Different chromatographic methods for determination of alogliptin benzoate, metformin hydrochloride, and metformin impurity in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage form.

Two simple, sensitive, and reproducible methods were developed for the determination of alogliptin and metformin hydrochloride in presence of metformin impurity "melamin" in pure form and in pharmaceutical formulation. Method (A) was a thin layer chromatographic method in which separation was achieved using ethyl acetate-methanol-formic acid (6:3.8:0.2, by volume) as a developing system followed by densitometric scanning at 230 nm. Method (B) was a high-performance liquid chromatography method; separation was achieved on C18 column, the mobile phase consisted of a mixture of sodium lauryl sulfate buffer 0.1% w/v, pH 3: methanol in the ratio 70:30, v/v and measurement was done at 220 nm. System suitability testing parameters were calculated to ascertain the quality performance of the developed chromatographic methods. The proposed methods have been validated regarding accuracy, precision, and selectivity, moreover they have been successfully applied to Westirizide tablets containing both alogliptin and metformin hydrochloride, results indicate that there was no interference from additives. No significance difference was found when these methods were compared to the reported one.

Senior interventional cardiologists are exposed to higher effective doses than other staff members.

Those working in interventional cardiology are exposed to varying radiation doses during diagnostic and interventional procedures. The work presented in this paper aimed to monitor the effective doses received by different categories of medical staff members practicing interventional cardiology procedures including senior cardiologists, junior cardiologists, anesthetists and nurses. Thermo-luminescence dosimeter (TLD) badges that consisted of lithium fluoride doped with magnesium and titanium were used to quantify radiation doses. Measurements were performed with the dosimeters mounted under and above leaded aprons worn by medical staff. The results revealed that the effective doses to senior cardiologists were the highest compared to those to other participating staff members, due to their position close to the X-ray tube. The average daily effective doses for senior cardiologists, junior cardiologists, anesthetists and nurses were higher for dosimeters located above the aprons than those for dosimeters located under the aprons. Above the apron, the average effective doses accumulated during the study period were 0.44 ± 0.06, 0.34 ± 0.05, 0.29 ± 0.03 and 0.29 ± 0.04 mSv, respectively; whereas, under the apron, they were 0.20 ± 0.02, 0.18 ± 0.02, 0.17 ± 0.02 and 0.18 ± 0.02, respectively. Also, the fluoroscopy time was correlated with the dose acquired, especially for senior cardiologists. It is concluded that doses to senior cardiologists are quite high, and that many variables can affect staff exposure such as distance, direction, procedure and skills.

Different stability-indicating chromatographic methods for specific determination of paracetamol, dantrolene sodium, their toxic impurities and degradation products.

A well-known analgesic (paracetamol, PAR) and skeletal muscle relaxant [dantrolene sodium (DNS)] have been analyzed without interference from their toxic impurities and degradation products. The studied PAR impurities are the genotoxic and nephrotoxic p-amino phenol (PAP) and the hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic chloroacetanilide, while 5-(4-nitrophenyl)-2-furaldehyde is reported to be a mutagenic and carcinogenic degradation product of DNS. The five studied components were determined and quantified by TLC-densitometric and RP-HPLC methods. TLC-densitometry (method 1) used TLC silica gel and chloroform-ethyl acetate-acetic acid-triethylamine (7:3:0.5:0.05, by volume) as the mobile phase with UV scanning at 230 nm, while RP-HPLC (method 2) was based on separation on a C18 column using methanol-water (55:45, v/v pH 3 with aqueous formic acid) as mobile phase at 1 mL/min and detection at 230 nm. The developed methods were used for determination and quantification of the five studied components in different laboratory-prepared mixtures. The were also applied for analysis of Dantrelax® compound capsules where no interference among the studied components with each other or from excipients was observed. The methods were validated as per International Conference on Harmonization guidelines, and they compared favorably with the reported ones.

Two chromatographic methods for determination of cytarabine and dexamethazone; two co-administered drugs for the treatment of leukemia: green analytical perspective.

Two sensitive, straightforward and repeatable chromatographic techniques were developed for the determination of Cytarabine HCl and Dexamethazone in their pure form and spiked human plasma without prior separation. The drugs are used co-administered for the treatment of Leukemia, a certain type of blood cancer. Method (A) is an isocratic chromatographic HPLC method; separation was accomplished on C18 column using the eluting mixture of 6.9 g/L Monobasic Sodium Phosphate pH 3: methanol (70:30, v/v) and detection was at 275 nm. Concentrations were in the range of 0.2-15 µg/mL for both CYT and DEX. Method (B) is a HPTLC method in which separation was attained on HPTLC F254 plates using methanol: ethyl acetate: ammonia, (7.8:2:0.2, by volume) as eluting solvents and detection was at 275 nm. Concentrations were in the range of 0.1-4 µg/band for both CYT and DEX. The parameters for system suitability testing were evaluated to determine the effectiveness of the developed chromatographic procedures in terms of performance. The recently developed techniques were applied for the determination of the drugs under investigation in spiked human plasma. Validation parameters were examined in accordance with US-FDA criteria. All results were found to be within the acceptable ranges. To evaluate the greenness characters of the proposed methods to the environment; three greenness assessment tools including eco-scale assessments (ESA), green analytical procedure index (GAPI), and Analytical Greenness calculator (AGREE) were used. Acceptable and satisfying results that demonstrated the greenness characteristics of the suggested methods were attained.

Ecotoxicological monitoring of potentially toxic elements contamination in Eucalyptus forest plantation subjected to long-term irrigation with recycled wastewater.

Afforestation is an evergreen technology for restraining greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission and improving soil carbon sink in arid and semi-arid regions. Nonetheless, the long-term impact of woody forests irrigation using recycled wastewater resources remains inconclusive so far. For this purpose, the ecological risk benchmarks of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) were investigated on Eucalyptus forest plantation in order to gauge their bioavailability in the rhizospheric layer of Typic Torripsammentsoil and their accretion capacity in the biosphere. Water quality guidelines pointed to a moderate degree of restriction on use with elevated levels of PTEs. Notably, concentrations of As, B, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, V and Zn were above the permissible limits for irrigation. The geospatial mapping of PTEs concentration in soil pointed to elevated levels of most PTEs, particularly in the deforestated areas. Some of PTEs (Cd, Cu, Hg and Zn) showed values above the permissible limits. A spectrum of ecological risk indices showed considerable to high degree of contamination. Among PTEs, the water-soluble and exchangeable fractions showed high values of As, Cd and Hg (20.7, 17.2 and 11.0%, respectively). Sequential extraction showed variations among PTEs in their tendency to bind with different soil geochemical fractions: (i) carbonate (Cd, Zn and Cu), (ii) Fe-Mn oxides (Pb, Zn and Mn) and (iii) organic matter (B, Pb and Hg). Eight fungal species including Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium solani, Cephalosporimsp., Penicilliumsp., Rhizoctonia solani, Aspergillus niger, Botrytissp. and Verticilliumsp. were dominated in soil. Meanwhile, Agrobacteriumsp., phosphate solubilizing bacteria, nitrogen fixing bacteria and Escherichia coli were the dominant bacterial strains. Values of bioaccumulation index varied among PTEs, wherein B (5.15), Ni (1.98), Mn (1.62) and Cd (1.02) exhibited higher phytoextraction potentials. Other PTEs, however, exhibited values below 1.0 confirming their low phytoextraction potentials. Findings of this investigation, therefore, provide insights into biochemical signals of PTEs contamination in woody forest plantations and the urgent need to contextualize the large-scale utilization of recycled wastewater resources in such vulnerable areas.

Preparation and application of functionalized cellulose acetate/silica composite nanofibrous membrane via electrospinning for Cr(VI) ion removal from aqueous solution.

Novel NH(2)-functionalized cellulose acetate (CA)/silica composite nanofibrous membranes were successfully prepared by sol-gel combined with electrospinning technology. Tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as a silica source, CA as precursor and 3-ureidopropyltriethoxysilane as a coupling agent were used in membrane preparation. The membrane's chemical and morphological structures were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images, X-ray diffraction (XRD), element analyzer, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and N(2) adsorption-desorption isotherms. The composite nanofibrous membranes exhibited high surface area and porosity. The membranes were used for Cr(VI) ion removal from aqueous solution through static and dynamic experiments. The adsorption behavior of Cr(VI) can be well described by the Langmuir adsorption model, and the maximum adsorption capacity for Cr(VI) is estimated to be 19.46 mg/g. The membrane can be conveniently regenerated by alkalization. Thus the composite membrane prepared from biodegradable raw material has potential applications in the field of water treatment.

Preparation and application of amino functionalized mesoporous nanofiber membrane via electrospinning for adsorption of Cr3+ from aqueous solution.

Novel amino (-NH2) functionalized mesoporous polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP)/SiO2 composite nanofiber membranes were fabricated by a one-step electrospinning method using poly (vinyl alcohol) and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) mixed with cationic surfactant, cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) as the structure directing agent. Ureidopropyltriethoxysilane was used for functionalization of the internal pore surfaces. The membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), element analyzer and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms. The nanofiber diameters, average pore diameters and surface areas were 100-700 nm, 2.86 nm and 873.62 m2/g, respectively. These mesoporous membranes functionalized with -NH2 groups exhibited very high adsorptions properties based on the adsorption of Cr3+ from an aqueous solution. Equilibrium adsorption was achieved after approximately 20 min and more than 97% of chromium ions in the solution were removed. The membrane could be regenerated through acidification.

Pneumothorax with Liposuction: Spreading Awareness.

Complications with liposuction are not uncommon; some of these are very serious and can be life-threatening. In this case report we present a case of pneumothorax following liposuction.

Spreading Awareness: Bowel Perforation with Liposuction.

Complications with liposuction are not uncommon; some of these are very serious and can be life-threatening. In this case report, we represent a case of bowel perforation with liposuction.

Crane Principle Revisited.

BACKGROUND: Scalp and forehead defects represent one of the most complex defects for reconstruction. The nature of these sites being hair bearing, together with the complicated nature of the injuries, for example, electrical burns and motor vehicle accidents, and of course the aesthetic concern being in the face, all add to the complexity of reconstruction. METHODS: This is a case series representing the experience of the authors in using the "crane principle" in the reconstruction of various defects in the forehead and the scalp presented to emergency department, Cairo University Hospital, for the period between January 2018 and January 2019. RESULTS: Twenty patients, 15 men and 5 women, presented with various soft tissue defects of the forehead and the scalp. The injuries of eighteen patients were due to motor vehicle accidents, and 2 patients had postelectrical burns. Age range was from 20 to 65 years, with a mean follow-up of 8 months. The number of total complications was 5. Three patients had wound dehiscence, and 2 patients had ulceration in the grafts placed at the flap donor site. CONCLUSION: Crane principle represents an adequate reconstruction tool for forehead and scalp defects especially when the access to free flap and more complex reconstruction techniques is not available.

Liposuction-Gadgets and Widgets: Save Your Money.

In the past few decades, numerous adjunctives and devices have been introduced to body contouring surgeries, especially liposuction. Most of these devices require special maintenance and accessories for their proper functionality, which might be expensive in many parts of the world or for young surgeons starting their own practice. In this article, we suggest some tools that could be used during liposuction to save money, minimize complications rates, and enhance the results without endangering the patient's overall safety.

Liposuction: Drains, Are They Adequate?

Seroma following liposuction (especially mega-sessions; more than 5 L) is a common complication that causes much distress to the surgeon and the patient. This will eventually affect the overall satisfaction and patient's experience regarding liposuction. If not detected promptly, seromas can impair the results. METHODS: This is a prospective analysis performed by the authors in a private practice. All our patients had mega-liposuction sessions (more than 5 L, range 8-12 L) using Power-assisted Liposuction with Lipomatic by Euromai and VASER. Tumescent infiltration was used. Fifty male patients participated after providing their informed consent. Their mean age was 35 years (range, 21-50) and mean body mass index was 29 (range, 28-33). Patients were divided into 2 groups. Group A consisted of 25 patients with no adjunctive draining procedures done, and group B consisted of 25 patients with drainage procedures done. Patients were followed up every other day for 3 weeks for detection of seroma. RESULTS: Seventeen patients had post-operative seroma: 13 in group A and 4 in group B. The volume of seromas was further subdivided into mild (<50 cc), moderate (50-100 cc), and severe (>100 cc). CONCLUSIONS: High definition liposuction is a demanding procedure by both the surgeon and the patient to achieve the best results and contour. Drainage procedures and drains placement are truly effective methods for minimizing seroma formation, enhancing the recovery, and eventually improving the results.

Implant to Fat: A Breast Augmentation Technique Validated by BREAST-Q.

Implant-based breast augmentation is the number one cosmetic procedure performed in the United States. However, it is associated with relatively high revision rates, reaching up to 24% at 4 years. This case series presents our experience in implant explantation with simultaneous breast augmentation using fat. METHODS: This case series was conducted by the authors in Cairo, Egypt, during the period from January 2018 to June 2019. Following a detailed data collection, careful physical examination was done. Implant-to fat conversion was done for all cases. None of the cases needed >1 session of fat injection following the implant removal. Size of the implants removed ranged from 200 -350 cm3 (average of 310). Volume of fat injected ranged from 300 to 550 ml (average of 430). Patients' satisfaction was evaluated using the BREAST-Q questionnaire. RESULTS: Twenty patients were included, with a mean age of presentation of 33.1 years (range, 26 -42 years; SD, 5.3). Mean body mass index was 26.9 kg/m2 (range, 24 -30; SD, 1.9). Implant complications were as follows: capsular contracture (10cases), implant migration (3 cases), breast asymmetry (3 cases), poor aesthetic outcome (3 cases), and palpable implant (1 case). Overall patient's satisfaction was evaluated by the BREAST-Q 1-year following surgery. The overall satisfaction score was 3.8, where a score of 4 indicates very satisfied and a score of 1 indicates very dissatisfied. CONCLUSIONS: Implant-to-fat conversion is a good option for complicated breast implant cases, with good long-term results and excellent patient's satisfaction as verified by the BREAST-Q.

Serum Uric Acid Level as a Predictive Biomarker of Gestational Hypertension Severity; A Prospective Observational Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Pre-eclampsia poses a significant potential risk of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, a leading cause of maternal deaths. Hyperuricemia is associated with adverse effects on endothelial function, normal cellular metabolism, and platelet aggregation and adhesion. This study was designed to compare serum urate levels in normotensive pregnant women to those with pregnancy-induced hypertension, and to evaluate its value as a potential predictive marker of hypertension severity during pregnancy. METHODS: A prospective, observational, case-control study conducted on 100 pregnant women in their third trimester. Pregnant women were classified into two groups (n=50) according to arterial blood pressure measurements: group I had normal blood pressure, and group II had a blood pressure of ≥ 140/90, which was further subdivided according to hypertension severity into IIa (pregnancy- induced hypertension, IIb (mild pre-eclampsia), and IIc (severe pre-eclampsia). Blood samples were obtained on admission. Serum urate, high sensitive C-reactive protein, and interleukin-1ß levels, and lipid profile were compared among the groups. RESULTS: A significant increase in the mean values of serum urate, C-reactive protein, and interleukin- 1ß levels was detected in gestational hypertensives. In addition, there was a positive correlation between serum urate levels and C-reactive protein and interleukin-1ß, as well as between serum urate levels and hypertension severity. CONCLUSION: Hyperuricemia and increased C-reactive protein and interleukin-1ß serum levels correlate with the severity of pregnancy-induced hypertension, and these biomarkers may play a role in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. Serum urate measurement is sensitive, reliable markers that correlate well with the severity of hypertension in pregnant females with pre-eclampsia.

The effect of the type of dietary protein on the development of ovarian cancer.

We evaluated whether different dietary protein qualities (isocaloric diets involving animal (casein) or plant protein (soy protein) could inhibit the ovarian cancer growth in mice and improve their prognosis and whether chemotherapy had different tumor reducing effects on these mice. In the mice of the 20% plant protein group, the ovarian cancer growth at 5 weeks after tumor implantation was clearly reduced in comparison to the mice in the 20% animal protein group (p< 0.001). The serum levels of insulin and IGF-1 levels were both lower in the mice of the 20% plant protein group than in the mice of the 20% animal protein group (p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively). Immunohistochemistry revealed that the level of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (p-4EBP1) activity-one of the major downstream effectors of the mTOR pathway -of the plant protein group was significantly weaker than that of the animal protein group (p<0.001). The prognosis of the 20% plant protein group was better than that of the 20% animal protein group (log-rank test, p=0.0062). The ovarian cancer growth in the 20% plant protein plus cisplatin treatment group was not significantly reduced in comparison to the 20% animal protein plus cisplatin treatment group. Our findings suggest that a diet high in plant protein reduces the growth of human ovarian cancer cells in mice compared to a diet high in animal protein, -possibly through the lack of activation of the IGF/Akt/mTOR pathway, and leads to a better prognosis with or without cisplatin treatment.

Spectroscopic, solvent influence and thermal studies of ternary copper(II) complexes of diester and dinitrogen base ligands.

New mixed-ligand copper(II) complexes containing the bidentate dinitrogen ligands [N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine (tmen), 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen)] and the bidentate dioxygen ligands [diethylmalonate (DEM), ethylacetoacetate (EAA) and ethylbenzoylacetate (EBA)] were prepared. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared, mass and ESR spectral data, magnetic and molar conductance measurements and thermal gravimetric analysis. From the investigation, the geometries of the complexes are square planar for perchlorate complexes and a square pyramid or octahedral for the nitrate complexes. Solvatochromic behavior of the Cu(II) complexes indicates strong solvatochromism of their solutions in polar and non-polar solvents. The observed solvatochromism is due to the solute-solvent interaction between the chelate cation and the solvent molecules.