Disposable Plastic Syringes Research Articles

Melt-blown polypropylene nonwoven as an efficient and eco-economic sorbent for pipette tip micro-solid phase extraction for the determination of tyrosine kinase inhibitors

BackgroundThe detection of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in biological fluids is essential due to their critical role in cancer therapy and the variability in individual drug metabolism, which necessitates precise dosing. Traditional methods for analyzing TKIs in biological fluids, such as blood plasma, typically involve complex sample preparation techniques that can be resource-intensive, environmentally burdensome, and not sufficiently sensitive for low-concentration analytes. There is a pressing need for more efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly methods that can enhance sensitivity and throughput without compromising accuracy. ResultsThis study explores the use of melt-blown polypropylene nonwoven (MBPP), commonly found in face masks, as a novel sorbent for pipette-tip micro-solid phase extraction (PT-μSPE). MBPP demonstrated excellent hydrophobicity and significant mesoporous adsorption capacity. An extraction device was fashioned by inserting a segment of MBPP (15 mg) into a 200 μL disposable plastic pipette tip, which was then attached to a 2.5 mL disposable plastic syringe. The MBPP's fabric form removes the need for a frit, allowing the extraction process to be completed in just 3 min through simple plunger manipulation. The method achieved extraction recoveries ranging from 60.5 % to nearly 100 %. Subsequent method validation using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) showed satisfactory linearity (coefficient of determination R2 > 0.993), accuracy (relative recoveries: 86.3%–114.8 %), and precision (relative standard deviation: 3.4%–11.3 %), with detection limits between 0.022 and 0.135 ng mL−1. SignificanceThe introduction of MBPP for PT-μSPE represents a significant advancement in the bioanalytical detection of TKIs, offering a highly efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable method. It compares favorably with existing techniques, offering advantages in terms of cost, environmental impact, and ease of use. This approach has the potential to be widely adopted for routine monitoring of TKIs in clinical settings.

Leveraging lean 4.0 technologies in healthcare: An exploration of its applications

Lean 4.0, a fusion of lean manufacturing and digital technologies, is a powerful tool for implementing Industry 4.0. Its widespread use across sectors is driven by its ability to eliminate waste, reduce errors, boost revenue, and enhance customer care and efficiency. In the healthcare sector, this fourth lean revolution is particularly beneficial, as it helps to curb wastage and enhance efficiency, leading to more effective outcomes. Lean 4.0, a globally recognized best practice for industrial organisations, has proven its worth in enhancing performance and competitiveness. Its success has led to its adoption not only in manufacturing but also in non-manufacturing sectors such as Healthcare, finance, telecommunications, construction, and logistics. Its ease of use and effectiveness make it a superior alternative to traditional medical waste management techniques. Relevant papers on Lean 4.0 for Healthcare in the current literature are identified and studied to evaluate the impact of Lean 4.0 principles in Healthcare. This review-based research studies Lean 4.0 technologies and their needs in Healthcare. It discusses sustainable support for the healthcare sphere through Lean 4.0. Paper briefs several modalities of Lean 4.0 for the healthcare domain. Finally, the paper identifies and discusses the significant applications of Lean 4.0 in Healthcare. Lean 4.0 is essential to lowering errors that lead to medical mistakes since this business deals with life-or-death situations. Healthcare institutions need to reduce their overall waste reduction. With Lean 4.0, staff members working in quality management, clinical operations, consulting, and patient experience can progress into leadership roles in the healthcare sector. Lean 4.0 technologies can reduce waste production, including employing reusable medical equipment or cutting down on packaging waste. The possible difficulty of integrating digital technologies with healthcare systems and practices is Lean 4.0's limitations for the healthcare industry. Healthcare institutions can use refillable syringes and other disposable items to reduce waste rather than disposable plastic syringes. In future, healthcare institutions may save costs and lessen their environmental effect by minimising trash by using lean 4.0 technologies.

Prevalence of Anaemia among Antenatal Clinic Attendees at A Tertiary Hospital in South West, Nigeria

Introduction: Anaemia in pregnancy is a global public health problem causing both maternal and perinatal morbidities and mortalities. Prevalent rates vary from one geopolitical region to the other. Efforts have been made to reduce this condition during pregnancy through the use of haematinics and other interventions. However, despite all the efforts put in place, pregnant women still present with this condition. This study was carried out to find out its prevalence rate and the factors responsible for it. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional institutional based study carried out at the antenatal clinic of the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital Complex, Akure, Ondo State, South West, Nigeria. The study used a systematic sampling to recruit 400 antenatal clinic patients over a period of 16weeks starting from the 16th of August to 16th of December 2022.The women were interviewed with copies of a structured questionnaire administered by trained research doctors who also helped in the collection of the blood samples. About 3mls of venous blood was collected from the antecubital vein using plastic disposable syringes into sample bottles containing ethylene diamine-tetra acetic acid (EDTA) and the bottles labelled accordingly. Packed cell volume and red cell morphology were done for the women at the time of recruitment. Data obtained were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 22). Descriptive statistics were computed for all relevant variables, Chi Square test and Multivariate logistic regression were used to test for association and possible risk factors for anaemia. The level of significance was set at ???? < 0.05. Results: Most of the women were within 30years- 39years (51.2%, 205) with a mean age of 31.61years±5.37years. Most of them were married (97.3%, 389), were Christians (94.5%, 378), were Yorubas (82.8%, 331), were traders (40.3%, 161), had tertiary level of education (68.8%, 275) and lived in the urban areas of Ondo State (89.5%,358). Most had their first menses between the ages of 10 to 15 years (79.2%, 317) with a mean age of 14.24 ± 2.12 years. Majority had inter- pregnancy interval of ≤ 2 years (53.7%, 215). There was no history of bleeding in most of the women (91.5%, 366), many of them were in the third trimester of their pregnancy (64.1%, 257) with a mean gestational age of 28.83 ± 6.91 weeks. The prevalence of anaemia among the study participants was 40.0% (160/400) while 60% (240/400) were not anaemic. Among the participants who were anaemic, 77.5% (124/160) had mild anaemia, 22.5% (36/160) had moderate anaemia while none had severe anaemia. The only risk factors identified to be responsible for anaemia among the women were high parity and being in the third trimester of pregnancy. Conclusion: This study showed that the prevalence of anaemia is still high among our women mostly occurring among women of high parity and in the third trimester of pregnancy. Efforts must be intensified to address this condition through the use of haematinics which can be started pre-conception and adequate counselling on the need to fully recover from the effects of one pregnancy before embarking on another.

Comparison of simplicity, convenience, safety, and cost-effectiveness between use of insulin pen devices and disposable plastic syringes by patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study from Bangladesh

Introduction:Insulin pen devices and disposable plastic insulin syringes are two common tools for insulin administration. This study aims to compare the simplicity, convenience, safety, and cost-effectiveness of insulin pens versus syringe devices in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted at 14 diabetes clinics throughout Bangladesh from November 2021 to April 2022 among adults with T2DM injecting insulin by pen devices or disposable insulin syringes at least once a day for at least one year by purposive sampling. The simplicity, convenience, and safety of insulin devices were assessed using a structured questionnaire, and the study subjects were scored based on their answers; higher scores indicated a poorer response. Total scores for simplicity, convenience, and safety were obtained by adding the scores for relevant components. Their average monthly medical expense and cost of insulin therapy were recorded. The median values of the total scores and monthly expenses were compared between pen devices and disposable syringe users.Results:737 subjects were evaluated; 406 were pen users, and 331 were vial syringe users. The pen users had lower median scores for simplicity [6.0 (5.0–8.0) vs. 7.0 (5.0–9.0), p = 0.002], convenience [4.0 (3.0–6.0) vs. 5.0 (4.0–6.0), p < 0.001], and safety [7.0 (6.0–8.0) vs. 7.0 (6.0–9.0), p = 0.008] than vial syringe users. Pen devices were more expensive than vial syringes in terms of average medical expense per month [BDT 5000 (3500–7000) vs. 3000 (2000–5000), p < 0.001], the total cost of insulin therapy per month [BDT 2000 (1500–3000) vs. 1200 (800–1700), p < 0.001] and cost per unit of insulin used [BDT 2.08 (1.39–2.78) vs. 0.96 (0.64–1.39), p < 0.001]. Non-significant differences in favor of pens were observed in HbA1c levels [8.7 (7.8–10) vs. 8.9 (7.9–10)%, p = 0.607] and proportions of subjects having HbA1c < 7% (6.9 vs. 6.3%, p = 0.991).Conclusion:Insulin pens are simpler, more convenient, and safe but more expensive than vial syringes. Glycemic control is comparable between pen and syringe users. Long-term follow-up studies are needed to determine the clinical and economic impacts of such benefits of insulin pens.

A disposable plastic syringe helps protect the femoral stem trunnion during acetabular cup only revision: A technical note

Up to 25% of revision total hip arthroplasty (RTHA) requires acetabular cup only revision, during which the femoral stem is left in place. The metal retractors and instruments used to obtain the required exposure during revision surgery with the femoral stem in place could damage the trunnion, which could lead to further failure due to trunnionosis. Hence, protection of the trunnion during surgery is paramount. Here, we describe the use of a disposable plastic syringe to cover the trunnion during acetabular cup only RTHA, in which we consider an effective and cheap effective technique.

A new approach to extracting biofilm from environmental plastics using ultrasound-assisted syringe treatment for isotopic analyses

Plastics are one of the ubiquitous and artificial types of substrates for microbial colonization and biofilm development in the aquatic environment. Characterizing plastic-associated biofilms is key to the better understanding of organic material and mineral cycling in the “Plastisphere”—the thin layer of microbial life on plastics. In this study, we propose a new method to extract biofilms from environmental plastics, in order to evaluate the properties of biofilm-derived organic matter through stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope signatures and their interactions with radionuclides especially radiocesium (137Cs). The extraction method is simple and cost-effective, requiring only an ultrasonic bath, disposable plastic syringes, and a freeze drier. After ultrasound-assisted separation from the plastics, biofilm samples were successfully collected via a sequence of syringe treatments, with less contamination from plastics and other mineral particles. Effective removal of small microplastics from the experimental suspension was satisfactorily achieved using the method with syringe treatments. Biofilm-derived organic matter samples (14.5–65.4 mg) from four river mouths in Japan showed 137Cs activity concentrations of <75 to 820 Bq·kg−1 biofilm (dw), providing evidence that environmental plastics, mediated by developed biofilms, serve as a carrier for 137Cs in the coastal riverine environment. Significant differences in the δ13C and δ15N signatures were also obtained for the biofilms, indicating the different sources, pathways, and development processes of biofilms on plastics. We demonstrate here a straightforward method for extracting biofilms from environmental plastics; the results obtained with this method could provide useful insights into the plastic-associated nutrient cycling in the environment.

Longterm physicochemical stability of ready-to-administer human insulin injection solutions 1 I.U./mL in 50 mL plastic syringes

Abstract Objectives The objective of this study was to investigate the physicochemical stability of ready-to-adminster human insulin (HI) 1 I.U./mL injection solutions of two different brand products diluted with 0.9% NaCl solution under different storage conditions either in 50 mL disposable plastic syringes or as bulk solution in infusion bags. Methods HI test solutions 1 I.U./mL were prepared with Huminsulin® Normal 100 and Actrapid® Penfill®, diluted with 0.9% sodium chloride infusion solution, and filled in Original-Perfusor® syringes or BD® Perfusion syringes. Test solutions were stored for 90 days at 2–8 °C/dark or at 20–25 °C/diffuse room light. Bulk solutions 1 I.U./mL prepared with Huminsulin® Normal 100 were stored in two different 3 L infusion bags (Ecobag® click and ExactaMix® EVA bag) at 2–8 °C/dark for five days. HI concentrations were determined by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography at predefined time points. Beside regular visual inspection, subvisible particles and pH values were measured. Results Ready-to-adminster Huminsulin® Normal and Actrapid® Penfill® injection solutions 1 I.U./mL prepared in 50 mL Original-Perfusor® syringes or BD® Perfusion syringes remained physicochemically stable for up to 90 days when stored at 2–8 °C/dark and for at least 14 days when kept at 20–25 °C/diffuse room light. Prefilled 3 L polyolefin infusion bags (Ecobag® click) are suitable for the preparation of Huminsulin® 1 I.U./mL bulk solutions. In ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) bags, HI concentrations decreased rapidly. Conclusions Ready-to-administer Huminsulin® Normal and Actrapid® Penfill® injection solutions 1 I.U./mL can be prepared in advance by dilution with 0.9% sodium chloride infusion solution and filled into 50 mL Original-Perfusor® syringes or BD® Perfusion syringes; subsequent storage at 2–8 °C/dark is possible for up to 90 days. For preparation of bulk solutions, the prefilled polyolefin infusion bag is appropriate.

Androgenic Alopecia and its Correlation with Serum Ferritin Level

Background: Serum ferritin is a good indicator of quantifying the risk of hair loss among women. Iron lead to low serum ferritin level; therefore, a low serum ferritin level can precisely point toward iron deficiency. Objectives: To determine the mean serum ferritin levels in female patients with androgenetic alopecia. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study Place and Duration of Study: Department of Dermatology, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi from 2nd October 2018 to 1st April 2019. Methodology: One hundred female patients with androgenic alopecia of all ages after puberty were included. Patients with scarring and other non-scarring alopecia, who had taken iron, vitamin B12, folic acid or multivitamin supplements, anticoagulants, anti-thyroid drugs, antimitotic drugs and oral contraceptives were excluded. After aseptic measures,5 ml of venous blood was drawn, into sterile and disposable plastic syringes. Serum ferritin was measured by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) test, based on sandwich ELISA. Results: Mean age was 33.94±6.29 years and 65 (65.0%) of patients ranged from 36 to 50 years. Average duration of disease was 6.25±2.43 months. Mean weight was 58.77±9.17 kg. Mean serum ferritin levels in female patients with androgenetic alopecia was 33.10±42.99ng/ml. Conclusion: Serum ferritin levels in female patients with androgenetic alopecia are low. Keywords: Androgenic alopecia, Serum ferritin levels

Effect of Toxoplasma gondii on Some Physiological Indicators in Women's Patients with Diabetic Mellitus Type 2

Aims: Diabetes mellitus is thought to be caused by infection with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, although this is still debated, In order to better understand the potential link between toxoplasmosis and diabetes mellitus&#x0D; Study Design: China's prevalence rate of diabetes has been gradually growing in recent years, as a result of the country's rising living standards.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: 40 patients who suffer from type 2 diabetes mellitus who were randomly chosen from the Diabetes Mellitus clinic in Al-Sadder Teaching City in Al-Najaf governorate.&#x0D; Methodology: Prior research "on the link between T. gondii infection and diabetes mellitus has been conflicting, we performed matched case-control studies to see whether T. gondii seropositivity is linked" to type 2 diabetes, more research is required. To investigate T. gondii seroprevalence and recognize risk factors and potential transmital pathways of T. gondii infection in type 2 diabetes (T2DM), forty women's blood samples have been gathered and tested for anti-T. gondii IgG, IgM, and SOD. T. gondii seroprevalence in T2DM patients as a whole. Patients' information was collected through a questionnaire that included their age, weight, and blood pressure. Each patient and control participant had five milliliters of venous blood samples collected using a disposable needle and plastic syringes.&#x0D; Results: Patients ranged in age about from (35 to 65) years old. The current investigation was performed on 40 patients who suffer from type 2 diabetes mellitus, Diabetic and T. gondii patientshad a significantly higher compared with control and Diabetic patients only. Also, there were significant differences between patients of diabetic mellitus and control.&#x0D; Conclusion: Blood was permitted to clot for 10 minutes at room temperature before being centrifuged at 6000 rpm for 10 minutes, after which serum was extracted and transferred into fresh disposable tubes. An ELISA test was performed on the blood samples earlier using commercially available kits (EIA-3519 IgG and IgM Germany) and SOD kits.

INFUSION THERAPY: HISTORY, MODERNITY, PROSPECTS

The article describes the historical aspects of the formation and development of infusion therapy since the. V century BC to the present day. After William Harvey created the theory of the circulatory system, attempts were made to inject various substances intravenously.&#x0D; Interesting data on the evolution of the syringe as a device for the introduction of various substances, from primitive, simple - to reusable and disposable. The history of the latter began in 1949, when the American Arthur Smith received the first US patent for a disposable glass syringe. Seven years later, in 1956, New Zealand veterinarian and pharmacist Colin Murdoch invented and patented a plastic disposable syringe.&#x0D; However, these developments are not very suitable for intravenous injections into productive animals, especially in livestock facilities. Some exceptions were only modifications of the syringe Jeanne. It was developed by the French physician Pierre-Marie Felix Jeanne in 1934 for a variety of medical procedures. Its initial volume was 150 ml. Over time, for veterinary purposes, this model began to be produced in volumes of 250 and 500 ml.&#x0D; Describes our own new experience in installing a technological line for the manufacture of solutions for veterinary medicine with their packaging in PVC bags in volumes of different formats (200, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 ml). It is possible to make solutions in packages of smaller (50, 100 ml) or larger volume (2 and 5 liters). Industrial production of 11 types of solutions is registered and mastered at the enterprise.&#x0D; Adhering to modern requirements for the quality of drugs, the material for the packages we have chosen a multilayer film based on polypropylene called SIFLEX PACK® Italian production. Tactical to the infusion procedure for animals, SIFLEX PACK® film packs are easy to use. They are an ideal alternative to glass or plastic containers and significantly reduce the cost of production of solutions and prevent contamination of medicinal solutions with indoor air microflora.

Cement-augmented dynamic hip screw (DHS) to manage intertrochanteric fractures (ITFs) in the elderly: a prospective case series

Background: The purpose of this study was to report early results in managing intertrochanteric fractures (ITF) in an elderly patient cohort using a cement augmented dynamic hip screw (DHS) by a relatively easy technique with cheap instruments available in any operative room. Methods: In this prospective study, 25 patients aged 70 yr or more who were diagnosed with ITF were included. Conventional DHS instruments were used for fixation. An endotracheal tube, and a disposable 50-cc plastic syringe with a nozzle were used to inject low viscosity polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement inside the lag screw tract to obtain cement augmentation. Results: After an average follow-up of 8.3±2.1 mo, 20 patients (11 women and nine men) with a mean age of 76.9±5.8 yr were available for assessment. Sixteen patients were classified as AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) type 31-A2, and four were classified as AO/OTA 31-A1. The average operative time was 70.3±9.5 min. All patients achieved radiographic fracture union by the last follow-up with an average tip apex distance of 21.8±1.9 mm. the average functional outcome according to the Salvati and Wilson scoring system was 27.4±5.9; 80% of the patients scored excellent and good. No complications were reported to the cement augmentation technique particularly lag screw cut out, implant failure, and femoral head avascular necrosis. Conclusions: Managing ITFs in elderly patients using a cement-augmented DHS revealed an acceptable functional and radiographic outcome with the use of a relatively easy, inexpensive, and safe technique. Level of Evidence: Level IV.

Looking back on our vaccination history

More than 65 million intramuscular injections of three approved COVID-19 vaccines have been given in the UK. Each of these injections will have used disposable plastic syringes and needles to dilute the vaccines and inject them into patients. A huge achievement, but where did all this start? Syringes have been used since the time of […]

Safe Handling of Gas Generating Experiments Using Disposable Plastic Syringes

The reaction between hydrochloric acid and calcium carbonate to produce carbon dioxide gas is a popular and engaging experiment to illustrate chemical reactions that result in the production of gases. It also provides a useful model for teaching concepts related to the effects of concentration on reaction rates. Although a prepared hydrochloric acid solution is generally diluted from its concentrated stock, it remains corrosive, and any inadvertent physical contact with it can result in harm. In this work, the use of disposable plastic syringes to facilitate the safe conduct of this reaction in experiments is described. The use of an inverted buret to determine the carbon dioxide gas generated more accurately is also depicted. The use of plastic disposable syringes here constitutes an example of applying safer alternatives in experiments. This approach should be pursued where possible, apart from student participation in awareness education, to improve overall safety in the laboratory.

Do not flick or drop off-label use plastic syringes in handling therapeutic proteins before administration.

This study investigates the formation of subvisible particles formed by external stresses produced such as flicking and dropping syringes. Flow imaging was used to visualize and quantify microparticles from 1μm to over 25μm as a result of mishandling. Microparticles increased in the presence of silicone oil that was present in syringes. Thus, silicone oil in syringes may affect the activity of therapeutic proteins being injected. Present data showed detailed and differentiated morphologies of proteinaceous particles, silicone oil, air bubbles, and plastic debris in mishandled syringes. In some cases, the presence of bisphenol A in syringes was detected by FT-IR. Disposable plastic syringes were evaluated and showed differences in their content of silicone oil. Syringes that contain 0.45μm filters inside the needle cap as well as silicone oil-free syringes release proteinaceous subvisible particles after mechanical stress. These stress-generated particles can be delivered to patients, compromising patient care.

Patient-ready syringes containing 25 mg/mL methotrexate can be kept at temperature ranging from 4 °C to 37 °C for up to 12 weeks for use in psoriatic and rheumatologic conditions

Background Methotrexate (MTX) is a mainstay drug in the treatment of psoriatic and rheumatologic conditions. Subcutaneous MTX has become a feasible treatment alternative with the development of prefilled syringes or autoinjectors containing MTX solution that can be self-administered by the patient at home. However, MTX prefilled auto-injector pens are still not available in some countries. Objective This study aimed to investigate the stability and sterility of 25 mg/mL MTX solution in a disposable plastic syringe over a 12-week period under light protection at temperatures of 4 °C, 25 °C, and 37 °C. Methods This study was conducted during November 2019 to February 2020 at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University. Stability was evaluated using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography technique, and sterility was assessed by cultures for bacterial and fungal contamination. Results Our results revealed that patient-ready syringes containing 25 mg/mL MTX solution can be prepared in advance and kept for up to 12 weeks under light protection, and they can be kept at temperatures ranging from 4 to 37 °C. Conclusion This system for delivering MTX to patients that are refractory to or intolerant of oral MTX via a self-administered pre-filled syringe is both efficient and easy to implement in care settings where commercially alternatives are not yet available.

The Evaluation of Syngas Loss from Disposable Syringe Sampling System: A Case Study

The main advantage of standard gas sampling methods is their capability to keep a consistent gas composition from sampling till analysis. On the other hand, the disadvantages include the price and possible fragility of the sampling equipment, and the speed of sampling. Thus, a new tool was required that should have low cost, could be used for fast sampling and during fieldwork. Disposable plastic syringes fulfil all these requirements with the additional advantage that they can be used multiple times to take gas samples. With the utilisation of 3-way stopcocks, a filter media and a butterfly needle, a simple but efficient sampling system was prepared. Even though the holding time of certain components is not as high as it is for a standard sample holder, the precise analysis of the gas samples is possible. Syringes have been successfully utilised in the field of applied pyrolysis, for small and pilot scale experiments, and can even be used in industrial environment.

Unpredictable Nanoparticle Retention in Commonly Used Plastic Syringes Introduces Dosage Uncertainties That May Compromise the Accuracy of Nanomedicine and Nanotoxicology Studies

In recent animal experiments with suspensions of radiolabeled TiO2 nanoparticles large and highly variable radioactivity fractions were retained in disposable plastic syringes. After unloading between 10% and up to 70% of the loaded dose were still present in the syringes. As a consequence the effectively delivered nanoparticle dose to the animals was frequently much smaller than the nominal dose of the nanoparticles loaded into the syringe. The high variability of this nanoparticle retention challenges the application of a precise, predefined dose and creates a major error source when normalizing organ and tissue contents to the dose loaded into the syringe, which is usually set as the applied dose. A control study was performed employing six commonly used syringe types with seven types of radiolabeled oxide and metallic nanoparticles. For this purpose the syringes were loaded with a given volume of nanoparticle suspension, the radioactivity was measured, the syringe was unloaded and the activity measurement was repeated with the empty syringe. The highest retention values were found when using TiO2 nanoparticle suspensions with Tuberkulin type syringes. In the worst case between 6.6% and 79.1% of the nanoparticles were retained in the syringe. When using the same nanoparticle suspension with an insulin-type syringe the retention was reduced to 1.4% to 20.6%. For amorphous silica nanoparticles the maximum observed retention was 8% and for Au nanoparticles it was 5.1%. Further data gathered from in vivo animal imaging studies show that nanoparticle retention in syringes also affects experiments with nanoparticles such as exosomes, polymersomes, and protein-based nanoparticles investigated for possible applications in nanomedicine. Since the retention is highly variable the effectively applied dose cannot be determined by applying a simple syringe retention factor. The present work shall alert to the problem and illustrate its possible magnitude and unpredictable variability. As mitigation strategy adequate checks with different syringe types are proposed in order to find out whether a given combination of syringe type and nanoparticle suspension is affected by nanoparticle retention and, if necessary, to select a different syringe type that minimizes retention.

Liquid Drug Dosage Measurement Errors with Different Dosing Devices.

An observational study was carried out to determine the magnitude of dosing errors made by parents, the most-preferred drug delivery device and the association of age, gender, education of the caregiver and number of children with the proportion of accurate doses. After enrolment, parents of children aged 6-60 mo were instructed to measure 5ml of syrup paracetamol using any of the devices (stainless steel spoon, disposable plastic syringe, dosing cup with etched markings) displayed. The quantum of measured dose was confirmed using a calibrated glass cylinder. Error was defined as over 10% variation around the prescribed dose. Of 386 participants, 72(18.65%) committed error, with 58(15.02%) and 14(3.62%) committing mild and moderate errors, respectively. Measuring cup (270, 69.95%) was the commonest device chosen. Use of syringe was associated with greater accurate measurements (P < 0.05) with only 3(3.57%) committing error compared to 18(56.25%) and 51(18.88%) committing error with spoon and cup, respectively. On multivariate analysis, device was the only factor significantly associated with accuracy in measurements.

Cytomorphological spectrum of scalp lesions in the population of a developing country: A retrospective study.

Scalp lesions are frequently encountered in clinical practice. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) can characterize most of these lesions; however, there is little published work on cytology of scalp lesions. Records of all the patients subjected to FNAC from January 2011 to August 2016 were retrieved from the archives of the Cytopathology section of our Institute. Out of the 71 852 cases reviewed, 896 patients, who presented with palpable scalp lesions, were included in the study. Aspirates were obtained with a 23-gauge needle attached to a 10 mL disposable plastic syringe. May-Grünwald-Giemsa stained and Pap stained slides were prepared. Special stains and immunocytochemical analysis were done when necessary. Out of the 896 cases of aspirates from scalp lesions, 155 (17.2%) aspirates were found to be inadequate for diagnosis. One hundred and fifty-seven (21%) out of 741 adequate aspirates showed features of inflammatory or reactive pathology comprising of abscesses (57), cystic lesions (24), tubercular lesions (16), and reactive lymphadenopathy (66). Four hundred and fifteen (56%) aspirates revealed a tumor-like etiology comprising of epidermal cyst (395), sebaceous cyst (4), dermoid cyst (1), calcinosis (7), vascular malformation (7), hematoma (5), and juvenile xanthogranulomatous lesion (1). Tumorous lesions formed 22.3% of the aspirates. Of these, 7 cases (4.2%) were of metastases to the scalp. In a developing country, FNAC is a useful and cost-effective investigation for the diagnosis of a wide spectrum of scalp lesions. It allows rapid diagnosis and permits timely intervention thereby preventing complications due to delay in diagnosis.

Assessment of Serum Electrolytes in Sudanese Hypertensive Patients in Khartoum State-Sudan

Background: Hypertension increases the risk of heart failure and kidney failure [1]. Worldwide, hypertension is estimated to cause (7.5) million deaths, about (12.8%) of the total of all deaths. In Africa, however, more than (40%) (And up to 50%) of adults in many countries are estimated to have hypertension [2]. The aim of this study was to assess the association between hypertension and serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium) in hypertensive Sudanese males and females in Khartoum State. Material and Methods: Study Approach is A quantitative approach was used to measure Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ in hypertensive Sudanese patients in period from March to Augustus 2018. The study was designed as prospective, hospitals/laboratory based study, this study was performed in different hospitals at Khartoum State. This study was include 30 blood samples collected from patients with hypertension, the restriction of the sample size to (30) subjects is due to lack of financial support. Data was collected using questionnaire. Two and half ml from venous blood sample was collected in heparin container, by using sterile disposable plastic syringes and aseptic condition, vein puncture technique was applied. The sample was centrifuged at (3500 rpm) for (5 minute), and reading. A quantitative method can be used to measuring Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentration by used semi automation method by used spectrophotometer instrument, and the level of Na+ and K+ is determined by methodology is based on the selective electrode measurement (SLE) principle to precisely determine measurement values. Results: This study presented that there were non-significant correlations between levels of (sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium) of hypertensive patients compared to normal range. The illustrated that there were non-significant correlations between age, duration, social status, gander, job, education status of hypertensive tested group. The study revealed that there was a finding referring to significant correlation between level of (magnesium) and economic status of test group, but non-significant in (sodium, potassium, magnesium). Conclusion: Based on the results of the study was demonstrated the non-significant correlation between serum electrolyte and hypertension tested group compared with normal range. Also the study was not finding any correlation or effect of age, gender, duration of disease and education status of hypertensive patients on serum electrolytes levels, but depended on the finding of results study was presented prevailed significant correlation with economic status of tested group and level of magnesium serum. From this study concluded there was non physiological alteration in electrolytes balance in patients of hypertension.