Capsule Samples Research Articles

Ferroptosis is involved in the damage of ocular lens under long-term PM2.5 exposure in rat models and humans

Epidemiological studies show a positive association between air pollution and age-related cataracts, but the pathogenic mechanism remains unclear. This study first demonstrates that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) induces ferroptosis in the lens, leading to morphological and functional disorders, through human, animal, and cellular samples. In 3-week PM2.5-exposed rat models (10 µl 1 mg/ml PM2.5 suspension per eye, 4 times a day), we find that many vacuoles form in the lens equatorial region by analysis of haematoxylin and eosin staining after PM2.5 exposure. Using iron and glutathione (GSH) assay kits, we found increased Fe2+ contents and decreased GSH levels in PM2.5-exposed rats’ lenses. Additionally, the lipid peroxide 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) was also found to be elevated with immunoblot, suggesting ferroptosis is involved. Ferroptosis was also observed in human lens epithelial cells treated with 25, 50, and 100 µg/ml PM2.5 suspension for 24 h, accompanied by decreased cell viability and migration. Furthermore, we collect about 60 human lens anterior capsule (HLAC) samples for RNA-seq. The results show that compared to HLACs from areas with PM2.5 concentration ≤30 μg/m³, ferroptosis-related genes expression of those from areas with PM2.5 concentration ≥35 μg/m³ are significantly altered, such as glutathione peroxidase 4 and STEAP family member 3. Also, human lens in areas with high PM2.5 concentrations showed elevated levels of transferrin receptor and 4-HNE with immunoblot, and down-regulated expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) through immunofluorescent. These results demonstrate that ferroptosis plays a key role in PM2.5-induced cataractogenesis.

Application of continuous wavelet transforms for simultaneous estimation of domperidone and lansoprazole in capsule formulations

UV–Vis spectroscopy remains essential in pharmaceutical research and quality control due to its accessibility, simplicity, and effectiveness. However, overlapping spectra resulting from multicomponent drug formulations present challenges. Here, we describe a signal processing strategy using continuous wavelet transform (CWT) to resolve overlapping spectra of domperidone (DMP) and lansoprazole (LSP) for simultaneous quantification. Three different wavelet functions (Symlets 3, Coiflets 1, Daubechies 10), were found to be suitable for this purpose. Linear calibration curves were constructed using the CWT zero-crossing technique and the methods were validated by analyzing a set of synthetic mixtures, intra-and inter-day samples, and standard addition samples. The assay results of commercial capsule samples were compared with those obtained by derivative spectroscopy, and no significant statistical difference was observed. The proposed CWT methods demonstrated good compliance with the label claims and proved to be reliable, versatile, fast, and cost-efficient analytical methods without the need for preliminary separation procedures.

Case Study on Regulatory Approaches for New Degradation Impurity Exceeding ICH Thresholds in Solubilized Ibuprofen Capsules During Stability Testing

The article discusses the identification, isolation, characterization, and toxicology study of a new degradation impurity found in stability samples of Ibuprofen soft gelatin capsules. An unknown impurity was detected during stability analysis, reaching 0.28% level, which prompted further investigation. A preparative method was developed to isolate the impurity quickly, followed by its identification and characterization using spectroscopic techniques. The impurity, named 2,3-dihydroxxypropyl 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propanoate, was confirmed through various analyses, including HPLC, LC-MS, NMR, and FT-IR. Forced degradation studies suggested that the impurity formation might be due to the reaction of Ibuprofen with Glycerin present in the product. Toxicology studies were conducted to evaluate the safety of Ibuprofen with the impurity, concluding that it posed no significant toxicity concerns. Based on the findings, a specification limit of not more than 0.3% for the impurity was proposed, supported by justification from various studies and guidelines. To the best of our knowledge, this impurity has not been reported in pharmaceuticals elsewhere; it can be helpful in the pharmaceutical industry for regulatory considerations. This would enhance the pharmaceutical industry's perspectives on unknown impurities and knowledge of degradation impurities, which would positively impact pharmaceutical companies' approaches.

Detection of the antipsychotic drug cariprazine using a low-cost MIP-based electrochemical sensor and its electrooxidation behaviour

Cariprazine (CAR), a member of the class of atypical antipsychotics, is a widely utilized pharmaceutical agent. Therefore, analytical techniques for its detection in real samples must be established, both for the purposes of treatment and for the advancement of the pharmaceutical industry. In recent years, there have been notable advancements in the development of sensor-based technologies, particularly those employing electrochemical detection for the rapid and precise analysis of a range of pharmaceuticals. Accordingly, the present study initially examined the voltammetric behaviour of CAR using an unmodified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The mechanism of electrochemical oxidation was proposed, and subsequently, an electrochemical method for the determination of CAR was applied, which demonstrated a detection limit of 6.4 × 10−7 M (0.64 µM) and a broad linear dynamic range (2.5 × 10−6–5.0 × 10−5 M; 2.5–50.0 µM). Subsequently, a molecularly imprinted recognition system was fabricated via a simple one-step electrochemical polymerization process, using CAR as the template molecule and 3-aminophenylboronic acid as the functional monomer. A systematic optimization of the parameters influencing the sensor response was conducted. Upon identifying the optimal conditions, the MIP/GCE demonstrated a commendable sensitivity (177.25 µA/µM) and a detection limit of 1.27 × 10−14 M (12.7 fM) in a linear range from 1.0 × 10−13 to 2.5 × 10−12 M (0.1–2.5 pM). Subsequently, the sensor was effectively utilized to determine CAR in capsule and commercial serum samples, yielding satisfactory recovery values.

Determination of Anti-Diabetic Drugs in Health Supplements by Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) Method

The mixing of unpermitted drugs with health supplements to increase effectiveness can cause negative effects to consumers, requiring quality testing of these products. In this study, an analytical method for simultaneously determination of 5 anti-diabetic drugs (ADDs) (i.e., metformin, phenformin, buformin, glibenclamide, and gliclazide) in health supplement samples was developed with a combination of ultrasonic extraction, dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE), and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Hard capsule, soft capsule, and liquid samples were extracted with methanol twice, followed by activated carbon addition for extract clean-up and LC-MS/MS quantification. The analytical method was validated through various factors such as: specificity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, linearity, repeatability, and recovery. The method had high precision (mean recovery from 88% to 99%, relative standard deviation lower than 10%) and low detection limit of 0.1 mg/kg, meeting the requirements of detection of these substances at trace to ultra-trace levels in complex sample matrices. The validated method was then applied to analyze concentrations of 5 ADDs in 30 health supplement samples. Metformin was detected at a concentration of 2.20 mg/kg in one hard capsule sample, while the remaining samples did not contain ADDs at detectable levels.

Turmeric products: Evaluation of curcumin and trace elements

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is valued for its coloring properties, flavor enhancement, functionality, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which help prevent various diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of curcumin and trace elements (Cr, Co, Ni, As, Mo, Cd, Sb, Ba, Hg, and Pb) in 30 samples of turmeric capsules. The quantification of curcumin was performed by spectrophotometry, with results ranging from 0.03 g/100 g to 37.6 g/100 g. The concentration of trace elements was determined by ICP-MS after acid digestion of the samples. Except for the elements Sb and Hg, which showed levels below the quantification limits (0.002 and 0.008 mg/kg, respectively), the results were: Cr (<0.008–0.083 mg/kg), Co (<0.003–0.78 mg/kg), Ni (<0.008–1.61 mg/kg), As (<0.003–0.083 mg/kg), Mo (<0.008–1.21 mg/kg), Cd (<0.002–0.076 mg/kg), Ba (<0.008–23.48 mg/kg), and Pb (<0.008–0.619 mg/kg). The interaction between curcumin and the trace elements was complex, with no direct relationship found between them. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of curcumin varied from 0.004 to 2.684 mg/kg of body weight, with 13 samples below 10 % of the acceptable daily intake (ADI), 12 samples between 10 % and 50 % of the ADI, and three samples above 50 %. For trace elements, Co showed the highest contribution, corresponding to 2.72 % of the health-based guidance value established by EFSA. A careful approach in marketing turmeric-based products is fundamental to ensure their quality, efficacy, and safety for consumers.

Experimental determination of tin partitioning between titanite, ilmenite, and granitic melts using improved capsule designs

Abstract Investigating mineral/melt Sn partitioning at high temperatures and pressures is a difficult task because Sn is a redox-sensitive multivalent element and easily alloys with noble metal sample capsules. To obtain accurate Sn partition coefficients between titanite, ilmenite, and granitic melts, we developed single capsule Pt or Au and double capsule Pt95Rh5 (or Au)-Re designs to avoid significant Sn loss at a controlled oxygen fugacity (fO2). With these new capsule designs, we performed piston-cylinder experiments of Sn partitioning between titanite, ilmenite, and granitic melts. The experimental P-T-fO2 conditions were 0.5–1.0 GPa, 850–1000 °C, and ~QFM+8 to ~QFM-4 (quartz-fayalite-magnetite, QFM, buffer), with fO2 controlled by the solid buffers of Ru-RuO2, Re-ReO2, Co-CoO, graphite, and Fe-FeO. The obtained mineral/melt Sn partition coefficients (DSnmin/melt) are 0.48–184.75 for titanite and 0.03–69.45 for ilmenite at the experimental conditions. The DSnmin/melt values are largely dependent on fO2, although the effects of temperature and melt composition are also observed. DSnTtn/melt strongly decreases with decreasing fO2, from ~46–185 at the most oxidizing conditions (Ru-RuO2 buffer), to ~2–16 at moderately oxidizing to moderately reducing conditions (Re-ReO2 to Co-CoO and graphite buffers), to &amp;lt;1 at the most reducing conditions (Fe-FeO buffer). DSnIlm/melt exhibits a variation trend similar to DSnTtn/melt but is always lower than DSnTtn/melt at a given fO2. These DSnmin/melt values can be applied to quantitatively assess the mineralization potential of granitic magmas. Using DSnTtn/melt, we estimate that Sn contents are ~150–400 ppm in the pre-mineralization magmas of the tin-mineralized Qitianling plutons (South China).

Prediction and observation of regional infrasound from the OSIRIS REx re-entry capsule

Infrasonic signals produced by bolides and space debris passing through atmosphere are frequently observed at notable stand-off distances. The acoustic energy radiated from such objects is dominated by the aero-acoustic Mach cone which exhibits a highly directional radiation pattern dependent on the velocity of the object relative to the surrounding atmosphere. Recently, a mapping of the Mach cone geometry into acoustic ray tracing methods has enabled efficient regional simulation of infrasonic ensonification from such sources. In September 2023, the OSIRIS REx sample capsule returned to Earth as part of a NASA supported asteroid study and a number of institutions deployed sensors to measure geophysical signatures of the event. The anticipated capsule trajectory was combined with historical atmospheric data for September in the western United States to predict likely regional ensonification during re-entry. Los Alamos National Laboratory infrasound experts deployed microbarometer arrays in locations predicted to be ensonified and were able to identify signals with arrival times and direction-of-arrival consistent with the capsule re-entry. An overview of the predictions, field deployments, and identified signals will be presented.

Optimization of adenosine và cordycepin extraction from cordyceps

Adenosine and cordycepin are bioactive compounds with health benefits. Therefore, both substances are often used to assess the quality of Cordyceps products. The optimization of the extraction conditions to determine adenosine and cordycepin from products containing Cordyceps (powder, extract, and capsule samples) were studied. The samples were prepared using an ultrasound-assisted extraction, the solvent was methanol and quantification of adenosine and cordycepin by HPLC-PDA. Optimization of adenosine and cordycepin extraction conditions by Response surface methodology using the Box-Behnken design, and by using design expert software. The experimental matrix includes 17 experiments of 3 investigation factors with the running range: material/solvent ratio (1:10-1:50 g/mL), methanol concentration (5-25%), ultrasound time (30-90 minutes). The results showed the optimal conditions for the extraction of adenosine and cordycepin for Cordyceps powder samples are the ratio of raw materials:solvent = 1:40 (g/mL), methanol concentration of 17.5% and ultrasound time is 70 minutes, the mean contents of adenosine and cordycepin were 24.15 and 330.78 mg/100g, the optimal methanol concentration for the extraction process is 15% for Cordyceps extract samples, those in their were: 158.30 and 1050.78 mg/100g, the most appropriate methanol concentration is 50% for Cordyceps capsule samples, while those in their were: 23.98 mg/100g and 213.21 mg/100g, relatively. This study provides an efficient analysis method to determine the optimal extraction conditions of adenosine and cordycepin from products containing Cordyceps that can be used as a basis for evaluating the quality of these products.

Alterations in anterior lens capsule structure and LTBP-2 expression in primary angle-closure glaucoma

ObjectiveThis study investigated the role of latent-transforming growth factor β-binding protein 2 (LTBP-2) in primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) by analysing its expression and the ultrastructure of the anterior lens capsule...

Effect of pH on the fabrication of lauric acid/Ag phase change nanocapsules via liquid-phase reduction

Phase change nanocapsules can be dispersed in fluids to form latant functional thermal fluids (LFTFs), which can serve as effective coolants for extending the lifespan of electronic devices. For this purpose, it is significant to prepare phase change capsules that possess excellent heat storage capacity, thermal conductivity, and suspension stability. In this paper, lauric acid/silver composite phase change nanocapsules were prepared by liquid-phase reduction method. To investigate the effect of pH value on capsule synthesis, six phase change capsule samples were prepared between pH values of 2.6–4.6. The results indicate that the prepared nanocapsules exhibited good heat storage capacity and thermal conductivity under different pH values. However, as pH increases, the silver shell thickness on the nanocapsule surface initially decreases and subsequently increases. The silver shell thickness of L3 is the thinnest, measuring 12.5 nm. Correspondingly, the enthalpy and volume encapsulation rate of the phase change capsules first increase and then decrease. The lauric acid/Ag nanocapsules possess a thermal conductivity in the 1.77–4.32 W/(m∙K) range. Further, it is found that pH affects the formation of silver shell on the surface of lauric acid/Ag phase change nanocapsules by influencing the electrostatic interactions between particles, and diffusion in the system, which explains the variation of silver shell thickness with pH value for the six capsule samples. We also found that the thinner the silver shell of the nanocapsules, the more advantageous it is to reduce the density of the capsules, thereby improving their suspension. Therefore, controlling the pH value during the preparation to obtain lauric acid/Ag phase change nanocapsules with thin silver shell thickness plays an important role in improving the overall performance of phase change nanocapsules used for preparing latent functionally thermal fluid.

Clinical Evaluation of Microbial Communities and Associated Biofilms with Breast Augmentation Failure.

The incidence of breast implant illness (BII) and BII-related explant procedures has not decreased with current surgical and treatment techniques. It is speculated the main underlying cause of BII complications is the result of chronic, sub-clinical infections residing on and around the implant. The infection, and subsequent biofilm, produce antagonistic compounds that drive chronic inflammation and immune responses. In this study, the microbial communities in over 600 consecutive samples of infected explant capsules and tissues were identified via next-generation sequencing to identify any commonality between samples. The majority of the bacteria identified were Gram-positive, with Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis being the dominant organisms. No correlation between sample richness and implant filling was found. However, there was a significant correlation between sample richness and patient age. Due to the complex nature, breast augmentation failures may be better addressed from a holistic approach than one of limited scope.

Single-domain structure of Fe3O4 nanoparticles encapsulation by magnetic surfactant M(AOT)2 (M=Co, Ni)

Investigating the magnetic nanoparticle size and the effective magnetic interactions that form the magnetic domain can lead us to nanoparticles with targeted applications, such as targeted drug delivery and higher resolution MRI imaging. In this study magnetic susceptibility and coercive field properties, and the structure size range of single-domain magnetic capsules with high magnetization were obtained by structural analysis of volumetric DLS properties. In this regard, the role of exchange, anisotropy, and magnetostatic interaction was investigated in the structure of a magnetic capsule containing Fe3O4 nanoparticles (MCap-NPs). The stable capsules were synthesized in an emulsion solution with magnetic surfactants M(AOT)2 (M = Co, Ni). Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) and capsule relative volume (CRV) of Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) were used to determine the magnetic properties of the single-domain (SD) structure. The produced emulsion samples were found to have superparamagnetic properties property with saturation magnetization in the range of 2–6 × 10−3emu/g for NiCap-NPs, and 5-13 × 10−3emu/g for CoCap-NPs. The results show that nanoparticles have the most significant effect on magnetization. The coercive field, the anisotropy energy values, and the SD of M(AOT)2 were determined using magnetic susceptibility distribution. The outcome results show that the surface of the magnetic capsule plays an essential role in forming a single-domain structure. It was also found that the saturation magnetization of the samples in the emulsion solution is proportional to the nanoparticle density and not to the mass of nanoparticles. All produced samples have distinct peaks in CRV versus capsule size, and each peak follows a log-normal distribution. For both samples, except for the samples with molar ratios ω of 23 (Co3 and Ni4 samples), the positions of the second and third relative volume peaks were constant at 269 ± 3 nm and 424±6 nm, respectively. The behavior of the CRV function normalized to the peak size showed a proportionality between the coercive field and the CRV.

Slit2 Promotes H2O2-Induced Lens Epithelial Cells Oxidative Damage and Age-Related Cataract

Purpose To analyze the role of Slit2 in lens epithelial cell oxidative damage and its underlying mechanism. Methods Human lens epithelial cells (SRA01/04 cells) and rat transparent lens were cultured with H2O2 to establish cell oxidative stress models and rat cataract models. Immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and Western blot assays were employed to detect Slit2 levels within age-related cataracts(ARC) lens anterior capsule samples, rat cataract models, and cell oxidative stress models. In this study, qRT-PCR and Western blot assays were performed to derermine E-cadherin, N-cadherin, occludens1(ZO-1), α-SMA(α‑smooth muscle actin), Bcl-2, Bax, p-AKT, and AKT levels. In addition, Flow cytometry were performed to examine reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell apoptosis. Cell viability, invasion, and migration were detected by CCK8, Transwell, and Wound healing. Results Increased expression of Slit2 was found in ARC lens anterior capsule samples, H2O2-induced rat cataract models, and Human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) oxidative stress models. H2O2 significantly increased cell apoptosis and ROS generation, also accelerating cell migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In addition, H2O2 treatment repressed AKT phosphorylation and cell viability. Knock-down of Slit2 promoted cell viability and AKT phosphorylation levels, as well as repressed cell invasion, migration, apoptosis, ROS production and EMT. Conclusion Slit2 promoted lens epithelial cells oxidative stress damage via the AKT signalling pathways, providing a novel insight in ARC treatment.

Characterization and optimization of magnetic molecularly imprinted nanofibers for determination of sunitinib in human serum and capsule samples

This article reports a spectrofluorometric method for the determination of sunitinib (STB) drug based on molecularly imprinted nanofibers fabricated by the electrospinning method and modified by magnetic nanoparticles as sorbent. The characterization of magnetic molecularly imprinted nanofibers (MMINs) was carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which confirmed the successful synthesis of MMINs with well-distributed magnetite nanoparticles. Drug adsorption and desorption were optimized and important parameters such as sample pH, nanofiber mass, adsorption and desorption time, eluent solvent and sample volume were analyzed. The results demonstrated that the MMINs act as a selective sorbent for STB and can be readily collected through an external magnetic field. Methanol was used as the best eluent solvent for STB desorption from MNIN. A linear correlation was observed between the STB concentrations and fluorescence intensities in the range of 0.01–15.0 mg L−1. The detection limit for this method was 0.002 mg L−1. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of 2.6 % for 1.0 mg L−1 and 1.1 % for 10 mg L−1 of STB (n = 3) were obtained, which indicates that the developed method is precise in determining STB. Human serum and capsule analysis show the applicability of the proposed sensor for real samples.

Quantitative redox measurements for hydrothermal experiments conducted in cold-seal pressure vessels

The cold-seal pressure vessel (CSPV) is a commonly-used apparatus for hydrothermal experiments performed at crustal temperature (T)–pressure (P) conditions. The redox states of the samples in CSPV hydrothermal experiments are normally controlled by the pressure medium, by using oxygen buffers, or with the Shaw membrane technique. Although these techniques have been widely used, the actual redox states of the samples are not necessarily the expected values and need to be quantitatively measured. In this study, by using CoPd, NiPd, and (NiMn)O redox sensors, quantitative redox measurements have been conducted in H2O-pressurized Ni-superalloy (Inconel 713 LC) CSPVs at 700–800 °C and 200 MPa. Oxygen fugacities (fO2) of the H2O pressure medium in three CSPVs used in this study were measured, and their log fO2 values were − 13.11 ± 0.06 (Ni–NiO (NNO) + 0.7), − 13.05 ± 0.06 (NNO + 0.8) and − 12.68 ± 0.07 (NNO + 1.1), comparable with those reported previously. By placing an open capsule containing Ni powder below the sample capsule, the fO2 of the H2O pressure medium can be adjusted to reach that of the NNO buffer (NNO to NNO + 0.2). For the MnO–Mn3O4, Ni–NiO, and Co–CoO oxygen buffers, a steady-state fO2 was always achieved for each buffer at a fixed P-T condition. Measured log fO2 values for the Ni–NiO and Co–CoO buffers are in good agreement with theoretical values calculated from thermodynamic data and also with previous results obtained from vessels pressurized with Ar. The log fO2 values determined for the MnO–Mn3O4 buffer, about 0.3 log unit lower than the theoretical values, are consistent with previous values obtained from vessels pressurized with Ar. These results suggest that the use of H2O pressure medium would not perturb the equilibrium redox states of the oxygen buffers. In addition, we developed a miniature sensor that is small enough to be loaded together with other sample material, allowing the monitoring of fO2 in actual experiments.

The cellular and molecular properties of capsule surrounding silicone implants in humans vary uniquely according to the tissue type adjacent to the implant.

The foreign body reaction (FBR) to biomaterials results in fibrous encapsulation. Excessive capsule fibrosis (capsular contracture) is a major challenge to the long-term stability of implants. Clinical data suggests that the tissue type in contact with silicone breast implants alters susceptibility to developing capsular contracture; however, the tissue-specific inflammatory and fibrotic characteristics of capsule have not been well characterized at the cellular and molecular level. In this study, 60 breast implant capsule samples are collected from patients and stratified by the adjacent tissue type including subcutaneous tissue, glandular breast tissue, or muscle tissue. Capsule thickness, collagen organization, immune and fibrotic cellular populations, and expression of inflammatory and fibrotic markers is quantified with histological staining, immunohistochemistry, and real-time PCR. The findings suggest there are significant differences in M1-like macrophages, CD4+ T cells, CD26+ fibroblasts, and expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TGF-β, and collagen type 1 depending on the tissue type abutting the implant. Subglandular breast implant capsule displays a significant increase in inflammatory and fibrotic markers. These findings suggest that the tissue microenvironment contributes uniquely to the FBR. This data could provide new avenues for research and clinical applications to improve the site-specific biocompatibility and longevity of implantable devices.

The comparison of the quality of selected brands of antibiotics in Tanzania sourced from different geographical regions.

The quality of amoxicillin capsules, ceftriaxone for injection, and ciprofloxacin tablets was evaluated to determine whether there is any difference in quality when comparing the country of origin. This was undertaken because it has been claimed that antibiotics manufactured in Europe are of superior quality to those originating from Africa or Asia. Samples of amoxicillin capsules, ceftriaxone for injection, and ciprofloxacin tablets were collected from three randomly selected wholesale pharmacies in each city, namely Arusha, Dar es Salaam and Mwanza, Tanzania. The collected samples of collected brands were subjected to quality control testing as per their respective pharmacopoeial monographs. Amoxil 250 mg capsules (Glaxo Wellcome, Mayenne, France), Rocephin (Roche, Switzerland) and Cipro-Denk 500 (Allphamed Pharbil Arzneimittel GmbH, Gottingen, Germany) were used as reference brands for the other generic brands of amoxicillin, ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin, respectively. A total of 31 brands (10 different brands of amoxicillin capsules, 9 of ceftriaxone sodium injections, and 12 of ciprofloxacin tablets) were collected from the targeted regions and subjected to quality control testing. All samples of collected brands complied with the requirements of their respective pharmacopoeial monographs. There was no significant difference in quality between brands of amoxicillin capsules, ceftriaxone for injection, and ciprofloxacin tablets manufactured in Africa and Asia against those manufactured in Europe in terms of compliance with the respective pharmacopoeial monographs.

IGF-1 rs6218 polymorphisms modulate the susceptibility to age-related cataract.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), as the most abundant form of DNA variation in the human genome, contribute to age-related cataracts (ARC) development. Apoptosis of lens epithelial cells (LECs) is closely related to ARC formation. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) contributes to cell apoptosis regulation. Moreover, IGF1 was indicated to exhibit a close association with cataract formation. Afterward, an investigation was conducted to examine the correlation between polymorphisms in IGF1 and the susceptibility to ARC. The present investigation was a case-control study. Venous blood draws were collected from the participants for DNA genotyping. Lens capsule samples were collected to detect mRNA and apoptosis. TaqMan RT-PCR was used to detect IGF1 polymorphism genotypes and qRT PCR was used to detect IGF1 mRNA levels in LECs. LEC apoptosis was evaluated through flow cytometry. The chi-square test was used to compare differences between ARCs and controls of each SNP. We found that the G allele frequency in the IGF1-rs6218 was higher in the ARCs than in the controls. Furthermore, it was observed that the rs6218 GG genotype exhibited a positive correlation to elevated levels of IGF1 mRNA in LECs. The IGF1 mRNA in the LECs and the apoptosis of LECs in nuclear type of ARCs (ARNC) was higher than the controls. The susceptibility to ARC was related to IGF1-rs6218 polymorphism, and this polymorphism is associated with IGF1 expression at the mRNA level. Moreover, apoptosis in LECs of ARNCs was found to be increased.

Partitioning of tin between mafic minerals, Fe-Ti oxides and silicate melts: Implications for tin enrichment in magmatic processes

The partition coefficients of Sn (tin) between minerals and silicate melts (DSnmin/melt) are vital for understanding the Sn enrichment during magmatic processes related to tin-granites. However, experimentally determined DSnmin/melt values remain scarce due to the difficulty in avoiding severe Sn loss to noble metal capsules. In this study, we performed mineral/melt Sn partitioning experiments at 0.5–1.0 GPa, 850–1000 °C, and fO2 of FMQ + 8 to ∼ FMQ − 1. The fO2s were imposed by solid buffers of Ru–RuO2, Re–ReO2, Ni–NiO, Co–CoO and graphite using three improved capsule designs: 1) a single sample capsule (Pt) for the Ru–RuO2 buffered runs, 2) double capsules with Pt95Rh05 as outer capsule and Re as inner sample capsule for the graphite and Re–ReO2 buffered runs, and 3) triple capsules for the Co–CoO and Ni–NiO buffered runs, with Pt95Rh05 (or Au) as outer capsule, Re lined Pt as inner sample capsule. These new capsule designs avoided significant Sn loss and enabled us to obtain accurate DSnmin/melt at a controlled fO2. The experimental results show that DSnmin/melt values are 0.08–12.66 for amphibole, 0.01–5.55 for biotite, 0.09–10.39 for clinopyroxene, 0.004–0.97 for orthopyroxene, < 0.01 for olivine, 1.34–108.43 for Ti-magnetite, 0.04–4.17 for spinel and 0.10–0.64 for ilmenite. The large variation of DSn for each mineral was mainly ascribed to the effect of fO2, which results in an arresting decrease of DSn with decreasing fO2. Under the reducing conditions (fO2 < FMQ), Sn is highly incompatible (DSn < 0.1) in almost all the minerals. Modeling results indicate that partial melting at low fO2 conditions results in Sn enrichment in the derived magma, while subsequent high degree of fractional crystallization is also important for the Sn enrichment in the residual melt. The experimental and modeling results thus explain why major primary tin deposits are always related to reducing and highly fractionated granites.