Clinical comparison of HMPV and RSV infections in hospitalised Malaysian children: A propensity score matched study

INTRODUCTION

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are significant contributors to the burden of acute respiratory infections in children, but data on hMPV from Southeast Asia are limited despite its potential for serious disease. This study aimed to compare the clinical presentation, resource utilisation and outcomes between hMPV and RSV infections in hospitalised Malaysian children.

METHODS

This retrospective, observational study included children aged ≤12 years old hospitalised with hMPV or RSV, confirmed via direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) methods, between 1 July to 30 October 2022 at Hospital Tuanku Ja'afar Seremban, Malaysia. Demographic, clinical presentation, resource utilisation and outcome data were analysed. Propensity score matching was used to balance cohorts based on key demographic and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

This study included 192 patients, comprising 112 with hMPV and 80 with RSV. hMPV patients were older (median age 20.5 vs. 9.4 months, p < 0.001) and had a higher incidence of comorbidities (24.1% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.003). Fever was more common in the hMPV group (97.3% vs. 73.8%, p < 0.001), but the other clinical manifestations were similar. Postmatching analysis showed higher corticosteroid use in the hMPV group (p = 0.01). No significant differences were observed in the use of other resources, PICU admissions, duration of hospitalisation or mortality rates between both groups.

CONCLUSION

hMPV and RSV infections in children share similar clinical manifestations and outcomes, with hMPV affecting older children and showing higher corticosteroid usage. These findings emphasise the need for equal clinical vigilance for both hMPV and RSV in paediatric respiratory infections.

In-situ biofabrication of bacterial nanocellulose (BNC)/graphene oxide (GO) nano-biocomposite and study of its cationic dyes adsorption properties

In the present study, bacterial nanocellulose/graphene oxide nano-biocomposites (BNC-GO-NBCs) were fabricated by Komagataeibacter saccharivorans NUWB1 using an in-situ method involving three time-dependent approaches. Physicochemical studies showed that the chosen dried BNC-GO-NBC possessed a three-dimensional interconnected porous structure of BNC with GO layers embedded within the BNC fibrils. BNC-GO-NBC had a crystallinity index of 74.21 %, higher thermostability up to 380 °C and could withstand a tensile load of 84.72 MPa. N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm of the BNC-GO-NBC was found to be of type IV, suggesting a mesoporous type structure with a total pore volume and surface area of 6.232e-04 cc g-1 and 10.498 m2. BNC-GO-NBC exhibited remarkable adsorption capacity for two cationic dyes, Rhodamine B (RhB) and Acridine Orange (AO), and the adsorption data conformed well to the Langmuir isotherm (R2 = 0.99) and pseudo-second-order model. Thermodynamic studies indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. Additionally, the BNC-GO-NBC displayed the potential for regeneration, with the ability to be recycled up to five times. Further, the antibacterial activity, cell cytotoxicity and oxidative stress assays of the BNC-GO-NBC revealed its non-cytotoxic nature. The findings of the present investigation evidently suggest the potentiality of BNC-GO-NBC in the application of dye adsorption and other environmental applications.

Development and Validation of Stability Indicating RP-HPLC Method for Quantitative Estimation of Tofacitinib in Tofacitinib Tablets Dosage Form

Aim: The main intention of the research work is to develop an effective, sensitive, economical and uncomplicated reverse phase HPLC technique for the estimation of Tofacitinib in Tofacitinib tablets dosage form. Study Design: HPLC based quantification studies. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemistry, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Nagarjuna Nagar, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, between August 2022 and November 2022. Methodology: Estimation of Tofacitinib in Tofacitinib tablets dosage form. The separation was achieved by using a stationary phase Kromasil C18 (150 x 4.6 mm, 5µ) and the mobile phase consisted of pH 4.0 phosphate buffer and acetonitrile in the ratio of (80:20 volume/volume). The flow rate was 1.5 mL/min. Tofacitinib was detected using UV detector at the wavelength of 215 nm. Column temperature 25°C and sample temperature 25°C and injection volume 20µL, run time was 20 minutes. Results: As there is no meddling between blank and placebo at the retention time of Tofacitinib. Degradation study results were shown significant degradation was observed in alkali (base) stress condition. Hence it can be concluded that Tofacitinib is sensitive to alkali. To obtain system exactitude, a study was conducted with six replicate injections. %RSD was estimated from the peak areas of Tofacitinib found to be 0.16% respectively. The relative standard deviation for method exactitude was found to be 5 mg and 10 mg is 0.26% and 0.75%. The proposed HPLC technique was linear over the range of 24.88-74.64 µg/mL, the correlation coefficient was found to be 1.0000. The accuracy studies were shown as % recovery for Tofacitinib 50% to150% level. The limit of % recovered shown is in the range of 98 and 102% and the results obtained were found to be within the limits. Hence the method was found to be accurate. The solution stability of the standard and samples are stable upto 48 hrs on a bench top and refrigerator (2-8°C). The technique is robust for changes like flow rate, column oven temperature, pH variation and the organic phase of the mobile phase. Performed the filter validation for sample solution 0.45 µm PVDF filterers are suitable for filtration. The technique has authenticated as per ICH instructions and all the validation parameters are satisfy the ICH Q2 specification acceptance limits. Conclusion: The urbanized technique was validated for various parameters as per ICH guidelines like accuracy, precision, linearity, specificity, system suitability, solution stability and robustness. The results obtained were within the acceptance criteria. So, it can be concluded that the developed method is simple, precise, cost-effective, eco-friendly, and safe and can be successfully employed for the routine analysis of Tofacitinib in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage forms.

Determination of Genotoxic Impurities N-nitrosamine's in Efavirenz Drug Substance Using Rp-Hplc Technique

Aim: The main purpose of the research is to  develop a effective, sensitive, economical and simple reverse phase HPLC method for the determination of genotoxic N-Nitrosamine's impurities in Efavirenz drug substance. Study Design: HPLC based quantification studies Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemistry, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh between April 2022 and August 2022. Methodology: Determination of genotoxic N-Nitrosamine's in Efavirenz drug substance. N-Nitrosamine's impurities were determined by RP-HPLC method using Zorbax SB C18 (150x4.6mm, 3.5µ) column as stationary phase. Column temperature maintained 25°C, injection volume 20 µL, flow rate 1.0 mL/min and sample cooler temperature 5°C and run time was 15 minutes.  The mixture of 0.1% formic acid buffer and methanol in the ratio of 50:950 (v/v) was used as mobile phase. wavelength 240 nm. respectively. Results:  There is no interference of blank at N-Nitrosamine's impurities peaks. The elution order and the retention times of impurities and Efavirenz obtained from individual standard preparations and mixed standard preparations are comparable. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) for NDMA 0.03 & 0.09 µg/mL, NDEA 0.02 & 0.06 µg/mL  and NDIPA 0.03 & 0.09 µg/mL respectively. The linearity results for N-Nitrosamine's impurities in the specified concentration range are found satisfactory, with a correlation coefficient greater than 0.99.Calibration curve was plotted and correlation co-efficient for impurities found to be 1.000, 1.000 and 1.000 respectively. The accuracy studies were shown as %recovery for N-Nitrosamine's impurities at specification level. The limit of % recovered shown is in the range of 80 and 120% and the results obtained were found to be within the limits. Hence the method was found to be accurate. The technique has been validated in accordance with ICH rules, and all validation parameters meet the acceptance criteria of the ICH Q2 specification. Conclusion:  According to ICH guidelines, an RP-HPLC method that can assess genotoxic Nitrosoamines in Efavirenz at trace level concentration has been established. The method's specificity, precision, linearity, and accuracy ensured its efficacy. As a result, the technique is appropriate for the goals it was designed to achieve and can be successfully used for release testing of efavirenz into the market.

Quantification of Impurity-G Content in Levetiracetam Injection (100 mg/ml) by Using RP-HPLC Technique

Extremely responsive technique for the quantification of impurity-G content in Levetiracetam samples by RP-HPLC method has been presented in the here manuscript. Quantification of impurity-G content in Levetiracetam sample by HPLC with UV Detector. Impurity-G was concluded by RP-HPLC technique by waters X-Terra MS-C18 (250 x 4.6mm, 5µm) column as motionless segment. Column oven preserved 45°C and taster cooler temperature 5°C, injection quantity 50µL, flow rate was 1.0 mL/min, impurity-G was detected using UV detector at the wavelength of 200nm and run time was 30 minutes. The movable segment utilized pH 3.0 buffer and acetonitrile in the proportion of (850:150 v/v) isocratic mode. The technique legalization has been carried as per International Conference on Harmonization guidelines (ICH). Limit of quantitation (LOQ) was found 0.4122 µg/mL for impurity-G.

Development & Validation of RP-HPLC Method for Quantitative Estimation of Dasatinib and its Impurities in Pharmaceutical Dosage Form

Aim: The primary objective of the research work is to develop a effective, sensitive, economical and simple reverse phase HPLC method for the separation and quantification of Dasatinib and its impurities are described in tablet formulations. Study Design: HPLC based quantification studies. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemistry, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh between April 2021 and August 2021. Methodology: Separation and quantification of Dasatinib and its impurities are done by using an Inertsil ODS-3V, 250 x 4.6 mm, 5µm and the mobile phase consists of two Channels A and B. Channel-A: pH 5.80 phosphate buffer : acetonitrile (90:10 v/v)   and Channel-B: acetonitrile : water (90:10 v/v). The flow rate is 1.0 ml/min. The column temperature was maintained at 25°C and sample temperature was maintained at 25°C, injection volume 10 µL and wavelength fixed at 320nm UV-detection. Results: There is no interference of diluent and placebo at Dasatinib and impurities peaks. The elution order and the retention times of impurities and Dasatinib obtained from individual standard preparations and mixed standard preparations are comparable. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) for Dasatinib standard 0.147&0.048 µg/mL, impurity-A 0.334&0.110 µg/mL, impurity-C 0.184&0.061 µg/mL,  impurity-D 0.136&0.045 µg/mL, impurity-E 0.089&0.029 µg/mL  and impurity-F 0.222 & 0.073 µg/mL respectively. The linearity results for Dasatinib and all the impurities in the specified concentration range are found satisfactory, with a correlation coefficient greater than 0.99.Calibration curve was plotted and correlation co-efficient for Dasatinib and its impurities found to be 1.000, 0.9999, 0.9912, 1.000, 0.9932 and 0.9922 respectively. The accuracy studies were shown as % recovery for Dasatinib and its impurities at specification level. The limit of % recovered shown is in the range of 80 and 120% and the results obtained were found to be within the limits. Hence the method was found to be accurate. The method has validated as per ICH guidelines and all the validation parameters are satisfy the ICH Q2 specification acceptance limits Conclusion:  The developed LC method was validated with respect to specificity, precision, linearity, ruggedness and robustness. Therefore this method has high probability to adopt in pharmaceutical industry for regular analysis of Dasatinib tablet formulations.

Short-Term Aging of Pod-Derived Biochar Reduces Soil Cadmium Mobility and Ameliorates Cadmium Toxicity to Soil Enzymes and Tomato

Contamination of agricultural soil with cadmium (Cd) has become a global concern because of its adverse effects on ecohealth and food safety. Soil amendment with biochar has become one of the phytotechnologies to reduce soil metal phyto-availability and its potential risks along the food chain. Biochar, derived from cocoa pod, was evaluated in soil Cd fractions (exchangeable, reducible, oxidizable, and residual) by modified Commission of the European Communities Bureau of Reference sequential extraction and its efficacy to ameliorate Cd toxicity to soil enzymes and leaf bioactive compounds. A pot experiment was conducted using Cd-spiked soil at 10 mg/kg with tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) at a biochar application rate of 1 and 3% (w/w) for 6 wk. The addition of biochar significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the exchangeable, reducible, and residual fractions by at least approximately 23%, with a consequential decrease in Cd root uptake and transport within tomato tissues. The activity of soil enzymes (catalase, dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, and urease) was affected by Cd toxicity. However, with the exception of dehydrogenase, biochar application significantly enhanced the activity of these enzymes, especially at the 3% (w/w) rate. As for the secondary metabolites we studied, Cd toxicity was observed for glutathione, terpenoids, and total phenols. However, the biochar application rate of 1% (w/w) significantly ameliorated the effects of toxicity on the secondary metabolites. In conclusion, biochar demonstrated the potential to act as a soil amendment for Cd immobilization and thereby reduce the bioavailability of Cd in soil, mitigating food security risks. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:3306-3316. © 2020 SETAC.

RP-HPLC Method for Quantification of Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate Drug Substance and Tablet Dosage Form

Aim: The primary objective of the research work is to develop a effective, sensitive, economical and simple reverse phase HPLC method to estimate Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide fumarate in its pure and binary mixture of tablets. Study Design: HPLC based Quantification Studies. Place and Duration of Study: 1Department of Chemistry, Acharya Nagarjuna University,Guntur, Andhra Pradesh between April 2019 and August 2020. Methodology: Separation of the analytes were done by  using Eclipse XDB-Phenyl (250 x 4.6mm, 5µ,100 A0) column and a mobile phase ratio of 30:10:70 percentage of 0.1% trifluoro acetic acid: acetonitile: methanol  at a  flow rate of 1 ml/min. The injected standard and sample solutions were detected 260nm wavelength. Results: The retention time of Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide fumarate were found at 2.3min and 2.8 min respectively. The method has good linearity range about 50 to 150µg/ml of Emtricitabine  and 6.5 to 19.5 µg/ml of  tenofovir alafenamide fumarate. The method has validated as per ICH guidelines and all the validation parameterwere satisfy the ICH Q2 specification acceptance limits Conclusion: The developed method said to be highly sensitive, accurate, specific and robust, therefore this method has high probability to adopt in pharmaceutical industry for regular analysis of   Emtricitabine  and tenofovir alafenamide.

Designing of potential inhibitors against Staphylococcus aureus sortase A: Combined analogue and structure based approach with in vitro validation

Staphylococcus aureus sortase A is an attractive target of Gram-positive bacteria that plays a crucial role in anchoring of surface proteins to peptidoglycan present in bacterial cell wall. Inhibiting sortase A is an elementary and essential effort in preventing the pathogenesis. In this context, in silico virtual screening of in-house database was performed using ligand based pharmacophore model as a filter. The developed pharmacophore model AAHR 11 consists of two acceptors, one hydrophobic and one ring aromatic feature. Top ranked molecule KKR1 was docked into the active site of the target. After profound analysis, it was analyzed and optimized based on the observations from its binding pose orientation. Upgraded version of KKR1 was KKR2 and has improved docking score, binding interactions and best fit in the binding pocket. KKR1 along with KKR2 were further validated using 100 ns molecular dynamic studies. Both KKR1 and KKR2 contain Indole-thiazolidine moiety and were synthesized. The disk diffusion assay has good initial results (ZI of KKR1, KKR2 were 24, 38 mm at 10 μg/mL and ZI of Ampicillin was 22 at 10 μg/mL) and calculated MICs of the molecules (KKR1 5.56±0.28 μg/mL, KKR2 1.32±0.12 μg/mL, Ampicillin 8±1.1 μg/mL) were in good agreement with standard drug Ampicillin. KKR1 has shown IC50 of 1.23±0.14 μM whereas the optimized lead molecule KKR2 show IC50 of 0.008±0.07 μM. Results from in silico were validated by in vitro studies and proved that indole-thiazolidine molecules would be useful for future development as lead molecules against S. aureus sortase A.

De novo synthesis of novel bacteriogenic nanocell particles and its cancer cell compatibility evaluation

This study demonstrates the effective synthesis of nanocell particles of bacterial origin using an eco-friendly ultrasonic approach.

High dietary fat intake influences the activation of specific hindbrain and hypothalamic nuclei by the satiety factor oleoylethanolamide

Chronic exposure to a diet rich in fats changes the gastrointestinal milieu and alters responses to several signals involved in the control of food intake. Oleoylethanolamide (OEA) is a gut-derived satiety signal released from enterocytes upon the ingestion of dietary fats. The anorexigenic effect of OEA, which requires intestinal PPAR-alpha receptors and is supposedly mediated by vagal afferents, is associated with the induction of c-fos in several brain areas involved in the control of food intake, such as the nucleus of the solitary tract (NST) and the hypothalamic paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic nuclei (SON). In the present study we investigated whether the exposure to a high fat diet (HFD) alters the hindbrain and hypothalamic responses to OEA. To this purpose we evaluated the effects of OEA at a dose that reliably inhibits eating (10mg/kg i.p.) on the induction of c-fos in the NST, area postrema (AP), PVN and SON in rats maintained either on standard chow or a HFD. We performed a detailed analysis of the different NST subnuclei activated by i.p. OEA and found that peripheral OEA strongly activates c-fos expression in the AP, NST and in the hypothalamus of both chow and HFD fed rats. The extent of c-fos expression was, however, markedly different between the two groups of rats, with a weaker activation of selected NST subnuclei and stronger activation of the PVN in HFD-fed than in chow-fed rats. HFD-fed rats were also more sensitive to the immediate hypophagic action of OEA than chow-fed rats. These effects may be due to a decreased sensitivity of vagal afferent fibers that might mediate OEA's actions on the brain and/or an altered sensitivity of brain structures to OEA.

Studies of detailed biofilm characterization on fly ash concrete in comparison with normal and superplasticizer concrete in seawater environments

In cooling water systems, many concrete structures in the form of tanks, pillars and reservoirs that come in contact with aggressive seawater are being deteriorated by chemical and biological factors. The nuclear industry has decided to partially replace the Portland cement with appropriate pozzolans such as fly ash, which could densify the matrix and make the concrete impermeable. Three types of concrete mixes, viz., normal concrete (NC), concrete with fly ash and superplasticizer (FA) and concrete with only superplasticizer (SP) were fabricated for short- and long-term exposure studies and for screening out the better concrete in seawater environments. Biofilm characterization studies and microscopic studies showed excellent performance of FA concrete compared to the other two. Laboratory exposure studies in pure cultures of Thiobacillus thiooxidans and Fusarium oxysporum were demonstrated for the inhibition of microbial growth on fly ash. Epifluorescence and scanning electron microscopic studies supported the better performance of the FA specimen. Thus, the present study clearly showed that FA concrete is less prone to biofilm formation and biodeterioration.