How are we handling protein drugs in hospitals? A human factors and systems engineering approach to compare two hospitals and suggest a best practice.

Biopharmaceuticals are complex biological molecules that require careful storage and handling to ensure medication integrity. In this study, a work system analysis of real-world protein drug (PD) handling was performed with the following goals: identify main barriers and facilitators for successful adherence to accepted recommendations in PD handling, analyse differences in two organizations, and define a Best Current Practice in the real-life handling of PDs based on the results of the work system analysis. Observational study was held in two university hospitals in Spain and Sweden. Based on the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) model, the tools chosen were: the PETT scan, in order to indicate the presence of barriers or facilitators for the PETT components (People, Environment, Tools, Tasks); the Tasks and tools matrices to construct a checklist to record direct observations during the real-life handling of biopharmaceuticals, and the Journey map to depict the work process. Observations were performed between March and November 2022. Each episode of direct observation included a single protein drug in some point of the supply chain and considered all the elements in the work system. Based on the results of the work system analysis and the literature review, the authors propose a list of items which could be assumed as Best Current Practice for PDs handling in hospitals. There were a total of 34 observations involving 19 PDs. Regarding People involved in the work process, there was a diversity of professionals with different previous training and knowledge, leading to an information gap. With respect to Environment, some structural and organizational differences between hospitals lead to risks related to the time exposure of PDs to room temperature and mechanical stress. Some differences also existed in the Tools and Tasks involved in the process, being especially relevant to the lack of compatibility information of PDs with new technologies, such as pneumatic tube system, robotic reconstitution, or closed-system transfer devices. Finally, 15 suggestions for best current practice are proposed. Main barriers found for compliance with accepted recommendations were related to the information gap detected in professionals involved in the handling of protein drugs, unmonitored temperature, and the lack of compatibility information of protein drugs with some new technologies. By applying a Human Factors and Systems Engineering Approach, the comparison of two European hospitals has led to a suggested list of Best Current Practices in the handling of protein drugs in a hospital.

Hernandulcin Production in Elicited Hairy Roots of Phyla scaberrima: Toward Sustainable Production of a Non-Caloric Sweetener with Nutraceutical Properties.

Herein we report on the generation of hairy root lines of P. scaberrima able to produce hernandulcin (HE), a non-caloric sweetener with nutraceutical properties. From ten different lines analyzed, three synthesized up to 100 mg ⋅ L-1 HE under the batch culture conditions standardized in this investigation. Adding elicitors (salicylic acid, chitin, Glucanex, polyethylene glycol) and biosynthetic precursors (farnesol and (+)-epi-alpha-bisabolol) significantly altered HE accumulation. Chitin and Glucanex enhanced HE production from 130 to 160 mg ⋅ L-1 , whereas farnesol and (+)-epi-alpha-bisabolol from 165 to 200 mg ⋅ L-1 without dependence on biomass accumulation. Improved batch cultures containing liquid Murashige & Skoog medium (MS; pH 7), added with 4 % sucrose, 0.5 mg ⋅ L-1 naphthaleneacetic acid, 100 mg ⋅ L-1 Glucanex, 150 mg ⋅ L-1 chitin, 250 mg ⋅ L-1 farnesol, and 150 mg ⋅ L-1 (+)-epi-alpha-bisabolol at 25 °C (12 h light/12 h darkness), triggered HE accumulation to 250 mg ⋅ L-1 in 25 days. The efficiency of each recombinant line is discussed.

Spanish cohort of VEXAS syndrome: clinical manifestations, outcome of treatments and novel evidences about UBA1 mosaicism.

BACKGROUND: The vacuoles, E1-enzyme, X linked, autoinflammatory and somatic (VEXAS) syndrome is an adult-onset autoinflammatory disease (AID) due to postzygotic UBA1 variants. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the presence of VEXAS syndrome among patients with adult-onset undiagnosed AID. Additional studies evaluated the mosaicism distribution and the circulating cytokines. METHODS: Gene analyses were performed by both Sanger and amplicon-based deep sequencing. Patients' data were collected from their medical charts. Cytokines were quantified by Luminex. RESULTS: Genetic analyses of enrolled patients (n=42) identified 30 patients carrying UBA1 pathogenic variants, with frequencies compatible for postzygotic variants. All patients were male individuals who presented with a late-onset disease (mean 67.5 years; median 67.0 years) characterised by cutaneous lesions (90%), fever (66.7%), pulmonary manifestations (66.7%) and arthritis (53.3%). Macrocytic anaemia and increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate and ferritin were the most relevant analytical abnormalities. Glucocorticoids ameliorated the inflammatory manifestations, but most patients became glucocorticoid-dependent. Positive responses were obtained when targeting the haematopoietic component of the disease with either decitabine or allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Additional analyses detected the UBA1 variants in both haematopoietic and non-haematopoietic tissues. Finally, analysis of circulating cytokines did not identify inflammatory mediators of the disease. CONCLUSION: Thirty patients with adult-onset AID were definitively diagnosed with VEXAS syndrome through genetic analyses. Despite minor interindividual differences, their main characteristics were in concordance with previous reports. We detected for the first time the UBA1 mosaicism in non-haematopoietic tissue, which questions the previous concept of myeloid-restricted mosaicism and may have conceptual consequences for the disease mechanisms.

The potential use of acylglycerols on the thermal inactivation of lactic acid bacteria for the manufacture of long-life fermented products.

The effect of acylglycerols on the thermal inactivation of lactic acid bacteria used in the production of fermented products was studied. The starting point was the observation of an increase in thermal sensitivity in the presence of an emulsifier based on mono- and diacylglycerols in the culture medium. Analysis of the emulsifier showed that monoacylglycerols were the compounds responsible for this effect, with monopalmitin being the main contributor. Monostearin, on the other hand, showed significantly less potentiating effect. Interestingly, monoacylglycerols showed a greater bactericidal effect when used individually than when used in combination. On the other hand, the rate of thermal inactivation observed in reconstituted skim milk emulsions was lower than in peptone water emulsions, showing that the presence of proteins and colloidal particles increased the resistance of bacteria to heat treatment. With respect to pH values, a reduction in pH from 6.6 to 5.5 promoted an increase in the rate of thermal death. However, at pH = 5.5, the enhancing bactericidal effect was only detectable when the heat treatment was performed at low temperatures but not at high temperatures. This finding is of interest, since it will allow the design of moderate heat treatments, combining the use of temperature with the addition of acylglycerols, to prolong the shelf life of products fermented with lactic acid bacteria, and minimizing the destruction of desirable compounds that were obtained by the fermentation process.

Identification of genuine and novel miRNAs in Amaranthus hypochondriacus from high-throughput sequencing data.

Amaranth has been proposed as an exceptional alternative for food security and climate change mitigation. Information about the distribution, abundance, or specificity of miRNAs in amaranth species is scare. Here, small RNAs from seedlings under control, drought, heat, and cold stress conditions of the Amaranthus hypocondriacus variety "Gabriela" were sequenced and miRNA loci identified in the amaranth genome using the ShortStack software. Fifty-three genuine miRNA clustersthirty-nine belonging to conserved families, and fourteen novel, were identified. Identification of their target genes suggests that conserved amaranth miRNAs are involved in growth and developmental processes, as well as stress responses. MiR0005, an amaranth-specific miRNA, exhibited an unusual high level of expression, akin to that of conserved miRNAs. Overall, our results broaden our knowledge regarding the distribution, abundance and expression of miRNAs in amaranth, providing the basis for future research on miRNAs and their functions in this important species.

Foaming and Structural Studies on the Acidic Subunit of Amaranth 11S Globulin Modified with Antihypertensive Peptides as a Function of pH and Ionic Strength.

Some studies aimed at revealing the relationship between protein structure and their functional properties. However, the majority of these reports have been carried out using protein isolates. There are limited reports on the possible relationship between the functional properties and the structure of a purified protein. In this work the amaranth 11S globulin acidic subunit (AAC) and five mutations of the same protein that were modified in their variable regions with antihypertensive peptides (VYVYVYVY and RIPP), were analyzed at two ionic strength (2.9 and 17.6 g/L NaCl) and pH (3.0-7.0). Results revealed better solubility for the proteins mutated at the terminal ends (AACM.1 and AACM.4) and lower solubility for the protein inserted with RIPP peptide. Spectroscopy studies revealed an increase of ß-sheet structure at high salt concentration for all proteins. It was also observed that salt concentration acted as a modulator, which allowed a better foam features for all modified proteins limiting movement of side chains and reducing red-shifted displacement of λmax. All proteins showed foam capacity ranging from 76 to 93% although foam stability was twofold better for modified proteins than for AAC at high salt concentration. This study allowed better understanding about the structural changes that influence the foaming properties of engineered proteins.

Effect of Chitosan Nanoparticles Incorporating Antioxidants from Salvia hispanica L. on the Amaranth Flour Films.

Research background: Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) flour produces films with excellent barrier properties against water vapor, allowing food preservation, but the mechanical properties are poor compared to synthetic films. One strategy to improve these properties is the incorporation of nanoparticles. The particles can also serve as a vehicle for the addition of antioxidant agents into the films. The objective of this work is to optimize the formulation for the preparation of amaranth flour films treated with antioxidant chia (Salvia hispanica L.) extract-loaded chitosan particles using response surface methodology (RSM). Experimental approach: Chitosan nanoparticles with the extract were synthesized by ionic gelation, and the films were made by the casting method. Three independent variables were assigned: amaranth flour (4-6%), glycerol (25-35%) and chitosan nanoparticles loaded with the chia extract (0-0.75%). We then evaluated the physical (thickness), mechanical (tensile strength, Young´s modulus and elongation), barrier (water vapor permeability, moisture and water solubility) and antioxidant properties of the films. The experimental results of the properties were analyzed using a Box-Behnken experimental design generating 15 runs with three replicates at the central point. Results and conclusions: Second and third order polynomial models were obtained from the ANOVA analysis of the evaluated responses, and high coefficients of determination were found (0.91-1.0). The water vapor permeability of the films was 0.82-2.39·10-7 (g·mm)/(Pa·s·m2), tensile strength was 0.33-1.63 MPa and antioxidant activity 2.24-5.65%. The variables had different effects on the films: glycerol negatively affected their properties, and the permeability values increased with increased amaranth flour content. The nanoparticles improved the mechanical, barrier and antioxidant properties of the films compared to the films without nanosystems. The optimal formulation was 4% amaranth flour, 25% glycerol and 0.36% chitosan nanoparticles. The optimized films had better mechanical (1.62 MPa) properties, a low water vapor permeability value (0.91·10-7 (g·mm)/(Pa·s·m2)) and moderate antioxidant activity (6.43%). Novelty and scientific contribution: The results show the effect of chitosan nanoparticles on the properties of amaranth flour films for the first time. The resulting equations are useful in the design of food packaging.

A rare case of voluminous brain abscess due to Actinomyces meyeri and Aggregatibacter aphrophilus: is there any evidence for a prolonged antibiotic oral relay?

We present the case of a patient with a voluminous cerebral abscess caused by Aggregatibacter aphrophilus and Actinomyces meyeri occurring a week post dental scaling. Both these bacteria are rarely involved in brain abscesses, and so far, cases of cerebral actinomyces have mostly been treated surgically and with intravenous (IV) antibiotics for 3-4 months, then put on oral antibiotic therapy with penicillin or amoxicillin for a further 3-12 months. Our patient underwent drainage through craniotomy and was subsequently put on intravenous ceftriaxone for 3 months accompanied by brain imaging control at the end of this period which showed complete regression of the abscess. Following parenteral treatment, no oral antibiotics were given since pharmacokinetic properties do not allow to attain high tissue concentration in the brain. This treatment gave excellent results.

Comparative study between two European inception cohorts of patients with early systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the main characteristics of two inception cohorts (Italian [ITC] and Spanish [SPC]) cohorts of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) at the time of diagnosis and at one year of follow-up. METHODS: Demographic, clinical and immunological characteristics, and treatments at SLE diagnosis and at 12 months of follow-up of ITC and SPC were compared. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-four patients in the ITC and 231 patients in the SPC were compared. the patients from ITC were younger at SLE diagnosis (41.1±15.0 years vs. 46.4±15.6 years; p<0.001) and had a higher prevalence of arthritis (62.8% vs. 45.5%; p=0.001), serositis (25.6% vs. 16.0%; p=0.026), neurological involvement (7.9% vs. 1.7%; p=0.006), and immunological abnormalities (anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm, antiphospholipid antibodies) (93.9% vs. 77.8%; p<0.001). Conversely, photosensitivity (29.5% in ITC vs. 45.9% in SPC; p=0.001) and oral ulcers (12.4% vs. 30.3%; p<0.001) were more frequent at onset of SLE in the Spanish patients. At the first 12 months of follow-up, these differences were maintained. At SLE onset, more Italian patients received glucocorticoids (85.4% vs. 50.2%; p<0.001) and immunosuppressive agents. At 12 months of follow-up, more Spanish patients were treated with antimalarials (75.6% in ITC vs. 90.0% in SPC; p<0.001). Conversely, the use of glucocorticoids was lower in SPC (89.0% in ITC vs. 57.1% in SPC; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These cohorts presented different profiles in terms of pattern of organ/system involvement and disease treatment, possibly as a consequence of patient selection or different disease management approaches between Italy and Spain.

Assessment of Techno-Functional and Nutraceutical Potential of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Seed Meal.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a widely consumed fruit all around the world. The industrial exploitation of tomato generates a lot of waste. Most of the utilization of tomato seeds waste is focused on animal feeding, as well as a food ingredient aimed to increase the protein content, and raw material for some organic bioactive component extraction. The aim of this work was to evaluate the techno-functional properties of tomato seed meal (TSM) and its nutraceutical properties after applying defatting processing (TSMD), and to evaluate the nutraceutical properties after a fermentation processing (TSMDF) by Lactobacillus sp. The results showed that, at alkaline conditions (pH 8-9), the techno-functional properties for TSM and TSMD improved. In comparison with TSM, TSMD showed higher water holding capacity (WHC ≈32%), higher oil holding capacity (OHC ≈13%), higher protein solubility (49-58%), more than 10 times foaming activity (FA), more than 50 times foam stability (Fst), as well as an improved emulsifying activity (EA) and emulsion stability (Est) wich were better at pH 9. Regarding the nutraceutical properties, after 48 h of fermentation (TSMDF), the antioxidant activity was doubled and a significant increase in the iron chelating activity was also observed. During the same fermentation time, the highest angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition (ACEI) was achieved (IC50 73.6 µg/mL), more than 10 times higher than TSMD, which leads to suggest that this fermented medium may be a powerful antihypertensive. Therefore, the strategy proposed in this study could be an option for the exploitation of tomato wastes.

Moringa straw as cellulase production inducer and cellulolytic fungi source.

Currently, the valorization of agroindustrial waste is of great interest. Moringa oleifera is a multipurpose tree whose softwood residues could be used as raw material for low-cost cellulase production. The aim of this study was to isolate, identify, and characterize microorganisms with cellulolytic activity in different carbon sources. We isolated and purified 42 microorganisms from M. oleifera biomass. Fungi presenting the largest hydrolytic halos in carboxymethylcellulose as a substrate were molecularly identified as Penicillium funiculosum (FG1), Fusarium verticillioides (FG3) and Cladosporium cladosporioides (FC2). The ability of these fungal strains to break down cellulose was assessed in a submerged fermentation using either amorphous CMC or crystalline form (Avicel). P. funiculosum and C. cladosporioides displayed similar endoglucanase (606U/l) and exoglucanase (205U/l) activities in the Avicel-containing medium, whereas F. verticillioides showed the highest level of ß-glucosidase activity (664U/l) in the carboxymethylcellulose medium. In addition, the effect of three culture media (A, B, and C) on cellulase production was evaluated in P. funiculosum using moringa straw as a carbon source. The results showed a volumetric productivity improvement of cellulases that was 2.77-, 8.26-, and 2.30-fold higher for endoglucanase, exoglucanase and ß-glucosidase, respectively when medium C containing moringa straw was used as a carbon source. The enzymatic extracts produced by these fungi have biotechnological potential especially for second-generation bioethanol production (2G) from moringa straw. This is the first report on the use of M. oleifera biomass to induce the production of various cellulases in P. funiculosum.

Insertions of antihypertensive peptides and their applications in pharmacy and functional foods.

Hypertension is a worldwide health problem. It is the main cardiovascular risk factor and affects about 31% of the world's adult population. The drugs used to control hypertension may cause side effects; for this reason, there are many investigations focused on searching for alternatives to control or prevent this disease through diet. For example, many peptides have demonstrated antihypertensive effects. The insertion of bioactive peptides is a biotechnological implement used to improve the nutraceutical properties of proteins. This work reviews the current data on the insertion of antihypertensive peptides (AHPs) into food proteins, the systems used to produce the AHPs, the advantages and disadvantages between them, the parameters to produce them at major scales, and their potential applications in pharmacy and functional foods.

Insertion of antihypertensive peptides in acidic subunit from amaranth 11S induces contrasting effects in stability.

The insertion of peptides is a biotechnology tool widely used to improve the nutraceutical properties of proteins. Because the effect of these insertions in protein stability and function is difficult to predict, it should be determined experimentally. In this study, we created two variants of amarantin acidic subunit and analyzed them along with other four proteins reported previously. We measured their response against two destabilizing agents: temperature and urea. The six proteins presented the insertion of antihypertensive peptides (VYVYVYVY or RIPP) in the variable regions of the protein. We observed that their effect strongly depended on the site of the insertion. The insertion in the variable region I stabilized the protein both thermally and chemically, but it affected the inhibitory activity of the angiotensin-converting enzyme in vitro. In contrast, insertions in other three regions were severely destabilizing, producing molten globules. Our findings reveal that the insertion of bioactive peptides in variable regions of a protein can increase or decrease the protein's thermal and chemical stability and that these conformational changes may also alter its final activity.

Reversible Morphological Evolution of Responsive Giant Vesicles to Nanospheres by the Self-Assembly of Crystalline-b-Coil Polyphosphazene Block Copolymers.

The preparation of long-term-stable giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs, diameter ≥ 1000 nm) and large vesicles (diameter ≥ 500 nm) by self-assembly in THF of the crystalline-b-coil polyphosphazene block copolymers [N=P(OCH2CF3)2 ]n-b-[N=PMePh]m (4 a: n=30, m=20; 4 b: n=90, m=20; 4 c: n=200, m=85), which combine crystalline [N=P(OCH2CF3)2] and amorphous [N=PMePh] blocks, both of which are flexible, is reported. SEM, TEM, and wide-angle X-ray scattering experiments demonstrated that the stability of these GUVs is induced by crystallization of the [N=P(OCH2CF3)2] blocks at the capsule wall of the GUVS, with the [N=PMePh] blocks at the corona. Higher degrees of crystallinity of the capsule wall are found in the bigger vesicles, which suggests that the crystallinity of the [N=P(OCH2CF3)2] block facilitates the formation of large vesicles. The GUVs are responsive to strong acids (HOTf) and, after selective protonation of the [N=PMePh] block, they undergo a morphological evolution to smaller spherical micelles in which the core and corona roles have been inverted. This morphological evolution is totally reversible by neutralization with a base (NEt3), which regenerates the original GUVs. The monitoring of this process by dynamic light scattering allowed a mechanism to to be proposed for this reversible morphological evolution in which the block copolymer 4 a and its protonated form 4 a(+) are intermediates. This opens a route to the design of reversibly responsive polymeric systems in organic solvents. This is the first reversibly responsive vesicle system to operate in organic media.

Porous films by the self-assembly of inorganic rod-b-coil block copolymers: mechanistic insights into the vesicle-to-pore morphological evolution.

The self-assembly in thin films of polyphosphazene block copolymers [N = P(O2C12H8)]n-b-[N = PMePh]m (O2C12H8 = 2,2'-dioxy-1,1'-biphenyl; : n = 50, m = 35; : n = 20, m = 70, and : n = 245, m = 60), having different volume fractions of the rigid [N = P(O2C12H8)]n block, has been studied. BCP spontaneously self-assembled into well-defined round-shaped macroporous films, observing also, as a minor morphology, spherical vesicles in regions where the film was not formed. A detailed study by SEM, TEM and AFM of the structure of the vesicles, the morphology of the pores (inverted mushroom-shaped), and the behaviour of the copolymers with shorter () and longer () [N = P(O2C12H8)]n rigid blocks provided sufficient experimental evidence to propose a vesicle-to-pore morphological evolution as the most likely mechanism to explain the pore formation during the self-assembly of . Moreover, by changing the volume fraction of the rigid block and the speed of solvent evaporation, it was possible to vary the pore morphology (and their diameter) from isolated regular groups to 3D interconnected pore networks.

Tuning the Chirality of Block Copolymers: From Twisted Morphologies to Nanospheres by Self-Assembly.

New advances into the chirality effect in the self-assembly of block copolymers (BCPs) have been achieved by tuning the helicity of the chiral-core-forming blocks. The chiral BCPs {[N=P(R)-O2C20H12](200-x)[N=P(OC5H4N)2](x)}-b-[N=PMePh]50 ((R)-O2C20H12 = (R)-1,1'-binaphthyl-2,2'-dioxy, OC5H4N = 4-pyridinoxy (OPy); x = 10, 30, 60, 100 for 3 a-d, respectively), in which the [N=P(OPy)2] units are randomly distributed within the chiral block, have been synthesised. The chiroptical properties of the BCPs ([α]D vs. T and CD) demonstrated that the helicity of the BCP chains may be simply controlled by the relative proportion of the chiral and achiral (i.e., [N=P(R)-O2C20H12] and [N=P(OPy)2], respectively) units. Thus, although 3 a only contained only 5% [N=P(OPy)2] units and exhibited a preferential helical sense, 3 d with 50% of this unit adopted non-preferred helical conformations. This gradual variation of the helicity allowed us to examine the chirality effect on the self-assembly of chiral and helical BCPs (i.e., 3 a-c) and chiral but non-helical BCPs (i.e., 3 d). The very significant influence of the helicity on the self-assembly of these materials resulted in a variety of morphologies that extend from helical nanostructures to pearl-necklace aggregates and nanospheres (i.e., 3 b and 3 d, respectively). We also demonstrate that the presence of pyridine moieties in BCPs 3 a-d allows specific decoration with gold nanoparticles.

Trazam project: A mobile application for the tracking of compounded preparations in a Pharmacy Department. / Proyecto Trazam: aplicación móvil para la trazabilidad de preparaciones elaboradas en un servicio de farmacia.

INTRODUCTION: The primary objective of this study is to describe the design and implementation of a mobile application (App) for tracking preparations compounded in the Pharmacy Department. Secondary objectives include evaluating the time spent on resolving incidents related to the distribution of preparations before and after implementation, assessing users satisfaction with the application, and establishing a panel of quality indicators based on the data extracted from the App. METHODS: Defining application requirements, identifying drugs to be included in the software and outlining different workflows. Developing the App in collaboration with the supplier and integrating it with the computer programs involved in prescription and validation. Additionally, QR codes were created to identify delivery points at destination units, and suitable mobile devices were acquired. The initial phase involved user training in the application and a pilot test conducted in a hospital ward. The subsequent phase focused on expansion and consolidation. RESULTS: The system includes 86.9% of all sterile preparations prepared in the Hospital Pharmacy, encompassing chemotherapy, adult parenteral nutrition, and other non-hazardous sterile preparations. Furthermore, the application has been implemented in all hospitalization wards, day care units and two external sites. On average, 5,403 preparations were tracked per month (SD = 297.3). The time required to address incidents related to the distribution of preparations has decreased by 83% (from 38.9 to 6.6 minutes per day). The App regularly provides valuable management data for optimizing workflow in the compounding area. Additionally, users have expressed satisfaction with the application. DISCUSION: The proposed application enables hospital staff to easily and intuitively track preparations compounded in the pharmacy, irrespective of the computer program used for prescription. It has significantly reduced the need for manual record-keeping and has mitigated incidents associated with the distribution of sterile preparations.

[Translated article] Trazam project: A mobile application for tracking preparations compounded in a pharmacy department.

INTRODUCTION: The primary objective of this study is to describe the design and implementation of a mobile application (App) for tracking preparations compounded in the Pharmacy Department. Secondary objectives include: i) evaluating the time spent on resolving incidents related to the distribution of preparations before and after implementation, ii) assessing users satisfaction with the application, and iii) establishing a panel of quality indicators based on the data extracted from the App. METHODS: 1) Defining application requirements, identifying drugs to be included in the software and outlining different workflows. 2) Developing the App in collaboration with the supplier and integrating it with the computer programs involved in prescription and validation. Additionally, QR codes were created to identify delivery points at destination units, and suitable mobile devices were acquired. The initial phase involved user training in the application and a pilot test conducted in a hospital ward. 3) The subsequent phase focused on expansion and consolidation. RESULTS: The system includes 86.9% of all sterile preparations prepared in the Hospital Pharmacy, encompassing chemotherapy, adult parenteral nutrition, and other non-hazardous sterile preparations. Furthermore, the application has been implemented in all hospitalisation wards, day care units and two external sites. On average, 5403 preparations were tracked per month (SD = 297.3). The time required to address incidents related to the distribution of preparations has decreased by 83% (from 38.9 to 6.6 min per day). The App regularly provides valuable management data for optimising workflow in the compounding area. Additionally, users have expressed satisfaction with the application. DISCUSION: The proposed application enables hospital staff to easily and intuitively track preparations compounded in the Pharmacy, irrespective of the computer program used for prescription. It has significantly reduced the need for manual record-keeping and has mitigated incidents associated with the distribution of sterile preparations.

Supercritical CO2 Treatment to Modify Techno-Functional Properties of Proteins Extracted from Tomato Seeds.

Tomato seeds are a rich source of protein that can be utilized for various industrial food purposes. This study delves into the effects of using supercritical CO2 (scCO2) on the structure and techno-functional properties of proteins extracted from defatted tomato seeds. The defatted meal was obtained using hexane (TSMH) and scCO2 (TSMC), and proteins were extracted using water (PEWH and PEWC) and saline solution (PESH and PESC). The results showed that scCO2 treatment significantly improved the techno-functional properties of protein extracts, such as oil-holding capacity and foaming capacity (especially for PEWC). Moreover, emulsifying capacity and stability were enhanced for PEWC and PESC, ranging between 4.8 and 46.7% and 11.3 and 96.3%, respectively. This was made possible by the changes in helix structure content induced by scCO2 treatment, which increased for PEWC (5.2%) and decreased for PESC (8.0%). Additionally, 2D electrophoresis revealed that scCO2 hydrolyzed alkaline proteins in the extracts. These findings demonstrate the potential of scCO2 treatment in producing modified proteins for food applications.

Gold-decorated chiral macroporous films by the self-assembly of functionalised block copolymers.

We describe a new and very versatile method to place chosen chemical functionalities at the edge of the pores of macroporous materials. The method is based on the synthesis and self-assembly of inorganic block copolymers (BCPs) having chiral rigid segments bearing controllable quantities of randomly distributed functional groups. The synthesis of a series of optically active block copolyphosphazenes (PP) with the general formula [N=P(R-O2C20H12)(0.9)(FG)(0.2)]n-b-[N=PMePh]m (FG=-OC5H4N (6), -NC4H8S (7), and -NC4H8O (8)), was accomplished by the sequential living cationic polycondensation of N-silylphosphoranimines, using the mono-end-capped initiator [Ph3P=N=PCl3][Cl] (3). The self-assembly of the phosphazene BCPs 6-8 led to chiral porous films. The functionality present on those polymers affected their self-assembly behaviour resulting in the formation of pores of different diameters (D(n)=111 (6), 53 (7) and 77 nm (8)). The specific functionalisation of the pores was proven by decorating the films with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Thus, the BCPs 6 and 7, having pyridine and thiomorpholine groups, respectively, were treated with HAuCl4, followed by reduction with NaBH4, yielding a new type of block copolyphosphazenes, which self-assembled into chiral porous films specifically decorated with AuNPs at the edge of the pores.