Electrochemical detection of nalbuphine drug using oval-like ZnO nanostructure-based sensor.

Monitoring pharmaceutical drugs in various mediums is crucial to mitigate adverse effects. This study presents a chemical sensor using an oval-like zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructure for electrochemical detection of nalbuphine. The ZnO nanostructure, produced via an efficient sol-gel technique, was extensively characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible spectrophotometry, and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A slurry of the ZnO nanostructure in a binder was applied to a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The sensor's responsiveness to nalbuphine was assessed using linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), achieving optimal performance by fine-tuning the pH. The sensor demonstrated a proportional response to nalbuphine concentrations up to 150.0 nM with a good regression coefficient (R2) and a detection limit of 6.20 nM (S/N ratio of 3). Selectivity was validated against various interfering substances, and efficacy was confirmed through real sample analysis, highlighting the sensor's successful application for nalbuphine detection.

Permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia due to an atypical retrograde slow conducting decremental left posterolateral accessory pathway and tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy in a pregnant adolescent.

Permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia (PJRT) is a rare form of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) due to a retrograde slow conducting decremental accessory pathway (AP) which is often incessant and can lead to tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TIC). We report the challenging clinical course of a pregnant adolescent with PJRT due to an atypical retrograde slow conducting decremental left posterolateral AP. Pregnancy is known to exacerbate supraventricular arrhythmias and can lead to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. To the best of our knowledge, there are no prior reports on the clinical course of rare incessant and difficult-to-treat arrhythmias such as PJRT in a pregnant adolescent patient.

Detection of atrial fibrillation by implantable loop recorders following cryptogenic stroke: A retrospective study of predictive factors and outcomes.

PURPOSE: Cryptogenic strokes account for 40% of ischemic strokes. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a known cause of stroke. Current data shows that occult AF is detected by implantable devices at higher rates than conventional monitoring. The objective of this study was to investigate risk factors and outcomes associated with AF detection by implantable loop recorders (ILRs) in patients with cryptogenic stroke. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 172 patients admitted with cryptogenic stroke at Ascension St John and Macomb-Oakland Hospitals who had ILRs placed from 1/1/2016 to 1/31/2020. AF detection was defined as sustained AF for 30 s. RESULTS: The incidence of AF detection by ILR was 14% (24/172) over a mean follow-up of 12.75 ± 10.71 months. The mean duration of monitoring prior to AF detection was 4.5 months. The median duration of AF was 6 min. With univariable analysis, older age (p = 0.03), male sex (p = 0.09), embolic stroke pattern on imaging (p = 0.06), and presence of symptoms (p = 0.001) were associated with AF detection. Using multivariable analysis, patients with AF were more likely to be older (OR = 1.04, p = 0.04), male (OR = 3.6, p = 0.03), symptomatic (OR = 6.3, p = 0.01), and had embolic stroke pattern (OR = 3.3, p = 0.04). 95.8% of patients with AF were started on anticoagulation for secondary stroke prevention. CONCLUSION: In patients with cryptogenic stroke, age, sex, stroke pattern, and presence of AF symptoms are independent predictors of AF detection by ILR. Most patients with AF were started on anticoagulation for secondary stroke prevention.

Pharmacokinetics of Midazolam in preterm neonates with an insight in brain Tissue: A PBPK approach.

Physiological maturity is a gradual process taking place throughout infancy and childhood. Though for years anatomical growth has been the basis for dose calculation in pediatric population, physiological immaturity can-not be overlooked especially in neonates. The potential difference in physiology can significantly affect the outcomes of treatment and may result in under dosing or over-dosage. For many ethical and logistic constrains, carrying out pharmacokinetic studies of pharmacological agents in neonatal population remains a challenging task and such data is therefore, insufficient. This work presents Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic modeling approach to predict the disposition of IV Midazolam in preterm neonates of different gestational ages, validated by the experimental studies. Furthermore, midazolam concentration in brain tissue of these neonates- the major site of its action- has been noted. The predicted and observed plasma pharmacokinetic parameters are comparable. This article demonstrates the usefulness of in-silico approach for finding out the PK parameters in neonates which may aid in deciding the frequency of drug administration in this population.

An in vitro antiviral activity of iodine complexes against SARS-CoV-2.

Since the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic in China in late 2019, scientists are striving hard to explore non-toxic, viable anti-SARS-CoV-2 compounds or medicines. We determined In vitro anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of oral formulations (syrup and capsule)of an Iodine-complex (Renessans). First, cell cytotoxicity of Renessans on the Vero cells was determined using MTT assay. Afterwards, the antiviral activity of Renessans was determined using viral inhibition assays and TCID50. For this, nontoxic concentrations of the Renessans were used. The results showed that Renessans is nontoxic to the cells up to 50 µg/mL. At 1.5 µg/mL concentration, SARS-CoV-2 production was significantly reduced to 101.43 TCID50 and 101.58 TCID50 for the syrup and capsule, respectively, as compare to virus infected control cells 106.08 TCID50 and we found the dose dependent inhibition of virus replication in the presence of Renessans. Renessans inhibited SARS-CoV-2 with an EC50 value of 0.425 µg/mL and 0.505 µg/mL for syrup and capsule, respectively. Furthermore, there was no virus detected at concentration of 50 µg/mL of Renessans. This study indicates that Renessans, containing iodine, have potential activity against SARS-CoV-2 which needs to be further investigated in human clinical trials.

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic absorption spectroscopic evaluation of Raphanus sativus L. seeds grown in Pakistan.

Raphanus sativus L. (Brassicacae) possesses numerous health benefits due to presence of a host of secondary metabolites in its various parts. The present study investigated the nutritive value of Raphanus sativus (RS) seeds and seed oil. Proximate and physico chemical analysis were carried out by official AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists) and AOCS (American oil chemist society) methods. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) together with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) described the surface morphology along with atomic elemental composition of the sample. Mineral contents were evaluated by Atomic absorption spectroscopy. Moisture content was 8.67±0.08% whereas protein, crude fiber, crude fat, carbohydrates, total ash values were reported as 20.13±0.15%, 7.86±0.15%, 32.27±0.25%, 27.32±0.85%, 3.75±0.02% respectively. EDS determined carbon, oxygen, magnesium, sulfur and potassium in seeds. All physico-chemical properties varied insignificantly for the two extraction methods, except for acid value and unsaponifiable matter, which were higher for Soxhlet's extracted oil than cold pressed oil. The mineral composition revealed potassium in the highest concentrations in seeds and seed oil i.e.1660.65±69.26 ppm and 47.80 ± 7.02 ppm respectively. The study suggested that the seed and seed oil could be a potential source of naturally originated raw material for the nutritive and pharmaceutical aid.

Consumption of fried foods and risk of atrial fibrillation in the Physicians' Health Study.

PURPOSE: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a frequently encountered cardiac arrhythmia in clinical practice. While fried food consumption is common in United States, little is known about the association between fried food consumption and incident AF. METHODS: We prospectively examined the association of fried food consumption with incident AF in 18,941 US male physicians. Fried food consumption was assessed via a self-administered food frequency questionnaire. Incident AF was ascertained through yearly follow-up questionnaires. Cox regression was used to estimate relative risks of AF. RESULTS: The average age at baseline was 66 ± 9 years. During a mean follow up of 9.0 ± 3.0 years, 2099 new cases of AF occurred. Using < 1/week of fried food consumption as the reference group, multivariable adjusted hazard ratios ( 95% confidence interval) for AF were 1.07 (0.97, 1.18) and 1.03 (0.91, 1.17), for people reporting an average fried food consumption of 1-3/week and ≥ 4/week, respectively, p linear trend 0.4. In a secondary analysis, the results did not change after exclusion of participants with prevalent coronary heart disease or congestive heart failure. Lastly, the source of fried food (away from home or at home) did not influence the relation of fried food with AF risk. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our study does not provide evidence for an association between fried food consumption and incident AF among US male physicians.

Electron ionization gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (ei-gc-ms) analysis of extracted oil from Tribulus terrestris seeds.

The fine powdered form T. terrestris seeds, was extracted with n-hexane by soxhlet apparatus. The aim of the study was to analyze the T. terrestris seed oil (sample-A) by electron ionization Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (EI-GC-MS) using full scan method within mass range from 40-700 charge to mass ratio (m/z). Out of 102 compounds (1A-102A) 11 compounds (30A, 32A, 37A, 45A, 47A, 48A, 49A, 64A, 83A, 101A and 102A) could not be identified and 91 were identified by classical interpretation of the mass spectrum and by using NIST14 library with match factor > 95 of mass spectrums. While among the 91 identified compounds 18 were found common therefore finally 73 compounds were identified in the present EI-GC-MS analysis of sample-A.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Seropositivity in Camel Handlers and Their Families, Pakistan.

A high percentage of camel handlers in Saudi Arabia are seropositive for Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus. We found that 12/100 camel handlers and their family members in Pakistan, a country with extensive camel MERS-CoV infection, were seropositive, indicating that MERS-CoV infection of these populations extends beyond the Arabian Peninsula.

Chemical analysis of Dalbergia sissoo (Roxb.) pod oil by (GC-MS) / GC-FID and evaluation of antioxidant potential.

Dalbergia sissoo (Roxb.) is one of the important plant species having extensive commercial and medicinal uses. The current study aims to assess the chemical constituents in pod oil of Dalbergia sissoo (Roxb.) by using two spectroscopic techniques i.e. GC-FID (Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detection) and GC-MS (Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy). In GC-FID technique, nine fatty acids were identified with their respective composition, capric acid (1) (1.496%) lauric acid (2) (5.695%), myristic acid (3) (4.925%), palmitic acid (4) (10.130%), palmitoleic acid (5) (2.166%), stearic acid (6) (2.862%), oleic acid (7) (10.232%), linoleic acid (8) (22.350%) and behenic acid (9) (9.283%). In second technique, i.e. GC-MS, a series of hydrocarbons (10-37) along with two triterpenoids (38-39) were found in pod oil of the plant used. Important structure indices such as Iodine value and Saponification values were also determined. These findings can be helpful to understand the important medicinal and commercial aspects of seeds oil of the plant, like fuel value, degree of unsaturation and oxidative stability. Antioxidant testing (DPPH-Radical Scavenging Assay) was also performed on pods oil but no any significant activity was found.

In vitro Spectroscopic studies on drug interaction of cefpodoxime proxetil and H2 receptor blockers.

One of the relatively advance 3rd generation cephalosporins, cefpodoxime proxetil, is being used all-around. Generally, these are used for the cure of infections allied to urinary and respiratory tract. These cephalosporins have showed a remarkable in vitro activity against many strains of bacteria which are resistant to other orally used active medicinal substances. It is the first oral 3rd generation cephalosporin to be used in the cure of skin infections. The practice of H2 receptor antagonists, concerning lots of treatments recommended in patients with different types of ulcers and allergic urticarial condition, is raising hazards of unwanted secondary outcomes and drug interactions. Learning of in-vitro interaction between cefpodoxime poxetil and H2 blockers (Ranitidine, Famotidine and Cimetidine) were examined applying UV/Visible spectrophotometry and Infrared spectrometry. In the existence of H2 receptor blockers, the cefpodoxime proxetil availability was found to be decreased in vitro only under specific conditions. Furthermore, complexes of Cefpodoxime proxetil-H2 receptor antagonists were manufactured approving the interaction of these drugs. Finally, the above mentioned spectrophotometric techniques were employed to examine the complexes formed (Cefpodoxime proxetil-cimetidine, cefpodoxime proxetil-famotidine and cefpodoxime proxetil-ranitidine).

Development and validation of RP-HPLC method for simultaneous determination of cefpodoxime proxetil and H2 receptor antagonists in pharmaceutical dosage forms.

A new method on RP-HPLC is devised and validated, as per ICH guidelines, for the synchronous estimation of cefpodoxime proxetil and H2-receptor antagonits that are Cimetidine, Famotidine and Ranitidine. The method is simple, accurate, expeditious, reproducible, robust and precise. Chromatography was done on a C18 (250 x 4.6mm) column with methanol: water as mobile phae in the ratio of 70:30 (v/v), pumped at a flow rate of 1ml/min and pH was maintained using 85% ortho-phosphoric acid at 3. The λ max 240 nm was preferred for UV detection. A good linear relationship was attained, over the concentration ranges of 20-70 µg/ml and 5-30µg/ml, for cefpodoxime proxetil and H2 blockers respectively, with a correlation coefficient of R= 0.9987 to 0.9992. The method was validated and found precised (i.e. intra day and interday analysis) with RSD <2%. LOD and LOQ observations were under 0.4806 to 2.6069µg/ml which proved the method to be sensitive. The method provided satisfactory results of robustness and reproducibility, when validated and applied successfully for analysis of dosage forms.

Vitex negundo induces an anticonvulsant effect by inhibiting voltage gated sodium channels in murine Neuro 2A cell line.

Vitex negundo (Vn) extract is famous for the treatment of neurological diseases such as migraine and epilepsy. These neurological diseases have been associated with abnormally increased influx of sodium ions into the neurons. Drugs that inhibit voltage gated sodium channels can be used as potent anti-epileptics. Till now, the effects of Vn on sodium channels have not been investigated. Therefore, we have investigated the effects of methalonic fraction of Vn extract in Murine Neuro 2A cell line. Cells were cultured in a defined medium with or without the Vn extract (100 µg/ml). Sodium currents were recorded using whole-cell patch clamp method. The data show that methanolic extract of Vn inhibited sodium currents in a dose dependent manner (IC50 =161µg/ml). Vn (100 µg/ml) shifted the steady-state inactivation curve to the left or towards the hyper polarization state. However, Vn did not show any effects on outward rectifying potassium currents. Moreover, Vn (100 µg/ml) significantly reduced the sustained repetitive (48±4.8%, P<0.01) firing from neonatal hippocampal neurons at 12 DIV. Hence, our data suggested that inhibition of sodium channels by Vn may exert pharmacological effects in reducing pain and convulsions.

Development and evaluation of immediate release diclofenac sodium suppositories.

The objective of present study was to develop and evaluate polyethylene glycol (PEG) based diclofenac sodium suppositories. This study used water soluble PEG bases (1000, 4000 and 6000) in different combinations to formulate suppositories, which were further subjected for their physicochemical properties evaluation such as weight variation, average melting point, content uniformity and disintegration. Dissolution test was used to perform the in vitro release rate studies of the suppositories. The suppository (P3) containing PEG-6000 (50%) and PEG-4000 (50%) exhibited rapid in vitro release rate of diclofenac sodium. Moreover, homogeneous distribution of diclofenac sodium is found in all six formulations. The in vitro release patterns of diclofenac sodium from the marketed Voltral suppository (100mg) and formulated suppositories were also compared and found in standard limits.

Development and validation of HPLC method for the determination of Candesartan in human plasma.

Candesartan (CAN), an ARB-blocker, antihypertensive, was analyzed in human plasma by a simple, accurate and precise RP-HPLC (reverse phase-High performance liquid chromatography assay method which was then validated for its accuracy, specificity and precision. The mobile phase has a constitution of acetone, diethylamine and distilled water, while Phosphoric acid was used to adjust the pH to 2.5±0.1. This mobile phase was run at 1.1ml/min and the fluorescence wavelength was set to 392 nm. A C-18 HPLC, column particle size (5 µm) Mediterranean Sea ® L x 1.D. 25cm x 4.6 mm (Supelcosil) , with auto sampler injection volume of 30µl ,an internal standard Valsartan was utilized for chromatographic detection. Candesartan took a retention time of 6±0.5 minutes. This method was validated by the parameters of selectivity, accuracy, precision, repeatability, reproducibility, recovery, linearity and stability. Candesartan's calibration curves were found to be linear in the range of 200ng/ml to 3.125ng/ml and the coefficient of determination (r2) was found to be 0.99. Analytical recovery obtained was above 88%. Hence, this method has been found to be useful for determining Candesartan in plasma.

Cardamom extract induces cell proliferation by increasing potassium currents in NIH3T3 cell line.

Amommum subulatum (Roxb.) or Cardamom extract is known to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects towards many gastrointestinal related problems. However, uptill now different fractions of cardamom extract on fibroblasts with respect to potassium channel activity have not been investigated. Therefore, present study investigated the effects of different fractions of cardamom extract on potassium channels in non-tumor NIH3T3 cell line. Phytochemical analysis of hydroalcoholic, n-hexane, butane and ethyl acetate fractions of cardamom extracts were purified and isolated by thin layer chromatography (TLC). 3T3 cells were cultured and incubated with hydroalcohol (1-2 µ/ml), n-hexane (1 µ/ml), butane (2 µ/ml) and ethyl acetate (1-2 µ/ml) for 5 hrs at 37°C. Modulation in potassium currents were recorded by whole-cell patch clamp method. The data showed two constituents Cineol (C10H18O) and Terpinyl acetate (C10H17OOCCH3) by TLC method. The present study shows that the constituents in n-hexane, hydro alcohol (1 µ/ml) and ethyl acetate (2 µ/ml) significantly increased (p<0.01) the potassium outward rectifying currents from NIH3T3 cells when compared to untreated controls cells. Whereas, butanol fraction (2 µ/ml) significantly decreased (p<0.01) the inward rectifying currents when compared to controls. Moreover hydroalcoholic and n-hexane fractions have increased the proliferation in 3T3 cell line. On the other hand butanol and ethyl acetate did not induce proliferation in 3T3 cells. Taken together, our data suggested that cardamom extract contains constituents that increased K+ currents, cell migration and proliferation and are involved in wound healing.

Ampere Hour as a Predictor of Cardiac Resynchronization Defibrillator Pulse Generator Battery Longevity: A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac resynchronization defibrillator (CRT-D) devices improve survival for New York Heart Association classes II-IV systolic heart failure patients with QRS > 120 ms and left ventricular ejection fraction < 35%. A limitation of 100% CRT pacing is excess battery depletion and pulse generator (PG) replacement compared to VVI or dual-chamber systems. Ampere hour (Ah) measures PG battery capacity and may predict CRT-D device longevity. METHODS: We performed a multicenter retrospective study of all CRT-D devices implanted at our centers from August 1, 2008 to December 31, 2010. Analysis was performed for survival to elective replacement indicator (ERI) between 1.0 Ah, 1.4 Ah, and 2.0 Ah devices, per manufacturers' specifications. RESULTS: One thousand three hundred and two patients were studied through December 31, 2014. Patients were followed for an average of 3.0 ± 1.3 years (794 1.0 Ah, 322 2.0 Ah, and 186 1.4 Ah devices under study). CRT-D generator ERI occurred in 13.5% of 1.0 Ah systems (107 out of 794), versus 3.8% in 1.4 Ah (seven out of 186), and 0.3% in 2.0 Ah devices (one out of 322) over mean follow-up of 3.0 years. Odds ratio (OR) for reaching ERI with 1.0 Ah device versus 1.4 Ah or 2.0 Ah was 9.73, P < 0.0001. Univariate predictors for ERI included 1.0 Ah device and LV pacing output >3V @ 1 ms (OR: 3.74, P < 0.001). LV impedance >1,000 ohms predicted improved device survival (OR: 0.38, P = 0.0025). CONCLUSIONS: CRT-D battery capacity measured by Ah is a strong predictor of survival to ERI for modern systems. Further study on cost and morbidity associated with early PG change in 1.0 Ah systems is warranted.

Antimalarial and insecticidal activities of newly synthesized derivatives of Benzimidazole.

The bioactive benzimidazole and corresponding substituted phenacyl halides has been synthesized (11) new derivatives out of three compounds 8, 10 and 11 were found to inhibit the Plasmodium falciparum moderately after 72 hours of incubation hence acting as antimalarial agents. While these derivatives were exhibited negligible insecticidal activity too when analyzed by impregnated filter paper method.

In vitro biological activity of decoction of Joshanda.

Joshanda is a polyherbal product, commonly practicing in inflammation of upper respiratory tract as tea. The present study was conducted to find out its antimicrobial, phytotoxic, leishmanicidal and cytotoxic activities. The decoction of the product showed profound activity against Gram positive tested pathogens especially S. aureus 36.5 mm zone of inhibition at 8.0 µg/ml. However, it was inactive against C. albicans. Closed correlation was observed between two methods in terms of results. It had potent phytotoxic activity (75%). However, it was devoid of any activity leishmanicidal and cytotoxic activity. Phytochemical studies of Joshanda showed the presence of various pharmacologically active groups.