Effects of chitosan coating on freeze-drying of blueberry enhanced by ultrasound pre-treatment in sodium bicarbonate medium.

Sodium bicarbonate medium ultrasound pre-treatment can enhance the freeze-drying process of blueberries, but the quality of dried products cannot meet the actual production needs. To yield higher quality products, chitosan coating was applied in blueberry sodium bicarbonate medium ultrasound pre-treatment enhanced freeze-drying process. The improvement effect of different chitosan coating methodologies on the procedure of blueberry freeze-drying, enhanced by ultrasound pre-treatment in sodium bicarbonate medium, was investigated. These include: chitosan solution soaking alone (CH-A), chitosan medium ultrasound treatment (US-CH), first sodium bicarbonate medium ultrasound treatment then chitosan solution soaking (US-NaHCO3 + CH) and first sodium bicarbonate soaking followed by chitosan medium ultrasound treatment (NaHCO3 + US-CH). While the treatments that presoaking in sodium bicarbonate solution (NaHCO3-A), water medium ultrasound treatment (US-W) and sodium bicarbonate medium ultrasound treatment (US-NaHCO3) were used as the control groups. Results demonstrated that ultrasound treatment and sodium bicarbonate soaking have positive effect on improving the freeze-drying characteristics of blueberries, while chitosan coating has a negative effect. Chitosan coating has a significant effect on strengthening limit effect of blueberry skin on juice overflow and weakening moisture absorption capacity of dried blueberry. US-NaHCO3 + CH pretreatment yielded the best results for blueberry freeze-drying.

Smart Nanosacrificial Layer on the Bone Surface Prevents Osteoporosis through Acid-Base Neutralization Regulated Biocascade Effects.

Osteoporosis is a global chronic disease characterized by severe bone loss and high susceptibility to fragile fracture. It is widely accepted that the origin acidified microenvironment created by excessive osteoclasts causes irreversible bone mineral dissolution and organic degradation during osteoclastic resorption. However, current clinically available approaches are mainly developed from the perspective of osteoclast biology rather than the critical acidified niche. Here, we developed a smart "nanosacrificial layer" consisting of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3)-containing and tetracycline-functionalized nanoliposomes (NaHCO3-TNLs) that can target bone surfaces and respond to external secreted acidification from osteoclasts, preventing osteoporosis. In vitro and in vivo results prove that this nanosacrificial layer precisely inhibits the initial acidification of osteoclasts and initiates a chemically regulated biocascade to remodel the bone microenvironment and realize bone protection: extracellular acid-base neutralization first inhibits osteoclast function and also promotes its apoptosis, in which the apoptosis-derived extracellular vesicles containing RANK (receptor activator of nuclear factor-κ B) further consume RANKL (RANK ligand) in serum, achieving comprehensive osteoclast inhibition. Our therapeutic strategy for osteoporosis is based on original and precise acid-base neutralization, aiming to reestablish bone homeostasis by using a smart nanosacrificial layer that is able to induce chemically regulated biocascade effects. This study also provides a novel understanding of osteoporosis therapy in biomedicine and clinical treatments.

Generation of High Dose Inhalable Effervescent Dispersions against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms.

PURPOSE: Novel particle engineering approach was used in this study to generate high dose inhalable effervescent particles with synergistic effects against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. METHODS: Spray dried co-amorphous salt of ciprofloxacin (CFX) and tartaric acid (TA) was prepared and coated with external layer of sodium bicarbonate and silica coated silver nanobeads. Design of experiments (DOE) was used to optimize physicochemical properties of particles for enhanced lung deposition. RESULTS: Generated particles were co-amorphous CFX/TA showing that CFX lost its zwitterionic form and exhibiting distinct properties to CFX/HCl as assessed by FTIR and thermal analysis. Particles exhibited mass mean aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of 3.3 µm, emitted dose of 78% and fine particle dose of 85%. Particles were further evaluated via antimicrobial assessment of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC). MIC and MBEC results showed that the hybrid particles were around 3-5 times more effective when compared to CFX signifying that synergistic effect was achieved. Diffusing wave spectroscopy results showed that the silver containing particles had a disruptive effect on rheological properties as opposed to silver free particles. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, these results showed the potential to use particle engineering to generate particles that are highly disruptive of bacterial biofilms.

Preparation and Characterization of the Biological Compound Effervescent Granule of Calcium Acetate.

OBJECTIVE: Calcium acetate (Ca(CH3COO)2) is commonly used in calcium supplement for medicine, which is used as an auxiliary agent to treat osteoporosis. An effervescent granule is widely used in medical industry due to its palatability. The purpose of this study is to develop a new preparation of compound effervescent granule of the biological calcium acetate (Ca(CH3COO)2 effervescent granule), overcoming the disadvantages of the previous other dosage forms of calcium and thus enhancing the therapeutic efficacy. METHODS: The biological Ca(CH3COO)2 effervescent granule was prepared by the wet granulation method. The formulation was optimized by the orthogonal experiment. The effervescent base was comprised of various amounts of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate. Other ingredients were added for optimal performance of effervescent granule. The performed Ca(CH3COO)2 effervescent granule was evaluated for the particle size, repose angle, pH value of solution, calcium acetate content and effervescence time. The in vivo effects of Ca(CH3COO)2 effervescent granule on the bone microarchitecture were investigated via Micro-CT detection, and the serum calcium level was also investigated. RESULTS: The optimized formulation of the biological Ca(CH3COO)2 effervescent granules was composed of calcium acetate, citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, PEG6000, aspartame, PVP ethanol solution, lactose and vitamin D. Our findings reveal that this biological Ca(CH3COO)2 effervescent granule exhibited prominent effect on preventing the bone-mass loss and did better in enhancing the bone microarchitecture compared to the other calcium preparations. CONCLUSION: The biological Ca(CH3COO)2 effervescent granule is a novel dosage form among so many kinds of calcium preparations. It may perform better functions in the dairy calcium supplement.

Influences of alkali on the quality and protein polymerization of buckwheat Chinese steamed bread.

The effects of alkali (NaHCO3 or Na2CO3) on the quality and protein polymerization of buckwheat Chinese steamed bread (CSB) were investigated. The alkali addition increased the specific volume of CSB, for NaHCO3 from 1.84 ml/g (control) to 2.66 ml/g. Image analysis showed that alkali increased the pore area fractions. The addition of Na2CO3 exhibited a greater pore count and lower pore average size. The texture properties were improved with the increase of crumb hardness and resilience. The extractability of protein in sodium dodecyl sulfate containing medium (SDSEP) decreased. Furthermore, SDS-PAGE showed an obvious decrease in the intensity of protein bands with lower molecular weight, while intensity of higher molecular protein bands increased. This demonstrated that alkali addition promoted protein aggregation in buckwheat CSB. In addition, the content of degydroalanine and lanthionine increased and free SH decreased, which indicated alkali addition prompted protein to form dehydroalanine-derived and disulfide cross-linkings.

Comparative study of phosphorus adsorption behaviors in lake sediments over short and long periods of time: implication for the prediction of the release of phosphorus by CaCl2 and NaHCO3 extraction.

Ten sediments were collected from the northern part of Taihu Lake, China. They were incubated for 24 h and 80 days to analyze the adsorption characteristics. After adsorption, the residual sediments were extracted with 0.01 M CaCl2 and 0.5 M NaHCO3 separately. Maximum buffer capacities of the Langmuir and Freundlich functions of 80-day incubation were highly correlated with 24 h (R 2 = 0.97). A longer time would enhance the resistance of the sediments to P changes in the water. Adsorption and NaHCO3-P were highly linearly related with R 2 > 0.969, but the relationships between 24 h and 80 days were different. The relationships between adsorption and CaCl2-P could be better explained (97 %) by segmented line models, but the fitting results were affected by incubation time. An interesting finding is that when we plotted the NaHCO3-P and CaCl2-P together by a segmented line model, the data showed a uniform trend unrelated to the incubation time. NaHCO3-P is seldom used to evaluate P status in sediments in comparison with soils. Yet, our results suggested NaHCO3-P is a good bridge to link the sediments P retention ability and P release risk. Due to its simplicity, NaHCO3-P has promising potential in predicting the transfer of P from sediments.

Coupling biofiltration process and electrocoagulation using magnesium-based anode for the treatment of landfill leachate.

In this research paper, a combination of biofiltration (BF) and electrocoagulation (EC) processes was used for the treatment of sanitary landfill leachate. Landfill leachate is often characterized by the presence of refractory organic compounds (BOD/COD < 0.13). BF process was used as secondary treatment to remove effectively ammonia nitrogen (N-NH4 removal of 94%), BOD (94% removed), turbidity (95% removed) and phosphorus (more than 98% removed). Subsequently, EC process using magnesium-based anode was used as tertiary treatment. The best performances of COD and color removal from landfill leachate were obtained by applying a current density of 10 mA/cm(2) through 30 min of treatment. The COD removal reached 53%, whereas 85% of color removal was recorded. It has been proved that the alkalinity had a negative effect on COD removal during EC treatment. COD removal efficiencies of 52%, 41% and 27% were recorded in the presence of 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 g/L of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), respectively. Hydroxide ions produced at the cathode electrode reacted with the bicarbonate ions to form carbonates. The presence of bicarbonates in solution hampered the increase in pH, so that the precipitation of magnesium hydroxides could not take place to effectively remove organic pollutants.

Comparing the pH Change of Local Anesthetic Solutions Using Two Chairside Buffering Techniques.

Researchers compared two methods-hand mixing and a commercial system-for buffering local anesthesia in seven commercially available dental preparations.

Preliminary validation of a sequential fractionation method to study phosphorus chemistry in a calcareous soil.

A sequential fractionation method proposed by Jiang and Gu (1989) distinguished three types of calcium phosphates (Ca-P) according to their different plant availabilities. Three extractants, NaHCO3, NH4Ac, and H2SO4 were used to extract Ca2-P, Ca8-P, and Ca10-P types, respectively, from soil. This sequential fractionation method was tested and modified for analyzing the P chemistry of a calcareous soil. The solubility test and the model diagrams of the stability of the major Ca-P minerals showed that NaHCO3 was able to extract brushite (Ca2-P type), and NH4Ac extracted brushite and ß-tricalcium P (Ca8-P type) as well as hydroxyapatite (Ca10-P type). Therefore the P forms targeted by extraction with NH4Ac should include both Ca8-and Ca10-P types. The sum of the P extracted by all extractants in the sequential fractionation method in the calcareous soil was in agreement with the total P measured by the perchloric acid digestion method. A proportion of organic P measured by the sequential fractionation method was in agreement with the result from solution (31)P NMR spectroscopy. This study showed that the modified sequential fractionation method and its target P forms would be useful for quantifying and characterizing inorganic and organic P in a calcareous soil, even though it should be used in combination with other techniques, such as solution (31)P NMR spectroscopy.

The effect of air-abrasion on the susceptibility of sound enamel to acid challenge.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of air-abrasion using three abrasive powders, on the susceptibility of sound enamel to an acid challenge. METHODS: 40 human enamel samples were flattened, polished and assigned to 4 experimental groups (n=10); a: alumina air-abrasion, b: sodium bicarbonate air-abrasion, c: bioactive glass (BAG) air-abrasion and d: no surface treatment (control). White light confocal profilometry was used to measure the step height enamel loss of the abraded area within each sample at three stages; after sample preparation (baseline), after air-abrasion and finally after exposing the samples to pH-cycling for 10 days. Data was analysed statistically using one-way ANOVA with Tukey's HSD post-hoc tests (p<0.05). Unique prismatic structures generated by abrasion and subsequent pH cycling were imaged using multiphoton excitation microscopy, exploiting strong autofluorescence properties of the enamel without labelling. Z-stacks of treated and equivalent control surfaces were used to generate non-destructively 3-dimensional surface profiles similar to those produced by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the step height enamel loss after initial surface air-abrasion compared to the negative control group. However, a significant increase in the step height enamel loss was observed in the alumina air-abraded samples after pH-cycling compared to the negative control (p<0.05). Sodium bicarbonate as well as BAG air-abrasion exhibited similar enamel surface loss to that detected in the negative control group (p>0.05). Surface profile examination revealed a deposition effect across sodium bicarbonate and BAG-abraded groups. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the importance of powder selection when using air abrasion technology in clinical dentistry. Pre-treating the enamel surface with alumina air-abrasion significantly increased its susceptibility to acid challenge. Therefore, when using alumina air-abrasion clinically, clinicians must be aware that abrading sound enamel excessively renders that surface more susceptible to the effects of acid erosion. BAG and sodium bicarbonate powders were less invasive when compared to the alumina powder, supporting their use for controlled surface stain removal from enamel where indicated clinically.

Gastroretentive Matrix Tablets of Boswellia Oleogum Resin: Preparation, Optimization, In Vitro Evaluation, and Cytoprotective Effect on Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rabbits.

Currently available anti-ulcer drugs suffer from serious side effects which limited their uses and prompted the need to search for a safe and efficient new anti-ulcer agent. Boswellia gum resin (BR) emerged as a safe, efficient, natural, and economic potential cytoprotective agent. Thus, it is of medical importance to develop gastroretentive (GR) formulations of BR to enhance its bioavailability and anti-ulcer efficacy. Early attempts involved the use of organic solvents and non-applicability to large-scale production. In this study, different tablet formulations were prepared by simple direct compression combining floating and bioadhesion mechanisms employing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (SCMC), pectin (PC), and/or carbopol (CP) as bioadhesive polymers and sodium bicarbonate (SB) as a gas former. The prepared tablets were subjected for assessment of swelling, floating, bioadhesion, and drug release in 0.1 N HCl. The optimized GR formulation was examined for its protective effect on the gastric ulcer induced by indomethacin in albino rabbits compared with lactose tablets. The obtained results disclosed that swelling, floating, bioadhesion, and drug release of the GR tablets of BR depend mainly on the nature of the matrix and the ratio of polymer combinations. Moreover, a combination of SCMC-CP in a ratio of 2:1 (SCP21) exhibited desirable floating, bioadhesion, swelling, and extended drug release. Also, a 6-h pretreatment with SCP21 tablets decreased the severity of inflammation and number of bleeding spots among ulcer-induced rabbits in comparison to those treated with lactose tablets.

Formulation and in vitro, in vivo evaluation of effervescent floating sustained-release imatinib mesylate tablet.

INTRODUCTION: Imatinib mesylate is an antineoplastic agent which has high absorption in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Conventional imatinib mesylate (Gleevec) tablets produce rapid and relatively high peak blood levels and requires frequent administration to keep the plasma drug level at an effective range. This might cause side effects, reduced effectiveness and poor therapeutic management. Therefore, floating sustained-release Imatinib tablets were developed to allow the tablets to be released in the upper part of the GIT and overcome the inadequacy of conventional tablets. METHODOLOGY: Floating sustained-release Imatinib mesylate tablets were prepared using the wet granulation method. Tablets were formulated using Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC K4M), with Sodium alginate (SA) and Carbomer 934P (CP) as release-retarding polymers, sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) as the effervescent agent and lactose as a filler. Floating behavior, in vitro drug release, and swelling index studies were conducted. Initial and total drug release duration was compared with a commercial tablet (Gleevec) in 0.1 N HCl (pH 1.2) at 37 ± 0.5°C for 24 hours. Tablets were then evaluated for various physical parameters, including weight variation, thickness, hardness, friability, and drug content. Consequently, 6 months of physical stability studies and in vitro gastro-retentive studies were conducted. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Statistical data analysis revealed that tablets containing a composition of 14.67% w/w HPMC K4M, 10.67%, w/w Na alginate, 1.33%, w/w Carbomer 934P and 9.33%, w/w NaHCO3 produced the most favorable formulation to develop 24-hour sustained-release tablets with optimum floating behavior and satisfactory physicochemical characteristics. Furthermore, in vitro release study revealed that the formulated SR tablet had significantly lower Cmax and higher Tmax compared to the conventional tablet (Gleevec). Thus, formulated SR tablets preserved persistent concentration of plasma up to 24 hours. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, in order to suggest a better drug delivery system with constant favorable release, resulting in optimized absorption and less side effects, formulated CP-HPMC-SA based imatinib mesylate floating sustained-release tablets can be a promising candidate for cancer chemotherapy.

Factors that determine stability of highly concentrated chemically defined production media.

High cell density perfusion processes for the production of therapeutic antibodies require large volumes of media to meet cellular stoichiometric and energy demands. The use of media concentrates provides a way to reduce the cost of manufacturing. Reducing the number and size of liquid media batches reduces the media footprint in the manufacturing plant and cuts costs associated with single-use systems for preparation and storage of liquid media. Concentrates that can be stored at room temperature also reduce costs by eliminating the need for refrigerated storage. To meet these economic and operational objectives, we developed a complete concentrated medium system consisting of a 5X medium concentrate that can be used in conjunction with a concentrated supplement of cystine, tyrosine, and folic acid. The effects of pyruvate, bicarbonate, and glutamine on the stability of the 5X concentrates were studied. Pyruvate and bicarbonate were found to have profound impacts on media stability, including media coloration, precipitate formation and ability to support cell culture. Bicarbonate was found to have detrimental effects in 5X concentrated media, resulting in precipitation of pyruvate-free media and accelerated glutamine degradation. Pyruvate prevented precipitation in bicarbonate-containing concentrates. Moreover, the presence of pyruvate in bicarbonate-free, glutamine-free 5X concentrates resulted in the substantial preservation of the functional activity of the medium for 1 month at room temperature.

Prospective study of a single treatment strategy for local tumescent anesthesia in Muller phlebectomy.

BACKGROUND: Ambulatory Muller phlebectomy for varicose veins can be performed under local anesthesia. However, subcutaneous injection of local tumescent anesthetics may cause discomfort because of acidity of the solution. Addition of sodium bicarbonate lowers the acidity of anesthetic solutions, which might cause less pain. The objective of this study was to study whether alkalinization of the local anesthetic solution with sodium bicarbonate 1.4% decreases perioperative pain during Muller phlebectomies. METHODS: It is a double-blind single-center randomized controlled trial. In all, 101 patients scheduled for ambulatory Muller phlebectomy were randomized to receive either local anesthesia with alkalinized solution (lidocaine 1% and epinephrine in sodium bicarbonate 1.4%) or standard solution (lidocaine 1% and epinephrine in saline 0.9%). Primary outcome was pain during injection of local anesthetics with the use of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes were peroperative and postoperative pain, use of analgesics, patient satisfaction, return to function, and complications. RESULTS: Patients receiving subcutaneous injection of local anesthetics diluted in sodium bicarbonate 1.4% experienced significantly less pain during injection compared with patients treated with standard anesthetic solution (VAS, 1.75 ± 1.8 vs. 3.55 ± 2.2, P < 0.00). Peroperative and postoperative pain, complication rates, use of analgesics, patient satisfaction, return to function, and complications did not differ between the 2 groups (P > 0.10). CONCLUSIONS: Alkalinization of local anesthetic solution with sodium bicarbonate 1.4% significantly improves patient comfort during injection of local tumescent anesthesia.

Evaluation of the Effect of Different Surface Treatments on Luting CAD/CAM Composite Resin Overlay Workpieces.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of different surface treatments on luting CAD/CAM composite resin workpieces. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred eight (108) composite CAD/CAM block sections (Lava Ultimate) 3 mm in thickness were polished up to 4000 grit and then randomly assigned to 6 experimental groups according to the applied surface treatment (no treatment, sodium bicarbonate [NaHCO3], glycine, alumina [Al2O3], CoJet, and SilJet). After standardized sandblasting procedures, 2 block sections from each group were randomly chosen for the qualitative SEM evaluation of the sandblasted surfaces. The remaining 96 CAD/CAM block sections were luted in pairs using a bonding agent (Single Bond) and a restorative composite resin (Filtek Ultimate). Specimens were aged for 2 weeks in 37°C water with 3000 thermal cycles (5°C/55°C), the microtensile test was performed (n = 30), and the values were statistically analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey's HSD post-hoc test (p = 0.05). RESULTS: The qualitative SEM evaluation of the sandblasted surfaces showed that sodium bicarbonate and glycine had almost no conditioning effect on the CAD/CAM composite resin. In contrast, aluminum oxide, CoJet, and SilJet had a profound conditioning effect on the CAD/CAM composite resin. No treatment, sodium bicarbonate, and glycine specimens were debonded after thermal stressing (0 MPa), while aluminum oxide, CoJet, and SilJet showed high microtensile values (Al2O3: 104.45 ± 18.76 MPa; CoJet: 105.55 ± 11.88 MPa; SilJet: 105.02 ± 20.84 MPa), which were not statistically significantly different from each other. CONCLUSION: Aluminum oxide-based sandblasting powders are the best choice for the surface treatment of CAD/ CAM workpieces.

[Study on bioequivalence of new Wubei fast-release tablet].

OBJECTIVE: To prepare a new Wubei fast-release tablet and study the pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence of self-prepared Wubei fast-release tablet and Wubei powder in Beagle dogs. METHOD: Wubei fast-release tablet was prepared with direct powder compression. Six Beagle dogs were randomly devided into two groups. They were orally administered with Wubei fast-release tablet and Wubei powder, respectively. Peimine concentrations in human plasma were determined by HPLC-MS/MS after administration. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by DAS 2.0 using a non-compartmental analysis. The bioequivalence of fast-release tablet and powder was evaluated. RESULT: The main pharmacokinetic parameters of peimine in Wubei fast-release tablet as follows: Cmax (7.4 +/- 2.3) microg x L(-1), AUC(0-t) (59.13 +/- 15.25) microg x L(-1) x h(-1), Tmax (1.5 +/- 0.0) h. The main pharmacokinetic parameters of peimine in Wubei powder as follows: Cmax (8.0 +/- 1.7) microg x L(-1), AUC(0-t) (68.78 +/- 16.27) microg x L(-1) x h(-1), Tmax (1.5 +/- 0.0) h. The 90% confidence interval of InAUC(0-t), and lnCmax of peimine in Wubei fast-release tablet were 95.4% - 104.6%, 90.9% - 109.1% of corresponding parameters of Wubei powder, respectively. CONCLUSION: The self-prepared Wubei fast-release tablet and Wubei powder were bioequivalent. And the self-prepared Wubei fast-release tablet had simple production process, easy administration.

Development of bilayer floating tablet of amoxicillin and Aloe vera gel powder for treatment of gastric ulcers.

Usual treatment for Helicobacter pylori-induced peptic ulcer includes a 'triple therapy' consisting of two antibiotics (amoxicillin and clarithromycin) and a proton pump inhibitor (omeprazole). The objective of this project work was defined with a view to retain the drug in stomach for better antiulcer activity and substituting one of the synthetic drugs in this therapy with a herbal alternative. Hence, aim of the present work was to design and develop a bilayer floating tablet of amoxicillin and Aloe vera gel powder for the treatment of peptic ulcer. A. vera gel powder is used for its cytoprotective action. Bilayer floating tablets were prepared by applying direct compression technique. The proportion of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid was adjusted to get the least possible lag time with good matrix integrity and total floating time. Polymer concentration was adjusted to get the maximum release in 8 h. The formulation was developed using hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) K4M and HPMC K100M in a ratio of 85:15 along with 1:4 ratio of effervescent agents was found to give floating lag time of less than 1 min with total floating time of more than 8 h and 97.0% drug release in 8 h. In vivo study in rats meets the requirement of antiulcer activity for bilayer tablet in comparison to single amoxicillin as standard.