Nonenzymatic glucose sensor based on disposable pencil graphite electrode modified by copper nanoparticles

A nonenzymatic glucose sensor based on a disposable pencil graphite electrode (PGE) modified by copper nanoparticles [Cu(NP)] was prepared for the first time. The prepared Cu(NP) exhibited an absorption peak centered at ~562 nm using UV-visible spectrophotometry and an almost homogenous spherical shape by scanning electron microscopy. Cyclic voltammetry of Cu(NP)-PGE showed an adsorption controlled charge transfer process up to 90.0 mVs⁻¹. The sensor was applied for the determination of glucose using an amperometry technique with a detection limit of [0.44 (±0.01) μM] and concentration sensitivity of [1467.5 (±1.3) μA/mMcm⁻²]. The preparation of the Cu(NP)-PGE sensor was reproducible (relative standard deviation = 2.10%, n = 10), very simple, fast, and inexpensive, and the Cu(NP)-PGE is suitable to be used as a disposable glucose sensor.     

Investigation of the effects of Chlorella vulgaris as an adjunctive therapy for dyslipidemia: Results of a randomised open‐label clinical trial

Aim: Chlorella vulgaris is a unicellular green microalga with several pharmacological activities including anti‐hyperlipidemic effects. In spite of interesting preclinical findings, the clinical efficacy of C. vulgaris in dyslipidemia—whether alone or in combination with statins—has not been clarified. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of supplementation with C. vulgaris as an adjunctive therapy to atorvastatin in dyslipidemic subjects. Methods: In a randomised, open‐label clinical trial, 100 dyslipidemic subjects were randomly assigned to: (i) Chlorella group (n = 50, dropouts = 24), receiving C. vulgaris (600 mg/day) + atorvastatin (20 mg/day) for 8 weeks; or (ii) atorvastatin group (n = 50, dropouts = 13), receiving only atorvastatin (20 mg/day) for 8 weeks. Lipid profile and biomarkers of muscular, hepatic and renal injury were determined at baseline and at the end of the trial. Results: There were significant reductions in serum total cholesterol (P < 0.001), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.001) and triglycerides (P= 0.006 in Chlorella and P= 0.004 in atorvastatin group) in both groups. No significant change in serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels was observed in any of the groups. Serum aspartate aminotransferase levels were raised in both Chlorella (P= 0.034) and atorvastatin (P= 0.002) groups, whereas alkaline phosphatase was only elevated in the Chlorella group (P= 0.028). In comparison with baseline values, no significant change was observed in serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, creatine phosphokinase, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and fasting blood sugar. Conclusion: Based on the results, addition of C. vulgaris to atorvastatin therapy for 8 weeks does not appear to be associated with an improved control of serum lipid profile.     

Lown-Ganong-Levine Syndrome in a 3-Month-Old Infant with Isolated Left Ventricular Noncompaction

This report describes a 3-month-old boy with isolated left ventricular noncompaction admitted to a medical facility due to heart failure and dysrhythmia. His electrocardiogram showed a short PR interval and a normal QRS complex after abortion of supraventricular tachycardia in favor of Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome or enhanced atrioventricular nodal conduction.     

Teratogenic effects of retinoic acid on neurulation in mice embryos.

Retinoic acids (RA) are natural chemicals that exert a hormone-like activity and a variety of biological effects on early development of mouse. In this study, the probable teratogenic effects of RA on CNS have been investigated in pregnant mice (n = 20) divided into four groups: (1) untreated controls, (2) controls which received a single dose of DMSO, (3) a group that received 40 mg/kg, and (4) a group that received 60 mg/kg of all-trans RA in DMSO, respectively on the eighth day of gestation. Embryos whose dams had received 40 and 60 mg/kg doses of RA, showed malformations and decreased size. At 40 mg/kg dosage level, 50% of the embryos had closed neural tubes while at 60 mg/kg dosage level the neural tube failed to close. The neuroblast mantle layers were disorganized in the 40 mg/kg and even more in the 60 mg/kg exposed group compared to the controls. In mitosis, the density of chromatin was increased in the 60 mg/kg dose group. Compared to controls the 40 and 60 mg/kg dose groups of RA treated dams decreases in the luminal longitudinal and internal measures were observed. Also the thickness of ventricular, mantle and marginal layers was smaller. Wide intercellular spaces due to the degenerated cells at high doses of RA as well as an accumulation of intercellular fluid were observed. Therefore, the wedge shape of neuroepithelium was abolished, preventing the elevation of the neural wall.     

Certain vitamin D metabolites potentiate the expression of parathyroid hormone bioactivity

With the development of a sensitive bioassay for the skeletal effects of parathyroid hormone (PTH), it has become possible to investigate the possible interaction between PTH and vitamin D3 metabolites. This assay is based on the stimulation of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity in either the hypertrophic chondrocytes of the growth plate or the osteoblasts lining the metaphyseal trabeculae of rat metatarsals. The response to PTH is paralleled by the activity of dibutyryl cAMP. None of the vitamin D3 metabolites tested had any effect on enzyme activity when tested by themselves. However, both 1,25(OH)2D3 and 25(OH)D3 caused a dose-related potentiation of the response to PTH. Neither 1,24,25(OH)3D3 nor 1,25(OH)2D3 26,23-lactone potentiated the response to PTH. Because this potentiation of the response to PTH occurs after only 8 minutes, it is suggested that it represents a nongenomic response to the vitamin D3 metabolites.     

Evaluation of craniosynostosis with three-dimensional CT imaging

Technological advances in computer image analysis have made possible three-dimensional (3D) surface reformations of anatomic structures from contiguous axial CT slices. We have recently utilized this new imaging technique in six patients with primary, isolated craniosynostosis. In each case 3D CT demonstrated the exact extent of synostosis, and in five cases 3D CT images facilitated surgical planning by precisely localizing the proper site for craniectomy. Three-dimensional CT may be a useful adjunct to imaging and surgical planning in this condition.     

Effects of pressure sensitive adhesives and chemical permeation enhancers on the permeability of fentanyl through excised rat skin

Drug-in-adhesive patches (DIAPs) of fentanyl were formulated using various pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) and various chemical permeation enhancers (CPEs). The effects of PSAs and CPEs on skin permeation of fentanyl from DIAPs were evaluated using modified jacketed Franz diffusion cells fitted with excised rat abdominal skin. It was demonstrated that the permeation rate or steady state flux (J(ss)) of the drug through the excised rat skin was dependent on the viscosity and type of acrylic PSA as well as the type of CPE. Among different acrylic PSAs, Duro-Tak 2054 and Duro-Tak 2516 showed the highest J(ss) of 1.95 microg cm(-2) h(-1) and the lowest J(ss) of 1.43 microg cm(-2) h(-1), respectively. Among the various CPEs used, propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol 400 showed 1.61 and 1.18, the highest and the lowest enhancement ratios (ER) of the skin permeation of fentanyl, respectively. Oleic acid and cetyl alcohol moderately increased the skin permeation of fentanyl. It was also shown that increasing the concentration of CPE led to reduction in the adhesion property of PSA as measured by the 180 degrees peeling strength test. Moreover, it was found that the permeation rate increased as the fentanyl loading increased from 1 to 3%. The skin permeation rate of fentanyl did not increase significantly beyond 3% drug loading. It was concluded that propylene glycol as a CPE and cosolvent in 10% (m/m) with 3% fentanyl loading in Duro-Tak 2054 showed an effective monolithic DIAP for the development of a transdermal therapeutic system for fentanyl.