Cyclodextrin modulation of gallic acid in vitro antibacterial activity

The substitution of large spectrum antibiotics for natural bioactive molecules (especially polyphenolics) for the treatment of wound infections has come into prominence in the pharmaceutical industry. However, the use of such molecules depends on their stability during environmental stress and on their ability to reach the action site without losing biological properties. The application of cyclodextrins as a vehicle for polyphenolics protection has been documented and appears to enhance the properties of bioactive molecules. Therefore, the encapsulation of gallic acid, an antibacterial agent with low stability, by -cyclodextrin, (2-hydroxy) propyl--cyclodextrin and methyl--cyclodextrin, was investigated. Encapsulation by -cyclodextrin was confirmed for pH 3 and 5, with similar stability parameters. The (2-hydroxy) propyl--cyclodextrin and methyl--cyclodextrin interactions with gallic acid were only confirmed at pH 3. Among the three cyclodextrins, better gallic acid encapsulation were observed for (2-hydroxy) propyl--cyclodextrin, followed by -cyclodextrin and methyl--cyclodextrin. The effect of cyclodextrin encapsulation on the gallic acid antibacterial activity was also analysed. The antibacterial activity of the inclusion complexes was investigated here for the first time. According to the results, encapsulation of gallic acid by (2-hydroxy) propyl--cyclodextrin seems to be a viable option for the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections, since this inclusion complex has good stability and antibacterial activity.The authors are grateful for the FCT Strategic Project PEst-OE/EQB/LA0023/2013 and the Project "BioHealth-Biotechnology and Bioengineering approaches to improve health quality", Ref. NORTE-07-0124-FEDER-000027, co-funded by the "Programa Operacional Regional do Norte" (ON.2-O Novo Norte), QREN, FEDER. The authors also acknowledge the project "Consolidating Research Expertise and Resources on Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology at CEB/IBB", Ref. FCOMP-01-0124-FEDER-027462. This work is, also, funded by FEDER funds through the Operational Programme for Competitiveness Factors-COMPETE and National Funds through FCT-Foundation for Science and Technology under the project PEst-C/CTM/UI0264/2011. Additionally, the authors would like to thank the FCT for the grant for E. Pinho (SFRH/BD/62665/2009)

Analysis of chlorpheniramine in human urine samples using dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction combined with high-performance liquid chromatography

A simple and environmentally friendly microextraction technique was used for determination of chlorpheniramine (CPM), an antihistamine drug, in human urine samples using dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) followed by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). In this extraction technique, an appropriate mixture of acetonitrile (disperser solvent) and carbon tetrachloride (extraction solvent) was rapidly injected into the urine sample containing the target analyte. Tiny droplets of extractant were formed and dispersed into the sample solution and then sedimented at the bottom of the conical test tube by centrifugation. Under optimal conditions, the calibration curve was linear in the range of 0.055-5.5 µg mL-1, with a detection limit of 16.5 ng mL-1. This proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of real urine samples. Low consumption of toxic organic solvents, simplicity of operation, low cost and acceptable figures of merit are the main advantages of the proposed technique

Clinical Findings of Arthroscopic Release in Treatment of ‎Primary Frozen Shoulder ‎

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Frozen shoulder is a common condition, characterized by pain and restrictions in shoulder movements. Different non-surgical and surgical methods are used to overcome this condition. Given the high prevalence of frozen shoulder among the working class in communities, re-empowerment is essential for individuals’ return to daily activities. Considering the contradictory results reported by previous research, further investigations are required in this area. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the clinical findings of arthroscopic release in treatment of primary frozen shoulder. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on all patients with primary frozen shoulder, referring to Bahonar and Shafa Hospitals of Kerman, Iran. These patients were candidates for surgery due to unsuccessful supportive treatment. First, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) assessment form (score: 0-100) and Simple Shoulder Test (a 12-item questionnaire) were completed before surgery. Then, all patients underwent arthroscopic release and examinations. The assessment forms were completed again within 3 and 12 months after surgery. FINDINGS: Overall, 15 patients with the mean age of 50.57±12.01 years were included in this study. There was a significant difference in the mean score of SST before (10.21±0.98) and after (10.98±1.05) surgery (p=0.034). Also, patients’ performance at 12-month follow-up significantly improved, compared to the three-month follow-up (p=0.014). There was a significant difference in the mean scores of ASES test before and after surgery (p=0.007). Also, the mean score of ASES test was higher at 12-month follow-up, compared to the three-month follow-up (p=0.019). CONCLUSION: Overall, arthroscopic release could help relieve pain and improve the range of shoulder movements in patients. Moreover, it could help patients return to their daily activities and regain their productivity. In fact, this technique facilitates simultaneous diagnosis and treatment of shoulder joint problems