Pharmaceutical interventions for drug-related problems in the neonatal intensive care unit: incidence, types, and acceptability.

Background: Drug-related problems (DRPs) are widespread in hospitalized neonates, but studies on the prevalence of DRPs in this population are limited. The presence of clinical pharmacists on multidisciplinary teams helps prevent and reduce DRPs. Aim: This investigation aimed to identify and classify the incidence of DRPs in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), to determine the determining factors associated with DRPs and to document clinical pharmacists' interventions, outcomes, acceptance rates and clinical significance. Method: A prospective descriptive hospital study was conducted from August to November 2023 at the NICU of Children's University Hospital, Assiut University, Egypt. DRPs were classified using the Pharmaceutical Care Network of Europe (PCNE) classification V9.1. Results: Three hundred sixteen neonates were included in the study, with a mean gestational age of 34 ± 4 weeks and a mean birth weight of 2.03 ± 0.85 kg. A total of 1723 DRPs occurred among 283 neonates (89.6%), an average of 5.5 ± 5.1 DRPs per patient. The main types were treatment effectiveness (P1) (799, 46.4%), followed by others (P3) (469, 27.2%), and treatment safety (P2) (455, 26.4%). The leading causes were dose selection (C3) (1264, 61.9%) and "other domain" (C9) (543, 26.6%). Of the 2149 interventions introduced by pharmacists, 98.8% were accepted and 93% were accepted, and fully implemented. As a result, 92% of the DRPs were resolved. Both length of hospital stay and number of medications were significantly associated with DRPs. Conclusion: DRPs are common in the NICU; this study demonstrated the crucial role of clinical pharmacists in identifying and resolving DRPs.

Gamma Irradiated Pasteurella multocida Vaccine induces strong humoral immunity and protects rabbits from disease.

Pasteurella multocida is affecting a multitude of animals and severely affects livestock production. Existing vaccines are mostly chemically inactivated and do not lead to wide protection. Irradiated vaccines are enjoying a renaissance and the concept of "replication defficient but metabolically active" vaccines was recently evaluated in several vaccine trials. P. multocida was isolated from the nasal swab, blood, and lung swab samples from infected rabbits. Gamma irradiation of P. multocida for inhibition of replication was evaluated at an optimized irradiation dose of 10 Kgy established. Four groups of rabbits were (mock) vaccinated with a commercial P. multocida vaccine and three irradiated formulations as liquid, lyophilized formulations with added Trehalose and lyophilized-Trehalose with an "activation" culturing the irradiated bacteria for 24 in broth. Evaluation of humoral immune response by ELISA showed that all three irradiated vaccines produced an effective, protective, and continued IgG serum level after vaccination and bacterial challenge. The IFN-γ expression is maintained at a normal level, within each individual group however, the lyophilized trehalose irradiated vaccine showed peak mean of IFN-γ titer at one week after booster dose (day 21) which was statistically significant. Cumulatively, the results of this study show that gamma-irradiated P. multocida vaccines are safe and protect rabbits against disease. Moreover, Rabbits' immunization with the three irradiated formulations avoided adverse side effects as compared to commercial polyvalent vaccine, the body weight gain for the irradiated vaccine groups indicates less stress compared to the commercial polyvalent vaccine.

Detection of immune effects of the Mannheimia haemolytica gamma irradiated vaccine in sheep.

Exposure to gamma rays from cobalt 60 (Co60) can induce a complete inactivation of Mannheimia haemolytica. The inactivated bacterial pathogen is a potential vaccine candidate for immunization of ruminants such as sheep. The subcutaneous administration of irradiated vaccine in a two-dose regimen (4.0 × 109 colony forming unit (CFU) per dose) results in no mortality in any of the vaccinated sheep during immunization and after subsequent challenge of the live bacteria of the same strain of M. haemolytica. A significant rise in serum IgG titer, detected through ELISA, is observed after the passage of two weeks from the inoculation of the first dose whereas, the peak of the mean serum antibody titer occurred after two weeks of booster dose. The vaccination does not bring significant change to the IFN-γ levels in serum. The bacterial challenge of the vaccinated sheep does not induce a further seroconversion relative to serum antibody titer. In conclusion, the vaccinated sheep are protected by the elevated IgG titer and increased levels of IL-4 (Th-2 response) compared to the non-vaccinated sheep. Radiation technology can provide the opportunity for mass production of immunologically safe vaccines against animal and zoonotic diseases. Ethics Approval by the National Research Center Ethics Committee (Trial Registration Number (TRN) no 13,602,023, 13/5/2023) was obtained.

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of erythromycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from bovine subclinical mastitis in Egypt.

Background and Aim: Subclinical mastitis (SCM) caused by erythromycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a significant disease in lactating animals. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the genetic factors contributing to erythromycin resistance in S. aureus. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of S. aureus in milk from subclinical mastitic cattle and buffaloes and tank milk samples as identified by probe-based real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the genotypic assessment of macrolide and erythromycin resistance profiles, as well as to analyze the phylogenetic relatedness of our local isolates of S. aureus. Materials and Methods: In total, 285 milk samples were analyzed using the California mastitis test to detect SCM. Milk samples were cultured on different specific Staphylococcus media. The presence of S. aureus was confirmed by Gram staining, the catalase and coagulase tests, the detection of hemolytic activity, DNase agar testing, and biofilm activity in Congo red medium. The genotypic identification of S. aureus (nuc) was performed. The determinants of erythromycin (ermA, ermB, ermC, and ermT) and macrolide resistance (msrA) were screened in all isolates. DNA sequencing of our local isolates of S. aureus was used to analyze their phylogenetic relatedness. Moreover, histopathological examination of tissue specimens of mammary gland was performed. Results: The S. aureus positivity rates were 36.4%, 48.8%, and 63.6% in cattle, buffalo, and bulk tank milk, respectively. Probe-based real-time PCR molecularly confirmed all 62 S. aureus isolates. Thirty-one isolates were subjected to PCR to create profiles of their genotypic erythromycin resistance. ermA, ermB, ermC, and ermT were present in 5 (8%), 26 (41.9%), 18 (29%), and 15 (24.1%) S. aureus isolates, respectively. Moreover, msrA was found in three (4.8%) strains. Eight PCR products were produced using standard PCR for DNA sequencing. Multiple sequence alignment, phylogenetic tree construction, and analysis of nuc in S. aureus revealed a high degree of homology (100%) with S. aureus strains isolated from milk in cases of bovine mastitis in India and Kenya. Histological analysis of udder tissues revealed extensive aggregation of mononuclear inflammatory cells in the interstitial connective tissue, primarily lymphocytes, and macrophages. Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of erythromycin resistance in S. aureus isolates. This information is vital for controlling mastitis and the spread of resistance genes between bacterial strains and hosts. Moreover, the probe-based real-time PCR approach is helpful for the rapid screening of S. aureus isolates and the consequent efficient treatment and control of S. aureus mastitis.

Dogs as a source for the spreading of enteric parasites including zoonotic ones in Giza Province, Egypt.

To investigate the impact of domestic and stray dogs on the transmission of zoonotic and other parasites to humans in contact with them, fecal samples were collected from 80 domestic dogs that presented at a clinic with health disturbances and 220 randomly selected stray dogs housed in shelters. The parasitological examination of these samples revealed infection by six zoonotic and four non-zoonotic parasites in varying percentages. The zoonotic parasites included Ancylostoma caninum, Toxocara canis, Dipylidium caninum, Echinococcus granulosus, Cryptosporidium species, and Giardia cysts and trophozoites. The other parasites included Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris vulpis, Taenia species eggs, and Isospora canis oocysts. The infection rate was higher in stray dogs (60%) than in domestic dogs (40%). Infected dogs in both groups were generally unhealthy, with poor body condition recorded in 13.8% of domestic dogs and 63.6% of stray dogs. The infection rate was higher (92%) among shelter workers than among domestic dog owners (66.7%). Giardia assemblages A and D from dogs and assemblage A from humans, as well as two isolates of Cryptosporidium canis (C. canis), one from dogs and the other from humans, were submitted in the GenBank with the accession numbers OQ870443, OQ870444, and OQ919265 for Giardia and OQ917532 & OQ915519 for C. canis of dogs & human, respectively. In conclusion, domestic and stray dogs play an essential role in transmitting zoonotic parasites to humans in contact with them, and regular deworming and strict hygienic measures are recommended to minimize their impact on human health.

Feline Panleukopenia Virus in Dogs from Italy and Egypt.

Canine parvovirus and feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) are variants of Carnivore protoparvovirus 1. We identified and characterized FPV in dogs from Italy and Egypt using genomic sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. Cost-effective sequencing strategies should be used to monitor interspecies spread, evolution dynamics, and potential host jumping of FPV.

Phenotypic and Genotypic Screening of Colistin Resistance Associated with Emerging Pathogenic Escherichia coli Isolated from Poultry.

Chickens continue to be an important reservoir of zoonotic multidrug-resistant illnesses. Antimicrobial resistance correlated with colistin has emerged as a critical concern worldwide in the veterinary field and the public health sector. The current study investigated the prevalence of multidrug-resistant avian pathogenic Escherichia coli among chicken farms in three Egyptian governorates, focusing on colistin resistance assessment. A total of 56 Escherichia coli isolates were recovered out of 120 pooled samples obtained from diseased chicken broilers (46.7%). The E. coli isolates were serotyped to nine different serotypes; the highest incidence was for O125 (n = 18). The E. coli isolates demonstrated multidrug-resistant patterns against 10 antibiotics, especially clindamycin, tetracycline, streptomycin and ampicillin, by 100, 100, 96.4 and 92.9%, respectively. On the other hand, colistin resistance was 41.1% using AST. All E. coli isolates displayed positive colistin resistance growth on chromogenic medium, but only 25% represented this positivity via MIC estimation and Sensititre kit. PCR results revealed that all isolates harbored mcr-1, but no isolates harbored the other 2-5 mcr genes. In conclusion, the study demonstrated the emergence of multidrug-resistant, especially colistin-resistant, E. coli among chicken broiler flocks, and mcr-1 is the master gene of the colistin resistance feature.

Current trends in pharmaceutical treatment of dry eye disease: A review.

Dry eye disease (DED), keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dysfunctional tear syndrome, is the most prevalent ophthalmic disease which affects a substantial segment of people worldwide with increasing frequency. It is considered a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface and tear film, characterized by a variation of signs and symptoms. The symptoms range from mild to severe itching, burning, irritation, eye fatigue, and ocular inflammation that may lead to potential damage to the cornea, conjunctiva and even vision loss. Correspondingly, depending on the different manifestations and pathophysiology, the treatment must be tailored specifically to each patient by targeting the specific mechanisms implicated in their disease. Currently, there are several medical products and techniques available or under investigation for the treatment of DED. The present article focused on the pathophysiology of DED, the new diagnostic approach and the recently developed drug delivery systems or devices reducing the progress of the disease and treating the causes.

Celecoxib-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Colon Delivery: Formulation Optimization and In Vitro Assessment of Anti-Cancer Activity.

This work aimed to optimize a celecoxib (CXB)-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) colon delivery system for the enhancement of anticancer activity. An ultrasonic melt-emulsification method was employed in this work for the preparation of SLN. The physical attributes were characterized for their particle sizes, charges, morphology, and entrapment efficiency (%EE), in addition to DSC and FTIR. The in vitro drug release profiles were evaluated, and the anticancer activity was examined utilizing an MTT assay in three cancer cell lines: the colon cancer HT29, medulloblastoma Daoy, and hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. All of the prepared SLN formulations had nanoscale particle sizes ranging from 238 nm to 757 nm. High zeta-potential values (mv) within -30 s mv were reported. The %EE was in the range 86.76-96.6%. The amorphous nature of the SLN-entrapped CXB was confirmed from SLN DSC thermograms. The in vitro release profile revealed a slow constant rate of release with no burst release, which is unusual for SLN. Both the F9 and F14 demonstrated almost complete CXB release within 24 h, with only 25% completed within the first 5 h. F9 caused a significant percentage of cell death in the three cancer cell lines tested after 24 h of incubation and maintained this effect for 72 h. The prepared CXB-loaded SLN exhibited unique properties such as slow release with no burst and a high %EE. The anticancer activity of one formulation was extremely significant in all tested cancer cell lines at all incubation times, which is very promising.

Isolation, identification and virulence determinants of Streptococcus agalactiae from bovine subclinical mastitis in Egypt.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of contagious mastitis caused by Streptococcus agalctiae (S. agalactiae) in cattle from households and small-scale dairy farms in Egypt. Molecular characterization of S.agalactiae isolates was described including the genetic determinants of virulence to assess the genetic variation in isolated strains of S. agalactiae. METHODOLOGY: Three hundred and sixty milk samples were collected from 90 apparently healthy dairy cows randomly selected from household and small-scale dairy farms were examined by Somatic Cell Count (SCC) as an indicator for subclinical mastitis. S.agalactiae isolates were bacteriologically and molecularly identified followed by identification of virulence genes using PCR. RESULTS: A total of 172 milk samples (47.77%) were positive with SCC > 200×103/ml. Bacteriological examination of the positive SCC milk samples revealed that 28 (16.28%) of the isolates were S.agalactiae. Molecular examination using PCR confirmed only 22 isolates of S. agalactiae (12.8%). Moreover, we used the pattern of virulence genes to address the genetic variation of S. agalactiae strains isolated from cases of contagious mastitis in cattle in Egypt. Virulence genes hylB, cylE, iagA, and bac were determined in 100%, 68.2%, 13.6% and 100% of isolates respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The use of molecular methods for the identification of the causative agent in mastitis confirmed that, in Egypt, Streptococcus agalactiae is considered as one of the predominant infectious agents among contagious mastitis causing pathogens. The pattern of virulence genes presented the genetic diversity of highly virulent S. agalactiae strains isolated from cases of contagious mastitis in cattle in Egypt.

Nanotechnology as a tool to overcome the bariatric surgery malabsorption.

Obesity is a metabolic disease that affects all ages; it is considered life-threatening condition as it leads to fatal complications such as; cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The therapeutic options include; life-style modifications, pharmacotherapy intervention, and surgical intervention. Bariatric surgery (BS) is considered as the most effective option among the others for its rapid weight loss, maintaining the lost mass, and improving the quality of life of the patients. Nevertheless, BS leads to severe changes in the bioavailability of medications, especially for chronic diseases, which may reach to limit where the patient's life endangers. Recently, pharmaceutical formulations had developed several methods to improve the drug bioavailability of drugs though the implying of nanotechnology. Nonotechnology is responsible for reducing the size of the drugs to the nano range (<1000 nm), which increase the drug surface area, dissolution, absorption, and, most importantly, the bioavailability of these drugs. It is believed that BS malabsorption and drugs bioavailability problems can be solved using nanotechnology for its advantages in overcoming BS complications.

Latanoprost niosomes as a sustained release ocular delivery system for the management of glaucoma.

Objective: Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Whereas latanoprost is one of the most effective drugs in glaucoma treatment, its eye drops need frequent application leading to lack of patient adherence. This study aimed to develop a patient-friendly niosome-in-gel system for the sustained ocular delivery of latanoprost.Methods: Niosomes were prepared by the reverse-phase evaporation technique and optimized for different formulation parameters, such as cholesterol/surfactant and drug/surfactant ratios. Selected niosomal formulations were incorporated into different gels and their viscosity and drug release kinetics were evaluated. Optimal niosomal gel was evaluated in vivo in rabbits' eyes for irritation potential and ability to reduce intraocular pressure.Results: FT-IR studies showed that there were nonspecific interactions between latanoprost and different niosomal components leading to drug encapsulation efficiency ≥88%. Latanoprost encapsulation efficiency increased with the drug/surfactant ratio and encapsulation efficiency ∼98% was obtained at a ratio of 50%. Pluronic® F127 had the best ability to sustain drug release from the niosomes. In rabbits' eyes, this gel was free of toxic and irritant effects and reduced intraocular pressure over a period of three days, which was significantly longer than that of commercial latanoprost eye drops.Conclusion: Latanoprost niosomal Pluronic® F127 gel may find applications in glaucoma management.

Immunomodulatory effects of Moringa oleifera leaves aqueous extract in sheep naturally co-infected with Fasciola gigantica and Clostridium novyi.

The current study was designed to evaluate the in vivo fasciolicidal activity of Moringa (M.) oleifera leaf aqueous extract oral administration as well as its antibacterial activity against Clostridium (C.) novyi in sheep naturally co-infected with fascioliasis and C. novyi. Sheep naturally infected with fascioliasis were divided into 3 groups, heavily infected treated group, lightly infected treated group and mixed infection control (non-treated) group. Treatment groups were orally administered M. oleifera leaves aqueous extract at a dose of 150 mg/kg every 48 h for 21 days. Animal body weights, fecal egg count, serum levels of anti-Fasciola IgG, cytokines (IL-2, IL-17, IL-10), and bacterial count of C. novyi were evaluated. The results showed that treatment with M. oleifera improved the body weight gain and decreased fecal egg count in lightly and heavily infected groups compared to the nontreated group with 100% reduction in egg count in lightly infected sheep. Furthermore, the treatment with M. oleifera significantly reduced the serum levels of IgG, IL-2, and IL-17. Interestingly, elevated levels of IL-10 were recorded in both heavily and lightly infected sheep. The treatment with Moringa extract significantly decreased the fecal bacterial count of C. novyi in both heavily and lightly infected groups. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential beneficial effects of M. oleifera leaf against Fasciola (F.) gigantica and C. novyi.

Antibacterial efficacy of Moringa oleifera leaf extract against pyogenic bacteria isolated from a dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) abscess.

BACKGROUND: Abscess in camel is one of the most important bacterial infections. It causes anemia and emaciation, resulting in an economic loss due to carcass condemnation and a decrease in reproductive and production efficiency. AIM: This investigation aimed to isolate the bacteria from abscesses in camels and evaluate the antibacterial activity of Moringa oleifera extracts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Disk diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration were used for the evaluation of the antibacterial activity of M. oleifera extracts against isolated bacteria from camel abscesses. RESULTS: The isolated bacteria were displayed relatively as follows: Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (30.4%), Staphylococcus aureus (25.8%), Escherichia coli (17.8%), Corynebacterium ulcerans (10.5%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (8.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8.5%), Micrococcus spp. (6.7%), Proteus vulgaris (5.2%), Citrobacter spp. (4.2%), and Staphylococcus epidermidis (1.7%). The drugs of choice for Corynebacterium isolates were ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, whereas amikacin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, neomycin, novobiocin, streptomycin, and vancomycin were for Staphylococcus isolates. Moreover, the ethanol extracts of M. oleifera showed higher antibacterial efficacy than the cold aqueous extracts. CONCLUSION: M. oleifera is considered one of the new infection-fighting strategies in controlling pyogenic bacteria responsible for camel abscesses.

Pharmacokinetic studies of naproxen amides of some amino acid esters with promising colorectal cancer chemopreventive activity.

Naproxen (nap) is belonging to Non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) group of drugs that characterized by their free carboxylic group. The therapeutic activity of nap is usually accompanied by GI untoward side effects. Recently synthesized naproxen amides of some amino acid esters prodrugs to mask the free carboxylic group were reported. Those prodrugs showed a promising colorectal cancer chemopreventive activity. The current study aims to investigate the fate and hydrolysis of the prodrugs kinetically in different pH conditions, simulated gastric and intestinal fluids with pHs of 1.2, 5.5 and 7.4 in vitro at 37 °C. The effect of enzymes on the hydrolysis of prodrugs was also studied through incubation of these prodrugs at 37 °C in human plasma and rat liver homogenates. The pharmacokinetic parameters of selected prodrugs and the liberated nap were studied after oral and intraperitoneal administration in male wistar rats. The results showed the hydrolysis of naproxen amides of amino acid esters to nap through two steps first by degradation of the ester moiety to form the amide of nap with amino acid and the second was through the degradation of the amide link to liberate nap. The two reactions were followed and studied kinetically where K1 and K2 (rate constants of degradation) is reported. The hydrolysis of prodrugs was faster in liver homogenates than in plasma. The relative bioavailability of the liberated nap in vivo was higher in case of prodrug containing ethyl glycinate moiety than that occupied l-valine ethyl ester moiety. Each of nap. prodrugs containing ethyl glycinate and l-valine ethyl ester moieties appears promising in liberating nap, decreasing direct GI side effect and consequently their colorectal cancer chemopreventive activity.

Serotyping, antibiotic susceptibility, and virulence genes screening of Escherichia coli isolates obtained from diarrheic buffalo calves in Egyptian farms.

AIM: In Egypt as in many other countries, river water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is considered an important source of high-quality milk and meat supply. The objective of this study was to investigate serotypes, virulence genes, and antibiotic resistance determinants profiles of Escherichia coli isolated from buffalo at some places in Egypt; noticibly, this issue was not discussed in the country yet. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A number of 58 rectal samples were collected from diarrheic buffalo calves in different regions in Egypt, and bacteriological investigated for E. coli existence. The E. coli isolates were biochemically, serologicaly identified, tested for antibiotic susceptibility, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyzed for the presence of antibiotic resistance determinants and virulence genes. RESULTS: Overall 14 isolates typed as E. coli (24.1%); 6 were belonged to serogroup O78 (10.3%), followed by O125 (4 isolates, 6.9%), then O158 (3 isolates, 5.2%) and one isolate O8 (1.7%), among them, there were 5 E. coli isolates showed a picture of hemolysis (35.7%). The isolates exhibited a high resistance to ß lactams over 60%, followed by sulfa (50%) and aminoglucoside (42.8%) group, in the same time the isolates were sensitive to quinolone, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline (100%), and cephalosporine groups (71.4%). A multiplex PCR was applied to the 14 E. coli isolates revealed that all were carrying at least one gene, as 10 carried blaTEM (71.4%), 8 Sul1 (57.1%), and 6 aadB (42.8%), and 9 isolates could be considered multidrug resistant (MDR) by an incidence of 64.3%. A PCR survey was stratified for the most important E. coli virulence genes, and showed the presence of Shiga toxins in 9 isolates carried either one or the two Stx genes (64.3%), 5 isolates carried hylA gene (35.7%), and eae in 2 isolates only (14.3%), all isolates carried at least one virulence gene except two (85.7%). CONCLUSION: The obtained data displayed that in Egypt, buffalo as well as other ruminants could be a potential source of MDR pathogenic E. coli variants which have a public health importance.

Preparation of goat and rabbit anti-camel immunoglobulin G whole molecule labeled with horseradish peroxidase.

AIM: As the labeled anti-camel immunoglobulins (Igs) with enzymes for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are unavailable in the Egyptian market, the present investigation was directed for developing local labeled anti-camel IgG with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) to save hard curacy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For purification of camel IgG whole molecule, camel sera was preliminary precipitated with 50% saturated ammonium sulfate and dialyzed against 15 mM phosphate-buffered saline pH 7.2 then concentrated. This preparation was further purified by protein A sepharose affinity column chromatography. The purity of the eluted camel IgG was tested by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresi. Anti-camel IgG was prepared by immunization of goats and rabbits separately, with purified camel IgG. The anti-camel IgG was purified by protein A sepharose affinity column chromatography. Whole molecule anti-camel IgG was conjugated with HRP using glutraldehyde based assay. Sensitivity and specificity of prepared conjugated secondary antibodies were detected using positive and negative camel serum samples reacted with different antigens in ELISA, respectively. The potency of prepared conjugated antibodies was evaluated compared with protein A HRP. The stability of the conjugate at -20°C during 1 year was assessed by ELISA. RESULTS: The electrophoretic profile of camel IgG showed four bands of molecular weight 63, 52, 40 and 33 kDa. The recorded sensitivity and specificity of the product are 100%. Its potency is also 100% compared to 58-75% of commercial protein A HRP. The conjugates are stable for 1 year at -20°C as proved by ELISA. CONCLUSION: Collectively, this study introduces goat and rabbit anti-camel IgG whole molecules with simple, inexpensive method, with 100% sensitivity, 100% specificity and stability up to 1 year at -20°C. The important facet of the current study is saving hard curacy. Future investigations are necessary for preparation of IgG subclasses.

Potential antibacterial activity of some Saudi Arabia honey.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential antibacterial activity of some Saudi Arabia honey against selected bacterial strains of medical importance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 10 Saudi Arabia honey used to evaluate their antimicrobial activity against some antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacterial strains. The bacterial strains were Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. RESULTS: The antibacterial activity of Saudi honey against five bacterial strains showed different levels of inhibition according to the type of honey. The overall results showed that the potential activity was differing according to the pathogen and honey type. CONCLUSION: It could be concluded that the Saudi honey inhibit the growth of bacterial strains and that honey can be used as complementary antimicrobial agent against selected pathogenic bacteria.

The use of spray-drying to enhance celecoxib solubility.

The present research investigates the enhancement of the dissolution rate of celecoxib by using spray-drying to prepare a solid dispersion with various polymers, namely Kollicoat IR® (Kollicoat), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) 22000, or polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG). The investigated drug-to-polymer mass ratios were 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4 by weight. Hydroalcoholic or methylene chloride solvent systems were used. The obtained yields ranged from 65% to 78%, whereas the entrapment efficiencies were between 68% and 82%. The results revealed an increase in the dissolution rate of the prepared particles up to 200% within 20 min. The prepared particles were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The increased dissolution rate was attributed to hydrogen bond formation between celecoxib and each polymer together with the reduced size of the formed particles offering a greater overall surface area. It was concluded that spray-drying may be considered a successful one-step technique to improve the dissolution rate of celecoxib when using Kollicoat, PVA, or PEG as the carrier polymer.

Technology evaluation: Kollicoat IR.

INTRODUCTION: Developments in industrial pharmacy are often linked to the discovery of pharmaceutical excipients. Although recently introduced as a material for immediate release coatings, Kollicoat IR already has other applications. AREAS COVERED: In this review, the different properties and pharmaceutical applications of Kollicoat IR as an excipient are discussed. In the first part, the chemical structure and the physicochemical characteristics are examined. The second part is a presentation of the available Kollicoat IR products followed by a brief overview of the preclinical studies completed for its use as an instant release coating material. EXPERT OPINION: Although the polymer was intended as an immediate release coating material for tablets, grafting PEG with polyvinyl alcohol to form this polymer provides physicochemical properties that lead to ever-broadening applications. Understanding its properties can lead to the development of a new use for Kollicoat IR. The addition of Kollicoat IR to an ethylcellulose or polyvinyl acetate tablet coat was successful at modifying the drug release rate. Designing a successful controlled release coat simply requires acknowledgment of the drug release mechanism from the mixture of polymers that includes Kollicoat IR. Moreover, the interaction between Kollicoat IR and poorly soluble drugs produces fast-dissolving solid dispersions prepared using hot stage extrusion, spray drying, or freeze drying.