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The study was conducted to inform risk assessments concerning microbial exposure to quaternary ammonium biocides (QUATs) by investigating their effects on 10 microbial strains of hygiene relevance. Biocides were divided into three categories: simple aqueous solutions, biocide mixtures, and formulated biocides. Organisms were grown in the presence of biocides for 10 generations and then subsequently for another 10 generations in biocide-free media. Control organisms were passaged 20 times in biocide-free media. Strains were then assessed for biocide and antibiotic susceptibility, changes in growth dynamics, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Biocide mixtures demonstrated greater antimicrobial potency than singular and formulated biocides. Susceptibility changes of under twofold were observed for all biocides tested. Susceptibility decreased significantly for organisms passaged with singular biocides (1.29-to 4.35-fold) and biocide mixtures (1.4- to 1.5-fold), but not for formulated biocides (1.3- to 1.84-fold) compared to controls. Antibiotic susceptibility both increased and decreased in passaged organisms, with heightened susceptibility occurring more frequently in the singular biocide group. Changes in susceptibility and growth dynamics were similar in the passaged and unexposed controls for fitness measures of adapted bacteria; there were no significant differences between biocide groups, but significant ly lower generation and doubling times in organisms exposed to singular biocides. Similar frequencies in SNPs occurred for the three biocide groups and unexposed controls. While some adaptations occurred, particularly with singular biocides, the impact on antibiotic resistance and genomic mutations was limited. These findings suggest that the use of formulated QUATs may pose a comparatively lower risk for antimicrobial resistance. IMPORTANCE Biocides are used globally to control microbial growth and effective assessment of the risks and benefits of their use is therefore a high priority. Much of the data used to assess risk has been based on sub-lethal exposure of bacteria to singular biocides in simple aqueous solutions. This work builds on limited prior realismbased studies to demonstrate enhanced potency in biocidal mixtures; the mitigation of resistance selection by formulations and inconsistent cross-resistance effects with both increases and decreases in susceptibility for a wide range of antibiotics. These data can be used to better inform risk assessments of biocide deployment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past few decades, considerable attention has been focused on the development of novel drug delivery system (NDDS). The NDDS should ideally fulfil two prerequisites. Firstly, it should deliver the drug at a rate directed by the needs of the body, over the period of treatment. Secondly, it should channel the active entity to the site of action. Conventional dosage forms including prolonged release dosage forms are unable to meet none of these. At present, no available drug delivery system behaves ideally, but sincere attempts have been made to achieve them through various novel approaches in drug delivery. In the present review attempt was made to highlight the formulation consideration, characterization and applications of Niosomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parenteral artesunate is the first-line therapy for severe malaria. Artesunate, in its current formulation, must be prepared immediately before administration by first dissolving in sodium bicarbonate solution and then diluting in saline. A novel solvent for rapid and stable single step reconstitution of artesunate was recently developed showing improved solubility and stability. This study aimed to compare the safety and pharmacokinetic properties of the currently available and newly developed parenteral formulation of artesunate in healthy Thai volunteers. Methods: This was an open-label, randomized, 4 periods, 4-treatments, 24-sequence, single-dose, cross-over study in 72 male and female healthy Thai volunteers. Frequent pharmacokinetic samples were collected in all volunteers at each dose occasion. Observed concentration–time profiles were analysed with a non-compartmental approach followed by a bioequivalence evaluation. Results: Both intramuscular and intravenous administrations of the new parenteral formulation of artesunate were safe and well-tolerated, with no additional safety signals compared to the currently used formulation. The pharmacokinetic properties of artesunate and its active metabolite, dihydroartemisinin, were well-characterized, and showed rapid conversion of artesunate into dihydroartemisinin. Intramuscular administration of the newly formulated artesunate resulted in almost complete bioavailability of dihydroartemisinin. The pharmacokinetic properties were similar between the old and new formulation. Conclusions: The new and more easily prepared formulation of artesunate was safe and well-tolerated, with similar pharmacokinetic properties compared to the currently used formulation. Dihydroartemisinin, the active metabolite responsible for the majority of the anti-malarial effect, showed equivalent exposure after both intravenous and intramuscular administration of artesunate, suggesting that both routes of administration should generate comparable therapeutic effects. Trial registration: The study was registered to clinicaltrials.gov (#TCTR20170907002). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Topical tretinoin is the mainstay of treatment for photoageing, despite the risk of skin irritation. Cosmetic combination anti‐ageing formulations may offer similar efficacy to tretinoin, while improving on tolerability. We aim to demonstrate facial appearance benefits of a novel triple‐active cosmetic formulation containing 4‐hexylresorcinol, retinyl propionate, and niacinamide and to identify transcriptomic biomarkers underpinning these benefits. Methods: A cosmetic prototype formulation containing 4‐hexylresorcinol, retinyl propionate, and niacinamide was evaluated ex vivo and in a clinical study. For ex vivo experiments, the cosmetic formulation was applied for 3 days to healthy surgical discard skin from female donors aged 31–51 years, with tissues harvested for gene expression and histologic analyses. In the clinical study, females aged 47–66 years with moderate‐to‐severe overall visual photodamage on the face applied either topical 0.02% tretinoin or the cosmetic formulation to the face for 16 weeks and to forearms for 1 week, with forearm biopsies taken for gene expression analyses. Visual grading for facial photodamage and VISIA‐CR images was taken throughout the clinical study. Safety was visually assessed during site visits, and adverse event monitoring was conducted throughout. Results: Gene expression analyses in both studies revealed modulation of pathways associated with skin rejuvenation, with several genes of interest identified due to being implicated in ageing and differentially expressed following the application of the cosmetic formulation. Reversal of a consensus skin ageing gene signature was observed with the cosmetic formulation and tretinoin in the ex vivo and clinical studies. Both the cosmetic formulation and tretinoin clinically improved the overall appearance of photoageing, crow's feet, lines, wrinkles, and pores. Adverse event reporting showed that the cosmetic formulation caused less skin irritation than tretinoin. Conclusion: In a double‐blind clinical study, the novel triple‐active cosmetic combination formulation improved the visual appearance of photoageing similarly to prescription tretinoin. The cosmetic formulation and tretinoin reversed a consensus gene signature associated with ageing. Together with adverse event reporting, these results suggest that the cosmetic formulation may be a well‐tolerated and efficacious alternative to tretinoin for improving the visual features of photoageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surfactin is a natural surfactant almost exclusively produced by Bacillus species with excellent physical‐chemical, and biological properties. Among innovative applications, surfactin has been recently used as an ingredient in formulations. The antibacterial and anti‐acne activities, as well as the anti‐wrinkle, moisturizing, and cleansing features, are some of the reasons this lipopeptide is used in cosmetics. Considering the importance of biosurfactants in the world economy and sustainability, their potential properties for cosmetic and dermatological products, and the importance of patents for technological advancement in a circular bioeconomy system, the present study aims to review all patents involving surfactin as an ingredient in cosmetic formulas. This review was conducted through Espacenet, wherein patents containing the terms "cosmetic" and "surfactin" in their titles, abstracts, or claims were examined. Those patents that detailed a specific surfactin dosage within their formulations were selected for analysis. All patents, irrespective of their publication date, from October 1989 to December 2022, were considered. Additionally, a comprehensive search was performed in the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, spanning from their inception until the year 2023. This complementary search aimed to enrich the understanding derived from patents, with a specific emphasis on surfactin, encompassing its associated advantages, efficacy, mechanisms of action on the skin, as well as aspects related to sustainability and its merits in cosmetic formulations. From the 105 patents analysed, 75% belong to Japan (54), China (14), and Korea (9). Most of them were submitted by Asian companies such as Showa Denko (15), Kaneka (11) and Kao Corporation (5). The formulations described are mainly emulsions, skincare, cleansing, and haircare, and the surfactin dose does not exceed 5%. Surfactin appears in different types of formulas worldwide and has a high tendency to be used. Surfactin and other biosurfactants are a promising alternative to chemical ingredients in cosmetic formulations, guaranteeing skin health benefits and minimizing the impact on the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to produce a diet beverage based on aloe vera and investigate its physicochemical, microbiological, antioxidant, and sensory properties. To achieve this goal, aloe vera gel at concentrations of 5%, 5.7%, and 10% underwent heat treatment at 80°C for 30 minutes (Treatment A) and 90°C for 3 minutes (Treatment B). Aspartame was added at concentrations of 100, 150, and 200 ppm, and the beverages were stored for a period of 31 days. The study was conducted using a fractional factorial design with 34 samples under investigation. Optimization was performed based on a maximum amount of 10 gr of aloe vera, 200 ppm of aspartame, and a minimum amount of 5 gr of aloe vera and 100 ppm of aspartame. The use of the sweetener aspartame was highly effective in improving the taste of the beverage, as it provides a much sweeter sensation compared to saccharide sugars and is beneficial for diabetic patients. Based on the microbiological test results, the heat treatment (pasteurization) was successful. Furthermore, sensory evaluation showed improvements in taste, aroma, texture, and mouthfeel with the addition of aloe vera gel to the samples with no undesirable characteristics observed. After determining the models and variable combinations using the Design Expert software, an optimized sample was introduced, containing 200 ppm of aspartame, 10 gr of aloe vera, and the optimized pasteurization process, which was Treatment B for 30 minutes. The results of this study indicate that a vegetable -based diet beverage containing aloe vera can be successfully produced as a beneficial product with desirable sensory characteristics that are acceptable to consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal proteins from meat and its stuffs have recently been one of main concerns in the drive for sustainable food production. This viewpoint suggests that there are exciting prospects to reformulate meat products that are produced more sustainably and may also have health benefits by substituting high-protein nonmeat ingredients for some of the meat. Considering these pre-existing conditions, this review critically reviews recent data on extenders from several sources, including pulses, plant-based components, plant byproducts, and unconventional sources. We used the related keywords from Scopus-database without limiting the publishing date. With an emphasis on how these findings may impact the sustainability of meat products, it sees them as a great chance to enhance the functional quality and technological profile of meat. Therefore, to promote sustainability, meat alternatives such as plant-based meat equivalents are being made available. To boost consumer acceptability of these goods, further initiatives should also be developed to enhance the functioning of these innovative food items and increase public knowledge of plant-based meat analogues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gels, specifically hydrogels and aerogels, have emerged as versatile materials with profound implications in pharmaceutical sciences. This comprehensive review looks into detail at hydrogels and aerogels, providing a general introduction to gels as a foundation. The paper is then divided into distinct sections for hydrogels and aerogels, each delving into their unique formulations, advantages, disadvantages, and applications. In the realm of hydrogels, we scrutinize the intricacies of formulation, highlighting the versatile advantages they offer. Conversely, potential limitations are explored, paving the way for a detailed discussion on their applications, with a specific focus on their role in antimicrobial applications. Shifting focus to aerogels, a thorough overview is presented, followed by a detailed explanation of the complex formulation process involving sol–gel chemistry; aging; solvent exchange; and drying techniques, including freeze drying, supercritical drying, and ambient-pressure drying (APD). The intricacies of drug loading and release from aerogels are addressed, providing insights into their pharmaceutical potential. The advantages and disadvantages of aerogels are examined, accompanied by an exploration of their applications, with a specific emphasis on antimicrobial uses. The review culminates in a comparative analysis, juxtaposing the advantages and disadvantages of hydrogels and aerogels. Furthermore, the current research and development trends in the applications of these gels in pharmaceutical sciences are discussed, providing a holistic view of their potential and impact. This review serves as a comprehensive guide for researchers, practitioners, and enthusiasts, seeking a deeper understanding of the distinctive attributes and applications of hydrogels and aerogels in the ever-evolving research concerning pharmaceutical sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for naturally derived cosmetic ingredients is rising as consumers increasingly prioritize green and environmentally friendly products. Naturally derived ingredients, such as plant extracts rich in polyphenols like flavonoids and tannins, are often perceived as more sustainable and beneficial for skincare. Epilobium angustifolium (fireweed) is a circumpolar plant with traditional uses in Northern and Eastern Europe known for its skincare benefits. This review explores the chemical composition, traditional uses, and potential skincare benefits of E. angustifolium, focusing on its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Literature surveys, ethnopharmacological research, and database searches were conducted to investigate the properties of E. angustifolium. The plant contains various compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, steroids, and triterpenes, each with potential skincare benefits. Pharmacological reports suggest that E. angustifolium exhibits antioxidant and antibacterial properties, making it a valuable ingredient in skincare products. The availability of E. angustifolium in the market as a raw material for cosmetics offers opportunities for formulators to create innovative products with skin-conditioning and anti-inflammatory properties. Understanding the chemical composition and bioactivity of E. angustifolium can guide the development of effective and sustainable skincare formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we describe compatibility assessments of a recombinant, trivalent non-replicating rotavirus vaccine (t-NRRV) candidate with a mock trivalent Sabin inactivated polio vaccine (t-sIPV). Both t-sIPV and t-NRRV are incompatible with thimerosal (TH), a preservative commonly used in pediatric pentavalent combination vaccines (DTwP-Hib-HepB) distributed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), preventing the development of a heptavalent combination. The compatibility of t-NRRV with a mock DTwP-Hib-HepB formulation is described in a companion paper. This case study highlights the analytical and formulation challenges encountered when combining a mock t-sIPV vaccine (unadjuvanted) with Alhydrogel® (AH) adjuvanted t-NRRV. Selective and stability-indicating competition ELISAs were implemented to monitor antibody binding to each of the six antigens (±AH). Simple mixing caused the undesired desorption of t-NRRV from AH with the concomitant binding of t-sIPV to AH. Although the former effect was mitigated by dialyzing sIPV bulks, decreased sIPV storage stability was observed at accelerated temperatures in the bivalent combination with a rank-ordering of P[8] > P[6] > P[4] and sIPV3 > sIPV2 > sIPV1. The compatibility of AH-adsorbed t-sIPV with alternative preservatives was evaluated, and parabens (methyl, propyl) were identified for potential use in this multi-dose bivalent formulation. Along with a companion paper, the lessons learned are discussed to facilitate the future formulation development of pediatric combination vaccines with new antigens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improved efficacy of probiotics can be achieved by using different strategies, including the optimization of production parameters. The impact of fermentation parameters on bacterial physiology is a frequently investigated topic, but what happens during the formulation, i.e., the step where the lyoprotectants are added prior to freeze-drying, is less studied. In addition to this, the focus of process optimization has often been yield and stability, while effects on bioactivity have received less attention. In this work, we investigated different metabolic activities of the probiotic strain Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 during formulation with the freeze-drying protectant sucrose. We discovered that the strain consumed large quantities of the added sucrose and produced an exopolysaccharide (EPS). Using NMR, we discovered that the produced EPS was a glucan with α-1,4 and α-1,6 glycosidic bonds, but also that other metabolites were produced. The conversion of the lyoprotectant is hereafter designated lyoconversion. By also analyzing the samples with GCMS, additional potential bioactive compounds could be detected. Among these were tryptamine, a ligand for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, and glycerol, a precursor for the antimicrobial compound reuterin (3-hydroxypropionaldehyde). To exemplify the bioactivity potential of lyoconversion, lyoconverted samples as well as purified EPS were tested in a model for immunomodulation. Both lyoconverted samples and purified EPS induced higher expression levels of IL-10 (2 times) and IL-6 (4–6 times) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells than non-converted control samples. We further found that the initial cultivation of DSM 17938 with sucrose as a sugar substrate, instead of glucose, improved the ability to convert sucrose in the lyoprotectant into EPS and other metabolites. Lyoconversion did not affect the viability of the bacteria but was detrimental to freeze-drying survival, an issue that needs to be addressed in the future. In conclusion, we show that the metabolic activities of the bacteria during the formulation step can be used as a tool to alter the activity of the bacteria and thereby potentially improve probiotic efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Attract‐and‐kill (AK) beads are biological, microbial insecticides developed as an alternative to synthetic soil insecticides. For wireworm control, beads are based on calcium alginate/starch co‐encapsulating the carbon dioxide (CO2) producing yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae H205 as the attract component, and the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum CB15‐III as the kill component. However, the physicochemical processes inside beads during co‐cultivation are still unclear. Here we reveal for the first time the spatiotemporal conditions of oxygen and pH inside AK beads measured with microelectrodes and describe the impact of S. cerevisiae on CO2 and conidia formation. RESULTS: Measurements revealed a steep oxygen gradient already 2 days after co‐encapsulation, with an internal hypoxic zone. Encapsulating either S. cerevisiae or M. brunneum already decreased the average pH from 5.5 to 4.7 and 4.6, respectively. However, on day 3, co‐cultivation lead to temporal strong acidification of beads down to pH 3.6 which followed the maximum CO2 productivity and coincided with the maximum conidiation rate. Decreasing the yeast load decreased the total CO2 productivity to half, and the conidial production by 93%, while specific productivities normalized to 1% yeast load increased eight‐fold and three‐fold, respectively, with day 3 being an exception. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate a general beneficial interaction between M. brunneum and S. cerevisiae, but also suggest competition for resources. These findings will contribute to develop innovative co‐formulations with maximum efficiency to save application rates and costs. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article builds on methodological literature addressing ways in which qualitative research interviewing can utilise principles derived from psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy, focussing on the sharing of interpretations and formulations with research participants. We review the accounts of different researchers who have considered the sharing of formulations and more formalised quasi-dynamic interpretative comments in this type of psychoanalytically informed interview research. Via this review and considering our experience as practitioner researchers, we suggest that careful reflection is required. The notion of interpretative work in psychoanalytic psychotherapy is potentially easily misapprehended because the term interpretation can refer to a range of (at times, very different) practices. Moreover, the terms of reference for dialogue in research and psychotherapy are fundamentally different for those engaged in them; an interpretation or feedback will not likely be received in the same fashion in a research interview as it would be in a psychotherapy session. Therefore, would-be research participants should be informed about the type of interview being used, with questions asked about their expectations. Furthermore, they should be encouraged to speak about what they may anticipate will be related to them of findings/analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whilst there is concern about the role of social media use in adolescent and emerging adult development, there is a gathering consensus that how individuals spend their time on social media may be more important than how much time they spend on it, with potential benefits and risks of engagement. In addition, there is growing interest in a broader range of outcomes, including wellbeing, mental health and educational attainment. Building on this research, the present study offers a new, theory-driven investigation of complex cross-sectional associations between users' motivations for social media use and wellbeing, as well as users' motivations and academic outcomes. Specifically, self-perceived stress and Grade Point Average scores were regressed on self-reported social media motivations, using data collected from nearly 6000 Chinese undergraduate students. In line with our predictions and a transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral conceptualization of social media use, social enhancement/approach motivations ("to make new friends") and escapist motivations ("to kill time") were associated with lower and higher levels of self-reported stress, respectively. In addition, academic motivations for social media use (i.e., "for academic purposes") were associated with higher educational attainment. These effects persisted after controlling for a number of potential confounders, including key demographic and socioeconomic variables. Whilst the cross-sectional design precludes inferences about underlying directions of causality, these findings suggest that inter-individual differences in motivations for engagement may be crucial in understanding the role that social media plays in adolescent and emerging adult life and generate predictions for future longitudinal and cross-sectional studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objectives Subjects Methods Results Conclusions and Clinical Importance Minimizing harm from antimicrobials requires use of the narrowest spectrum drug, at an effective dose for the minimum effective duration. Many prescribers are not currently following these guidelines. To address suboptimal antimicrobial use, the underlying reasons must be understood.To identify factors influencing choices of antimicrobial drug, dose, and duration for companion animals.Twenty‐two veterinarians treating companion animals in Australia. Diversity of participants was deliberately sought.Semistructured interviews were conducted online. Two case studies were discussed, and then a range of broader questions was posed. Transcripts were analyzed thematically, using an inductive approach.Few participants chose guideline‐concordant management for the case studies. Prescribing choices were influenced by a complex array of factors associated with the clinical case, pet owner, drug, veterinarian, veterinary colleagues, and external factors. Key factors driving broad‐spectrum antimicrobial use included a sense of safety, habit, ease of administering the drug (especially in cats), pharmaceutical marketing, and the self‐perpetuating dispensary cycle. Many participants were concerned about antimicrobial resistance, but insufficiently informed about how to minimize this risk. Several participants believed that longer duration of treatment and ensuring patients finish a predetermined course would decrease the risk of antimicrobial resistance and improve clinical outcomes.Veterinarians are engaged with the concept of antimicrobial stewardship, but face numerous practical barriers and require more information. In particular, improved education is needed on enhancing patient safety by minimizing both spectrum of activity and duration of treatment, and dispelling myths about “finishing the course.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additive manufacturing of pharmaceutical formulations offers advanced micro-structure control of oral solid dose (OSD) forms targeting not only customised dosing of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) but also custom-made drug release profiles. Traditionally, material extrusion 3D printing manufacturing was performed in a two-step manufacturing process via an intermediate feedstock filament. This process was often limited in the material space due to unsuitable (brittle) material properties, which required additional time to develop complex formulations to overcome. The objective of this study was to develop an additive manufacturing MicroFactory process to produce an immediate release (IR) OSD form containing 250 mg of mefenamic acid (MFA) with consistent drug release. In this study, we present a single-step additive manufacturing process employing a novel, filament-free melt extrusion 3D printer, the MicroFactory, to successfully print a previously 'non-printable' brittle Soluplus®-based formulation of MFA, resulting in targeted IR dissolution profiles. The physico-chemical properties of 3D printed MFA-Soluplus®-D-sorbitol formulation was characterised by thermal analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray Diffraction Powder (XRPD) analysis, confirming the crystalline state of mefenamic acid as polymorphic form I. Oscillatory temperature and frequency rheology sweeps were related to the processability of the formulation in the MicroFactory. 3D printed, micro-structure controlled, OSDs showed good uniformity of mass and content and exhibited an IR profile with good consistency. Fitting a mathematical model to the dissolution data correlated rate parameters and release exponents with tablet porosity. This study illustrates how additive manufacturing via melt extrusion using this MicroFactory not only streamlines the manufacturing process (one-step vs. two-step) but also enables the processing of (brittle) pharmaceutical immediate-release polymers/polymer formulations, improving and facilitating targeted in vitro drug dissolution profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work provides insight into carbamazepine polymorphs (Forms I, II, III, IV, and V), with reports on the cytoprotective, exploratory, motor, CNS-depressant, and anticonvulsant properties of carbamazepine (CBZ), carbamazepine formulation (CBZ-F), topiramate (TOP), oxcarbazepine (OXC), and diazepam (DZP) in mice. Structural analysis highlighted the significant difference in molecular conformations, which directly influence the physicochemical properties; and density functional theory description provided indications about CBZ reactivity and stability. In addition to neuron viability assessment in vitro, animals were treated orally with vehicle 10 mL/kg, as well as CBZ, CBZ-F, TOP, OXC, and DZP at the dose of 5 mg/kg and exposed to open-field, rotarod, barbiturate sleep induction and pentylenetetrazol (PTZ 70 mg/kg)-induced seizure. The involvement of GABAergic mechanisms in the activity of these drugs was evaluated with the intraperitoneal pretreatment of flumazenil (2 mg/kg). The CBZ, CBZ-F, and TOP mildly preserved neuronal viability. The CBZ-F and the reference AEDs potentiated barbiturate sleep, altered motor activities, and attenuated PTZ-induced convulsion. However, flumazenil pretreatment blocked these effects. Additional preclinical assessments could further establish the promising utility of CBZ-F in clinical settings while expanding the scope of AED formulations and designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dietary risk factors are the leading cause of death globally and in New Zealand (NZ). Processed packaged foods are prevalent in the food supply and contribute excess amounts of sodium, saturated fat, and sugar in diets. Improving the nutritional quality of these foods has the potential to reduce population chronic disease risk. We aimed to evaluate the healthiness using the Australasian Health Star Rating (HSR, from 0.5 to 5 stars, with 5 being the healthiest) and nutrient composition (sodium, saturated fat, and total sugar) of packaged products manufactured by the largest NZ-based food and beverage companies in NZ 2015–2019. This analysis relates to a larger study evaluating structured engagement with food companies to improve nutrition-related policies and actions. Methods: Data was sourced from Nutritrack, a NZ-branded supermarket-sourced food composition database. The largest NZ-based companies from annual retail sales revenue (n = 35) were identified using 2019 Euromonitor data. All relevant products of the selected companies were extracted for analysis. Products included totalled 17,795 with a yearly range of 3462–3672 products. The primary outcome was a nutrient profile score estimated using HSR. Healthiness was defined as ≥ 3.5 stars. Secondary outcomes were sodium, total sugar, and saturated fat per 100 g/100 mL. All outcomes were assessed overall, by food company, and food category. Change over time was tested using linear mixed models, adjusting for major food categories and cluster effects of food companies controlling for multiple comparisons. Model-adjusted mean differences between years were estimated with 95% confidence intervals. Results: There was a small statistically significant increase in mean HSR between 2015 and 2019 (0.08 [0.15,0.01], p = 0.024). Mean total sugar content decreased over the same period (0.78 g/100 g [0.08,1.47], p = 0.020), but there were no significant changes in mean sodium or saturated fat contents. Seven of the 13 categories showed small increases in mean HSR (0.1–0.2). Most categories (9/13) exhibited a reduction in mean total sugar content. Conclusions: Between 2015 and 2019, there were slight improvements in the nutritional quality of selected packaged foods and drinks in NZ. Much more substantive changes are needed to address the health-related burden of unhealthy diets, supported by stronger government action and less reliance on voluntary industry initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Design Method Results Conclusion The aim of the present study was to explore the social process of formulation in talk therapy between young people and clinicians.Qualitative semi‐structured interview study.Ten young people (male = 6, female = 4, age range = 16–23 years) and nine clinicians from various disciplines within a youth mental health service were interviewed. Constructivist grounded theory was used for the analysis.Four themes were constructed from the data; a ‘level playing field’ between young person and clinician enables formulation, formulating is a constant process of getting it right and getting it wrong, emotional expression and attunement get us closer to each other and to understanding, and ‘formulation versus diagnosis’ can create tension in the therapy room. The constructivist grounded theory devised demonstrated how the dynamics of power, collaboration, openness, and the therapeutic relationship are constantly in flux during the process of formulation.The paper presents a constructivist grounded theory which incorporates dynamics relating to power, collaboration, and openness. The importance of the therapeutic relationship is also emphasised. The theory encourages continuous and recursive personal reflection by the therapist as to how they can be optimally attuned to the dynamics of power, collaboration, and openness with young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the efficacy of yellow light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation at 590 nm, alone or in combination with anti-inflammatory active substances against ultraviolet (UV)-induced inflammation in keratinocytes. HaCaT keratinocytes were pretreated with LED yellow light (590 nm) alone or in combination with an antiinflammatory active substance such as glycerophosphoinositol choline (GC), extract of grains of paradise (Aframomum melegueta Schum, AM), or a bisabolol and ginger root extract mixture (Bb-GE) before UVB irradiation. Following each treatment, we measured the levels of inflammatory mediators secreted by keratinocytes. HaCaT keratinocytes treated with UVB (300 mJ cm−²) and then cultured for 24 h exhibited significantly upregulated expression of proinflammatory factors, including interleukin (IL)-1α, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and IL-8. After pretreatment with 590 nm LED, UVB-induced inflammatory responses were significantly inhibited. Co-pretreatment with 590 nm LED irradiation and GC further inhibited the expression of IL-1α and IL-8. IL-8 expression was inhibited by co-pretreatment with 590 nm LED irradiation and AM, whereas PGE2 expression was inhibited by co-pretreatment with 590 nm LED irradiation and Bb-GE. Co-treatment with 590 nm LED irradiation and various active substances modulated UVB-induced inflammation in keratinocytes, suggesting the potential application of this approach to prevent damage caused by voluntary sun exposure in daily life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of pregabalin in pain treatment has led to the search for new formulations for its use through different routes of administration. This study aimed to prepare, characterize, and evaluate the cytotoxicity of pregabalin (PG) gels for topical application in the oral cavity. Solutions with three different concentrations of PG were prepared and added to a 1.0% carbopol gel base. Thermal analyses (TG and DSC) and FTIR were performed on the gel and pure pregabalin. Stability (preliminary and accelerated) and rheology studies were also conducted on the gels. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in human gingival fibroblasts in the following groups: WG (1.0% carbopol gel base), PG2G (2.0% pregabalin gel), PG5G (5.0% pregabalin gel), and PG10G (10% pregabalin gel). A transparent and homogeneous gel with a pH of 6 was obtained. The formulations showed stability, and the different drug concentrations did not influence the product's characteristics. None of the tested groups showed cytotoxicity for the analyzed cells. The pregabalin gels exhibited favorable and non-toxic characteristics for human gingival fibroblasts in vitro. Therefore, this product may be a promising therapeutic alternative for topical application in the oral mucosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For decades, drug delivery scientists have been performing trial-and-error experimentation to manually sample parameter spaces and optimize release profiles through rational design. To enable this approach, scientists spend much of their career learning nuanced drug-material interactions that drive system behavior. In relatively simple systems, rational design criteria allow us to fine tune release profiles and enable efficacious therapies. However, as materials and drugs become increasingly sophisticated and their interactions have non-linear and compounding effects, the field is suffering the Curse of Dimensionality which prevents us from comprehending complex structure-function relationships. In the past, we have embraced this complexity by implementing high-throughput screens to increase the probability of finding ideal compositions. However, this brute force method was inefficient and led many to abandon these fishing expeditions. Fortunately, methods in data science including artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI/ML) are providing ideal analytical tools to model this complex data and ascertain quantitative structure-function relationships. In this Oration, I speak to the potential value of data science in drug delivery with particular focus on polymeric delivery systems. Here, I do not suggest that AI/ML will simply replace mechanistic understanding of complex systems. Rather, I propose that AI/ML should be yet another useful tool in the lab to navigate complex parameter spaces. The recent hype around AI/ML is breathtaking and potentially over inflated, but the value of these methods is poised to revolutionize how we perform science. Therefore, I encourage readers to consider adopting these skills and applying data science methods to their own problems. If done successfully, I believe we will all realize a paradigm shift in our approach to drug delivery. [Display omitted] • Complex drug-material interactions challenge the design of drug delivery systems. • Machine learning is useful for navigating large parameter spaces and structure-function modeling. • When coupled with automation, the drug delivery community may see significant gains in productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics of subvisible particles (SbVPs) are critical quality attributes of injectable and ophthalmic solutions in pharmaceutical manufacturing. However, current compendial SbVP testing methods, namely the light obstruction method and the microscopic particle count method, are destructive and wasteful of target samples. In this study, we present the development of a non-destructive SbVP analyzer aiming to analyze SbVPs directly in drug product (DP) containers while keeping the samples intact. Custom sample housings are developed and incorporated into the analyzer to reduce optical aberrations introduced by the curvature of typical pharmaceutical DP sample containers. The analyzer integrates a light-sheet microscope structure and models the side scattering event from a particle with Mie scattering theory with refractive indices as prior information. Equivalent spherical particle size under assigned refractive index values is estimated, and the particle concentration is determined based on the number of scattering events and the volume sampled by the light sheet. The resulting analyzer's capability and performance to non-destructively analyze SbVPs in DP containers were evaluated using a series of polystyrene bead suspensions in ISO 2R and 6R vials. Our results and analysis show the particle analyzer is capable of directly detecting SbVPs from intact DP containers, sorting SbVPs into commonly used size bins (e.g. ≥ 2 µm, ≥ 5 µm, ≥ 10 µm, and ≥ 25 µm), and reliably quantifying SbVPs in the concentration range of 4.6e2 to 5.0e5 particle/mL with a margin of ± 15 % error based on a 90 % confidence interval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanical stresses and strains acting on pharmaceutical glass tubing vials during freezing and thawing of model pharmaceutical formulations. Strain measurements were conducted inside of a laboratory-scale freeze-dryer using a custom wireless sensor. In both sucrose and trehalose formulations at concentrations between 5 % and 20 % w/v, the strain measurements initially increased before peaking in magnitude at temperatures close to the respective glass transition temperatures of the maximally freeze concentrated solutes, Tg'. We attribute this behavior to a shift in the mechanical properties of the frozen system from a purely elastic glass below Tg' to a viscoelastic rubber-like material above Tg'. That is, when the interstitial region becomes mechanically compliant at temperature above Tg'. The outputs were less predictable below 5 % w/v and tended to exhibit two separate peaks in strain output, one near the equilibrium melting temperature of pure ice and the other near Tg'. The peaks merged at concentrations between 4 and 5 % w/v where the largest strain magnitude was observed. The strain on primary packaging has traditionally been applied to evaluate the risk of damage or breakage due to, for example, crystallization of excipients. However, data collected during this study suggest there may be utility in formulation design or as a process analytical technology to minimize potentially destabilizing stresses and strains in the frozen formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dehydrated integral forage palm cladode flour (FPF) presents a promising nutritional and functional approach to enriching fettuccine-type pasta. This study investigated the use of microwave-dehydrated FPF (at 810 W) as a partial wheat flour substitute (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% w/w) in fresh and dry fettuccine-type pasta. The thermomechanical properties of flour blends and the technological and sensory attributes of the resulting pasta were evaluated. FPF displayed a high protein (15.80%), mineral (15.13%), dietary fiber (67.35%), and total soluble phenolic compound (251 mg EAG·100 g−1) content. While water absorption (~58%) and dough stability remained consistent across formulations, a decrease in maximum torque during heating was observed (p < 0.05). Fettuccine-type pasta containing 10% FPF exhibited an acceptable optimal cooking time, solid loss, weight gain, and textural properties for both fresh and dry pasta. Sensory evaluation revealed acceptability above 63% for pasta with 10% FPF, with a slight preference for the fresh version. Fresh pasta flavored with garlic and extra virgin olive oil (garlic and oil pasta) achieved a sensory acceptance rate of 79.67%. These findings demonstrate the potential of FPF for fettuccine-type pasta production, contributing desirable technological characteristics and achieving acceptable sensory profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

About 15 years ago, a paper proposed the first integer linear programming formulation for the constrained two‐dimensional guillotine cutting problem (with unlimited cutting stages). Since then, eight other formulations followed, seven of them in the last four years. This spike of interest gave no opportunity for a comprehensive comparison between the formulations. We review each formulation and compare their empirical results over instance datasets of the literature. We adapt most formulations to allow for piece rotation. The possibility of adaptation was already predicted but not realized by the prior work. The results show the dominance of pseudo‐polynomial formulations until the point instances become intractable by them, while more compact formulations keep achieving good primal solutions. Our study also reveals a mistake in the generation of the T instances, which should have the same optima with or without guillotine cuts. We also propose hybridising a recent formulation with a prior formulation for a restricted version of the problem. The hybridisations show a reduction of about 20% of the branch‐and‐bound time thanks to the symmetries broken by the hybridisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated nutritional properties and sensory attributes of formulated, ready-to-use maize-based complementary foods. The study adopted experimental research design. Three composite flour samples with the ratios of 8:4:2 1:5, 9:5:1:4 and 10:51:1:4 of maize soybean, yeast, moringa seed and date fruit (sample 1, sample 2 and sample 3) respectively were formulated and subjected to nutrients analysis using standard procedures. Twenty-member panel of judges was employed to determine the organoleptic attributes, using a 9-point hedonic scale. Mean, one-way analyses of variance (ANOVA), Fishers Least Significant Difference (LSD) were used for data analysis. Results show that sample 1had highest ash (36.44±0.52g/100g),fat (15.45±0.27g/100g) and protein (3.52±0.44g/100g) content whereas the highest crude fibre (2.37±0.03g/100g),carbohydrate (44.18±0.03g/100g) and moisture (8.82±0.44g/100g) values were recorded in sample 3. Sample 1 had the highest concentration of all the vitamins analyzed with the exception of pro-vitamin A(beta-carotene) which was highest in sample 3 (0.018±0.0mg/100g). Result on mineral composition indicated that sample 1had the highest (p<0.05) zinc (3.37±0.14mg/100g), magnesium (383.05±10.07mg/100g and potassium (643.10±4.84mg/100g) whereas sample 3 recorded the highest (p<0.05) calcium (232.05±1.01mg/100g) and iron (10.15±0.15mg/100g) values. Sample one formulation yielded the most acceptable gruel (8.20±0.95a). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chika Akinseye,1 Andrew Fiorini,2 Emily Louise Jarvis,3 Michelle Fry,4 Abid Raza,5 Sara Soleman,6 Stephanie Igwe,6 Mark Palmer2 1GSK R&D, Discovery Medicine, Stevenage, UK; 2GSK R&D, Device Engineering, Ware, UK; 3GSK R&D, Biostatistics, Stevenage, UK; 4GSK Rx Global Clinical Delivery, Stockley Park, UK; 5GSK R&D, Stockley Park, UK; 6GSK Clinical Unit, Addenbrooke’s Centre for Clinical Investigation, Cambridge, UKCorrespondence: Mark Palmer, GSK R&D, Harris’s Lane Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 0DP, United Kingdom, Email mark.g.palmer@gsk.comPurpose: Therapeutic proteins are often delivered by subcutaneous (SC) autoinjector to enable self-administration. Autoinjectors typically deliver up to 1 mL injected volumes per dose. Delivery of larger volumes may be limited by injection site discomfort, including pain, swelling, and redness. Delivery at a slower rate may mitigate this discomfort. This single-center, randomized, crossover study evaluated the acceptability and tolerability of varying volumes and delivery rates of SC saline in healthy volunteers.Patients and Methods: Eligible participants were adults (18– 65 years) with a body mass index of 18.5– 32.0 kg/m2. Participants (N = 24) were randomized to multiple sequences of infusions over five visits, with infusions ranging from 1 to 5 mL at rates of 1.50– 6.00 mL/minute (min) and including a 1 mL SC infusion in 10 seconds (s) at a rate of 6.00 mL/min. The primary objective was to identify acceptable volume and delivery rates of SC saline, as assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores, a tolerability and acceptability questionnaire, and infusion leakage.Results: Infusions that met the acceptability criteria were 1 mL in 10s, 4 mL in 58s, and 3 mL in 2 mins. Higher delivery volumes and rates were associated with higher VAS pain scores but remained within the VAS acceptability criteria.Conclusion: These findings may support the development of larger-volume injectors for self-administration of future medicines.Keywords: drug delivery system, skin, formulation, pain scores, tolerability and acceptability questionnaire

From July 1 to 6, 2024, with the support of the European Federation of Feed Manufacturers, the European Federation of Food Science and Technology, the Association "Union of Feed Manufacturers of Ukraine", Odesa National University of Technological (ONTU), ProAgro Group of Companies and the "Club of Young Scientists" ONUT held the IX -th session of the International School of Feeds "THE ART OF DESIGN, OPERATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF TECHNOLOGIES, RECIPES, SAFETY AND QUALITY OF FEEDS". Despite martial law, air alarms, blackouts and other obstacles, the session took place, and it was successful. The session was attended by scientists and specialists in the field of compound feed production, 3 scientific and project organizations: Interprojekt Gmbh, LLC "S-engineering", GK "Zernova stolitsia", 17 representatives from 8 compound feed enterprises: PrJSC MZVKK, Katerynopilsky elevator, AGROPROGRESS PLUS GRAIN COMPANY, VitagroNutryshyn, Kombifeed, MEGA KORM LLC, Kramar LLC, AGRICON Group, as well as Technik BG Gmbh, JSC ADM Illichivsk, LLC Sok-Trade. The session discussed trends in design, increasing the efficiency of operation and robotization of feed production, features of providing nutrients and biologically active substances, production of feed and regulation of their productive action, trainings in modern scientific laboratories of ONUT.

Abstract Background Parenteral artesunate is the first-line therapy for severe malaria. Artesunate, in its current formulation, must be prepared immediately before administration by first dissolving in sodium bicarbonate solution and then diluting in saline. A novel solvent for rapid and stable single step reconstitution of artesunate was recently developed showing improved solubility and stability. This study aimed to compare the safety and pharmacokinetic properties of the currently available and newly developed parenteral formulation of artesunate in healthy Thai volunteers. Methods This was an open-label, randomized, 4 periods, 4-treatments, 24-sequence, single-dose, cross-over study in 72 male and female healthy Thai volunteers. Frequent pharmacokinetic samples were collected in all volunteers at each dose occasion. Observed concentration–time profiles were analysed with a non-compartmental approach followed by a bioequivalence evaluation. Results Both intramuscular and intravenous administrations of the new parenteral formulation of artesunate were safe and well-tolerated, with no additional safety signals compared to the currently used formulation. The pharmacokinetic properties of artesunate and its active metabolite, dihydroartemisinin, were well-characterized, and showed rapid conversion of artesunate into dihydroartemisinin. Intramuscular administration of the newly formulated artesunate resulted in almost complete bioavailability of dihydroartemisinin. The pharmacokinetic properties were similar between the old and new formulation. Conclusions The new and more easily prepared formulation of artesunate was safe and well-tolerated, with similar pharmacokinetic properties compared to the currently used formulation. Dihydroartemisinin, the active metabolite responsible for the majority of the anti-malarial effect, showed equivalent exposure after both intravenous and intramuscular administration of artesunate, suggesting that both routes of administration should generate comparable therapeutic effects. Trial registration: The study was registered to clinicaltrials.gov (#TCTR20170907002).

Background & objectives: At present, use of synthetic pesticides to manage insects and other arthropods creates a number of issues that are related to the environment and public health. The goal of the present study is to find repellent activity of Vitex negundo and Curcuma longa herbal extracts against the wild species Simulium (blackfly) bite. Methods: We have studied Simulium biting behavior and tested the repellency of herbal extract obtained from Vitex negundo L. (Lamiales: Lamiaceae) and Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberal: Zingiberaceae) along with their essential oils in three locations in Arunachal Pradesh, India on human volunteers’ resistance to Simulium (blackflies). The reported herbal extracts were incorporated to topical drug delivery vehicle as a cream and gel. Results: The methanolic extract of Vitex negundo cream and gel formulation showed >2 h safety at 5% concentration and >5 h safety at 10% concentration in all the testing sites followed by ethyl acetate extract. Whereas, chloroform extract of Curcuma longa cream and gel formulation provided >1 h safety at 5% concentration and >4 h safety at 10% concentration. Interpretation & conclusion: At an optimum concentration of 10%, the methanolic extract of Vitex negundo cream provided complete protection times (CPTs) 320.4, 358.6, and 346.4 min, respectively. These findings offer confirmation of the methanolic extract and chloroform extract potential for use in new blackfly repellents.

Abstract Introduction Metformin is the most prescribed medication for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); there is a well-established link with the elevated incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events (AE) limiting its administration or intensification. Objectives The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies was to evaluate the pooled incidence of GI AE related to metformin use in patients with T2DM. Materials and methods PUB MED/CINAHL/Web of Science/Scopus were searched from database inception until 29.07.2024 for observational studies in English describing the frequency of GI AE in patients with T2DM treated with metformin. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to derive effect sizes: event rates. Results From 7019 publications, we identified 211 potentially eligible full-text articles. Ultimately, 21 observational studies were included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of GI AE was as follows: diarrhea 6.9% (95% CI: 0.038–0.123), bloating 6,2% (95% CI: 0.020–0.177), abdominal pain 5,3% (95% CI: 0.003–0.529), vomiting 2.4% (95%: CI 0.007–0.075), constipation 1.1% (95%: CI 0.001–0.100). The incidence of bloating (coefficient -4.46; p

The paper presents the results of developing a fish culinary product (thorny skate meat mixed with Atlantic cod meat, baked with potatoes and mushrooms in a cream sauce) enriched with chondroitin sulfate contained in the meat and cartilage of the wings of thorny skate. Atlantic cod, more familiar to the Russian consumer and successfully complementing the skate's meat with amino acid composition, has been chosen as an additional fish raw material. Thorny skate belongs to the underutilized fishing facilities of the Northern Basin. The meat of its wings contains up to 1.5 % urea, which worsens its organoleptic properties. To solve this problem, it was previously proposed to use short-term preliminary heat treatment (PHT) of skate's wings by blanching them in water at a temperature from 93 to 96 °C for 1–3 minutes, which guarantees a fourfold decrease in the mass fraction of urea in the meat, relative to the initial content, below the organoleptic perception of the consumer. PHT also facilitates the cutting of the skate's meat. The formulation and technology of a combined fish culinary product is proposed, packaged and completely ready for consumer's use. To prolong the shelf life up to 120 days, it is proposed to subject the product to shock freezing with subsequent storage at a temperature no higher than minus 18 °C. To solve the problem of delamination of cream sauce during storage and to improve the consumer properties of the product, an experimentally based technological solution is proposed – the introduction of oat flour in the composition of the sauce formulation as a thickener and structure-forming agent in an amount of 3.5 % per total mass of sauce.

Abstract Background Dietary risk factors are the leading cause of death globally and in New Zealand (NZ). Processed packaged foods are prevalent in the food supply and contribute excess amounts of sodium, saturated fat, and sugar in diets. Improving the nutritional quality of these foods has the potential to reduce population chronic disease risk. We aimed to evaluate the healthiness using the Australasian Health Star Rating (HSR, from 0.5 to 5 stars, with 5 being the healthiest) and nutrient composition (sodium, saturated fat, and total sugar) of packaged products manufactured by the largest NZ-based food and beverage companies in NZ 2015–2019. This analysis relates to a larger study evaluating structured engagement with food companies to improve nutrition-related policies and actions. Methods Data was sourced from Nutritrack, a NZ-branded supermarket-sourced food composition database. The largest NZ-based companies from annual retail sales revenue (n = 35) were identified using 2019 Euromonitor data. All relevant products of the selected companies were extracted for analysis. Products included totalled 17,795 with a yearly range of 3462–3672 products. The primary outcome was a nutrient profile score estimated using HSR. Healthiness was defined as ≥ 3.5 stars. Secondary outcomes were sodium, total sugar, and saturated fat per 100 g/100 mL. All outcomes were assessed overall, by food company, and food category. Change over time was tested using linear mixed models, adjusting for major food categories and cluster effects of food companies controlling for multiple comparisons. Model-adjusted mean differences between years were estimated with 95% confidence intervals. Results There was a small statistically significant increase in mean HSR between 2015 and 2019 (0.08 [0.15,0.01], p = 0.024). Mean total sugar content decreased over the same period (0.78 g/100 g [0.08,1.47], p = 0.020), but there were no significant changes in mean sodium or saturated fat contents. Seven of the 13 categories showed small increases in mean HSR (0.1–0.2). Most categories (9/13) exhibited a reduction in mean total sugar content. Conclusions Between 2015 and 2019, there were slight improvements in the nutritional quality of selected packaged foods and drinks in NZ. Much more substantive changes are needed to address the health-related burden of unhealthy diets, supported by stronger government action and less reliance on voluntary industry initiatives.

[Display omitted] Hypothesis: Limited research has been conducted on the influence of chelating agents on the self-assembly process in surfactant solutions. The traditional approach assumes the chelating agent only interferes as a salting-out ion, therefore promoting surfactant separation. However, the opposite behavior has been observed for iminodipropionate based surfactants, in which the presence of chelating agents of the aminopolycarboxylate type increases solubility of nonionic ethoxylated surfactants in mixed micellar systems. Specific interaction between chelating agents-surfactants can be an important parameter in the self-assembly processes. Experiments: Physicochemical properties of solutions containing amphoteric surfactant and tetrasodium glutamatediacetate have been investigated. Macroscopic properties, such as viscosity and cloud point, were evaluated in the presence of a non-water-soluble alkyl ethoxylated surfactant. Interactions between amphoteric surfactant and chelating agent were monitored by NMR spectroscopy, including 13C chemical shift and lineshape analysis as well as 1H diffusometry. Findings: The study reveals that there is an interaction between the head group of the surfactant and the chelating agent forming oligomeric surfactant analogues with larger hydrophilic moieties, which results in smaller, more spherical micelles. The combined interactions provide possibilities for tuning the aggregation behavior of systems containing surfactants and chelating agents, and with that, the macroscopic properties of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the side effect of commonly used chemical scolicidals, advantages of micro drug delivery system and growing interest for the phytoceuticals, the present study aimed to find out the scolicidal activity of two volatile terpenes (α-pinene and β-caryophyllene) and their microemulsions on protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus. The ordinary and microemulsions of α-pinene and β-caryophyllene and their combination at three different ratios (2:1, 1:1, 1:2) were developed and characterised by dynamic light scattering to confirm micro-dimensions. The scolicidal effect of the developed formulations at the concentrations of 0.5, 1, 2, 5 and 10 μg/mL were measured at 10, 30, and 60-min time points. Mortality rates were recorded by eosin exclusion test. At the 10-min time point, ordinary and micro α-pinene at the concentration of 10 μg/mL killed 94.66% and 100% of the protoscoleces, respectively. At the same time point and concentration, ordinary and micro β-caryophyllene caused 44.33% and 68.66% mortality rates in protoscoleces, respectively. Based on the 50% lethal concentration (LC50) values, there was no significant difference between ordinary and microemulsified α-pinene. For the micro β-caryophyllene, a LC50 value of 2.1 µg/mL was obtained which was significantly lower than that of ordinary β-caryophyllene (49.85 µg/mL). No synergistic interaction existed between β-caryophyllene and α-pinene regarding their activity on E. granulosus. Development of microemulsions increased the toxicity of these terpenoids on protoscoleces, especially that of β-caryophyllene, probably due to improved penetration into the parasite. Further studies are needed to assess in vivo efficacy and safety of this specific preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorpyrifos is among the most widely sold organophosphates in the agriculture sector worldwide. Static bioassays were performed in the laboratory to compare the acute toxicity between the technical grade (94% a.i.) and commercial formulation (20% EC) of chlorpyrifos to four freshwater organisms: the crustacean zooplankton Cyclops viridis, the oligochaete worm Branchiura sowerbyi, the gastropod Pila globosa, and tadpole larvae of Duttaphrynus melanostictus. The recovery of actual chlorpyrifos concentrations in water after 2 h of exposure to the nominal concentrations ranged from 82.98% to 88.56%. The commercial formulation (F) of chlorpyrifos was found to be 1.94 to 2.76 times more toxic than the technical grade (T). Based on 96 h LC50 values of T and F chlorpyrifos, C. viridis was found to be most sensitive (0.56 and 0.25 μg/L) and P. globosa as most tolerant (1482 and 536 μg/L) to chlorpyrifos. Changes in LC50 values of both T and F chlorpyrifos were noted in respect of exposure hours for the three aquatic invertebrates and the tadpole larvae of the toad. In conclusion, the acute toxicity of chlorpyrifos to some non-target freshwater organisms differs between technical grade and commercial formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Niacinamide, an active form of vitamin B3, is recognised for its significant dermal benefits including skin brightening, anti-ageing properties and the protection of the skin barrier. Its widespread incorporation into cosmetic products, ranging from cleansers to serums, is attributed to its safety profile and proven efficacy. Recently, topical niacinamide has also been explored for other pharmaceutical applications, including skin cancers. Therefore, a fundamental understanding of the skin permeation behaviour of niacinamide becomes crucial for formulation design. Given the paucity of a comprehensive review on this aspect, we provide insights into the mechanisms of action of topically applied niacinamide and share the current strategies used to enhance its skin permeation. This review also consolidates clinical evidence of topical niacinamide for its cosmeceutical uses and as treatment for some skin disorders, including dermatitis, acne vulgaris and actinic keratosis. We also emphasise the current exploration and perspectives on the delivery designs of topical niacinamide, highlighting the potential development of formulations focused on enhancing skin permeation, particularly for clinical benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract One major limitation of effective vaccine delivery is its dependency on a robust cold chain infrastructure. While Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) has been demonstrated to be an effective viral vaccine vector for diseases including Ebola, its −70 °C storage requirement is a significant limitation for accessing disadvantaged locations and populations. Previous work has shown thermal stabilization of viral vaccines with a combination of pullulan and trehalose (PT) dried films. To improve the thermal stability of VSV, we optimized PT formulation concentrations and components, as well as drying methodology with enhanced vacuum drying. When formulated in PT films, VSV can be stored for 32 weeks at 4 °C with less than 2 log PFU loss, at 25 °C with 2.5 log PFU loss, and at 37 °C with 3.1 log PFU loss. These results demonstrate a significant advancement in VSV thermal stabilization, decreasing the cold chain requirements for VSV vectored vaccines.

Abstract Background In recent years, public awareness of healthy diets has significantly increased, leading to a rise in the consumption of nutritional supplements. Among these, omega-3 fatty acids have become particularly popular. n − 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are widely distributed in marine and terrestrial environments. The primary sources of marine n − 3 fatty acid supplements are oily fish, such as anchovies, sardines and mackerel. Recently, they have drawn considerable attention for their potential therapeutic benefits in treating a range of illnesses, including cancer, neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, immunological and reproductive diseases, respectively. Main text This study explores the many activities of n − 3 PUFAs, highlighting their importance in cellular processes that include signaling pathways, cell membrane integrity and structural maintenance. These fatty acids significantly regulate important physiological functions including the neurological system, blood pressure control, hematopoiesis, glucose metabolism and inflammatory responses. The latter highlights the wide therapeutic range of n − 3 PUFAs is especially notable considering the implications for controlling inflammatory disorders. Furthermore, the chemistry and dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids are clarified in this review, which also sheds light on the complex molecular pathways that support the therapeutic efficacy of these fats and their bioavailability. The most recent information on the FDA's approval of omega-3 oils for use in formulation development highlights the compounds' adaptability and potential influence on the development of novel medications. Conclusion A thorough analysis of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reveals both their remarkable therapeutic potential against a variety of diseases and their essential place in a normal diet. This study adds to the increasing amount of data that supports the use of n − 3 PUFAs in preventative and therapeutic approaches that are meant to improve human health and well-being by clarifying their mechanisms of action and emphasizing their applicability in formulation and development.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to describe the nutritional strategies used on Canadian dairy farms with automated milking systems (AMS), both at the feed bunk and the concentrate offered at the AMS, as well as to determine what dietary components and nutrients, as formulated, were associated with milk production and milking behaviors on those farms. Formulated diets (including ingredients and nutrient content) and AMS data were collected from April 1, 2019, until September 30, 2020, on 160 AMS farms (eastern Canada [East] = 8, Ontario [ON] = 76, Quebec [QC] = 22, and western Canada [West] = 54). Both partial mixed ration (PMR) and AMS concentrate samples were collected from May 1 to September 30, 2019, on 169 farms (East = 12, ON = 63, QC = 42, West = 52). We collected AMS milking data for 154 herds. For each farm (n = 161), milk recording data were collected and summarized by farm to calculate average milk yield and components. Multivariable regression models were used to associate herd-level formulated nutrient composition and feeding management practices with milk production and milking behavior. Milk yield (mean ± SD = 37.0 ± 0.3 kg/d) was positively associated with the PMR ether extract (EE) concentration (+0.97 kg/d per percentage point [p.p.] increase) and with farms that fed barley silage as their major forage source (n = 16; +2.18 kg/d) as compared with haylage (n = 42), whereas farms that fed corn silage (n = 96; +1.23 kg/d) tended to produce more milk than farms that fed haylage. Greater milk fat content (4.09 ± 0.28%) was associated with a greater PMR-to-AMS concentrate ratio (+0.02 p.p. per unit increase) and total diet net energy for lactation (+0.046 p.p. per 0.1 Mcal/kg increase), but a lesser percentage of NFC of the PMR (−0.016 p.p. per p.p. increase of NFC percentage). Milk protein content (3.38 ± 0.14%) was positively associated with the forage percentage of the PMR (+0.003 p.p. per p.p. increase of forage percentage) and the total diet starch percentage (+0.009 p.p. per p.p. increase of starch percentage), but was negatively associated with farms feeding corn silage (−0.1 p.p. compared with haylage) as their major forage. Greater milking frequency (2.77 ± 0.40 milkings/d) was observed on farms with free-flow cow traffic systems (+0.62 milkings/d) and was positively associated with feed push-up frequency (+0.013 milkings/d per additional feed push-up), but negatively associated with PMR NFC content and forage percentage of the total ration (−0.017 milkings/d per p.p. increase of forage percentage). Lastly, greater milking refusal frequency (1.49 ± 0.82 refusals/d) was observed on farms with free-flow cow traffic systems (+0.84 refusals/d) and farms feeding barley silage (+0.58 refusals/d) than with guided flow and farms feeding either corn silage or haylage, respectively. These data give insight into the ingredients, nutrient formulations and type of diets fed on AMS dairy farms across Canada and the association of those factors with milk production and milking behaviors.

In order to increase the kinds of jelly and improve the added value of Phyllanthus emblica L. and passion fruit, using P. emblica L. and passion fruit as main raw materials, sensory score, color and texture properties as indicators, the effects of the added amount of passion fruit juice, compound gum and erythritol on the quality of the compound jelly of P. emblica L. and passion fruit were explored by single factor experiments. On this basis, taking sensory score as the response value, the formulation of the compound jelly of P. emblica L. and passion fruit was optimized by response surface methodology. The results showed that the best formulation of the compound jelly of P. emblica L. and passion fruit was as follows: The added amount of passion fruit juice was 19%, the added amount of compound gum was 2.0% (the mass ratio of curdlan gum, konjac gum and xanthan gum was 30:3:7), and the added amount of erythritol was 26.8%. The compound jelly prepared under these conditions was orange in color, lustrous, delicate in taste, with the characteristic flavors of P. emblica L. and passion fruit being outstanding and harmonious. It tasted sweet and sour, with long sweet aftertaste, and the hardness, elasticity and chewiness were moderate. Its overall acceptability was very good, and its sensory score was 8.65 points. This study could provide a reference for the development of low-sugar compound jelly of P. emblica L. and passion fruit without adding flavor, pigment and sucrose.

Overuse of chemical pesticides for a long time has caused problems such as environmental pollution, increased resistance of microbial pathogens and excessive pesticide residues. Therefore, the use of biological control measures to reduce or replace chemical pesticides is the focus of the current national development of plant disease control. Biocontrol microorganisms have been widely used in crop disease prevention and control because of their green characteristics. Microbial pesticides can effectively control plant diseases, promote crop growth, and achieve the purpose of reducing the use of chemical pesticides. It is an important direction to promote the green prevention and control of plant diseases. Bacillus spp. is a kind of common biocontrol bacteria in microbial pesticide research and application. B. velezensis, as one of the new microbial pesticide biocontrol bacteria, has a wide distribution in nature, and can be obtained from marine, river sediment, soil, plant roots, plant tissues, animal intestines, etc. It has great development potential in the application of microbial pesticides because of its low toxicity, no pollution, wide antibacterial spectrum, strong stress resistance and ability to secrete a variety of antibacterial substances. B. velezensis controls plant diseases by producing antimicrobial substances, nutrient competition, and triggering systemic resistance responses in plants. This paper summarized the development history of B. velezensis including discovery, identification and naming, describes the biological properties and mechanism of action of its related strains, including antagonism, bacteriolysis, induction of plant resistance, competition, promotion of plant growth, etc., and reviewed the research results of B. velezensis for the biocontrol of plant fungi, bacteria, nematodes, and viruses as well as the development of the formulation, with a view to providing references to future research and applications of B. velezensis.

Expanding the range of products based on the rational use of available fish resources is a current direction for the development of the food industry of the Russian Federation. Blue catfish, a little-used fishery item in the Northern Basin, was chosen as a raw material for the development of a fish culinary paste product. Blue catfish meat is significantly watered (up to 93 % of the total mass), as a result there are currently no technologies for deep processing of fish for food purposes. During the research, the technology of a new fish culinary product "Fish cream cheese from blue catfish, enriched with iodine from White Sea kelp" has been proposed in an assortment, and recipes have been developed, optimized in the MatLab program. The amino acid composition of blue catfish meat as well as indicators of the nutritional value of new products have been considered. The energy value of 100 g of product varies from 120 to 150 kcal, the mass fraction of protein is 8.5–11 %; fat – 9–13 %; carbohydrates – 2–2.5 %. The iodine content in a unit of consumer packaging of the product "Cream cheese fish from blue catfish with pickled seaweed" was experimentally established to be 340 mcg per 100 g; a 44 g serving of this product contains 100 % of the recommended daily intake of the micronutrient (150 mcg). The developed product "Cream cheese fish from blue catfish with pickled seaweed" can be classified as "enriched with iodine" when the amount of its daily consumption (25 g) is indicated on the consumer packaging.

Brett Hauber,1 Mark V Hand,2 Bruno C Hancock,3 Joseph Zarrella,3 Ljiljana Harding,4 Michaela Ogden-Barker,5 Amy S Antipas,3 Stephen J Watt1 1Pfizer Inc, New York, NY, USA; 2Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals, Ballintaggart, Cork, Ringaskiddy, Ireland; 3Pfizer Inc, Groton, CT, USA; 4Pfizer ApS, Ballerup, Denmark; 5Pfizer Ltd, Sandwich, England, UKCorrespondence: Brett Hauber, Pfizer Inc, 66 Hudson Boulevard, New York, NY, 10018, USA, Tel +16102359462, Email Albert.Hauber@pfizer.comBackground: There is no consistent framework for patient-centric drug product design, despite the common understanding that drug product acceptability and preferences influence adherence and, therefore, drug product effectiveness. The aim of this review was to assess current understanding of patient acceptability and preferences for solid oral dosage form (SODF) drug product attributes, and the potential impact of these attributes on patient behaviors and outcomes.Patients and Methods: A scoping review was conducted. Embase, Ovid MEDLINE®, and PubMed® were searched for full-text articles published between January 2013 and May 2023. Following screening and assessment against predefined inclusion criteria, data were analyzed thematically.Results: Nineteen studies were included. Four overarching domains of drug product attributes were identified and summarized in a framework: appearance, swallowability, palatability, and handling. Each domain was informed by specific drug product attributes: texture, form, size, shape, color, marking, taste, mouthfeel, and smell. The most frequently studied domains were swallowability and appearance, while the most studied attributes were size, shape, and texture. Smell, marking, and mouthfeel were the least studied attributes. Texture intersected all domains, while form, shape, and size intersected appearance, swallowability, and handling. Swallowability and size appeared to be the key domain and attribute, respectively, to consider when designing drug products. Few studies explored the impact of drug product attributes on behaviors and outcomes.Conclusion: While existing studies of drug product attributes have focused on appearance and swallowability, this review highlighted the importance of two less well-understood domains—palatability and handling—in understanding patients’ acceptability and preferences for SODF drug products. The framework provides a tool to facilitate patient-centric design of drug products, organizing and categorizing physical drug product attributes into four overarching domains (appearance, swallowability, palatability, and handling), encouraging researchers to comprehensively assess the impact of drug product attributes on patient acceptability, preferences, and outcomes.Plain Language Summary: Medicines come in a variety of types and forms. These include tablets and capsules. Factors, such as the size and shape of tablets, can affect how people take medicines. However, patients are rarely involved in designing the medicines that they take. In this study, researchers summarized 19 studies published between 2013 and 2023. They wanted to understand how different factors, like size and shape, affect patients’ preferences, ability, and willingness to take medicines. Researchers focused on the “physical” aspects of medicines and found 4 common themes: 1) what they look like (appearance), 2) how easy they are to swallow (swallowability), 3) how they taste and feel in the mouth (palatability), and 4) how easy they are to handle (handling). Eight factors were also found: color, markings, shape, size, smell, taste, texture, and how a medicine feels in the mouth (mouthfeel). Most studies focused on what medicines look like and how easy they are to swallow. The factors that researchers mostly looked at were the size, shape, and texture of medicines. The design of medicines can impact patients of different ages, though there may be specific needs for certain groups of patients, including children, older adults, and people with certain diseases. Patient input should become a part of future medicines design to ensure their acceptability.Keywords: preference, acceptability, formulation, drug product attributes, drug product design

In order to improve the quality of whole wheat steamed bread, in this paper, stone-ground whole wheat flour with low-temperature and low-speed milling was selected, and the natural pigment of pumpkin flour was utilized to study the effect of the addition of pumpkin flour on the whole wheat flour-wheat flour mixture, and the effects of the addition of whole wheat flour, the addition of pumpkin flour, the addition of yeast, and the fermentation time on the sensory, specific volume, and chromaticity of the whole wheat steamed bread. On this basis, the sensory score was used as the response value, and the Box-Behnken experiment was used to optimize to obtain the optimal formulation of whole wheat steamed bread and the nutritional characteristics of whole wheat steamed bread were analyzed. The results showed that the influence of each factor on the sensory scores of whole wheat steamed bread was in descending order: the amount of whole wheat flour added, the amount of yeast added, and the amount of pumpkin flour added. The optimal formulation of whole wheat steamed bread was 55% wheat flour, 45% whole wheat flour, 10% pumpkin flour, 2% yeast, and fermentation time 40 min. The sensory score of whole wheat steamed bread prepared under this formulation was 97.23, which was similar to the predicted value of 97.81. The moisture content of pumpkin whole wheat steamed bread under the optimal formulation was 44.86%, the polyphenol content was 5.47 mg/g, and the flavonoid content was 2.57 mg/g. The steamed bread under the formulation had a golden color, and prominent aroma, fluffy and tasty, and possessed the unique flavors of pumpkin and whole wheat. It provides a useful reference for the deep processing and comprehensive utilization of pumpkins.

Biopesticides are pest control products derived from natural sources such as microbes, macro-organisms (insects and pathogens), plant extracts, and certain minerals. Many biopesticides are considered environmentally safe and can complement or substitute conventional chemical pesticides. They can also be highly specific or broad spectrum with a unique mode of action controlling a wide range of pest species. Due to their target-specificity and low to no environmental residuality, biopesticides conform to the 3 pillars of Climate-Smart Agriculture, the Sustainable Development Goals, and, ultimately, the Paris Agreement. This review focuses largely on microbial biopesticides derived from fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes. It discusses (i) the various microbial biopesticide formulations, (ii) the mode of microbial biopesticide action, (iii) the factors that affect the potential efficacy of biopesticides, (iv) challenges to the adoption of microbial biopesticides, and (v) the role of microbial biopesticides in Integrated Pest Management programs. Finally, advancements in application techniques, as well as future research directions and gaps, are highlighted.

Biopesticides are pest control products derived from natural sources such as microbes, macro-organisms (insects and pathogens), plant extracts, and certain minerals. Many biopesticides are considered environmentally safe and can complement or substitute conventional chemical pesticides. They can also be highly specific or broad spectrum with a unique mode of action controlling a wide range of pest species. Due to their target-specificity and low to no environmental residuality, biopesticides conform to the 3 pillars of Climate-Smart Agriculture, the Sustainable Development Goals, and ultimately, the Paris Agreement. This review focuses largely on microbial biopesticides derived from fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes. It discusses (i) the various microbial biopesticide formulations, (ii) the mode of microbial biopesticide action, (iii) the factors that affect the potential efficacy of biopesticides, (iv) challenges to the adoption of microbial biopesticides, and (v) the role of microbial biopesticides in Integrated Pest Management programs. Finally, advancements in application techniques, as well as future research directions and gaps are highlighted.

One major limitation of effective vaccine delivery is its dependency on a robust cold chain infrastructure. While Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) has been demonstrated to be an effective viral vaccine vector for diseases including Ebola, its −70 °C storage requirement is a significant limitation for accessing disadvantaged locations and populations. Previous work has shown thermal stabilization of viral vaccines with a combination of pullulan and trehalose (PT) dried films. To improve the thermal stability of VSV, we optimized PT formulation concentrations and components, as well as drying methodology with enhanced vacuum drying. When formulated in PT films, VSV can be stored for 32 weeks at 4 °C with less than 2 log PFU loss, at 25 °C with 2.5 log PFU loss, and at 37 °C with 3.1 log PFU loss. These results demonstrate a significant advancement in VSV thermal stabilization, decreasing the cold chain requirements for VSV vectored vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]