Preparation and in vivo evaluation of anti-plasmodial properties of artemisinin-loaded PCL–PEG–PCL nanoparticles

Abstract

Purpose: Artemisinin (ART) has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-amyloid, and anti-malarial effects, but its application is limited due to its low water solubility and poor oral bioavailability. In this study, the bioavailability, water solubility, and anti-plasmodial property of ART were improved by PCL–PEG–PCL tri-block copolymers.

Methods: The structure of the copolymers was characterized by ¹H NMR, FT-IR, DSC, and GPC techniques. ART was encapsulated within micelles by a single-step nano-precipitation method, leading to the formation of ART-loaded PCL–PEG–PCL micelles. The obtained micelles were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The in vivo anti-plasmodial activity of ART-loaded micelles was measured against Plasmodium berghei infected Swiss albino mice.

Results: The results showed that the zeta potential of ART-loaded micelles was about ?8.37?mV and the average size was 91.87?nm. ART was encapsulated into PCL–PEG–PCL micelles with a loading capacity of 19.33?±?0.015% and encapsulation efficacy of 87.21?±?3.32%. In vivo anti-plasmodial results against P. berghei showed that multiple injections of ART-loaded micelles could prolong the circulation time and increase the therapeutic efficacy of ART.

Conclusion: These results suggested that PCL–PEG–PCL micelles would be a potential carrier for ART for the treatment of malaria.     

Effect of low-dose aspirin on the development of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and outcomes of assisted reproductive techniques in the women with PCOS,a randomized double-blinded clinical trial

Objective

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a major complication of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a risk factor for OHSS. The aim of this randomized clinical trial (RCT) was to study the effect of low-dose aspirin (LDA) on the development of OHSS and ART outcomes in PCOS during ART.

Fate of retained foreign bodies in the peritoneal cavity

Two patients with retained laparotomy pads after laparotomy had pain, abscess formation, and bleeding, with erosion of the pad into the small bowel and colon.     

Cystosarcoma phyllodes

We present four cases of cystosarcoma phyllodes in which mammograms revealed a small or large lobulated mass occupying the entire breast. Preoperative diagnosis was a benign lesion with a low probability of nodular carcinoma. Histologically, all tumors were classified as malignant. Although uncommon, cystosarcoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of these masses, since local recurrence is frequent unless wide wedge resection or simple mastectomy is done.     

Computed tomography of the liver after dearterialization and intraarterial chemotherapy

Hepatic dearterialization by ligation of the main hepatic artery followed by local intraarterial chemotherapy was performed in 24 patients with clinically isolated but unresectable hepatic metastasis after local resection of carcinoma of the colon. Computed tomography of the abdomen and laboratory parameters were used both to stage and follow-up these patients. Computed tomography changes following dearterialization and chemotherapy of the liver are described. Computed tomography is a valuable technique for both staging and follow-up this group of patients.     

Initial validation of a novel ECGI system for localization of premature ventricular contractions and ventricular tachycardia in structurally normal and abnormal hearts

Background

View into Ventricular Onset (VIVO) is a novel ECGI system that uses 3D body surface imaging, myocardial CT/MRI, and 12?lead ECG to localize earliest ventricular activation through analysis of simulated and clinical vector cardiograms.