Red Tablets Research Articles

Accessing the chemical profile of ecstasy tablets seized in São Paulo (Brazil) by FT-Raman Spectroscopy

FT-Raman spectroscopy was used in the chemical analysis of ecstasy tablets seized in the State of São Paulo (Brazil) and GC–MS was used as confirmatory technique. The main purpose was to obtain information about the drug source or distribution routes, as well as to access the potential health risks for users from their chemical composition. Previous works have shown that only ca. 45% of the ecstasy tablet seized in São Paulo contained 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-N-methylpropan-2-amine); however, in the spectra reported here no MDMA was identified. Caffeine, methorphan (dextromethorphan), a βk-MDMA analog and clobenzorex were detected instead; clobenzorex was identified in orange tablets that also contained an unknown chemical compound with unassigned Raman bands, which was not detected by GC–MS. An identification of the chemical compounds present in red tablets was not possible by matching the band positions to any of the possibilities considered, including pharmaceuticals. The residue left after methanol dissolution was analyzed by FT-Raman spectroscopy, and titanium dioxide (anatase), starch and microcrystalline cellulose were identified.

Enteric Coated Iron Folic Acid Tablets: Compromised Efficacy at Cost of Safety

Iron is essential for the synthesis of hemoglobin in erythrocytes and its deficiency can causes Anemia. An estimated 1.62 billion people are suffering from Anemia worldwide with its highest prevalence in developing countries specially India. Therefore, Government of India has started a strategic nutritional and weekly iron folic acid supplementation (WIFS) program to reduce its prevalence and severity among Indian women and adolescent girls. WIFS supplementation mainly includes either sugar coated ferrous sulfate (red tablet) or enteric coated ferrous sulfate tablets (blue tablets) as a prime dosage form to serve the people. Comparing these two dosage forms, conventional oral preparation of Ferrous Sulfate (sugar coated tablets) can cause dose related gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, constipation, anorexia, heart burn, vomiting, diarrhea and approximately 25% of patients experiencing these side effects, whereas, there is some evidence that enteric-coated or delayed release Ferrous Sulfate preparations may reduce these gastrointestinal discomforts and could be more effective considering absorption of iron along the entire intestine, primarily in the duodenum and the jejunum, but, several reported case studies have been published so far which dictated that dissolution of iron formulation in acidic media such as gastric juice helps in its absorption and indicating better treatment outcomes with sugar coated tablets. Moreover, by passing the dissolution of iron tablets in gastric juice via enteric coating may results in its poor absorption. Hence, efficacy of iron supplement is being compromised at cost of safety (to avoid side affects) by formulating into enteric coated tablets. This review will focuses on information on burden of Anemia in India and various reported case studies which showed that sugar coated ferrous sulfate tablets might not be interchangeable with enteric coated ferrous sulfate tablets with compromised efficacy.

Localization of interleukin-2 in goat ovary

––Distribution and relative frequencies of interleukin-2 in normal cycling goat ovaries were studied to explain local immunological defense mechanisms. IL-2 was observed in primordial, primary, secondary and antral follicles. Interleukins are known best for their involvement in the immune system and their role during inflammation. In the ovary, ovarian follicle is a site of inflammatory reaction. Thus ovarian cells could represent sources and targets of interleukins. Objective: To explore this, we have examined the localisation of interleukin-2 in goat ovarian follicles. Study design: Mature goat ovaries were collected from slaughter houses and brought to laboratory at 4 o C in normal saline. Mouse monoclonal antibody (mAb) was used at a 1:1000 dilution, Biotinylated goat anti polyvalent IgG was used as secondary antibody (TP-015-BN). A streptavidin alkaline phosphatase (lab vision, corporation, TP 015-AP) method was applied to detect IL-2+ cells. The specific color reaction was developed with napthol phosphate (fast red tablets). Results: IL-2 + cells were found in small numbers in developing follicles and newly formed corpora lutea, while atretic follicles and regressing corpora lutea contained these cells in abundance. Conclusion: The frequency of IL-2+ cells was higher in the atretic follicles of all stages. This suggests that interleukin 2 play an important role in follicular atresia rather than follicular growth in normal cycling ovaries. Keywords––goat, ovary, interleukin-2.

Expectations of medicine adverse effects: Perceptual characteristics of tablets and personality background

The possible roles of perceptual characteristics (colour, shape, size) of tablets and personality characteristics in generating expectations of drug side effects were investigated. Two hundred and thirteen hospitalized patients (mean age 48.9 ± 18.84 years) completed questionnaires (trait anxiety — STAI-T, dispositional optimism — LOT-R, subjective somatic symptoms — PHQ-15, somatosensory amplification — SSAS, previous personal and family-level experiences) and the expected probabilities of nine side effects for six differently looking tablets were estimated. PHQ-15, SSAS and family-level experience scores were significant predictors of the expectations of side effects. Red tablets evoked significantly more stimulating type expectations than did white pills. Expected gastrointestinal side effects were associated with oblong-shaped tablets. Regarding headache, medium-sized round tablet was expected to evoke fewer side effects than the small round and the oblong tablets. Although expectations do not always manifest themselves as actual symptoms, they can reduce the overall effectiveness of a therapy by influencing patient's adherence.

Expectations evoked by perceptual characteristics of tablets and their personality background

Event Abstract Back to Event Expectations evoked by perceptual characteristics of tablets and their personality background Ferenc Köteles1*, Adrienn Tóth1 and György Bárdos2 1 Eötvös Loránd University, Department of Personality and Health Psychology, Hungary 2 Eötvös Loránd University, Department of Physiology and Neurobiology and Institute of Health Promotion and Sport Sciences, Hungary The possible role of perceptual characteristics (colour, shape, size) of tablets and of some personality characteristics in the generation of expectations of adverse drug side effects were investigated in this questionnaire study. 213 hospitalized patients (mean age 48,9±18,84 ys) completed questionnaires (trait anxiety - STAI-T, dispositional optimism - LOT-R, subjective somatic symptoms - PHQ-15, somatosensory amplification - SSAS, previous personal and family-level experiences with side effects) and estimated the probability of the occurance of nine side effects in the case of six differently looking tablets. As for personality traits, SSAS and family-level experiences proved to be significant predictors of the expectations of side effects in the regression analysis. Red tablets evoked significantly more stimulating expectations (agitation, palpitation, hypertension) than did white tablets. Expectations of gastrointestinal side effects (diarrhea, nausea, heartburn) were associated with oblong shaped tablets. Regarding headache, medium size round tablets were expected to evoke less side effects than the small round or the oblong tablets. We conclude that expectations of adverse drug effects are quantitatively associated with some personality characteristics whereas perceptual characteristics of drugs influence the direction of expectations. Although expectations might or might not manifest themselves as actual symptoms, they can reduce the overall effectiveness of a therapy by influencing patient's adherence. Conference: IBRO International Workshop 2010, Pécs, Hungary, 21 Jan - 23 Jan, 2010. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: Cognition and behavior Citation: Köteles F, Tóth A and Bárdos G (2010). Expectations evoked by perceptual characteristics of tablets and their personality background. Front. Neurosci. Conference Abstract: IBRO International Workshop 2010. doi: 10.3389/conf.fnins.2010.10.00164 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 30 Apr 2010; Published Online: 30 Apr 2010. * Correspondence: Ferenc Köteles, Eötvös Loránd University, Department of Personality and Health Psychology, Budapest, Hungary, fecuska@gmail.com Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Ferenc Köteles Adrienn Tóth György Bárdos Google Ferenc Köteles Adrienn Tóth György Bárdos Google Scholar Ferenc Köteles Adrienn Tóth György Bárdos PubMed Ferenc Köteles Adrienn Tóth György Bárdos Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

Ucma, a Novel Secreted Cartilage-specific Protein with Implications in Osteogenesis

Here we report on the structure, expression, and function of a novel cartilage-specific gene coding for a 17-kDa small, highly charged, and secreted protein that we termed Ucma (unique cartilage matrix-associated protein). The protein is processed by a furin-like protease into an N-terminal peptide of 37 amino acids and a C-terminal fragment (Ucma-C) of 74 amino acids. Ucma is highly conserved between mouse, rat, human, dog, clawed frog, and zebrafish, but has no homology to other known proteins. Remarkable are 1-2 tyrosine sulfate residues/molecule and dense clusters of acidic and basic residues in the C-terminal part. In the developing mouse skeleton Ucma mRNA is expressed in resting chondrocytes in the distal and peripheral zones of epiphyseal and vertebral cartilage. Ucma is secreted into the extracellular matrix as an uncleaved precursor and shows the same restricted distribution pattern in cartilage as Ucma mRNA. In contrast, antibodies prepared against the processed C-terminal fragment located Ucma-C in the entire cartilage matrix, indicating that it either diffuses or is retained until chondrocytes reach hypertrophy. During differentiation of an MC615 chondrocyte subclone in vitro, Ucma expression parallels largely the expression of collagen II and decreases with maturation toward hypertrophic cells. Recombinant Ucma-C does not affect expression of chondrocyte-specific genes or proliferation of chondrocytes, but interferes with osteogenic differentiation of primary osteoblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, and MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts. These findings suggest that Ucma may be involved in the negative control of osteogenic differentiation of osteochondrogenic precursor cells in peripheral zones of fetal cartilage and at the cartilage-bone interface.

Measurement of surface color as an expedient QC method for the detection of deviations in tablet hardness

The objective of this study was to investigate whether a correlation exists between the surface color of tablets and their tensile strength. Theophylline powder blends with and without red dye were directly compressed into 600 mg tablets. Applied compression pressure ranged from 9.3 to 271.2 MPa. Colorimetric parameters: lightness ( L *), chromaticity ( a *, b *), chroma (Cab), hue (hab) and color intensity (CI), were measured and recorded for both sides of each tablet using ColorQuest XE colorimeter in reflectance specular included mode. The tensile strength of the tablets was measured using a TA.XTPlus Texture Analyzer. A linear correlation was observed between the chroma (Cab) parameter and the tensile strength for each formulation of the tablets. For white tablets, the linearity was observed between Cab values ranging from 2.6 to 3.76 and tensile strength values ranging from 2.96 to 6.86 MPa. For red tablets, the linearity was observed between a chroma range from 21.76 to 30.75 and tensile strength from 2.51 to 6.52 MPa. A similar correlation was observed between the CI of red tablets and tensile strength. It was concluded that chroma could be used as suitable QC parameters to detect deviations in tablet hardness during bulk manufacturing.

Preliminary study on chinese drug- induced apoptosis of thyrocytes in graves’ disease

To investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of some Chinese herbs on apoptosis of thyrocytes in Graves' disease. Thirteen patients of Graves' disease were treated by anti-thyroid drugs and Chinese herbs were added in the therapeutic period for 2-10 weeks. Thyroid tissue of patient was sucked by percutaneous aspiration before and after adding Chinese herbs for observing the cellular morphology by fast red tablet staining, monitoring the cell apoptotic ratio by flow cytometry and terminal uridine deoxynucleotidyl end labelling (TUNEL) method to observe the effect of anti-thyroid drugs combined with Chinese herbs on Graves' disease. Compared with that treated with anti-thyroid drugs alone, after the combined therapy, the size of thyroid decreased significantly, P < 0.01. Typical apoptosis appearance, such as vacuolated cell, marginal nuclei, chromatin condensation and nuclear fragmentation, could be seen under light microscopy. The apoptotic rate before and after adding Chinese herbs was (2.11 +/- 1.78)% and (18.66 +/- 20.01)% respectively (P < 0.01). TUNEL positive cells were detectable for up to 2-20 weeks after Chinese herbal treatment. Some Chinese herbs could induce cell apoptosis when used in combination with antithyroid drugs in treating Graves' disease.

There is still life after death for 'Fast Red' tablets

▼Fast Red (Boehringer Mannheim), a dye used as a colorimetric substrate for alkaline phosphatase, is rather short lived. Indeed, at 4◦C, the tablets can be stored for only 6 months and solutions have to be used within 30 min. However, out-of-date solutions and tablets can still be of use; one of us (S.H.) realized that one of the degradation products is a sensitive fluorimetric substrate of alkaline phosphatase. Indeed, when Fast Red tablets more than one year old and solutions more than 15 days old are used with digoxigenin-labeled DNA following the supplier’s protocol, no staining is seen with visible light. However, a fluorescent insoluble product has been formed (Fig. 1). The fluorimetric substrate seems to be fairly stable and the sensitivity of detection of digoxigenin-labeled DNA actually increases after storage of the solution at 4◦C for up to 2

The Crystal Structure of Tris(2,2'-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) Perchlorate

[Ru ( bpy )3] (ClO4)2 ( bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) crystallizes from aqueous solution in an anhydrous form as deep red tablets. A single-crystal X-ray study at 293(2) K has shown the material to be monoclinic, space group C 2/c, a 17.633(4), b 10.761(2), c 15.924(4) Ǻ, β 90.77(2)°, V 3021(1) Ǻ3, Z 4; R was 0.034 for 2405 'observed' [I &gt; 3σ(I)] reflections. The [ Ru ( bpy )3]2+ cation in the perchlorate salt shows very closely similar bond length [ Ru -N, 2.056(3)- 2.060(3)Ǻ], angle and torsion characteristics to those of the known hexafluorophosphate salt, though the two salts are not isomorphous.

The Mexican Asthma Cure: Systemic Steroids for Gullible Gringos

Asthmatic patients from western Canada and the United States have reported that after visits to an asthma clinic in Mexicali, Mexico, they return home substantially improved or cured having received "a bronchodilator medication unavailable in the United States or Canada because of the big drug companies." Analysis of these medications reveals that the most commonly prescribed combination is the glucocorticoid triamcinolone (unscored white tablets) and the antihistamine chlorpheniramine (coated biconvex orange or red tablets). Occasionally benzodiazepines are added to these medications. The patients are assured that the medications which they have been given are free of side effects and specifically, that corticosteroids are not used. Such therapy is dangerous to the patient who not only is unaware of the medications that he or she is taking, but is unlikely to mention this therapy to his or her physician. These patients risk drug interactions, medication side effects, and the possibility of adrenal failure either with a stress to their system or on withdrawal of drug treatment. Patients are also at risk of abandoning safer forms of asthma therapy for the miracle cure. We, too, are partially responsible for these unethical practices by avoiding the use of steroids and undertreating our patients at times, leaving them unnecessarily restricted and eager for any form of relief.

Administration of antirheumatic drugs.

A study of 200 rheumatic patients attending an outpatient clinic and 72 general practitioners (GPs) was undertaken in relation to the administration of antirheumatic drugs. (1) Both patients and GPs agreed that effectiveness, absence of toxicity, and once daily administration were the important features of administration. (2) Significant differences between GPs and patients were noted in that patients more frequently preferred capsules than tablets. (3) GPs thought red was the best colour for an antirheumatic tablet, whereas patients thought white, this opinion being partly determined by the possible confusion of red tablets with sweets by children. (4) In a survey of 174 outpatients with rheumatic diseases, those with rheumatoid arthritis did not like blister packaging. A detailed assessment of 30 patients with rheumatoid arthritis in hospital confirmed this. Patients with moderate or severe rheumatoid disease of the hands often could not extract tablets from blister packs. Those who could found the packs difficult to open, the tablets broke, and came out suddenly, falling to the floor.