents an important challenge. A conventional conducting polymer, such as polypyrrole (PPy), shows promising conductivity for such applications. This study presents the synthesis of PPy/polyvinyl alcohol (PPy/PVA)-based ion exchange polymer films containing PEDOT:PSS/SWNT/IL electrodes that undergo conformational changes in response to the applied voltage. Four types of ionic polymer actuator films with different sizes of PPy nanoparticles were fabricated to investigate the size-dependent electromechanical actuation performance. The aim of this study is to design and develop a stable, flexible, and reliable film actuator for robotic applications. Scanning electron microscopy and transmittance electron microscopy were performed to observe the surface morphology and detailed structure of the fabricated actuator films. The current density and ionic conductivity are demonstrated by the cyclic voltammogram and linear sweep voltammogram, respectively. The enhanced values of the water uptake, ion exchange capacity and ionic conductivity of the PPy/PVA polymer composite films enhanced the electrical properties and the tip deflection performance as compared to those of the other reported expensive perfluorinated polymer-based membrane actuators. A two finger-based micro gripping device was also developed, in which both the fingers were made up of the O-PPy/PVA/EL-based ion exchange polymer films. This mechanically stable and flexible film actuator fabricated via a synergistic combination of PPy/PVA composition containing PEDOT:PSS/SWNT/IL electrode surfaces possesses a substantial potential as an actuator material for micro robotic applications.

Currently, a straightforward fabrication technique for the development of soft actuators to explore their potential in robotic applications using environmentally compatible raw materials represents an important challenge.     

Iatrogenic Right Atrial Thrombus Complicated by Pulmonary Embolism: Management and Outcomes

Right atrial thrombus can originate from distal venous sources or can be iatrogenic, secondary to the placement of central venous catheters, atrial devices, or surgeries. One of the most common complications of Central Venous Catheters (CVCs) is thromboembolism, which can be either fixed to the right atrium or can be free-floating. Device-related Right Atrial Thrombosis (RAT) can result in catheter occlusion, vascular occlusion, infection, and pulmonary embolism. The true incidence of these complications is unknown because the diagnosis may not be considered in asymptomatic patients, and it might be missed by Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE). In this literature review, we discuss iatrogenic etiologies of RAT that is complicated by pulmonary embolism. We highlight the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion of iatrogenic RAT, possible complications, and its management.