Procter & Gamble (United Kingdom)
FarFar - Repository of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of BelgradeNot a member yet
6247 research outputs found
Sort by
Inulin-Stabilised Vegetable Oil Emulsions as Fat Replacers in Chicken Frankfurters: Technological and Textural Evaluation
No full textThis study investigated the complete replacement of pork backfat in frankfurters with inulin-based emulsion gels made from linseed, walnut or algal oil and structured in two ratios (1:2:0.5 and 1:2:1, oil–water–inulin). Proximate composition, water holding capacity, emulsion stability and colour were assessed after production, while texture profile analysis (TPA) was monitored during 45 days of vacuum storage. The reformulated sausages showed a significant reduction in fat content (from 21.91% to 3.81%, p < 0.001) and increased water and carbohydrate levels (p < 0.001). These shifts in composition resulted in a slightly lower pH, higher cooking and purge losses and lower emulsion stability (p < 0.001), particularly when treated with algal oil. Colour measurements revealed lighter (higher L*, p = 0.008) and more yellowish sausages (p < 0.001), with walnut oil at a 1:2:0.5 emulsion ratio showing the least deviation from the control (ΔE = 7.45). The TPA showed that oil type was the dominant factor. Walnut formulations, especially in the 1:2:1 ratio, had hardness and chewiness values closest to those of the control, while algal sausages were softer and less cohesive (p < 0.05). PCA and heatmap analyses confirmed clustering by oil type and storage time, underlining the technological suitability of the walnut gels. Overall, inulin–oil gels enable nutritional reformulation but pose a technological challenge, with walnut oil proving to be the most promising substitute and algal oil requiring additional stabilisation
Skin Performance of Innovative NaDES-Based Gels: In Vivo Evaluation of Anti-Irritation Potential and Short-Term Efficacy
No full textNatural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES) represent novel biodegradable green extraction solvents obtained from natural metabolites such as sugars and organic acids. NaDES-based extracts have demonstrated better performance in in vitro assays compared to those obtained using conventional solvents. In this study, extracts of bilberry leaves (BL), bilberry fruits (BF), and green tea leaves (TL) were prepared using the following NaDES, respectively—malic acid + glycerol (MG), citric acid + sorbitol (CS), and tartaric acid + sorbitol (TS), whose formation was confirmed via FTIR spectroscopy. With the aim to evaluate the effect of gels loaded with NaDES extracts on skin biophysical parameters 2 h prior their application, as well as their anti-irritation potential against sodium lauryl sulfate–induced irritation, an in vivo study involving human volunteers was conducted. The results indicated that all extract-loaded gels exhibited notable anti-irritation potential, reducing artificially induced irritation and improving elevated skin parameters including transepidermal water loss (TEWL), erythema index (EI), and pH. The ΔTEWL at CS–BF site was 8.20 ± 0.34, while at TS–TL was 5.63 ± 0.30. The short-term efficacy study revealed increased skin hydration across all treated sites, preservation of skin pH within physiological limits, and reduction in EI at the site treated with TS–TL gel. Further in vivo studies are planned for confirming long-term skin effects
Functionality-related characteristics of co-processed excipients for extended drug release
No full textDirect compression represents a favourable
tablet manufacturing method but requires
exceptional powder processability, especially at
high drug loads. This limitation can be
addressed using co-processed excipients
(CPEs), which represent a combination of two
or more excipients specifically processed to
enhance physicochemical properties compared
to their physical mixtures [1]. Although several
hypromellose-based CPEs for extended-release
(ER) tablets are available on the market, data on
their performance and functionality-related
characteristics remain limited [1]. The aim of
this study was to evaluate CPEs for ER tablets,
focusing on their flowability, tableting
performance and dissolution, when high drug
load is added
Anti-neuroinflammatory potential of hydroxybenzoic ester derivatives: In silico insight and in vitro validation
No full textThis study explores the anti-neuroinflammatory and antioxidant potential of 42 hydroxybenzoic acid esters and three parent acids. Molecular docking simulations targeted key proteins involved in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) signaling pathway to identify lead compounds for synthesis and in vitro evaluation. Among the screened esters, the most promising candidates demonstrated antioxidant activity comparable to vitamin C in ABTS and DPPH assays. Additionally, these esters significantly reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) in H2O2- and LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells, indicating their ability to attenuate neuroinflammation. Further testing in SH-SY5Y neuronal cells exposed to microglia-derived supernatants confirmed the neuroprotective effects of these esters, reducing microglia-mediated neurotoxicity. These results suggest that hydroxybenzoic acid ester derivatives are promising candidates for mitigating microglia-driven neuroinflammation and protecting neurons, offering potential therapeutic applications for neurodegenerative diseases
Peripheral GABAA receptors - Physiological relevance and therapeutic implications
No full textThe role of γ- aminobutyric acid (GABA) and GABAA receptors is not only essential for neurotransmission in the central nervous system (CNS), but they are also involved in communication in various peripheral tissues such as the pancreas, liver, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, trachea, immune cells and blood vessels. GABAA receptors located outside the CNS (“peripheral GABAA receptors”) enable both neuronal and non-neuronal GABA-ergic signaling in various physiological processes and are generally thought to have similar properties to the extrasynaptic receptors in the CNS. By activating these peripheral receptors, GABA and various GABAA receptor modulators, including drugs such as benzodiazepines and general anesthetics, may contribute to or otherwise affect the maintenance of general body homeostasis. However, the existing data in the literature on the role of non-neuronal GABA-ergic signaling in insulin secretion, glucose metabolism, renal function, intestinal motility, airway tone, immune response and blood pressure regulation are far from complete. In fact, they mainly focus on the identification of components for the local synthesis and utilization of GABA and on the expression repertoire of GABAA receptor subunits rather than on subunit composition, activation effects and (sub)cellular localization. A deeper understanding of how modulation of peripheral GABAA receptors can have significant therapeutic effects on a range of pathological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma or hypertension could contribute to the development of more specific pharmacological strategies that would provide an alternative or complement to existing therapies. Selective GABAA receptor modulators with improved peripheral efficacy and reduced central side effects would therefore be highly desirable first-in-class drug candidates. This review updates recent advances unraveling the molecular components and cellular determinants of the GABA signaling machinery in peripheral organs, tissues and cells of both, humans and experimental animals
Istraživanje antropometrijskih, biohemijskih i nutritivnih podataka kod gojaznih i žena sa prekomernom težinom: uvid iz srpske kohorte – pilot studija
No full textBackground: Anthropometric measurements (AMs), such
as waist circumference and body mass index (BMI), are
dominant indicators of overweight and obesity. Nevertheless, other AMs, such as waist-hip ratio, waist circumference and indices of visceral adiposity index (VAI), body
mass fat index (BMFI), cardiometabolic index (CMI) and
waist-to-height ratio (WtHR) are more significant and discriminatory than BMI in predicting cardiometabolic risk.
Methods: This pilot study aimed to comprehensively investigate the anthropometric, biochemical and nutritional
characteristics of a sample of overweight and obese
women in Serbia, focusing on potential differences related
to AM and its association with specific biochemical markers.
Results: The final analytical sample consisted of 57 females
(average age 37.16±7.27 years, range: 21–55 years). A
strong positive correlation was observed between triglycerides (TG) and both the VAI (r=0.896, p<0.001) and the
CMI (r=0.896, p<0.001), both with high statistical significance. Conversely, a strong negative correlation was found
between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) and
both VAI (r=-0.601, p<0.001) and CMI (r=-0.566,
p<0.001). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic
blood pressure (DBP) were significantly positively correlated with both WtHR and BMFI: SBP and WtHR (r=0.343,
p=0.009), SBP and BMFI (r=0.310, p=0.019), DBP and
WtHR (r=0.368, p=0.005), and DBP and BMFI
(r=0.377, p=0.004). The analysis of biochemical parameters indicated no significant differences between groups,
except for TG levels, which were significantly higher in the
obese group (p=0.045).
Conclusions: Although the AMs of the subjects were significantly different, energy intake and macronutrient intake
were not significantly different. We did not find significant
differences in the intake of most vitamins or minerals
between the groups. Additionally, there is inadequate
intake of essential nutrients such as vitamin D, iron and
selenium, which are critical for overall health. Both groups
did not meet the recommended folate intake, which may
increase the risk of fetal neural tube defects.Uvod: Antropometrijska merenja (AM), kao što su obim
struka i indeks telesne mase (BMI), predstavljaju dominantne pokazatelje prekomerne težine i gojaznosti. Ipak,
druga AM, kao što su odnos struka i kukova, obim struka i
indeksi visceralnog indeksa adipoznosti (VAI), indeks
telesne masti (BMFI), kardiometabolički indeks (CMI) i
odnos struka prema visini (WtHR), pokazuju veći značaj i
diskriminativnu vrednost od BMI-a u predikciji kardiometaboličkog rizika.
Metode: Ova pilot studija je imala za cilj sveobuhvatno
istraživanje antropometrijskih, biohemijskih i nutricionih
karakteristika na uzorku žena sa prekomernom težinom i
gojaznošću u Srbiji, sa fokusom na potencijalne razlike
povezane sa antropometrijskim merenjima i njihovom
povezanošću sa specifičnim biohemijskim markerima.
Rezultati: Konačan analitički uzorak je činilo 57 žena (prosečna starost 37,16±7,27 godina, raspon: 21–55 godina).
Zabeležena je snažna pozitivna korelacija između triglicerida (TG) i VAI (r=0,896, p<0,001) i CMI (r=0,896,
p<0,001), obe sa visokom statističkom značajnošću.
Nasuprot tome, pronađena je snažna negativna korelacija
između holesterola lipoproteina visoke gustine (HDLc) i VAI
(r=-0,601, p<0,001) i CMI (r=-0,566, p<0,001). Sistolni
krvni pritisak (SBP) i dijastolni krvni pritisak (DBP) su bili
značajno pozitivno korelisani sa WtHR i BMFI: SBP i WtHR
(r=0,343, p=0,009), SBP i BMFI (r=0,310, p=0,019),
DBP i WtHR (r=0,368, p=0,005) i DBP i BMFI (r=0,377,
p=0,004). Analiza biohemijskih parametara nije pokazala
značajne razlike između grupa, osim u nivou TG, koji je bio
značajno vići u grupi gojaznih (p=0,045).
Zaključak: Iako su AM vrednosti ispitanica bile značajno
različite, unos energije i makronutrijenata nije se značajno
razlikovao. Nismo pronašli značajne razlike u unosu većine
vitamina ili minerala između grupa. Pored toga, zabeležen
je nedovoljan unos esencijalnih nutrijenata kao što su vitamin D, gvožđe i selen, koji su ključni za opšte zdravlje. Obe
grupe nisu dostigle preporučeni unos folata, što može
povećati rizik od defekata neuralne cevi kod fetusa
Rizik od krvarenja i interakcije lekova kod pacijenata sa atrijalnom fibrilacijom koji su na oralnoj antikoagulantnoj terapiji
No full textPatients with atrial fibrillation (AF) have an increased risk of thromboembolic stroke and
all-cause mortality. In addition to antiarrhythmic drugs, the treatment of AF also includes the use
of anticoagulants, which significantly reduce the risk of ischaemic stroke, but also carry a
bleeding risk. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of bleeding in patients with AF on oral
anticoagulants, and to determine the frequency of potentially clinically significant drug-drug
interactions (pDDIs) that may further increase the risk of bleeding. A retrospective observational
study was conducted at the Department of Cardiology of the Clinical Hospital Center “Bežanijska
Kosa”. The quantification of bleeding risk was performed using the HAS-BLED score. Lexi-
Interact was used to identify pDDIs. The study included 124 patients (mean age 72 years, women
50.8%). A high risk of bleeding due to anticoagulant therapy was found in 10.5%. The prevalence
of pDDIs, which can additionally increase bleeding risk was 18.5%. The pDDIs were
combinations of vitamin K antagonists with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, proton pump
inhibitors, levothyroxine, sulfonylureas, statins and propafenone. In the treatment and monitoring
of patients with AF receiving oral anticoagulant therapy, the use of bleeding risk scores should
be complemented by information on drug interactions, to optimise the benefit/risk ratio of
anticoagulant therapy.Pacijenti sa atrijalnom fibrilacijom (AF) imaju povećan rizik od tromboembolijskog
moždanog udara i mortaliteta od svih uzroka. Pored antiaritmika, lečenje AF podrazumeva
upotrebu antikoagulanasa, koji značajno smanjuju rizik od ishemijskog moždanog udara, ali nose
rizik od krvarenja. Ova studija je imala za cilj da proceni rizik od krvarenja kod pacijenata sa AF
na oralnoj antikoagulantnoj terapiji i da odredi učestalost potencijalno klinički značajnih
interakcija lekova (pLLI) koje mogu dodatno povećati rizik od krvarenja. Urađena je
retrospektivna opservaciona studija na Odeljenju za kardiologiju Kliničko-bolničkog centra
„Bežanijska kosa”. Kvantifikacija rizika od krvarenja je izvršena korišćenjem HAS-BLED skora.
Lexi-Interact je korišćen za identifikaciju pLLI. Studija je obuhvatila 124 pacijenta (srednja
starost 72 godine, žene 50,8%). Kod 10,5% pacijenata procenjen je visok rizik od krvarenja usled
primene oralne antikoagulantne terapije. Prevalenca pLLI koje mogu dodatno povećati rizik od
krvarenja iznosila je 18,5%. Interakcije su obuhvatile kombinacije antagonista vitamina K sa
selektivnim inhibitorima ponovnog preuzimanja serotonina, inhibitorima protonske pumpe,
levotiroksinom, derivatima sulfonilureje, statinima i propafenonom. Prilikom vođenja i praćenja
pacijenata sa AF na oralnoj antikoagulantnoj terapiji, korišćenje skorova za procenu rizika od
krvarenja treba da bude dopunjeno informacijama o interakcijama lekova, kako bi se optimizovao
odnos koristi i rizika antikoagulantne terapije
Evaluation of natural waterless face cleansers: physicochemical properties and performance assessment
No full textThis study evaluates the physicochemical properties and performance of natural,
waterless facial cleansers, focusing on their sustainability and efficacy. ..
ACE i hitotriozidaza kao mogući prediktivni biomarkeri za aktivnost sarkoidoze u korelaciji sa PET/CT aktivnošću
No full textBackground: Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease which
can afflict virtually any tissue in the human body, most
commonly the mediastinal lymph nodes and lungs.
Pathohistological confirmation is the gold standard in
establishing a diagnosis; however, determining the activity
of the disease requires multiple clinical, radiographic and
laboratory procedures. PET/CT scan is considered the gold
standard for determining the presence of active granuloma
but has several significant limitations (radioactive material,
cost, overall access to device). ACE and chitotriosidase are
biomarkers used for diagnosing sarcoidosis and could have
a place in determining the activity of the disease when
compared with the results of PET/CT scans.
Methods: We have compared the levels of ACE and chi-
totriosidase with the levels of SUVmax values in patients
with sarcoidosis.
Results: SUVmax and chitotriosidase levels were significant-
ly correlated at the baseline and after the follow-up period,
regardless of gender, age, duration of disease and radiog-
raphy stage, while SUVmax and ACE levels were not.
Chitotriosidase also showed a significant predictive ability
to decrease the activity of sarcoidosis, which represented
the decrease of SUVmax as the effect of therapy compared
with ACE. Conclusions: In the absence of an ideal biomarker for sar-
coidosis (high sensitivity, specificity and stability), chi-
totriosidase can be used in determining the activity of the
disease, as it has shown a significant correlation to the gold
standard- PET/CT scan.Uvod: Sarkoidoza je granulomatozna bolest koja može da
zahvati praktično svako tkivo u ljudskom telu, najčešće
medijastinalne limfne čvorove i pluća. Patohistološka potvrda je zlatni standard u postavljanju dijagnoze, međutim,
za određivanje aktivnosti bolesti neophodno je primeniti
više kliničkih, radiografskih i laboratorijskih procedura.
PET/CT skeniranje se smatra zlatnim standardom za
određivanje prisustva aktivnog granuloma, ali ima nekoliko
značajnih ograničenja (radioaktivni materijal, cena, dostupnost). ACE i hitotriozidaza su biomarkeri koji se koriste
u dijagnostici sarkoidoze i mogu da imaju svoje mesto u
određivanju aktivnosti bolesti u poređenju sa rezultatima
PET/CT skeniranja.
Metode: Uporedili smo nivoe ACE i hitotriozidaze sa
nivoima SUVmax vrednosti kod pacijenata sa sarkoidozom.
Rezultati: SUVmax i nivo hitotriozidaze su pokazali korelaciju kako na početku tako i nakon perioda praćenja, bez
obzira na pol, starost, trajanje bolesti i stadijum radiografije, dok SUVmax i nivo ACE nisu. Hitotriozidaza je takođe
pokazala značajnu prediktivnu sposobnost smanjenja
aktivnosti sarkoidoze predstavljene kao smanjenje SUVmax
kao efekta terapije u poređenju sa ACE. Zaključak: U nedostatku idealnog biomarkera za sarko-
idozu (visoka osetljivost, specifičnost i stabilnost), hitotriozidaza se može koristiti za određivanje aktivnosti bolesti, jer
je pokazala značajnu korelaciju sa zlatnim standardom –
nalazom PET/CT snimanja
Assessing organizational health literacy in hospitals by using the International Self- Assessment Tool for Organizational Health Literacy of Hospitals – a feasibility study in six European countries
No full textBackground: Hospitals can gain valuable insights into their current level of organizational health literacy (OHL) by using self-assessment tools. OHL self-assessment tools can serve as useful instruments for supporting the planning and implementation of OHL interventions aimed at promoting health equity and improving patient outcomes. This explorative study aimed to pilot the International Self-Assessment Tool for Organizational Health Literacy (Responsiveness) of Hospitals (OHL-Hos) among hospitals across six countries. Methods: The OHL-Hos, grounded in a comprehensive theoretical framework consisting of eight standards, 21 sub-standards and 141 indicators, was piloted in seven hospitals: one in Austria, Germany, the Czech Republic, Norway and Serbia, and two in Italy. In each hospital, the feasibility of using the OHL-Hos was investigated regarding acceptability, implementation, practicality, and integration, identifying strengths and areas for improvement using descriptive analyses. The self-assessment process included individual rating of an interdisciplinary and inter-hierarchical assessment team regarding OHL-Hos indicators from their personal perspectives, followed by a joint assessment to reach a consensus on different ratings. The process and experiences were documented in semi-structured forms, while the ratings on the indicators were documented numerically. Results: All hospitals successfully self-assessed their OHL, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. The self-assessment process varied slightly among countries. While the tool was considered important but lengthy and complex, introductory workshops facilitated successful implementation. The self-assessment process raised awareness and stimulated discussions on improving OHL, highlighting the tool’s potential for organizational development. Conclusions: The OHL-Hos can serve as a useful tool to identify strengths and areas for improvement in OHL in hospitals. The overall experience with the tool was positive and the joint assessment with the tool was found to foster consensus and enable reflection on OHL, but its comprehensive nature poses challenges to its implementation, leading to recommendations for developing a shortened version of the tool with simple language. Certain indicators require specific knowledge, suggesting different professional groups should address relevant parts