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Postoperative Changes in Hematological, Biochemical, and Redox Status Parameters in Spinal Osteoarthritis Patients Undergoing Spinal Decompression and Stabilization Surgery
No full textBackground/Objectives: Spinal osteoarthritis (sOA) is a degenerative condition marked by pain, inflammation, and restricted mobility. While surgical interventions such as spinal decompression and stabilization are common, their impact on redox status and inflammatory markers remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the effects of surgery on clinical, hematological, biochemical, and redox parameters in patients with sOA. Methods: A total of 25 patients diagnosed with sOA underwent spinal decompression and stabilization surgery. Preoperative and postoperative assessments included hematological and biochemical analyses, redox status evaluation (TAS, TOS, GSH, AOPP, SOD), and inflammatory markers such as IL-6. Disease severity was graded using the Kellgren–Lawrence (K-L) system. Results: Postoperatively, there was a significant decrease in neutrophil count (p = 0.014) and AOPP levels (p < 0.001), with a corresponding increase in lymphocyte count (p = 0.016), erythrocyte count (p = 0.036), and IL-6 levels (p = 0.008). TAS levels decreased (p = 0.006), while enzymatic antioxidants, such as SOD increased (p = 0.031). Erythrocyte GSH remained low, with a non-significant postoperative decrease. Patients with higher K-L grades exhibited greater redox imbalance, with reduced preoperative GSH and elevated postoperative superoxide anion, TOS, and SOD levels. More severe cases also showed decreased postoperative erythrocyte, hemoglobin, and PTH levels, and increased TAS and AOPP levels. Factorial analysis highlighted clusters associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and clinical performance. Conclusions: The results underscore the complex relationship between inflammation, oxidative stress, and recovery in sOA. These findings suggest the importance of targeted postoperative strategies to support redox homeostasis and modulate inflammation in sOA patients
In Vitro and In Silico Analysis of Differential Antibacterial Activity of Pomegranate Polyphenols Against Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria
No full textBackground/Objectives: This study investigates the antimicrobial properties of pomegranate peel extract (PoPEx) and its major polyphenolic constituents against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, employing six clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and five isolates of Escherichia coli. The study further aims to elucidate mechanisms of action through molecular docking and transport studies. Methods: Chemical composition was analyzed using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Antimicrobial activity was determined by the broth microdilution method. Molecular docking was performed with the AutoDock Vina algorithm, and transport studies through porin channels were carried out using Caver software. Results: PoPEx showed stronger activity against Gram-positive (MICs 15.62–500.00 μg/mL) than Gram-negative bacteria (MICs 125.00–500.00 μg/mL). Punicalagin was most active against S. aureus, while gallic acid was most effective against E. coli. Docking revealed high affinities of punicalagin and punicalin, whereas transport studies highlighted the advantage of smaller phenolics like gallic acid in crossing porins. Conclusions: Larger tannins exhibited strong target binding but limited porin permeability, reducing efficacy in Gram-negative bacteria. These findings provide insights into structure–activity relationships of pomegranate polyphenols and support their potential as natural antimicrobial agents
Mineral profile of baobab fruit pulp and moringa leaf powders
No full textBaobab (Adansonia digitata L.) and moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) are plants native to Africa and
other tropical regions. Based on their nutritional value and content of bioactive compounds, the fruit pulp
of baobab and moringa leaves are recognized as superfoods with a growing global demand. On the
global market numerous commercial products are based on baobab fruit pulp and moringa leaves,
including their powders, often labeled as nutrient-dense raw whole foods. Additionally, there is a
growing interest among food scientists in utilizing baobab fruit pulp and moringa leaves as sources of
minerals, vitamins, and bioactive compounds to enhance the nutritional properties of food products. This
study aimed to analyze the mineral content of commercial baobab fruit pulp and moringa leaf powders.
After microwave digestion, macro- (K, Na, P, Mg, Ca) and microelement (Fe, Zn, Cu, Cr, Mn, Co)
contents in analyzed samples were determined by optical emission spectrometry with inductively
coupled plasma (ICP-OES). In general, decreasing order of minerals in baobab fruit pulp and moringa
leaf powders were: K > Ca > Mg > P > Na > Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Co > Cr and K > Ca > P > Mg > Na >
Mn > Fe > Zn > Cu > Co > Cr, respectively. The moringa leaf powder had about four times more Ca
and Mg, and about three times more Fe and Zn than baobab fruit pulp powder. According to the
Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) values, moringa leaf powder (10 g) is the source of Ca and Mn.
At the same time, its contribution to the daily intake of other minerals was less than 15% of the RDA.3rd European Symposium on Phytochemicals in Medicine and Food (3-EuSPMF), 1- 4 July 2025, Belgrade, Serbi
Temperature-induced phase transitions in atorvastatin calcium trihydrate revealed by low-energy Raman analysis
No full textWe present a comprehensive inelastic light scattering study of atorvastatin calcium trihydrate Form I across a broad temperature range (100 K to 460 K), with a focus on the low-energy spectral region, providing key insights into the crystal structure for the first time. The Raman spectra revealed significant temperature-dependent changes, particularly at 420 K, where external vibrations at approximately 34 cm−1, 44 cm−1, and 140 cm−1 disappeared, indicating a structural phase transition. Strong fluctuations near this temperature led to notable broadening in the linewidths of the 645 cm−1 and 1650 cm−1 modes. Additionally, a new mode around 75 cm−1 appeared at the phase transition, suggesting the presence of structural order in the anhydrous phase before reaching the isotropic melt
Scientific and risk-based approache for the development and maintenance of analytical methods for the drug quality control
No full textThe ICH Q14 guideline introduces an innovative development of analytical methods
for the quality control of medicinal products. It emphasizes a scientific and risk-based
approach in which the robustness and parameter ranges of methods are evaluated to ensure
their reliability and performance. This approach not only promotes the efficiency and reliability
of pharmaceutical analysis, but also the continuous improvement of methods. By
emphasizing life cycle management, ICH Q14 helps to adapt analytical methods to new
technological advances and scientific knowledge, thus improving the quality and safety of
medicinal products.
ICH Q14 clearly suggests that the development of analytical methods for the quality
control of medicinal products should be based on the AQbD approach, which utilizes the
principles of Design of Experiments (DoE) methodology. The first step of this multi-stage
process is the definition of the Analytical Target Profile (ATP), i.e. a set of criteria that define
what is to be measured, concentration range, matrix, etc., as well as requirements for the
properties of the method itself, the so-called Critical Method Attributes (CMAs). The next step
is to assess the quality risk, define the critical method parameters (CMPs) and
eliminate/reduce risks. Finally, DoE is applied to compute the Design Space (DS), which is an
essential part of the AQbD concept.
To define the DS: i) a region of experimental space, in which the desired
characteristics of the analytical method fulfill the criteria, must be selected and ii) the
probability, with which the CMAs ensure quality, is calculated. This means that it is necessary
to define the probability with which the CMAs achieve satisfactory values and to assess the
risk if these requirements are not met. Such a DS is achieved by the robust optimization
approach in combination with Monte Carlo simulations that allow the calculation of the
prediction probability for a given CQA above a desired threshold. Finally, it is necessary to
validate the method and define the system suitability parameters (SST) to determine the
control strategy for the analytical method. The control strategy should ensure that the
analytical method performs as expected when used routinely during its life cycle
Analytical Quality-by-Design-Based Chaotropic Chromatography Method for the Determination of Bupropion and Its Impurities
No full textA novel chaotropic chromatography method, developed using Analytical Quality-by-Design (AQbD) principles,
is presented for the quantitative determination of bupropion and its impurities. The Analytical Target Profile
(ATP) was defined to ensure efficient separation and reliable quantification of bupropion and its five impurities
in tablet formulations. Preliminary experiments indicated the necessity of incorporating a gradient elution step.
A fractional factorial screening design identified critical method parameters (CMPs), which were further
optimized using a Box–Behnken design (BBD) to assess their impact on predefined critical method attributes
(CMAs). To establish the design space (DS), where CMPs met predefined acceptance limits with a high
probability (π ≥ 85%), Monte Carlo simulations were conducted. The selected working conditions within the
DS included 37.5% acetonitrile at the start of the gradient (increasing to 70% by the end), 45 mM potassium
hexafluorophosphate in the aqueous phase, and initiation of the linear gradient step at 10 minutes. The method
was validated in accordance with ICH guidelines and successfully applied to the analysis of Wellbutrin® tablets
containing bupropion hydrochloride
Characterisation and Stabilisation Mechanisms of Azelaic Acid Nanosuspensions: Insights from a Dual Stabiliser System
No full textBackground/Objectives: This study investigates the stabilisation mechanisms of azelaic acid nanosuspensions (AZA-NS) prepared by wet media milling (WMM) using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and chitosan as stabilisers. The aim was to elucidate the physical interactions relevant for stabilisation and to evaluate the effectiveness of a dual stabiliser approach to improve AZA-NS stability. Methods: AZA-NS were characterised using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to evaluate the chemical interactions, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for thermal properties, atomic force microscopy (AFM) to analyse the adsorption of the stabiliser on the AZA surface and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to evaluate the crystallinity. Contact angle and immersion studies were performed to evaluate wettability, and alternative stabilisers were tested for comparison. Results: Highly concentrated AZA-NS (up to 20% drug loading) were successfully produced with particle sizes between 326.8 and 541.2 nm, which are in the optimal range for follicular drug delivery. FTIR confirmed stabilisation by adsorption and not by chemical interaction. DSC revealed a melting point depression, indicating a partial disorder of the crystal lattice. AFM imaging showed different adsorption patterns for HPMC and chitosan, suggesting better surface coverage compared to alternative stabilisers. XRD confirmed the retention of the AZA crystalline form after milling. Contact angle and immersion studies showed improved wettability due to the synergistic effects of HPMC and chitosan. Alternative stabilisers showed suboptimal performance, highlighting the superior stabilising potential of the HPMC–chitosan combination. Conclusions: This study provides important insights into the dual stabilisation mechanisms and highlights the importance of combining steric and electrostatic stabilisers for the formulation of stable nanosuspensions of medium soluble drugs such as AZA. These results support the development of optimised nanosuspensions with increased stability and improved pharmaceutical applicability
Antihyperglycemic Activity of Alchemilla viridiflora Herb Methanol Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Rats
No full textBased on the traditional use of Alchemilla L. species for the treatment of diabetes, the effect of the methanol extract of Alchemilla viridiflora (AVM) on enzyme activity in vitro and its impact on blood glucose levels in vivo were investigated. Diabetes was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats using streptozotocin. AVM was administered to both normal and STZ-diabetic rats for 20 days at three different doses. Blood glucose levels and body weights of the treated animals were monitored throughout the experiment. After 20 days, serum insulin, cholesterol, triglycerides, and high- and low-density lipoproteins were measured. In addition, a histological analysis of the pancreas was performed. The AVM demonstrated inhibitory effects on the activities of all tested enzymes. In the in vivo experiment, a statistically significant reduction in body weight was observed in the AVM-treated animals at all three doses compared with the normal control group. Notably, a dose of 200 mg/kg significantly decreased blood glucose levels on both the 10th day and 20th day (p < 0.05). However, the extract showed no statistically significant effects on the tested biochemical parameters. Overall, the results of this study suggest that AVM has potential for the treatment of hyperglycemia associated with diabetes and obesity
Recent Progress in Green Sample Preparation for Improved Plant-Based Natural Product and Phenolic Compound Analysis
No full textPhenolic compounds, secondary metabolites, are essential products of plant metabolism. They are characterized by one or more aromatic rings attached to hydroxyl groups and are categorized into phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, stilbenes, and lignans. These compounds play critical roles in plants, contributing to pigmentation, astringency, UV protection, and defense against pests and pathogens. Widely distributed in fruits, vegetables, and other matrices, they are also extracted from waste and byproducts of the food production chain, aligning with sustainable practices. Research on phenolic compounds is extensive, driven by their significant health benefits and diverse biological activity. Extraction is the initial and critical step in their study, with efficiency influenced by factors such as the extraction method, plant matrix properties, solvent choice, temperature, pressure, and time. Recent years have seen a surge in studies on both conventional and innovative extraction methodologies, with a growing emphasis on green technologies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of advancements in green sample preparation (GSP) techniques within the framework of green analytical chemistry (GAC). It highlights strategies to minimize environmental impact, including the use of micro-techniques, assisted extraction methods, and eco-friendly solvents from renewable and non-toxic sources. Experimental design methods for optimizing phenolic compound yields are also discussed. Additionally, the review presents tools for assessing the greenness of sample preparation techniques, focusing on their environmental and operational improvements
Farmakoekonomska evaluacija antimikrobnih obloga za rane u tertmanu venskih ulceracija
No full textVenous leg ulcers (VLUs) account for most lower extremity wounds. Wound management
include cleansing, debridement, infection control and applying wound dressing. There exist
various types of dressings which can maintain adequate moisture, offer protection, and support
the reepithelization of VLUs. The aim of this study is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the
antimicrobial wound dressing containing ionic silver (Aquacel Ag+ExtraTM
) in the treatment of
VLUs compared to conventional gauze dressing in Serbia. The data regarding the effectiveness
and frequency of dressings for both the Aquacel Ag+ExtraTM and conventional dressing were
obtained from literature sources. Only direct costs were considered, and values were taken from
the published price list of health services or procurement procedures. Sensitivity analyses were
performed.
The total cost per patient for Aquacel Ag+ExtraTM was 34,178.76 RSD, while the total
cost for gauze was 82,800.90 RSD. Besides lower costs, antimicrobial wound dressing shows
higher effectiveness than the gauze, implying that Aquacel Ag+ExtraTM is the dominant strategy.
The sensitivity analysis supports the robustness of the results.
The use of antimicrobial wound dressing containing ionic silver is the preferred option for
the treatment of VLUs due to lower costs and the higher curing rate of the woundsVenski ulkusi su najčešći tip rane na donjim ekstremitetima. Zbrinjavanje venskog ulkusa uključuje čišćenje, obradu tj. pripremu rane, kontrolu infekcije i nanošenje obloga za rane. Postoje različite vrste obloga koje pružaju adekvatnu vlažnost, zaštitu i podržavaju reepitelizaciju venskih ulkusa. Cilj analize je procena troškovne isplativosti antimikrobne obloge za rane koji sadrži jonsko srebro (Aquacel® Ag+Extra™) u lečenju venskih ulkusa u poređenju sa konvencionalnim previjanjem gazom u Republici Srbiji. Podaci o efikasnosti i učestalosti previjanja za obe strategije dobijeni su iz literature. Uzeti su u obzir samo direktni troškovi, a vrednosti su preuzete iz objavljenog cenovnika zdravstvenih usluga ili postupaka javne nabavke. Sprovedena je analiza osetljivosti. Ukupni troškovi po pacijentu za Aquacel® Ag+Extra™ iznosili su 34.178,76 dinara, dok su ukupni troškovi primenom gaze iznosili 82.800,90 dinara. Pored nižih troškova, antimikrobna obloga za rane pokazuje veću efikasnost od gaze, što implicira da je Aquacel® Ag+Extra™ dominantna strategija. Analiza osetljivosti podržava robusnost rezultata. Upotreba antimikrobne obloge za rane koja sadrži jonsko srebro je željena opcija za lečenje venskog ulkusa zbog nižih troškova i veće stope zarastanja rana