The β-cyclodextrin-modified nanosized ZSM-5 zeolite as a carrier for curcumin

Herein, the nanosized ZSM-5 zeolite was synthesized based on a fractional factorial experimental design by a hydrothermal method to study the optimum conditions for the synthesis and formation of the ZSM-5 zeolite by employing different conditions. The samples were synthesized without any organic template, and different conditions, such as the molar composition of the synthesis gel and reaction time, were applied in a wide range. Then, the samples were analysed by X-ray diffraction to investigate the formation of the zeolite ZSM-5, and the results were compared to obtain the optimum conditions for its synthesis. The obtained samples were characterized by SEM, FTIR spectroscopy and TGA. Then, the functionalization of nano zeolite ZSM-5 crystals with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was investigated. The zeolite surface was first functionalized with amino groups using an amino alkoxysilane. Then, toluene diisocyanate was reacted with the amino-terminated ZSM-5 zeolite crystals and used for the incorporation of β-CD via its remaining isocyanate groups. After this, a drug delivery system (DDS) was prepared based on the cyclodextrin-modified zeolite with the curcumin anticancer drug, and its formation was studied under experimental conditions. The results of in vitro studies show that this drug delivery system has better characteristics than free curcumin in terms of stability and anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects.

Herein, the nanosized ZSM-5 zeolite was synthesized based on a fractional factorial experimental design by a hydrothermal method to study the optimum conditions for the synthesis and formation of the ZSM-5 zeolite by employing different conditions.     

Prevalence of fasciolosis and dicrocoeliosis in slaughtered sheep and goats in Amol Abattoir,Mazandaran, northern Iran

Objective

The liver flukes, Fasciola spp. and Dicrocoelium dendriticum, infect ruminants and other mammalian extensively and cause major diseases of livestock that produce considerable economic losses.

Methods

A survey of 2391 sheep and goats slaughtered at an abattoir in Amol region, northern Iran was used to determine the prevalence of the liver flukes infection based on season, sex and specie of the animals.

Results

The results revealed that the prevalence rate of Fasciola spp. and Dicrocoelium dendriticum was 6.6% and 4.3% respectively. Dicrocoeliosis was more dominant in female animals (7.1%) whereas there was no sex-related difference in the prevalence of Fasciola spp. in male and female animals. Furthermore, Fasciolosis was significantly more prevalent than dicrocoeliosis in both sheep and goats. The Seasonal prevalence of Fasciola spp. was highest (P<0.005) during spring (8.3%) followed in order by autumn (8.1%), winter (5.9%) and summer (4.0%) but Dicrocoeliosis did not follow any seasonal pattern.

Conclusions

According to this study, it can be concluded that Amol is regarded as an endemic region for Fasciola spp and D. dandriticum infection. Moreover, Fasciola spp. is the most widespread liver fluke found in sheep and goats which is more dominant in sheep than goats.     

The Peculiar Epidemiology of Dracunculiasis in Chad

Dracunculiasis was rediscovered in Chad in 2010 after an apparent absence of 10 years. In April 2012 active village-based surveillance was initiated to determine where, when, and how transmission of the disease was occurring, and to implement interventions to interrupt it. The current epidemiologic pattern of the disease in Chad is unlike that seen previously in Chad or other endemic countries, i.e., no clustering of cases by village or association with a common water source, the average number of worms per person was small, and a large number of dogs were found to be infected. Molecular sequencing suggests these infections were all caused by Dracunculus medinensis. It appears that the infection in dogs is serving as the major driving force sustaining transmission in Chad, that an aberrant life cycle involving a paratenic host common to people and dogs is occurring, and that the cases in humans are sporadic and incidental.     

Effect of bariatric surgery on circulating FGF‐19: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Fibroblast growth factor‐19 (FGF‐19) is a gut hormone which interacts with metabolism and is depleted in obesity. There is some indication that the hormone undergoes a resurgence following bariatric surgery (BS), an effect which may contribute to the beneficial outcomes of such procedures. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aims to synthesize the available literature on FGF‐19 levels before and after BS. MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched, and the effect of different surgical procedures and degrees of body mass index (BMI) reduction on FGF‐19 levels was assessed by DerSimonian and Laird random‐effects model in meta‐analysis and dose–response analyses. This meta‐analysis, which included 474 patients from 25 arms undergoing one of five BS procedures, revealed a significant increase in the levels of circulating FGF‐19 following all‐type BS. Vertical sleeve gastrectomy, duodenal‐jejunal bypass liner and Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass all significantly increased circulating FGF‐19 levels from baseline. However, gastric banding failed to achieve the same, and in fact, biliopancreatic diversion was associated with decreased circulating FGF‐19. Finally, an inverse association between FGF‐19 and the degree of BMI‐reduction post‐operatively was noted. FGF‐19 is increased by BS and may represent a pharmaceutical target in efforts to reproduce the beneficial effects of BS in a medical setting.     

Effect of ascorbic acid,ethanol and acetone on adhesion between the treated fiber posts and composite resin cores

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of ascorbic acid, ethanol and acetone on microtensile bond strength between fiber posts pre-treated with hydrogen peroxide and composite resin cores.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty four fiber posts were pre-treated with 24% hydrogen peroxide and divided into 4 groups as follows: G1: no treatment, as control group; G2: treatment with 10% ascorbic acid solution for 5 minutes; G3: treatment with 70% ethanol solution for 5 minutes; and G4: treatment with 70% acetone solution for 5 minutes. Each fiber post was surrounded by a cylinder-shaped polyglass matrix which was subsequently filled with composite resin. Two sections from each sample were selected for microtensile test at a crosshead with speed of 0.5 mm/min. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way ANOVA and a post hoc Tukey HSD test. Fractured surfaces were observed under a stereomicroscope at ×20 magnification. The fractured surfaces of the specimens were observed and evaluated under a SEM.

RESULTS

Means of microtensile bond strength values (MPa) and standard deviations in the groups were as follows: G1: 9.70±0.81; G2: 12.62±1.80; G3: 16.60±1.93; and G4: 21.24±1.95. G4 and G1 had the highest and the lowest bond strength values, respectively. A greater bond strength value was seen in G3 compared to G2. There were significant differences between all the groups (P<.001). All the failures were of the adhesive mode.

CONCLUSION

Application of antioxidant agents may increase microtensile bond strength between fiber posts treated with hydrogen peroxide and composite cores. Acetone increased bond strength more than ascorbic acid and ethanol.