What Is the Impact of Microplastics and Lipid Regulators on Marine Meiofauna? Case Study of Polyvinyl Chloride, Atorvastatin, and Simvastatin

A microcosm experiment was carried out to provide a deeper insight into the toxic mechanisms exerted by two lipid regulator agents, as well as their interactions with the polyvinyl chloride microplastic on marine meiofauna. Two concentrations of Atorvastatin “A” and of Simvastatin “S”, (i.e., 0.6 mg.kg−1 and 6 mg.kg−1), as well as a single dosage of polyvinyl chloride microplastics “P” at 20 mg.kg−1, separately and their combined mixtures (“AP” and “SP”) were used on coastline dwelling marine meiofauna, with a main focus on nematodes. The results showed a significant reduction in meiofauna abundance in treatments compared to control. SIMPER analysis highlighted a significant decrease in the abundance of epigrowth feeders (2A), which possess conical (co) tails, and indistinct (id) amphideal foveas compared to control microcosms, reflected mainly in the decrease in abundance of the species Prochromadorella longicaudata. Furthermore, the contamination with microplastic affected only the omnivores-carnivores guild. Another finding of the current experiment is that the mixtures of microplastic with drugs lead to synergic interactions that increased their toxic effects on marine nematode communities.

Data-Enriched Edible Pharmaceuticals (DEEP) with Bespoke Design, Dose and Drug Release

Data-enriched edible pharmaceuticals (DEEP) is an approach to obtain personalized medicine, in terms of flexible and precise drug doses, while at the same time containing data, embedded in quick response (QR) codes at a single dosage unit level. The aim of this study was to fabricate DEEP with a patient-tailored dose, modify drug release and design to meet patients’ preferences. It also aimed to investigate physical stability in terms of the readability of QR code patterns of DEEP during storage. Cannabinoids, namely, cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), were used as the model active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Three different substrates and two colorants for the ink were tested for their suitability to fabricate DEEP by desktop inkjet printing. Flexible doses and customizable designs of DEEP were obtained by manipulating the digital design of the QR code, particularly, by exploring different pattern types, embedded images and the physical size of the QR code pattern. Modification of the release of both APIs from DEEP was achieved by applying a hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) polymer coating. The appearance and readability of uncoated and polymer-coated DEEP did not change on storage in cold and dry conditions; however, the HPC polymer layer was insufficient in preserving the readability of the QR code pattern in the extreme storage condition (40 °C and 75% relative humidity). To sum up, the DEEP concept provides opportunities for the personalization of medicines, considering also patients’ preferences.

Increasing Effect of Water Clarifiers on the Treatment of Polymer-Containing Oil Production Sewage

Residual anionic polyacrylamide in polymer-flooding oil production wastewater results in the formation of a thermodynamically stable system. In this study, the effects of three different types of medicaments, namely, cationic, anionic and nonionic agents, in dynamic treatments, such as adding a position, dosage and combined processes of chemical addition, on the oil removal rate of sewage were examined. In the treatment with a single agent, the oil removal rate of the cationic agent CQY-1 and the nonionic agent CHF-2 was ≥ 97.8%. The charge characteristics of different ionic agents for the combined dosing treatment indicated that the oil removal rate was better than that of a single agent; the combined dosing ratio was 50 mg/L CHP-1 and 50 mg/L CHP-2. At 80 mg/L CQY-1, the oil removal rate of the dynamic process was ≥ 98.8%, and the dosage of CQY-1 was reduced from 200 mg/L to 50–150 mg/L, which corresponded to a decrease of 25.0%–75.0%. Therefore, the combined dosing process effectively reduced the single dosage.

Development of Capsule containing Immediate Release Tablet and Extended Release Floating Tablet for Monitoring Release of Atenolol

Atenolol is beta blocker absorbed through GIT use for heart diseases. Single tablets, floating tablets and sustained released formulations studied are insufficient to produce effective dose to enhance bioavailability and effectiveness. Our study is focused on development of capsule dosage form containing immediate release (IR) and floating extended release (ER) tablets for monitoring release of atenolol in single dosage form. Two different tablets for IR and ER were prepared in three different combinations (Batch). Pre-formulation and post formulation parameters found to be within acceptable limits of formulation. Release behavior of individual tablets and capsule containing two tablets were studied. Among the batches, capsules containing smaller amount of atenolol in IR and large amount of Atenolol in ER (batch II) showed impressive drug release pattern. This formulation was stable even after a month and achieved optimum release behavior of immediate release and sustained release. This study could be used for effective treatment for different heart complications and reduce toxicity due to high plasma concentration in increased dose frequency.

A STUDY AIMED TO INCREASE THE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE FIXED DOSE COMBINATIONS (FDC'S) AND IRRATIONAL FDC'S AVIALABLE IN INDIA.

Fixed dose combinations(FDC's) is a combination of 2 or more than 2 drugs in a single dosage formulations, it should not be confused with concomitant drug therapy which refers to taking 2 or more than 2 drugs separately. Fixed dose combinations may be rational or irrational. In India there are more FDC's than single drugs and majority of those FDC's are irrational. Many of these irrational FDC's are widely prescribed. The WHO essential medicine list incorporates only 23 FDC's while as the National list of essential medicines(NLEM) of 2011 has only 12 FDC's.

Nitrogen fertilization management in common bean and castor bean intercropping systems

The objective of this work was to evaluate the nutrition and agronomic characteristics of common bean and castor bean under intercropping subject of nitrogen fertilization in top dressing. A randomized block design in a 2×2×4 + 4 factorial scheme was used, and there were three replicates. The treatments consisted of two common bean cultivars (Pontal and Pérola), which were intercropped with two castor bean cultivars (Energia and Paraguaçu), and combined with four nitrogen treatments (0, 50, 100 and 200 kg ha-1). Four additional treatments involved bean and castor bean cultivars at a single dosage of 40 kg ha-1 nitrogen. The nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur contents in castor bean intercropped with common bean leaves were influenced by nitrogen treatments. For common bean applied as top dressing, the maximum grain yields were 1,122 and 1,024 kg ha-1 for cultivars (cvs.) Pontal and Pérola, respectively, with a dose of 100 kg ha-1 nitrogen. Similar results were observed for castor bean, for whom 100 kg ha-1nitrogen provided the largest number of bunches and number of berries per bunch and the highest grain yield. The maximum values observed were 38 and 27 bunches per plant, 27.6 and 35.4 berries per bunch and 1,474 and 1,286 kg ha-1 grain yield for cvs. Paraguaçu and Energia, respectively.

Progress in Polymeric Nano-Medicines for Theranostic Cancer Treatment

Cancer is a life-threatening disease killing millions of people globally. Among various medical treatments, nano-medicines are gaining importance continuously. Many nanocarriers have been developed for treatment, but polymerically-based ones are acquiring importance due to their targeting capabilities, biodegradability, biocompatibility, capacity for drug loading and long blood circulation time. The present article describes progress in polymeric nano-medicines for theranostic cancer treatment, which includes cancer diagnosis and treatment in a single dosage form. The article covers the applications of natural and synthetic polymers in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Efforts were also made to discuss the merits and demerits of such polymers; the status of approved nano-medicines; and future perspectives.

Acute Toxicity Test of Ethanolic Extract of Dayak Onion Leaves (Eleutherine americana Merr.) Toward Wistar Female Rats Using OECD 425 Method

Pre-clinically, the potential of Eleutherine americana Merr. as antioxidant has been studied, but it’s safety level of its safety has not been widely known. Safety level of ethanolic extract of E. americana Merr leaves (EEEaL) can be detected by acute toxicity test using OECD 425. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute toxicity of EEEaL as the guideline of its safe dose for therapy. This test was performed through OECD 425 (Up and Down Procedure) method with two doses (2000 and 5000 mg/kgbw) of EEEaL administration orally which observed for two weeks toward Wistar rats. The results of the test dose showed no toxic symptoms and they did not cause death in the test animals. Single dosage up to 5000 mg/kgbw also did not show any symptoms of toxicity, and did not cause weight loss until the 14th day of test. The LD50 value of EEEaL is more than 5000 mg/kgbw, suggesting that the plants is practically non toxic according to Loomis classification. Phytochemical screening showed that EEEaL contains compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, steroids, and saponins. Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 18(2): 171-177, 2019 (December)

STUDY OF BUCKWHEAT (FAGOPYRUM ESCULENTUM) SEED POWDER AS A TABLET BINDER

The aim the study was to expand the area of tablet binders from gums and extracted polysaccharides to whole seed powders so as to reduce processing cost involved with other synthetic binders and involvement of whole seed benefits to single dosage form. In the present study, buckwheat seed powder was used in the concentrations of 1%, 2%, 4%, 6% and it was compared with binding capacity of 2.5% acacia in tablet formulation as direct compressible agent. Valsartan was used as a model drug. It was found out that 2% w/w concentration of buckwheat seed powder performed well and all the parameters were in good range.