Quality Control Tests Research Articles

An Acoustic Analytical test for Quality Control on Granular Activated Carbons for Rum Production: Case study of Catalytic activity towards Acetal-Acetaldehyde formation

An Acoustic Analytical test for Quality Control on Granular Activated Carbons for Rum Production: Case study of Catalytic activity towards Acetal-Acetaldehyde formation

Method Development and Validation of Lorlatinib by RP-HPLC.

A simple, Accurate, precise method was developed for the estimation of the Lorlatinib in API form and Marketed pharmaceutical dosage form by RP-HPLC. Chromatogram was run through Hypersil C18 (4.6mm×150mm, 5µm) Particle size Column and Mobile phase containing Methanol and Water taken in the ratio of 25: 75% v/v was pumped through column at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. Temperature was maintained at 38ºC. Optimized wavelength selected was 310 nm. Retention times of Lorlatinib were found to be 3.513 minutes respectively. The %RSD for the Repeatability and Intermediate Precision of the Lorlatinib were found to be within limits. %Recovery was obtained 98.96% and it was found to be within the limits for Lorlatinib respectively. The LOD, LOQ values obtained from regression equations of Lorlatinib were 0.332µg/ml and 1.0078 µg/ml respectively. Regression equation of Lorlatinib was found to be y = 39948x + 16821 respectively. The Retention times was decreased and run time was decreased, so the method developed was simple and economical that can be adopted in regular Quality control test in Industries.

Update of quality control tests for new PV encapsulation materials

Although ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) is still the dominant PV encapsulant, polyolefins (PO) have gained market share in recent years. Like EVA, PO can be mixed with a cross-linking agent and chemically reacted during the lamination process to form polyolefin elastomers (POE). The cross-linked and therefore insoluble fraction of the encapsulation can be determined by extracting the soluble part of the material with a solvent. The degree of cross-linking, or gel content (GC), is determined from the mass ratio before and after extraction of the samples. The analytical methods for determining the GC value are described for example in IEC 62788-1-6 and the Chinese national standard GB/T29848-2018. We observe a significant difference between the test results of these two standards, with the GC values resulting from the GB standard test being significantly higher. This is particularly true in the low GC range. The main reason for this difference is the extraction time of 5 h specified in the GB standard, which is insufficient to ensure complete extraction of the non-crosslinked polymers at lower GC values. However, for certain POE materials the required minimum GC (50%-65%) is exactly in this range.

Testes de controle de qualidade de materiais frescos à base de cimento para impressão 3D

Abstract Three-dimensional concrete printing (3DCP) has emerged as a promising solution for the modernization of the construction sector. Additionally, design optimization allows for material reduction, promoting sustainable construction. Despite these advancements, there is still no standard for the assessment of the fresh state and quality control of 3DCP. This work discusses the results of quality control tests for fresh 3DCP. Specifically, seven samples with different mix designs were produced and subjected to rotational rheometry, slug tests, flow table tests, and buildability tests (i.e., the height supported prior to collapse). The results showed that the yield stress obtained from rheometry and the slug test did not match but fell within the same order of magnitude. The yield stress values obtained from rheometry were the closest to the gravity-induced stress in the buildability test. Regarding buildability prediction, the slug test exhibited the strongest correlation with the number of layers supported in buildability (R2 = 0.92); rotational rheometry also demonstrated a good correlation with that parameter (R2 = 0.80). In contrast, the results of the flow table test neither correlated with the yield stress obtained from any other tests nor proved efficient in predicting buildability. Finally, the paper presented a discussion on testing and printing challenges.

Real-Time Radiological Practice: Dose Descriptors and Fatal Risk of Cancer Estimates in Adult Patient from Most Frequent Radiological Procedures in Ondo State, Nigeria

Background: The inspiration in establishing dosimetric methods for radio-diagnosis is based on the curiosity to estimating health risks to patient subjected to a given type of examination, using ionizing radiation. So, to establish strong relation between risks and benefits of a new diagnostic modality, study assessed real-time radiological practice by evaluating dose descriptors and fatal risks of cancer from most frequent radiographs. Patients and Methods: Mathematical approach was adopted to determine dose to 3,587 adult patients while PCXMC version 2.0, was employed in estimating their effective dose equivalent. Results: Low ESD and DAP recorded as 0.618 mGy (Ankle) and 0.124 Gycm2 (Hand AP) while high as 6.263 mGy (LS LAT) and 2.866Gycm2 (LS AP). The average estimated effective doses across radiographs confirmed Knee joint LAT and Ankle AP recording same low value of 0.001mSv and high as 0.822mSv from LS LAT. The range factor for the probability of fatal risks of cancer evaluated across radiographs was 10.142. Thus, low average lifetime risks of cancer ratio recorded as 1:27,778(Ankle AP) and high for LS LAT as 1:2,739, and the risks of cancer inducement estimates from this study fall within very low and low category of risks. Comparison of study results with some published values show good geometry but revealed high spread in values across radiographs studied. The study trend demonstrates the significance for awareness creation among the radiographic staff and the policies maker on quality control testing of equipment and adjustment of protocols. Conclusion: The need to bring the radiological practice in the State in line with National and European guidelines on quality criteria for diagnostic radiological images becomes very essential, for good radiological practice to be embraced.

Development of a method to assess the dissolution of soft gelatin capsules containing progesterone in oily suspension

Progesterone is a class II active pharmaceutical ingredient according to the biopharmaceutics classification system, so its absorption is affected by solubility and dissolution rate. The work aimed to develop a dissolution method applicable to soft gelatin capsules of 100 and 200 mg of progesterone. Sink conditions were established based on solubility studies; the dissolution apparatus was selected, and the operational conditions of the method were established using an experimental statistical design. The established conditions were challenged in progesterone products, for which their result was already known from in vivo studies, with the same formulation but different particle size, to evaluate the discriminatory power of the method. The dissolution conditions selected were: United States pharmacopoeia apparatus 3, speed of 30 deeps per minute, dissolution media of 250 ml phosphate buffer solution at pH 6.8 with 4% sodium lauryl sulfate, 30 and 40 mesh at the top and bottom of the cell, respectively, and using a sinker for each capsule evaluated. The method proved to be discriminatory for the formulations studied. In addition to being functional for the evaluation of progesterone release at the product development stage, this method is also useful as a product quality control test.

Microbiological evaluation of cattle carcasses in some local slaughterhouses at Menoufia governorate

Beef carcass evaluation is generally the basis for judging the commercial value of the livestock and is consequently one of the most common quality control tests carried out in the meat industry. In the current study, sixty swabs were taken from the outer surface of neck and groin (30 of each) of freshly dressed beef carcasses taken from three local slaughterhouses located in El-Bagour, El-May and El-Shohada provinces of Menoufia governorate, Egypt. Swabs were microbiologically examined; the results revealed that groin samples had significantly (P≤0.05) lower contamination levels than that of neck samples. In addition, samples that were collected from El-May’s abattoir revealed the highest bacterial counts, followed by El-Bagour and El-Shohada, respectively. Regarding to detection of some pathogenic bacteria in the examined swab samples, S. aureus was the most detected bacteria, followed by Salmonella spp. and E. coli with total incidence 23.3, 18.3 and 15.0, respectively. However, equal number of S. aureus isolates was obtained from neck and groin samples, groin samples showed higher incidence of Salmonella and E. coli than those of neck samples. In addition, staphylococcal enterotoxins were investigated in the contaminated samples. Results revealed that all of the examined samples had enterotoxin type A only. Moreover, E. coli isolates were serotyped into O103:H2, O146:H21 and O117:H4; out of which, three strains were molecularly examined for their Shiga toxin types 1 (stx-1) and 2 (stx-2) genes; where, stx-1 was detected in 66.7% of the examined strains, while stx-2 was not detected in any of the examined isolates. On the other hand, Salmonella strains were serotyped into S. Enteritidis, S. Montevideo, S. Tsevie, S. Typhimurium and S. Shangani were the detected serotypes. Salmonella Typhimurium was detected in higher incidence than the other detected strains. So, regular monitoring of beef carcasses microbiological evaluation, and application of strict hygienic measures are recommended.

Detection and quantification of single chain rFVII impurity in final drug products by SE-UPLC and CE-SDS as an alternative to SDS-PAGE

Recombinant factor VII, produced in recombinant BHK cell line, is secreted as a single chain zymogen form (rFVII, non-activated) in cell culture supernatant and subsequently converts to its active form during anion exchange chromatography step in the downstream purification process, with the aid of calcium ion.Single chain rFVII impurity (non-activated form) in final drug products should not exceed more than 3.0 % of total rFVIIa content. Therefore, one of the most essential quality control tests in pharmaceutical companies is to precisely quantify and report this impurity.SDS-PAGE, as a traditional method in quality control laboratories to quantify single chain rFVII, is a laborious, time-consuming, low output, and semi-quantitative method for quantification of non-activated form impurity which utilizes a densitometer to scan the gel and calculate the non-activated form band density.In this work, we developed two novel instrumental-based techniques (SE-UPLC and CE-SDS) with superior precision, accuracy, sensitivity, and efficiency that overcome SDS-PAGE shortcomings. The results of both methods were comparable to SDS-PAGE and showed an even higher correlation with expected values. Finally, we concluded that these two methods could be used as a high throughput routine method in quality control laboratories as an alternative choice to manual SDS-PAGE.

POTENSI ANTIBAKTERI GEL EKSTRAK ETANOL DAUN PARE (Momordica charantia L) TERHADAP BAKTERI Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923

Bacteria The main causes of skin infections among them caused by staphylococcus aureus bacteria, each infected network usually appears typical signs such as inflammation and abscess formation. Pare leaves (Momordica Charantia L.) can be used as antibacterial because they contain flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and tannins. This study aims to obtain a gel preparation of the pare leaf ethanol extract that has antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Dietary leaf extract pare is done by Maceration method using 70% ethanol solvent. Deads are made with a concentration of 15%, 20% and 25%. The quality control test of the gel preparations include tests for homogeneity, organoleptic, dispersibility, adhesion, pH, viscosity and irritation then continued with antibacterial activity tests. The results showed that formula 3 (concentration 25%) met the requirements of the physical properties test including organoleptic test of green color, brownish concentrated, transparent, distinctive aroma, thick texture, homogeneous, has a pH of 5.8±0.0, viscosity 3100±0.0 cps, spreadability 5.3 ±0.27 cm, adhesion 1.22±0.02 seconds, and does not irritate the skin and has the greatest antibacterial activity. The antibacterial activity test showed that the diameter of the inhibition zones obtained in the ethanol extract gel preparations of pare leaves at concentrations of 15%, 20% and 25% were 16.58±0.33 mm, 17.87±0.78 mm, and 22.20±0.78 mm, respectively.

Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Methods in Bangladesh: Present and Way Forward.

The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) conducts active, case-based national antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance in Bangladesh. The Capturing Data on Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns and Trends in Use in Regions of Asia (CAPTURA) project accessed aggregated retrospective data from non-IEDCR study sites and 9 IEDCR sites to understand the pattern and extent of AMR and to use analyzed data to guide ongoing and future national AMR surveillance in both public and private laboratories. Record-keeping practices, data completeness, quality control, and antimicrobial susceptibility test practices were investigated in all laboratories participating in case-based IEDCR surveillance and laboratory-based CAPTURA sites. All 9 IEDCR laboratories recorded detailed case-based data (n = 16 816) in electronic format for a priority subset of processed laboratory samples. In contrast, most CAPTURA sites (n = 18/33 [54.5%]) used handwritten registers to store data. The CAPTURA sites were characterized by fewer recorded variables (such as patient demographics, clinical history, and laboratory findings) with 1 020 197 individual data, less integration of patient records with the laboratory information system, and nonuniform practice of data recording; however, data were collected from all available clinical samples. The analyses conducted on AMR data collected by IEDCR and CAPTURA in Bangladesh provide current data collection status and highlight opportunities to improve ongoing data collection to strengthen current AMR surveillance system initiatives. We recommend a tailored approach to conduct AMR surveillance in high-burden, resource-limited settings.

Modern approaches to assessing the quality of orally disintegrating tablets

Orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) are the preferred and accepted solid dosage forms by patients. These tablets disintegrate in the oral cavity within a short period, providing an advantage for individuals who have difficulty swallowing. Quality control of ODTs can be achieved through measures such as friability, porosity, hardness, wetting time, water absorption capacity, in vitro disintegration test, and dissolution test. This article summarizes the advantages and in vitro quality control tests of orally disintegrating tablets.

Effect of Croscormellose Sodium in Sustained Release Layer of Valsartan in Bilayer Tablet with Clopidogrel as Immediate Drug Release and Valsartan as Sustained Drug Release

The aim of the study was to design and evaluate bilayer tablets of clopidogrel as immediate release and quick relief and valsartan for sustained release and check the effect of croscarmellose sodium (2%) in Carbopol for sustained release action. Bilayer tablets was prepared using direct compression method. Super disintegrants such as Crospovidone, Croscarmellose sodium were evaluated for immediate release of clopidogrel. Polymers HPMC K4, guar gum, ethyl cellulose and carbopol for controlling release of Valsartan. The compressed bilayer tablets were evaluated for weight variation, thickness, hardness, friability, drug content and in vitro drug release in 0.1N HCl and phosphate buffer pH 6.8. All the pre and post compression parameters were found to be within the acceptable limits. The formulations were optimized based on results of dissolution and formulations CF5 for immediate release & VF11 for sustained release. VF11 was formulated with addition of superdisentigrant and showed better controlled release and dissolution similar to VF8. The release kinetics of Valsartan was subject to curve fitting analysis in order to identify the best fit kinetic model. The regression analysis proves that VF11 follow first order release and drug release by diffusion process based on Fick’s law of diffusion. The data for stability studies infer no considerable change in drug content, dissolution rates and other quality control test were within limits.
 Keywords: Bilayer tablets, clopidogrel, valsartan, direct compression method.

Development of a Large-Scale Pathogen Screening Test for the Biosafety Evaluation of Canine Mesenchymal Stem Cells

BackgroundThe action of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is the subject of intense research in the field of regenerative medicine, including their potential use in companion animals, such as dogs. To ensure the safety of canine MSC batches for their application in regenerative medicine, a quality control test must be conducted in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Based on guidance provided by the European Medicines Agency, this study aimed to develop and validate a highly sensitive and robust, nucleic acid-based test panel for the detection of various canine pathogens. Analytical sensitivity, specificity, amplification efficiency, and linearity were evaluated to ensure robust assessment. Additionally, viable spike-in controls were used to control for optimal nucleic acid extraction. The conventional PCR-based and real-time PCR-based pathogen assays were evaluated in a real-life setting, by direct testing MSC batches.ResultsThe established nucleic acid-based assays displayed remarkable sensitivity, detecting 100–1 copies/reaction of template DNA. They also exhibited high specificity and efficiency. Moreover, highly effective nucleic acid isolation was confirmed by the sensitive detection of spike-in controls. The detection capacity of our optimized and validated methods was determined by direct pathogen testing of nine MSC batches that displayed unusual phenotypes, such as reduced cell division or other deviating characteristics. Among these MCS batches of uncertain purity, only one tested negative for all pathogens. The direct testing of these samples yielded positive results for important canine pathogens, including tick-borne disease-associated species and viral members of the canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC). Notably, samples positive for the etiological agents responsible for enteritis (CPV), leptospirosis (Leptospira interrogans), and neosporosis (Neospora caninum) were also identified. Furthermore, we conducted biosafety evaluation of 12 MSC batches intended for therapeutic application. Eleven MSC batches were found to be free of extraneous agents, and only one tested positive for a specific pathogen, namely, canine parvovirus.ConclusionIn this study, we established and validated reliable, highly sensitive, and accurate nucleic acid-based testing methods for a broad spectrum of canine pathogens.

Imprinted polymer/reduced graphene oxide-modified glassy carbon electrode-based highly sensitive potentiometric sensing module for imidacloprid detection

A sensitive and highly selective potentiometric sensor for imidacloprid detection (IMD) is presented. Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was used to modify a glassy carbon electrode in the fabrication of this sensor. The rGO is coated with IMD molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP), which serves as a sensing compound for herbicide recognition. Under ideal circumstances, a linear range of 0.5 µM-1.0 mM was measured, with a detection limit of 0.2 µM IMD. The method exhibits great selectivity towards the IMD's determination, according to the examination of the effects of potentially interfering species. For the direct potentiometric detection of IMD in several pesticide formulation samples, the assay method has been validated and shown to be adequate. The obtained recovery ranges from 94.5 to 106.4 % of the nominal or spiked concentration, with a mean relative standard deviation of 1.3 %. The applicability outcomes of using the presented sensor were contrasted with those attained by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). There was no discernible difference between the suggested and HPLC procedures. Due to the sensitive membrane's and the liquid junction's proximity, this module's use permits applications with a small sample volume. The proposed sensor's effectiveness in a complicated matrix points to applications for rapid detection and tests for quality assurance and control in the agro-industry.

A novel stability indicating mass compatible reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography for the determination of Diroximel fumarate and its related impurities

AbstractDiroximel fumarate (DRF) is a novel oral fumarate used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Comprehending DRF's stability behavior in different degradation conditions is crucial and has been studied under photolysis, oxidative, hydrolysis, and thermal conditions. Nucleosil C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) was employed to achieve drug separation, with a mobile phase comprising of water and acetonitrile (65:35, v/v). The flow rate was 1 mL/min and detection was performed at 210 nm using a photodiode array detector. The fully validated reversed phase‐high‐performance liquid chromatography stability method as per the International Council for Harmonization Q2 R1 demonstrated excellent selectivity, accuracy, and precision with good sensitivity. During the analysis, two prominent degradant product peaks of DRF were identified across all stress conditions. The usage of liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry compatible solvents in the mobile phase permits further characterization of DRF and its degradants peak. Significant levels of degradation were found in alkaline and acidic hydroxide, peroxide, photolytic, and thermal conditions with hydrolysis being postulated as a possible mechanism of degradation. The fully validated stability‐indicating analytical method can be used for routine quality control and stability testing of DRF, requiring storage in a protected primary container, as it is sensitive to light and moisture.

A New Buffer for Gallium-68 Labeling Suitable for use in Nuclear Medicine; Triethanolamine (TEA).

Radiopharmaceuticals labeled with [68Ga] from positron emission tomography (PET) radionuclides are utilized in nuclear medicine for non-invasive in vivo molecular imaging. Buffer solutions for radiolabeling play an important role as choosing the right buffer for the reaction helps to obtain high yield radiopharmaceuticals. Zwitterionic organic buffer 4-(2- hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES), sodium acetate (CH3COONa), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) buffers are widely used for labeling of peptides with [68Ga]Cl3. They can be used for peptide labelings with the acidic [68Ga]Cl3 precursor of triethanolammonium (TEA) buffer. The cost and toxicity of TAE buffer are relatively low. For [68Ga]GaPSMA-HBED-CC and [68Ga]GaDOTA-TATE labeling, the effectiveness of TEA buffer without chemical impurities in radiolabeling reactions and QC parameters in successful labeling was investigated. The method used to label [68Ga]Cl3 with PSMA-HBED-CC peptide in the presence of TEA buffer was successful when applied at room temperature. High purity radiosynthesis suitable for clinical use was performed to obtain DOTA-TATE peptide with the addition of 363K temperature and radical scavenger. Quality control tests with R-HPLC have shown that this method is suitable for clinical use. We present an alternative procedure for labeling PSMA-HBED-CC and DOTATATE peptides with [68GaCl3] to obtain high radioactive doses of final radiopharmaceutical products used in nuclear medicine clinical applications. We have provided a quality-controlled final product that can be used in clinical diagnostic procedures. With the use of an alternative buffer, these methods could be adapted to semi-automatic or automated modules routinely used in nuclear medicine laboratories to label [68Ga]-based radiopharmaceuticals.

Operational and Performance Experience with uMI550 Digital PET-CT during Routine Quality Control Procedures.

Introduction The quality control (QC) procedures for positron emission tomography (PET) scanners are covered by National Electrical Manufacturers Association and International Electrotechnical Commission. QC must be carried out at regular intervals according to the specifications of the scanner manufacturer. Daily and weekly QC plays a valuable role in monitoring positron emission tomography (PET) scanner performance changes. This study shares operational and performance experience of QC procedures that do not require a radioactive Ge-68 source to perform daily QC and experience with fluorodeoxyglucose F18 ( 18 F-FDG) as a substitute for germanium-68/sodium-22 (Ge-68/Na-22) source for weekly QC. Method This study was performed on an uMI550 digital positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scanner. In this scanner daily QC checks system temperature and humidity, system count rate, data link status, and voltage. QC was performed at the console control, the position of the scanner table was in the home position pulled out from the gantry, and the room was closed during the quick QC. Weekly full QC check items include look-up table drift, energy drift, time-of-flight status, C-map status, temperature and humidity, and voltage. Weekly full QC was performed with a 18 F-FDG source in a rod phantom source. Results Over 200 daily QC tests without a radioactive source Ge-68 phantom and 50 full weekly QC tests using a 18 F-FDG rod phantom were performed with this scanner according to the manufacturer's instructions and a test report was generated. No daily QC errors or warnings were observed during this period. Conclusion The new approach for the daily PET QC does not expose operators to radiation. This translates into commercial and operational merits with consistent performance and results. Implications for Practice Reduction in radiation exposure to operating staff during QC procedure in PET-CT scanner.

A new Chinese standard for testing of quality control in medical proton/heavy ion beam radiotherapy equipment

With the development of social economy and radiotherapy technique, proton/heavy ion radiotherapy has been applied widely to clinical practices. At present, there are at least 29 hospitals in China at various stages of planning, construction, commissioning or clinical operation of medical proton/heavy ion beam radiotherapy equipment. Compared with common radiotherapy accelerators used in conventional external beam radiotherapy, the proton/heavy ion therapy system has more stringent requirements for quality control so as to achieve an optimum therapeutic effect. In order to protect the health rights of patients undergoing radiotherapy, to facilitate the relevant administrative supervision departments to carry out standard-based approval and routine supervision and to promote the development of related medical undertakings, the standard for testing of quality control for medical proton/heavy ion beam radiotherapy equipment is drafted to fill the gap in this regard in China and even worldwide. The standard contains five indicators and corresponding testing methods for radiological protection and safety and 16 indicators for quality control of equipment performance. The standard is a mandatory standard and is based on the relevant Chinese legal requirements for the testing of radiotherapy equipment, so all the indicators listed in the standard shall be tested. During the drafting of the standard, the opinions from hospitals that are currently using proton/heavy ion medical accelerators for radiotherapy purpose and from the related equipment manufacturers were taken into account. The draft standard was revised with reference to these opinions and the feasibility of the related quality control requirements. The official version of the standard was released on March 7, 2023, and implementation is scheduled to begin on March 1, 2024.

Evaluation of the Entrance Surface Doses (ESD) for common diagnostic X-ray examinations

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess the Entrance Skin Dose (ESD) in patients undergoing multiple types of radiographic examinations across three hospitals in Saudi Arabia. MethodsThe patient ESD was estimated directly using optically stimulated luminesces (OSL) and indirectly using a survey meter and calculations for 100 adult patients undergoing common diagnostic X-ray examinations, including a posterior anterior chest, posterior anterior hand, anterior posterior foot, and anterior posterior knee examinations, in three hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Comparative analysis with national and international reference values was conducted. ResultsOur analyses revealed considerable heterogeneity in X-ray exposure parameters among the hospitals. The mean ESD values for the chest examination were 0.28 ± 0.13 mGy for the direct method and 0.19 ± 0.11 mGy for the indirect method. Hand examination using the direct method resulted in a mean ESD of 0.42 ± 0.15 mGy, while the indirect method yielded 0.23 ± 0.06 mGy. Remarkably, the ESD values in most cases exceeded national and international guidelines, with the knee examination ESD using the direct and indirect methods showing an alarming value of 1.54 ± 0.31 mGy and 1.18 ± 0.21 mGy, respectively. The correlation between direct ESD, indirect ESD showed a strong positive correlation exists between direct ESD and Indirect ESD (r = 0.8, p < 0.001). ConclusionThe study highlights the urgent need for standardized protocols and quality control measures across radiographic facilities in Saudi Arabia. The elevated ESD values signify a critical issue that requires immediate attention to minimize patient radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic image quality. Quality control tests and adjustments in examination parameters are strongly advised.

Local knowledge, practices, challenges of ethnopharmacologically used medicinal plants in Benin and implications for brain illnesses.

Traditional medicine (TM) is a significant resource for primary healthcare management all over the world, and principally in Africa. Quality improvement activities that promote evidence-based practices and the integration of traditional medicine into primary healthcare systems can help improve the quality of patient care. In the Republic of Benin (West Africa), traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs) provide different treatments and ways of use, depending on the ailments and the medicinal plants used. The present study aimed at documenting the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Beninese TMPs regarding the use of medicinal plants and the challenges associated with their activities. A focus group survey was conducted using semi-structured interviews with a sample of 91 TMPs in 8 departments of the Republic of Benin. The respondents had an average age of 50years old and belonged to various categories of TMPs. Medicinal plants are harvested depending on the season and time of the day, and are dried in the shade before being used as decoctions or infusions. Nevertheless, the majority of TMPs do not conduct the necessary tests for quality control, efficacy or toxicity of the proposed remedies, which raises several scientific interrogations, particularly for the treatment of mental and brain-related disorders. Among ~ 110 plants used in the treatment of several pathologies, 66 were revealed as threatened species. The challenges faced by TMPs are mainly material, financial and technical difficulties. The present study reports the importance of intervention to modernize TM practices in Benin. Quality improvement could enhance healthcare delivery and provide support for evidence-based interventions aimed at addressing behavioral, social, and environmental determinants of health.