Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Datura metel Flower Extract Assisted by Ultrasound Method and Its Antibacterial Activity.

BACKGROUND: Green synthesis method of nanoparticles has been developed for several years. Besides providing environmental-friendly process, green synthesis of nanoparticles using plant extract provides synergistic effect of the secondary metabolite in such antibiotic activity. The study with an intensification process in nanoparticles formation is also gaining great attention. This research deals with the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Datura metel flower extract for the antibacterial agent. The use of ultrasound-assisted method for the synthesis was investigated. METHODS: Synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Datura metel flower extract under ultrasound- assisted method has been conducted. Evaluation of the successful synthesis was done using UV-visible spectrophotometry, particle size analyzer, x-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. The prepared AgNPs were tested as an antibacterial against S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, and E. coli. RESULTS: The ultrasound-assisted synthesis of AgNPs produces particles ranging from 25-70 nm in size; meanwhile, the reflux method demonstrated the size of 50-170 nm. These particles size represents the effect on the antibacterial activity as the ultrasound-assisted synthesized Ag NPs have higher inhibition zone towards all tested bacteria. Subsequently, these data presented the applicability of Ag NPs synthesis using an ultrasound method as a potential candidate for biomedical applications. CONCLUSION: The profile of UV-Visible spectra and particle size analyses demonstrated the applicability of the ultrasound technique to produce a smaller size of the nanoparticles with higher antibacterial activity.

Provision of Standardized All-in-One Parenteral Nutrition (AIO-PN) for Very Preterm Neonates: Evaluation at Room and Cold Temperatures.

INTRODUCTION: All-in-one parenteral nutrition (AIO-PN) is essential for patients with limited venous access, e.g. premature infants. So far, there are still some conflicting data related to the stability of AIO-PN. The aim of this study is to examine the physical stability and sterility of AIO-PN as it was being stored at room and cold temperature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: AIO-PN contains dextrose, amino acid, lipid, sodium chloride, magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, calcium gluconate, and vitamin. Formulation of AIO-PN was prepared based on the guidance of nutrition for 3-day-old preterm baby weighing 1000 g. The formulation of AIO-PN then was stored at room temperature (25.43ºC ± 0.54) and cold temperature (6.2ºC ± 2.04). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Based on the experiments, all formulas confidently fulfilled the sterile criteria, in which there is no microbial growth in the formula within 7 days. During those days, the droplet size of all formulas was under the range (<500 nm) with a good range of pH. However, during the process of storing under the room temperature, AIO-PN showed the reversible creaming starting on day 2 and the discoloration starting on day 4. Meanwhile, we found that there are no such physical changes in the formula within 7 days under the cold temperature. CONCLUSION: This research confirmed that AIO-PN that is being stored at room temperature cannot be used starting on day 4, but the formulation storage under the cold temperature is still accepted within 7 days.

Compatibility of acetaminophen with central nervous system medications during simulated Y-site injection.

BACKGROUND: The critical care patient commonly receives a lot of medications including acetaminophen and central nervous system (CNS) agents. However, research on compatibility between acetaminophen and CNS medication is still limited. METHODS: Physical compatibility was evaluated using Y-site simulation by mixing one CNS medication with 10 mg mL-1 of acetaminophen solution under aseptic conditions with a 1 : 1 ratio. The Y-site simulation mixture was subsequently kept in a clean glass tube for incompatibility investigation during 24 hours. The aliquot solutions were visually inspected with bare eyes then additionally with a Tyndall light beam, microscope, and pH at 0, 1, 4, and 24 hours. Medications were considered compatible if there was no visual change (color/gas or turbidity), and no significant particles or precipitates, which referred to United States Pharmacopeia 788 (USP 788), and pH changes less than 0.5 units. RESULTS: During 24 hours, intravenous acetaminophen was physically compatible with haloperidol, ketamine, midazolam, pethidine, rocuronium and tramadol. Meanwhile, phenytoin, and propofol showed incompatibility with acetaminophen right away. Within four hours, five medications (dexketoprofen, fentanyl, ketorolac, diazepam and phenobarbital) showed incompatibility. Two medications (atropine sulfate and metamizole) were also found to be incompatible with acetaminophen under observation for 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Nine of 15 common CNS medications in critical care tested with acetaminophen were physically incompatible for 24 hours.

Comparación de Nutrición parenteral "todo-en-uno" frente a nutrición parenteral sin lípidos en prematuros: análisis visual, de pH y tamaño de partículas.

INTRODUCTION: Objective: this study aims to investigate the physical stability of standard formulations for parenteral nutrition, with and without lipids, in one bag for preterm babies. Method: standard formulations for first-day and for second-day parenteral nutrition of preterm babies weighing 1,000 grams were prepared in triplicate. Standard all-in-one formulas for first-day and for second-day parenteral nutrition were compared with equivalent standard lipid-free formulations. The standard formulas contain glucose, lipids, calcium gluconate, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, and vitamins. Stability was evaluated using visual inspection, particle size analysis, and pH measurement. The physical instability of the all-in one parenteral nutrition formulas was reported as creaming, coalescence, or cracking, whereas the instability of the lipid-free parenteral nutrition formulas was described as turbidity, precipitation, gas formation, or colour changes. Two independent evaluators assessed the visual changes under light and against a dark-light background, as well as using the Tyndall beam effect. Particle size was measured using a particle size analyzer. Chemical compatibility was checked using a pH-meter. Result: the result showed that the all-in-one (AIO) parenteral nutrition formulas develop reversible creaming on day three, while the lipid-free ones remain clear. As regards pH and particle size, none of the four AIO and lipid-free formulas developed significant changes (ΔpH < 0.05 and particle size < 400 nm) until after seven days. Conclusion: all four formulas are stable following examination with visual inspection, a pH-meter, and a particle size analyzer.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Objetivo: el objetivo del estudio es investigar la estabilidad de las formulaciones estandarizadas de nutrición parenteral, con y sin lípidos, para prematuros. Métodos: se prepararon por triplicado las formulaciones estandarizadas del 1º y 2º día para prematuros de menos de 1000 gramos. Se compararon las soluciones preparadas "todo-en-uno" con las soluciones estandarizadas equivalentes que no contenían lípidos. Las soluciones estandarizadas contenían glucosa, aminoácidos, lípidos, gluconato cálcico, cloruro potásico, cloruro sódico y vitaminas. La estabilidad se evaluó mediante inspección visual, medición del tamaño de las partículas, y medición del pH. Se interpretó como inestabilidad física de las soluciones ternarias la presencia de separación de fases, coalescencia o la formación de una capa grasa, mientras que en las preparaciones sin lípidos se describió como turbidez, precipitación, formación de gas o cambios de coloración. Dos evaluadores independientes comprobaron los cambios visuales bajo luz directa o en contraste con un fondo oscuro, así como mediante el uso del efecto Tyndall. El tamaño de las partículas se midió mediante un analizador de partículas. La compatibilidad química se comprobó con el Phmetro. Resultados: todas las nutriciones parenterales todo-en-uno (AIO) desarrollaron una capa grasa (creaming) al tercer día, mientras que las mezclas sin lípidos permanecieron transparentes. Con respecto al pH y el tamaño de las partículas, ninguna de las cuatro emulsiones AIO y nutrición parenteral sin lípidos mostraron cambios significativos (incremento de pH < 0,03 y tamaño de las partículas < 400 nm) en los siete primeros días. Conclusión: las cuatro formulaciones fueros estables tras inspección visual, medición del pH y análisis del tamaño de las partículas.

Cyclorocaglamide, the first bridged cyclopentatetrahydrobenzofuran, and a related "open chain" rocaglamide derivative from Aglaia oligophylla.

Two rocaglamide-related natural products, the previously known compound 6-demethoxy-10-hydroxy-11-methoxy-6,7-methylendioxyrocaglamide (3), and cyclorocaglamide (4), its 8b,10-anhydro analogue, have been isolated from the tropical plant Aglaia oligophylla. Compound 4 is the first bridged cyclopentatetrahydrobenzofuran natural product, and it exhibited a CD spectrum virtually opposite that of all the other rocaglamide natural products known so far, but it still has the same absolute configuration at all stereogenic centers of the basic molecular framework. This was shown unequivocally by quantum chemical CD calculations (here based on molecular dynamics-weighted force field structures) and was finally confirmed experimentally, by a "biomimetic-type" cyclization of 3 to give 4, with the expected "inversion" of the CD spectrum. The opposite chiroptical properties of 3 and 4, despite their homochiral character, underline the necessity of handling chiroptical data with the greatest care, e.g., by simulating them by quantum chemical CD calculations. Compound 3 exhibited an LC(50) of 2.5 ppm when evaluated against neonate larvae of Spodoptera littoralis, while 4 was inactive in this assay up to 100 ppm.