Green Synthesis of ZnO/CuO Nanocomposites Using Parsley Extract for Potential In Vitro Anticoccidial Application

In this study, a simple, low-cost, and environmentally friendly method for the green synthesis of ZnO/CuO nanocomposites (NCs) using parsley extract was developed. The phytochemical components in the parsley leaf extract reacted with precursor salts in solution and yielded ZnO/CuO NCs. The synthesis of the green-synthesized NCs was confirmed via various characterization techniques, including UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Subsequently, the NCs were subjected to rigorous in vitro evaluation of their anticoccidial properties. The results showed that the NCs had a spherical shape within an average particle size of around 70 nm. The green-synthesized NCs were evaluated for their in vitro anticoccidial activity against Eimeria spp. The findings showed that the NCs exhibited a significant anticoccidial effect, with a maximum inhibition of 55.3 ± 0.32% observed at a concentration of 0.5 mg/mL. The exposure to the NCs resulted in notable alterations in the ultrastructure of the oocysts when compared to the control group. The ZnO/CuO NCs synthesized from the parsley leaf extract showed promising potential against coccidiosis and could be used in biomedical applications. Further investigation using an in vivo model is required to ascertain the efficacy of NCs as anticoccidial agents.

Possible role of apamin-sensitive K+ channels in myotonic dystrophy

Myotonic muscular dystrophy is a genetic disease characterized mainly by muscle atrophy and myotonia, a repetitive electrical activity of muscle. In the present study, the possible role of apamin-sensitive K+ channels in the genesis of myotonia was investigated. Apamin is a peptide from bee venom that specifically blocks small conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels. The injection of a small amount of apamin (20-30 microliters, 10 mumol/L) into the thenar muscle of myotonic dystrophy patients decreased the basal electrical activity during the electromyogram in the 6 patients studied. Myotonic discharges after muscle percussion were more difficult to trigger and of smaller intensity and duration. In 2 controls and in 2 patients with generalized myotonia, as well as in 1 patient with myotonia congenita (where the defect is in chloride channels), apamin had no effect. These results suggest that apamin-sensitive K+ channels participate in the mechanism that generates myotonia in myotonic dystrophy.

[Hypothyroid myopathy. Communication of 4 cases]

We report four patients with primary hypothyroidism (3 female, aged 47, 46, 49 and 34 years old) whose principal manifestation was muscle involvement. The diagnosis was oriented by the finding of myoedema and a slow relaxation phase of tendon reflexes. In one patient, an electromyographic and histological study was performed. Thyroid substitution lead to an improvement in myopathy in all patients.

Efficacy of methylprednisolone administration in a case of continuous abnormal muscle activity syndrome

We report a 20-year-old woman with continuous abnormal muscle activity syndrome in which pharmacological blockade of different sites of the motor unit demonstrates a peripheral nerve origin for the abnormal muscle activity. The case showed no markers of autoimmune disease. A rapid recovery after high dose i.v. methylprednisolone was observed supporting the hypothesis of an autoimmune pathogenesis.

[Progressive hereditary dystonia with diurnal fluctuations: report of 2 cases]

We report two patients with diurnally fluctuating hereditary progressive dystonia, that presented with dystonic movements and parkinsonian symptoms with marked diurnal fluctuations. There was a significant and maintained improvement of symptoms with small doses of L-Dopa. The pathogenesis of this disease could be a functional alteration of basal ganglia in the dopaminergic striatonigral region. The diurnal fluctuation of symptoms would be related to the circadian variation of tyrosine hydroxylase function.

[Porphyria induced by valproic acid: clinical case]

A 47 year-old woman with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy received anticonvulsant therapy with valproate, 200 mg 4 times a day. Severe abdominal pain and vomiting developed 3 days after initiation of therapy, and she became comatose requiring artificial ventilation. Increased urinary output of delta-amino-levulinic acid (48 uM/24 hr, 8 times normal) and porphobilinogen (9 uM/24 hr, twice normal) were demonstrated. Complete recovery took place 5 days after discontinuation of valproate.

[Chronic inhalation of organic solvents and neuropathy. Clinical case]

A young man had indulged in chronic solvent vapor abuse for 14 years. After an abstinence period of 4 months, neurological evaluation showed distal limb weakness, predominantly of the lower extremities, and moderate loss of reflexes. Sensory signs were absent. Electromyographic evidence of chronic partial denervation was shown. Maximal motor conduction velocities were reduced and distal motor and sensory latencies were increased, presumably because of secondary demyelinating changes. CT revealed diffuse atrophy of cerebral hemispheres, however the mental status of the patients was judged normal. Thus, chronic exposure to solvent vapor may cause peripheral nervous system impairment without evidence of clinical effects on the central nervous system.