Syrup Solution Research Articles

Efficacy of compound pholcodine syrup and compound codeine phosphate oral solution on lung cancer cough.

e20548 Background: To assess the therapeutic effect of compound pholcodine syrup and compound codeine phosphate oral solution on lung cancer cough. Methods: A total of 60 patients with diagnosed middle-advanced stage lung cancer accompanied with lung cancer cough from Jan, 2022 to May, 2022 were enrolled . According to the method of random number table, the patients were divided into two groups: observation group and control group. Observation group received compound pholcodine syrup treatment, while control group received compound codeine phosphate oral solution treatment. The dosage of the two drugs was 15 ml each time, 3 times a day, and the treatment course was 5 days. The antitussive effectiveness, cough severity and quality of life , were observed and compared between the two groups before and after the 3 days and 5 days treatment, respectively. Results: All 60 patients completed the treatment. Both two groups were effective in controlling lung cancer cough. After the 3 days treatment, the antitussive effective rates of the observation group and the control group were 83.3% (25/30) and 73.3% (22/30), respectively, with no statistical significance ( P= 0.347). After the 5 days treatment, the antitussive effective rates of observation group and control group were 90.0% (27/30) and 86.6% (26/30), respectively, with no statistical significance ( P= 0.687). There was no significant difference in the composition of patient cough severity between observation group[moderate and severe cough, 56.7% (17/30) ] and control group [moderate and severe cough, 67.7% (20/30) ]. After 3 days treatment, cough symptoms were relieved in both groups. Patients with mild cough accounted for 73.3% (22/30) in the observation group and 56.7% (17/30) in the control group, the difference was not statistically significant ( P= 0.331). What's more, after 5 dyas treatment, there was also no significant difference( P= 0.067)between observation group[mild cough, 86.7%(26/30)] and control group [mild cough, 66.7%(20/30)] . In the meantime, there were no significant differences in the physiological score, psychological score, social score and total score of the Leicester Cough Questionnaire in Mandarin-Chinese scale before the treatment, after 3 days and 5 days treatment between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Patients in the observation group had a lower incidence of xerostomia (0.0% vs 20.0 %, P= 0.024) and constipation (0.0% vs 20.0 %, P= 0.024) than control group. Conclusions: Compound pholcodine syrup and compound codeine phosphate oral solution are effective in treating lung cancer cough with similar antitussive effectiveness. Compound pholcodine syrup has a lower incidence of xerostomia and constipation than control group, which indicates that the security may be better. Clinical trial information: ChiCTR2300076684.

Can Bees Detect Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS)?

The European honey bee (Apis mellifera) is an important crop pollinator threatened by multiple stressors, including exposure to contaminants. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a persistent global contaminant that accumulates and biomagnifies in food chains and is detected in honey. Even sublethal exposure to PFOS is detrimental to bee health, but exposure routes are unclear and nothing is known about bee response (detection, avoidance, or attraction) to PFOS. Using Y-mazes, we studied the response of individual bees to PFOS-spiked sugar syrup at four concentrations, 0.02, 30, 61 and 103 µg L-1. Bee activity, choice behavior, and drink duration for unspiked and spiked sugar syrup was recorded for 10 min in the Y-maze system. Most bees (≥80%) tasted and then drank the sugar syrup solutions, including the PFOS-contaminated syrup. Only at 61 and 103 µg L-1 did bees significantly avoid drinking PFOS-spiked syrup, and only when given a choice with unspiked syrup. When the choice of consuming unspiked syrup was removed, the bees drank PFOS-spiked syrup at all the PFOS concentrations tested, and avoidance was not evident. Avoidance was not observed in any treatment at 0.02 or 30 µg L-1 PFOS, concentrations that are frequently reported in environmental waters in contaminated areas. These findings confirm that bees will access PFOS-contaminated resources at concentrations detrimental to the colony health, and provide evidence of potential exposure pathways that may threaten crop pollination services and also human health via food chain transfer in PFOS-contaminated areas. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1638-1647. © 2024 SETAC.

Effects of Heating Treatment on the Physicochemical and Volatile Flavor Properties of Argentinian Shortfin Squid (Illex argentinus).

In this study, the effect of different heating temperatures (80, 90, 100, and 121 °C) on the physicochemical and volatile flavor properties of fried mantles (Argentinian shortfin) was investigated. The squid mantles were soaked in a maltose syrup solution (20% w/v) for 10 s and fried in soybean oil for 10 s (160 °C), vacuum-packed, and processed at different temperatures for 10 min. Then, the squid mantles were subjected to colorimetric analysis, sensory evaluation, free amino acid analysis, and texture profile analysis. In addition, the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the squid mantles were analyzed. The results revealed that lower treating temperatures (80 and 90 °C) improved the chromatic and textural properties, along with organoleptic perception. Additionally, the content of amino acid in the squid mantles treated at 121 °C was significantly lower than that of the samples treated at other temperatures (p < 0.05). Headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) was used to detect 41 VOCs, including their monomers and dimers. Among these detected VOCs, the contents of alcohols, ketones, and pyrazines were positively correlated with temperature. However, the content of aldehydes in the squid mantles gradually decreased as the heating temperature increased (p < 0.05). The combined HS-GC-IMS and E-nose results revealed that the lower temperatures (80 and 90 °C) were more suitable for flavor development and practical processing. This study provides valuable information for properly controlling the heating process of squid products, as well as flavor and practical applications for the aquatic industry.

Features of structural improvement of the cooking appliance for confectionery mass

The object of this study is the process of making confectionery masses using the example of boiling the jam mass with the introduction of pre-dried fruit and berry raw materials, followed by boiling in a sugar syrup solution on an advanced cooking device. A feature of the improved cooking apparatus is the elimination of intermediate heat carriers, ensuring mobility, and increasing the heat exchange surface. Additional heating of the stirring device increases the total heat exchange surface by 0.23 m2. The elimination of the steam component made it possible to install the device on a moving platform, thereby ensuring its use in small confectionery workshops. A method of jam production with the introduction of pre-dried fruit and berry raw materials and subsequent boiling in a sugar syrup solution is proposed. A feature is preliminary drying of raw materials in a vertical cylindrical IR dryer to 25...35 % SR at a temperature of 40...55 °С, grinding to 1.0...3.0 mm, with subsequent addition to sugar syrup. Boiling of the jam mass with the introduction of plant ingredients was carried out in the temperature range of 50...60 °С in the improved mobile design of the cooking apparatus to the content of 60...75 % SR, within 10...15 minutes. The set duration of output (620 s) to the stationary mode of cooking the jam mass at a temperature of 55 °С in the improved design of the cooking apparatus, which is 30 % less. The introduction of a stirrer design with a heating surface increases the usable heating surface by 0.23 m2, while the cooking time for jam, for example, is reduced by 26 %, and the specific heat consumption is reduced by 1.34 times. The use of an improved mobile device in the practical activities of enterprises of the industry will make it possible to reduce the time of cooking confectionery masses and improve operational indicators

Application of heat pump drying technology to produce dried mango products from Tu Quy mango (Mangifera india L.), Vietnam, on a pilot scale

In this study, the heat pump drying technique was applied to develop the production process of dried mango from Tu Quy mango sources, Ben Tre province, Vietnam. The experiment was performed in three steps. First, mango slices were treated through the blanching process. Samples were pretreated with sizes from 6 to 12 mm at 80–95°C for 3–6 min, and then the mango slices were soaked in a syrup solution concentration range of 25–40°Bx, citric acid of 0.5–2%, and glycerol of 0.1–0.4% at 35–65°C for 90–180 min. Finally, the samples were dried using a pilot-scale heat pump dryer until the moisture content reached 14–16%. The results showed that the blanching and osmosis processes were carried out under optimal conditions to inactivate the Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzyme, obtain maximum polyphenol compounds, and conform to the product appearance. Additionally, the drying process was carried out at 30°C for 1,080 min with the polyphenol content retaining 11.71 mgGAE/gDW—This signifies a successful endeavor in developing production methodologies and expanding the range of mango-derived products. Employing innovative technological processes enhances both the quantity and quality of the products. Moreover, the manufacturing procedure was executed on a pilot device, streamlining the synchronization of large-scale production processes effortlessly. This advancement not only enhances economic value but also addresses the issue of congestion prevalent in the current state of the mango industry in Vietnam.

Efficacy of compound pholcodine syrup and compound codeine phosphate oral solution on lung cancer cough

Efficacy of compound pholcodine syrup and compound codeine phosphate oral solution on lung cancer cough

Nutrients composition and functional properties of oil palm syrup, aqueous extract of kola nut and their mixtures

In this study, oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) syrup, aqueous extracts of kola nut (Cola acuminata) and their mixtures (decoction of C. acuminata in 20 % oil palm syrup solution) were investigated using suitable biochemical procedures. The proximate analysis of oil palm syrup and C. acuminata revealed the values of moisture, crude protein, fat, ash, fibre and nitrogen free extract of oil palm syrup were 29.55 %, 0.50 %, 2.34 %, 2.32 %, 0.00 % and 65.29 % while values for the C. acuminata were 44.70 %, 17.50 %, 2.45 %, 1.91 %, 8.86 % and 24.58 %. Also, the total carbohydrate constituted 66.29 % when determined by anthrone method. The pH and titratable acidity values were within the acidic range. The syrup, C. acuminata and its mixture extracts recorded high reducing power, total phenolic and vitamin C contents. The IC50 values of α-amylase inhibitory activity for aqueous solutions of palm syrup, aqueous extracts of C. acuminata and its mixture extract were 0.51, 4.50 and 12.10 % respectively. The 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of aqueous solutions of oil palm syrup, aqueous extracts of C. acuminata and its mixture extracts revealed IC50 values of 8.44, 3.29 and 6.60 %. The results of this study suggest that the decoction of C. acuminata in 20 % syrup solution had synergistic effects with respect to in vitro antioxidant properties and alpha amylase inhibitory potential, and further indicates that the studied extracts could elicit potential nutritional and health benefits.

Efficacy of compound pholcodine syrup and compound codeine phosphate oral solution on lung cancer-related cough

Objective: To assess the clinical efficacy of compound pholcodine syrup and compound codeine phosphate oral solution on lung cancer-related cough. Methods: A total of 60 patients diagnosed with middle-advanced stage lung cancer and had lung cancer-related cough in the Department of Geriatric Oncology of Chongqing University Cancer Hospital from January to May 2022 were prospectively enrolled. According to the random number table method, the patients were divided into two groups: observation group and control group. The observation group [n=30, with 21 males and 9 females, and aged (62.3±10.4) years] received compound pholcodine syrup treatment, while the control group [n=30, with 21 males and 9 females, and aged (62.0±8.1) years] received compound codeine phosphate oral solution treatment. The dosage of the two drugs was 15 ml each time, 3 times a day, and the treatment course was 5 days. The antitussive effectiveness, cough severity and quality of life (Leicester Cough Questionnaire in Mandarin-Chinese scale) were observed and compared between the two groups 3 days and 5 days after the treatment. Results: All 60 patients completed the study. Both regimens were effective in controlling lung cancer-related cough. After 3 days treatment, the antitussive effective rate of the observation group and the control group was 83.3% (25/30) and 73.3% (22/30), respectively, with no statistically significant difference (P=0.347). Likewise, after 5 days treatment, the antitussive effective rate of observation group and control group was 90.0% (27/30) and 86.6% (26/30), respectively, with no statistically significant difference (P=0.687). There was no statistically significant difference in the cough severity between observation group [moderate and severe cough: 56.7% (17/30)] and control group [moderate and severe cough: 67.7% (20/30)] (P=0.414). After 3 days treatment, cough symptoms were relieved in both groups. Patients with mild cough accounted for 73.3% (22/30) in the observation group and 56.7% (17/30) in the control group, and the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.331). Moreover, after 5 days treatment, there was also no significant difference in mild cough between observation group [86.7% (26/30)] and control group [66.7% (20/30)] (P=0.067). Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in the physiological score, psychological score, social score and total score of the Leicester Cough Questionnaire in Mandarin-Chinese scale before the treatment, after 3 days and 5 days treatment between the two groups (all P>0.05). The incidence of both xerostomia and constipation in the observation group was 0, which was lower than those of the control group [20.0% (6/30) and 20.0% (6/30)] (both P<0.05). Conclusions: Both compound pholcodine syrup and compound codeine phosphate oral solution are effective in treating lung cancer-related cough with similar antitussive effectiveness. Compound pholcodine syrup has a lower incidence of xerostomia and constipation than control group, with a better safety profile.

EFFECT OF MOLECULAR ENVIRONMENT ON PROTEIN RUBBER PROPERTIES

ABSTRACTMany natural organisms use “protein rubbers” to store and release an imposed strain energy with high efficiency to make motion easier. Protein rubbers exist in a complicated environment surrounded by water and other molecules such as sugars, implying that amino acid composition and its environment are important in protein rubber behavior. Gelatin, the hydrolysis product of animal collagen, is hydrated or “plasticized” with water, ethylene glycol, glycerol, corn syrup, and aqueous solutions of sorbitol, glucose, and fructose. The rubber formed is “dry”, that is, is not fully immersed in liquid, and has the appearance and feel of a soft rubber band. The mechanical and thermodynamic behavior of each rubber is characterized with low strain dynamic and high strain tensile experiments with good agreement between the two. Plasticized gelatin rubbers are incompressible and follow the neo-Hookean model for rubber elasticity up to moderate extension ratios. Higher molecular weight polyols with more hydrogen bond donors and acceptors create gelatin networks with lower crosslink density. Ethylene glycol–, glycerol-, sorbitol syrup–, and fructose syrup–plasticized gelatin rubbers have similar molecular relaxation mechanisms and are the most efficient rubbers when probed in the rubbery plateau region prior to approaching the glass transition. The other plasticizers have different molecular relaxation mechanisms that detract from the efficiency of energy storage and return that is not related to network formation but perhaps the individual solvation ability of each plasticizer.

High-Fat Diet Exacerbates Stress Responsivity in Juvenile Traumatic Brain Injury.

Abstract Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death for children in the United States. Juveniles are more likely to sustain TBIs than most other age groups, and TBI has been shown to result in increased anxiety and stress behaviors. In addition, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis has previously been shown to become dysregulated after a TBI. Further, many children consume diets high in saturated fats and refined sugars, which are also connected to alterations in HPA axis function and behavior disorders. The goal of the current study was to identify a potential relationship between high-fat diet (HFD) consumption and TBI on HPA axis function in juvenile rats. In the present study, male juvenile Long-Evans rats were fed either a combination of an HFD with a high-fructose corn syrup solution or a standard chow diet. On post-natal Day 30, subjects sustained either a sham TBI or a TBI via the Closed-Head Injury Model of Engineered Rotational Acceleration (CHIMERA). Subjects participated in a trial of the open field test (OFT) following injury. In addition, some rats performed in an acute restraint stress test. All subjects were euthanized 7 days post-injury. Brain and blood plasma samples were collected for use in real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemistry, and corticosterone or adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) assays. Immediately following TBI, injured juveniles had increased time to righting and walking, with HFD-fed TBI rats having increased time to walking over Chow-fed TBI rats. HFD-fed TBI rats had a reduced number of entries to the center of the OFT, in addition to reduced time spent in the center compared with HFD Sham controls and Chow TBI rats. During the acute restraint stress test, HFD-fed TBI rats had elevated pre-stress ACTH and corticosterone and post-stress ACTH levels. Pre-stress ACTH levels were significantly elevated in HFD TBI compared with Chow TBI. Further, pre-stress ACTH:corticosterone ratios were elevated in HFD TBI compared with Chow TBI. cFos immunoreactivity in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus following the acute restraint stress test was elevated in HFD-fed TBI rats. HFD TBI rats had greater activation of cFos in the PVN compared with Chow TBI. In addition, RT-PCR showed significantly reduced expression of relevant HPA axis genes, NR3C1, NR3C2, and CRHR2, in the hypothalamus of TBI subjects compared with Sham subjects. Further, AVP and CRHR2 in the hypothalamus were significantly reduced in HFD TBI compared with Chow TBI. These results offer evidence that TBI paired with high-fat diet consumption can cause HPA axis dysfunction, resulting in more anxiety-like behaviors.

Safety of Pelargonium extract EPs 7630 in young children with acute bronchitis.

The efficacy and tolerability of Pelargonium sidoides DC. root extract EPs 7630 in children with acute bronchitis (AB) have been widely demonstrated. We investigated the safety and tolerability of a syrup formulation and an oral solution in pre-school children. In an open-label, randomized clinical trial (EudraCT number 2011-002652-14), children aged 1-5 years suffering from AB received EPs 7630 syrup or solution for 7 days. Safety was assessed by frequency, severity, and nature of adverse events (AE), vital signs, and laboratory values. Outcome measures for evaluating the health status were the intensity of coughing, pulmonary rales, and dyspnea, measured by the short version of the Bronchitis Severity Scale (BSS-ped), further symptoms of the respiratory infection, general health status according to the Integrative Medicine Outcomes Scale (IMOS), and satisfaction with treatment according to the Integrative Medicine Patient Satisfaction Scale (IMPSS). 591 children were randomized and treated with syrup (n = 403) or solution (n = 188) for 7 days. In both treatment groups, the number of adverse events was similarly low and revealed no safety concerns. The most frequently observed events were infections (syrup: 7.2%; solution: 7.4%) or gastrointestinal disorders (syrup: 2.7%; solution: 3.2%). After one week's treatment, more than 90% of the children experienced an improvement or remission of the symptoms of the BSS-ped. Further respiratory symptoms decreased similarly in both groups. At Day 7, more than 80% of the whole study population had completely recovered or showed a major improvement as assessed by the investigator and the proxy, respectively. Parents were "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with the treatment in 86.1% of patients in the combined syrup and solution group. Both pharmaceutical forms, EPs 7630 syrup and oral solution, were shown to be equally safe and well tolerated in pre-school children suffering from AB. Improvement of health status and of complaints were similar in both groups.

Protective effect of melatonin on learning and memory impairment and hippocampal dysfunction in rats induced by high-fructose corn syrup.

We investigated the harmful effects of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) on learning and memory in the hippocampus and the ameliorative effects of melatonin (Mel). Thirty-six adult male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups: Group I, control; Group II, HFCS; and Group III, HFCS+Mel. HFCS form F55 was prepared as a 20% fructose syrup solution. Rats in HFCS and HFCS+Mel groups were given drinking water for 10 weeks. Rats in the HFCS+Mel group have been given 10 mg/kg/day melatonin orally for the 6 weeks, in addition to HFCS 55. The Morris water maze (MWM) test was applied to all animals for 5 days to determine their learning and memory levels. After decapitation, one-half of the hippocampus samples were collected for western blot analysis, and another half of the tissues were collected for histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. In the HFCS group, there was a significant difference between the time to find the platform in the MWM test and time spent in the quadrant between days 1 and 5 (P=0.037 and P=0.001, respectively). In addition, a decreased level of MT1A receptor, TNF-α, iNOS, osteopontin (OPN), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expressions were significantly increased in the HFCS group. Melatonin treatment reversed MT1A receptor levels and TNF-α, iNOS, OPN, and IL-6 expressions. During the histopathological examination, increased neuronal degenerations were observed in the HFCS group. Melatonin ameliorated these changes. Consumption of HFCS caused deterioration of learning and memory in adult rats. We suggest that melatonin is effective against learning and memory disorders.

Simultaneous microdetermination of different penicillin antibiotics residues for cross-contamination study in non-penicillin dosage forms

Cross-contamination of non-penicillin products with penicillin drugs can initiate life-threatening allergic hypersensitivity reactions, thus, all non-penicillin products should be tested for contamination before sale. This work describes a fast simple HPLC-DAD method for the simultaneous microdetermination of nine penicillin drugs for studying cross contamination of non-penicillin pharmaceutical dosage forms. Separation was done on C18 column with elution using 0.02 M phosphate buffer and methanol delivered in gradient mode and detection at 220 nm using DAD. Separation of all penicillins from non-penicillin drugs and their co-formulated excipients (methyl paraben, propyl paraben, sorbitol and sodium benzoate) with acceptable suitability parameters was obtained. The linearity ranges were within the range of 0.5–100 µg·mL−1 with good accuracy (Er% between −0.24 and 0.21 %) and precision (RSD% between 0.47 and 0.71 %). Good sensitivity was indicated by the obtained low limits of detection (0.1–1 µg·mL−1) for all the studied compounds. Successful application of the developed method in studying cross contamination of different non-penicillin products including salbutamol syrup and respiratory solution, miconazole cream, biperiden tablet, formoterol inhaler capsule and omeprazole capsule with residues of 9 penicillin drugs was performed without interference from all adjuvants. Henceforth, the proposed method can be recommended for the routine quality control to study and determine cross contamination of the non-penicillin facility with trace amounts of any of the studied penicillins with high accuracy and precision.

Sugar profiles modulation of mangoes during osmotic dehydration in agave syrup solutions.

Chemical interaction and multicompound competition were investigated on solids gain and carbohydrate profiles evolution during osmotic dehydration of mangoes. Tommy Atkins mango slices (0.4cm and 1.5cm thickness) were osmotically processed at 40°C for up to 4h and 8h, respectively. Osmotic solutions (60 °Brix) were separated in two categories: single solute (sucrose, glucose, fructose) and multisolute (agave syrup, alone or with additions of 5% inulin or 0.1-0.3% xanthan gum) solutions. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was carried out on treated mango to determine sugar profiles evolution during osmotic dehydration and final product concentrations. Findings pointed out that composition of osmotic solution may modulate mango sugar profiles by triggering uptake or loss of sugar according to different phenomena: chemical potential gradient, lixiviation, prevailing mass transfer, formation of carbohydrate barrier, and solution viscosity. Mango was enriched with the solute present in the single solute osmotic solution, while it lost its own native sugars, which were absent in the osmotic solution. Increasing sample thickness reduces individual sugar uptake or loss in mango treated with both single and multisolute solutions. Significant differences in mono solute solution behavior were found for sucrose due to its capability to form a sugar layer outside the surface of thicker samples, which was shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, a barrier markedly hindering the sucrose uptake or loss. Addition of polysaccharides (particularly xanthan gum) was found to have an impact of lowering mango individual sugar uptake (18-30%). Practical Application These results will help in understanding the mechanisms by which gain of individual sugars could be reduced and composition could be modulated during osmotic dehydration of fruits. Thus, the findings in this work could lead to production of low-sugar content, osmotically processed mango snacks, enriched with inulin, enhancing their dietary and marketable value.

Development, Quality by Design-Based Optimization, and Stability Assessment of Oral Liquid Formulations Containing Baclofen for Hospital Use.

The absence of oral liquid pharmaceutical forms appropriate for use in pediatric and adult patients with difficulty swallowing is a public health problem, especially in the hospital context. Baclofen is a muscle relaxant of choice for treating spasticity, generally marketed only in tablet form, highlighting the need for liquid formulations to facilitate dose adjustment, administration, and swallowing. The present study aimed to develop oral liquid formulations containing baclofen, optimize them through the quality by design approach, and evaluate their physicochemical and microbiological stability. Preformulation and preliminary stability studies were carried out for the development of formulations. Experimental screening and optimization designs resulted in eleven experiments for each step that were evaluated for 28days. A stability-indicating method by high-performance liquid chromatography presented linearity, low limits of detection and quantification, precision, accuracy, and robustness. The experimental design led to two optimized formulations containing baclofen, glycerin, potassium sorbate, citric acid, ultrapure water, flavor, and sucrose syrup or sodium carboxymethylcellulose solution as a vehicle, the last one with sucralose as a sweetener. The formulations were placed in amber glass flasks and subjected to a physicochemical and microbiological stability study. Both formulations showed physicochemical and microbiological stability when stored at room temperature and refrigerated for 84days. The results of this study may serve as a reference in the preparation of liquid oral formulations containing baclofen in the hospital routine and collaborate with the safety and adherence to the treatment of adult and pediatric patients.

Prolonged Codeine Administration Causes Degeneration of Myelinated Axons and Motor Dysfunction in Wistar Rats.

Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-cough medications which contain codeine (an opioid) are extensively available in Nigeria, and hence prone to overuse or abuse. The study aimed to understand the effects of oral codeine administration on the integrity of neurons of the cerebral cortex and cerebellum and its behavioral implications in male Wistar rats. Thirty adult male Wistar rats of comparable weights were obtained and randomly allocated into 5 groups: A, B, C, D, and E (n = 6). Drugs used for the study were ArchilinTM with codeine and dihydrocodeine 30mg. Group A served as control and was administered 0.5mL/kg of normal saline. Groups B and C were treated with 1mg/kg and 2mg/kg of dihydrocodeine, respectively; Group D and E received 2mL/kg and 4mL/kg of ArchilinTM codeine syrup, respectively. The ArchilinTM codeine syrup and dihydrocodeine solutions were administered to the animals based on their body weight, orally and daily with the aid of oropharyngeal tubes for 21 days. The experimental animals were subjected to neurobehavioral studies using beam walk and open field. At the end of the treatment period, the animals were anesthetized with ketamine-hydrochloride intraperitoneally. The brains were quickly dissected out, rinsed with normal saline, and tissue processed for myelin studies. The beam walking and open field result revealed that prolonged codeine administration interfered with motor function in the experimental animals. Sections of the prefrontal cortex and cerebellum of rats given normal saline showed normal myelin sheaths, whereas animals in the treatment group showed degenerating myelin compared to the control. Prolonged consumption of prescription codeine causes degeneration of the myelin sheaths and this may affect the conduction of electrical impulses in myelinated axons thus resulting in motor function insufficiency.

Effect of “EM® PROBIOTIC FOR BEES” on the biochemical parameters of bee haemolymph in an entomological cage experiment

The problem of proper support for the health of bee colonies is now a topical issue. The study of bee haemolymph parameters under the influence of certain agents and factors has been carried out by a number of scientists in different countries of the world. Therefore the determination of changes in biochemical parameters of bee hemolymph when applying different concentrations (5 %, 2.5 %, 1.25 %) of “EM® PROBIOTIC FOR BEES” diluted with honey buckwheat and sugar syrup was the aim of the experiment. The study included placing experimental insects in entomological cages, creating optimal conditions for their life, feeding them with “EM® PROBIOTIC FOR BEES” diluted with honey buckwheat and sugar syrup in different concentrations and studying biochemical parameters of their haemolymph on the “limiting” day in relation to the time of their death. Some biochemical parameters of the bees from 8 experimental groups (laboratory conditions) were compared with the hemolymph Apis mellifera of the control (natural conditions) group from the same apiary. Biochemical parameters of haemolymph: total protein (PRO); albumin (ALB); glucose (GLU); α-amylase (AMY); alkaline phosphatase (ALP); aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (SGOT); gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and creatinine (Cre) were determined by a Chem 7 semiautomatic biochemical analyser by wavelength selection and calibration for each parameter. The changes in these parameters in relation to the bee organism under laboratory conditions are interpreted. The negative effects of honey buckwheat syrup as a solvent for “EM® PROBIOTIC FOR BEES” have been revealed, leading to hyperprotenemia, where an excessive amount of protein can act as a trigger for the development of ketosis. In turn, the decomposition product of this protein, ammonia, that causes high enzyme activity in the form of aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) in the blood of experimental insects which were fed probiotic diluted with buckwheat honey syrup. At the same time, concentrations of the preparation diluted with sugar syrup solution were determined to cause an increase in the content of globulins in the haemolymph of experimental insects, which have important immunological significance. There was a decrease in creatinine in the haemolymph of experimental insects which had been fed “EM® PROBIOTIC FOR BEES”, diluted with sugar syrup solution (5 % – 780 µmol/l; 2.5 % – 700.8 µmol/l; 1.25 % – 62.4 µmol/l). Note the fact of satisfactory operation of the malpighian vessels of the excretory system of experimental insects. Thus, “EM® PROBIOTIC FOR BEES” is a promising agent with a differential effect on the biochemical parameters of bee hemolymph in the studied concentrations.

Pulsed Electric Field and Freeze-Thawing Pretreatments for Sugar Uptake Modulation during Osmotic Dehydration of Mango

Osmotic dehydration kinetics depends on food tissue microstructure; thus, modulation of mango porosity could help selectively enhance water removal over sugar gain. In this present study, pretreatments of freeze-thawing (freezing at −36 °C for 2 weeks and thawing at 4 °C for 24 h) and pulsed electric field (1 kV/cm, 10 and 30 pulse numbers), were applied to mango 1 cm-thickness slices prior to osmotic dehydration conducted at 40 °C for 4 h. Three different 60 °Brix agave syrup solutions with or without added polysaccharides (inulin or xanthan gum) were used in the osmotic dehydration operation. Water loss (WL), sugar gain (SG) and microstructure images were used to compare the effects of pretreatments on mango osmotic dehydration efficiency. Results indicated that pulsed electric field (PEF) pretreatment increased slightly WL during osmotic dehydration, contrary to freeze-thawing (F-T), which for most cases led to a decrease. As for solids uptake, due to higher damage induced by F-T to mango tissue, SG was higher than for fresh and PEF pretreated mangoes. Using xanthan gum as additive to agave syrup solution, helped to decrease sugar uptake in frozen-thawed mango due to an increase in solution viscosity. A similar WL/SG ratio was obtained with frozen-thawed mango in solution with xanthan gum. Therefore, in the case of frozen-thawed mango, it is recommended to use an osmotic solution with high viscosity to obtain low sugar uptake in the final product. The novelty of this contribution is twofold: (i) using pretreatments (F-T or PEF) to minimize sugar uptake during osmotic dehydration, and (ii) using agave syrup with added polysaccharides to enrich final product with inulin.

High‐fat/high‐carbohydrate diet increases glycogen accumulation in lung tissue in vivo

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the major histological subgroup of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with an extremely high mortality rate even when diagnosed at an early stage. LUAD makes up around 40% of lung cancer cases and can quickly metastasize to other areas of the body. Glycogen is the short‐term storage of carbohydrates and can be easily mobilized in the body. Recently, other and our own data suggests glycogen can drive lung cancer progression, however, the mechanism of which glycogen accumulates in LUAD is poorly understood and potentially arises from a number of genetic and environmental factors. Although specific genetic variants driving aberrant LUAD glycogen accumulation have been identified, several studies have shown that caloric excess as well as specific nutrients in the diet can promote tumor growth. Further, LUAD patients with type II diabetes or high BMI have significantly poorer survival. Therefore, we hypothesized that a diet rich in fats and carbohydrates that mimics a Western diet increases glycogen accumulation in lung tissue and potentially drives LUAD tumor progression. To test our hypothesis that a Western diet alters glycogen metabolism independent of genetic drivers and tumor formation, we administered via oral gavage a Western diet comprised of corn oil and high fructose corn syrup (150 μl corn oil: 25% high‐fructose corn syrup solution) to wild‐type C57BL/6 mice at acute (1‐, 3‐, and 6‐hours) and chronic (two weeks) time points. At the end of each time point, mice were sacrificed and lung tissue was harvested. Using a combination of gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) and matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging, we quantified central carbon metabolites and glycogen content in lung tissue resected from these mice. Mice administered H2O were used as a control. We found that the mice administered a Western diet for two weeks exhibited elevated levels of glycogen as well as metabolite pools within glycolysis and the TCA cycle in lung tissue compared to the control group. However, our acute studies revealed no change in lung glycogen up to 6‐hours after receiving the Western diet. Overall, these data highlight a link between diet and glycogen metabolism in the lung and suggest that intake of different dietary nutrients may play a role in glycogen accumulation in LUAD tumors and disease progression. Our results demonstrate that a high fat/high carbohydrate diet in wild‐type mice increases central carbon metabolism and glycogen accumulation in lung tissue after chronic exposure. Moving forward, we will examine the contribution of diet to glycogen metabolism in a mouse of LUAD and assess the effect of increased glycogen accumulation on tumor growth in vivo.

Comparison of Chloral Hydrate Solution, Hydroxyzine Syrup, and Lidocaine/Prilocaine Cream as Premedication for Lumbar Puncture in Children: A Double-Blind Study.

Objectives This study aimed to compare the clinical effectiveness of oral hydroxyzine and chloral hydrate to topical lidocaine/prilocaine 2.5% cream as premedication in pediatric leukemia patients.Materials & MethodsThis double-blind clinical trial study was conducted on 70 leukemic and nonleukemic patients aged 3-11 years. The patients were divided into four groups. In group A, chloral hydrate solution was given to 18 patients. In group B, hydroxyzine syrup was used for 18 patients. In group C, chloral hydrate solution and lidocaine/prilocaine cream were used for 17 patients. In group D, hydroxyzine syrup and lidocaine/prilocaine cream were used for 17 patients. These groups were assessed and judged based on the visual analog scale (VAS). The side effects of the drugs were also recorded. Results In this study, 54.3% (n=38) and 45.7% (n=32) of the cases were female and male, respectively. Furthermore, 77%, 7.2%, and 15.8% of the cases were reported with acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and infectious disease, respectively. The VAS results showed no difference in these four groups. Nontraumatic lumbar puncture (LP) (red blood cell<50) was observed in 97.1% of the cases.Conclusion Although premedications for LP with hydroxyzine syrup and chloral hydrate solution were not statistically effective in pain relief, they increased patient and parent satisfaction. Moreover, adding lidocaine/prilocaine cream does not improve the effectiveness of the drugs.