Spectroscopic, thermal and X-ray structural study of the antiparasitic and antiviral drug nitazoxanide

Nitazoxanide [2-(acetyloxy)-N-(5-nitro-2-thiazolyl)benzamide, NTZ] is a potent antiparasitic and antiviral agent recently approved. The anti-protozoal activity of NTZ is believed to be due to interference with the pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR) enzyme dependent electron transfer reaction. As drug– enzyme interactions are governed by the three-dimensional stereochemistry of both participants, the crystal structure of NTZ was determined for the first time to identify the conformational preferences that may be related to biological activity. NTZ crystallizes as the carboxamide tautomer in the orthorhombic system, space group Pna21 with the following parameters at 100(2) K: a = 14.302(2) Å, b = 5.2800(8) Å, c = 33.183(5) Å, V = 2505.8(6) Å3 , Z = 8, Dx = 1.629 g cm3 , R = 0.0319, wR2 = 0.0799 for 5121 reflections. In addition, the spectroscopic and thermal properties were determined and related to the molecular structure. The 13C CPMAS NMR spectra showed resolved signals for each carbon of NTZ, some signals being broad due to residual dipolar interaction with quadrupolar 14N nuclei. In particular, the resonance at about 127 ppm showed multiplicity, indicating more than one molecule in the asymmetric unit and this is consistent with the crystallographic data. The DSC and TG data revealed that NTZ shows a single DSC melting peak with extrapolated onset at 201 C which is accompanied by a TG weight loss, indicating that NTZ melts with decomposition.Fil: Bruno, Flavia Paola. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Farmacia; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Caira, Mino R.. University of Cape Town; SudáfricaFil: Monti, Gustavo Alberto. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Matemática, Astronomía y Física; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola; ArgentinaFil: Kassuha, Diego Enrique. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Farmacia; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Sperandeo, Norma Rebeca. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Farmacia; Argentin

A survey based on the use of imidacloprid on green leafy vegetables in remotely located Sagar, India

The low literacy level of the vegetable growers in the selected region of India is responsible for the use of highly toxic organophosphate pesticides on green leafy vegetables. Although in the Indian market imidacloprid (less toxic) is available but due to its high price and less effectiveness compared to that of organophosphates is not preferred to control pests on green leafy vegetables. The present research is a survey-based study designed to know the insecticide management practice among insecticide dealers, vegetable growers and comparison of obtained information with chromatographic results. The combination of survey and instrumental method (micellar liquid chromatographic technique) was utilized to determine whether the information collected from vegetable growers and insecticide dealers were similar and signicantly correlated with analytical data or not. Among the selected 48 samples of green leafy vegetables, imidacloprid was detected only in 6 samples. The survey of the insecticide dealers and vegetable growers conrmed that the vegetable growers used toxic organophosphates pesticides instead of less toxic imidacloprid. Survey data collected from vegetable growers and pesticide dealers were also tested by chromatographic method and a signicant correlation was found between them, which clearly demonstrates the minimum use of safe insecticide (imidacloprid). Imidacloprid insecticide was detected on green leafy vegetables after a preliminary survey of vegetable growers and pesticide dealers. Survey results revealed the use of potentially harmful pesticides other than imidacloprid which are banned from using in vegetables. Analytical results showed signicantly less use of imidacloprid on green leafy vegetables

Analysis of thiabendazole, 4-tert-octylphenol and chlorpyrifos in waste and sewage water by direct injection – micellar liquid chromatography

A micellar liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the simultaneous quantification of the pesticides thiabendazole and chlorpyrifos, as well as an alkylphenol, which is included in pesticide formulations, i.e., 4-tert-octylphenol, in water. A sample was filtered and directly injected, avoiding large extraction steps using toxic solvents, thus expediting the experimental procedure. The contaminants were eluted without interferences in <17 min, using a mobile phase of 0.15 M sodium dodecyl sulfate – 6% 1-pentanol buffered at pH 3, running through a C18 column at 1 mL min−1 under the isocratic mode. This optimal mobile phase was selected using a statistical approach, which considers the retention factor, efficiency and peak shape of the analytes measured in only a few mobile phases. The detection was carried out by measuring absorbance at 220 nm. The method was successfully validated in terms of specificity, calibration range (0.5–10 mg L−1), linearity (r2 > 0.994), limit of detection and quantification (0.2–0.3; and 0.5–0.8 mg L−1, respectively), intra- and interday accuracy (95.2–102.9%), precision (<8.3%), and ruggedness (<9.3%). The stability in storage conditions (at least 14 days) was studied. The method was safe, inexpensive, produced little pollutant and has a short analysis time, thus it is useful for the routine analysis of samples. Finally, the method was applied to analyse wastewater from the fruit-processing industry, wastewater treatment plants, and in sewage water belonging to the Castelló area (Spain). The results were similar to those obtained by an already reliable method.This work was supported by the projects P1-1B2012-36 (Universitat Jaume I) and 11I358.01 (FACSA)

Key Aspects to Consider about Beneficial and Harmful Effects on the Central Nervous System by the Endocannabinoid Modulation Linked to New Cardiovascular Therapies

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is closely related to the central nervous system (CNS) and exerts a promising therapeutic potential on the cardiovascular system, mainly through its neuromodulatory, neuroprotective, and neuroinflammatory effects. For this reason, when designing new treatments for different cardiovascular pathologies, it is necessary to consider the side effects that such therapies can cause at the neurological level. ObjectiveTo deepens the knowledge of each cannabinoid (CB) and the molecular mechanisms that can lead to undesired results to analyze its possible use in cardiovascular therapy.MethodsThe present review analyzes the psychoactive consequences of anandamide and other similar substances such as other endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids, and synthetic cannabinoids, to assess their little-explored therapeutic potential in clinical investigations. Finally, the major behavioral tests most used until the moment to predict possible changes in the conduct of animals treated with various substances of cannabinoid nature are summarized. It has been observed that endocannabinoids have few adverse central nervous effects, unlike the phytocannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids and antagonists of CB receptors. These molecules act on typical receptors due to a similar spatial configuration; however, their structure is not identical between them. For this reason, the competition and displacement of endogenous ligands of the ECS by exogenous cannabinoids provokes an alteration in the CNS normal functioning, leading to the associated side effects. An exhaustive analysis of each cannabinoid and the molecular mechanisms that can lead to undesired results is necessary at the time of proposing them as news cardiovascular therapeutic alternatives.Fil: Martín Giménez, Virna Margarita. Universidad Catolica de Cuyo - Sede San Juan. Facultad de Ciencias de la Alimentación, Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Químicas; ArgentinaFil: Mocayar Maron, Feres Jose. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo.Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Kassuha, Diego Enrique. Universidad Catolica de Cuyo - Sede San Juan. Facultad de Ciencias de la Alimentación, Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Químicas; ArgentinaFil: Ferder, Leon Fernando. Universidad de Miami; Estados UnidosFil: Manucha, Walter Ariel Fernando. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; Argentin

Synthesis, physicochemical characterization and biological activity of anandamide/ε-polycaprolactone nanoparticles obtained by electrospraying

Drug encapsulation in nanocarriers such as polymeric nanoparticles (Nps) may help to overcome the limitations associated with cannabinoids. In this sense, our work aimed to highlight the use of electrospraying technique for the development of carrier Nps of anandamide (AEA), an endocannabinoid with attractive pharmacological effects but underestimated due to its unfavorable physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties added to its undesirable effects at the level of the central nervous system. We characterized physicochemically and evaluated in vitro biological activity of anandamide/ε-polycaprolactone nanoparticles (Nps-AEA/PCL) obtained by electrospraying in epithelial cells of human proximal tubule (HK2), to prove the utility of this method and to validate the biological effect of Nps-AEA/PCL. We obtained particles from 100 to 900 nm of diameter with a predominance of 200 a 400 nm. Their zeta potential was -20±1.86 mV. We demonstrated the stable encapsulation of AEA in Nps-AEA/PCL, as well as its dose-dependent capacity to induce the expression of iNOS and NO levels and to decrease the Na+/K+ ATPase activity in HK2 cells. Obtaining Nps-AEA/PCL by electrospraying would represent a promising methodology for a novel AEA pharmaceutical formulation development with optimal physicochemical properties, physical stability and biological activity on HK2 cells.Fil: Martín Giménez, Virna Margarita. Universidad Católica de Cuyo - Sede San Juan; ArgentinaFil: Russo, Marcos Guillermo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - San Luis. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnología Química. Universidad Nacional de San Luis. Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnología Química; ArgentinaFil: Narda, Griselda Edith. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - San Luis. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnología Química. Universidad Nacional de San Luis. Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnología Química; ArgentinaFil: Fuentes, Lucía B.. Universidad Nacional de San Luis. Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia; ArgentinaFil: Mazzei, Luciana Jorgelina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Gamarra Luques, Carlos Diego. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo; ArgentinaFil: Kassuha, Diego Enrique. Universidad Católica de Cuyo - Sede San Juan; ArgentinaFil: Manucha, Walter Ariel Fernando. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; Argentin

Determinación de la Cinética de crecimiento de Rhizopus oryzae NCIM 1299 usando escobajo de uva en experimentos de membrana

En San Juan se obtienen alrededor de 30.000 toneladas/año de escobajo de uva (EU), un residuo sólido generado en el despalillado del proceso de vinificación, atrayendo roedores/insectos, emanando mal olor y peligro de incendio. Su destino es la dispersión sobre viñedos o la incineración. Una alternativa para revalorizarlo sería usarlo como sustrato en fermentaciones en donde los desechos se inoculan con microorganismos, obteniendo metabolitos de interés. El ácido láctico (AL) se usa en las industrias alimentaria, cosmética/farmacéutica y química, con una demanda mundial de 1.220 kiloton. (2016). El AL se obtiene por síntesis biotecnológica, usando materias primas sin valor, aplicando baja temperatura de proceso, consumiendo poca energía y obteniendo AL de alta pureza, siendo la fermentación bacteriana la más usada a escala industrial

Implementation of Computer Assisted Experimental Work in Analytical Chemistry Laboratory Teaching

[EN] Computer-Assisted Experimental Work (CAEW) consists in the incorporation of computer-connected apparatus in the laboratory. This is a new insight into teaching of Classical Analytical Chemistry, wherein the experiments are usually manually conducted. However, it does not represent a complete break with traditional methodology, as the design and goal of the experiment are essentially the same. In this work, we present the implementation of CAEW to a practical included in the Laboratory part of “Analytical Chemistry IV”, taught at the fourth academic year of the Degree in Chemistry: “Potentiometric titration of a mixture of iodure and chlorure with silver”. Three couples of students used an Ag-ion selective electrode connected to a computer, while the other three couples employed a digital one. The results were comparable, though the computer-assisted method provided significant improvements, like; the students get familiar with new technologies at an accessible level, the titration can be visually followed on the screen via the titration curve, the calculations are automatically performed, allowing the detection of experimental and registration of mistakes, it avoids errors caused by the transcription and processing of the data, and the students achieve their practical disposing of the final results, and all their work corrected by the teacher.The work was carried ouy thanks to the financement of Educational Support Unit Unitat de Suport Educatiu of the University Jaume I, by projects GIE 2018/2019-Química Bioanalítica 3603 and GIE-Teaching Innovation 3603/18.Albiol Chiva, J.; Peris Vicente, J.; Ruiz Ángel, MJ.; Esteve Amorós, M.; Carda Broch, S.; Esteve Amorós, P.; Esteve Amorós, E.... (2019). Implementation of Computer Assisted Experimental Work in Analytical Chemistry Laboratory Teaching. En HEAD'19. 5th International Conference on Higher Education Advances. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 983-990. https://doi.org/10.4995/HEAD19.2019.9161OCS98399

Development and Validation of a Dissolution Test for 6 mg Deflazacort Tablets

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a dissolution test for the quality control of deflazacort (DEF) tablets, a drug mainly used for the prevention of organ transplantation rejection, labeled as containing 6 mg of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), using an RP-HPLC method. After testing sink conditions and stability at 37°C, DEF was found to be unstable, and decomposed as a function of the dissolution media. However, in water the decomposition was not significant enough to interfere with the determination of dissolution for DEF. The best conditions to carry out the dissolution test were paddle at 50 rpm, with 500 mL of deaerated water at 37°C. Under these conditions, the in vitro release profiles of 6 mg DEF tablets produced by two different laboratories, representing all approved products in the national market, shown to be dissimilar. A correlation between disintegration and in vitro dissolution was found for the two investigated formulations. The developed dissolution test was adequate for its purpose and can be applied for the quality control of 6 mg DEF tablets

Nanotecnología y enfermedad cardiovascular: Avances y aplicaciones

El amplio abanico de enfermedades cardiovasculares existentes, ha sido y es actualmente responsable de una importante cantidad de muertes y aparición de discapacidad en un enorme porcentaje de la población mundial. A pesar del gran número de alternativas farmacológicas que hoy en día se utilizan para el tratamiento de estas patologías cada vez más frecuentes, las mismas resultan insuficientes para detener o reducir significativamente la progresión de este tipo de enfermedades. Frente a esta situación, la exploración de nuevas tecnologías y estrategias que permitan la mejora o la superación de las desventajas y limitaciones que ofrecen las opciones terapéuticas convencionales para el tratamiento de enfermedades cardiovasculares, se ha convertido en uno de los principales intereses científico-tecnológicos de los últimos tiempos. Así, los avances y aplicaciones de la nanotecnología se han extendido en forma creciente logrando cubrir muchas de las demandas que presentan las terapias actuales para el tratamiento de patologías tales como hiperlipidemia, hipertensión, infarto agudo de miocardio, accidente cerebro vascular y trombosis, entre las más destacadas.Fil: Martín Giménez, Virna Margarita. Universidad Catolica de Cuyo - Sede San Juan. Facultad de Cs. de la Alimentación, Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Instituto de Investigación En Ciencias Químicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Kassuha, Diego Enrique. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Catolica de Cuyo - Sede San Juan. Facultad de Cs. de la Alimentación, Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Instituto de Investigación En Ciencias Químicas; ArgentinaFil: Manucha, Walter Ariel Fernando. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; Argentin

Nanotechnology offers a promising therapeutic approach for hypertension treatment

Hypertension is a medical condition considered one of the most important public health problems in developed countries, affecting around one billion people. Therefore, the study of its mechanisms, development and treatment is a priority. Of particular interest are the multiple contributing factors, and efforts by experts to fully understand it are also important. However, studies are currently insufficient and consequently, attention is focused on the exploration of new therapeutic approaches. This raises a growing interest in nanotechnology given the ability of certain structures to mimic the behavior of extracellular matrices. This opens a promising field in the treatment of diseases such as hypertension, where it stands to tissue engineering and its potential applications incorporating concepts such as controlled release drug, reduced side effects and receptor activation locally.Fil: Martín Giménez, Virna Margarita. Universidad Católica de Cuyo Sede San Juan; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Kassuha, Diego Enrique. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Católica de Cuyo Sede San Juan; ArgentinaFil: Manucha, Walter Ariel Fernando. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; Argentin