CLSM method for the dynamic observation of pH change within polymer matrices for oral delivery

If acid-sensitive drugs or cells are administered orally, there is often a reduction in efficacy associated with gastric passage. Formulation into a polymer matrix is a potential method to improve their stability. The visualization of pH within these materials may help better understand the action of these polymer systems and allow comparison of different formulations. We herein describe the development of a novel confocal laser-scanning microscopy (CLSM) method for visualizing pH changes within polymer matrices and demonstrate its applicability to an enteric formulation based on chitosan-coated alginate gels. The system in question is first shown to protect an acid-sensitive bacterial strain to low pH, before being studied by our technique. Prior to this study, it has been claimed that protection by these materials is a result of buffering, but this has not been demonstrated. The visualization of pH within these matrices during exposure to a pH 2.0 simulated gastric solution showed an encroachment of acid from the periphery of the capsule, and a persistence of pHs above 2.0 within the matrix. This implies that the protective effect of the alginate-chitosan matrices is most likely due to a combination of buffering of acid as it enters the polymer matrix and the slowing of acid penetration

Rubber Production, Utilization and Growth Trends in Nigeria (1974-2020): Implications for Climate Change

The rubber sub-sector in Nigeria is an indispensable component of contemporary agriculture and economy, providing a host of non-food products that include strategically vital products used in both domestic and critical health care settings. With crude oil contributing about 70% of Nigeria's GDP, other sectors have not fared well especially due to negligence. This study investigates how the rubber sub-sector has fared, with particular reference to rubber production and potential growth across the time span of the study period (1974-2020). Data for the study was collected from the publication of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), National Bureau of Statistics (MBS), and Nigeria Meteorological Centre (NIMET). The trend analysis, correlation and mean equality test (using the z-test) where employed in analyzing the data. The doubling and compound time growth rates were also computed. The trend results show that the estimated coefficient of the time variable was a major factor in determining quantity of rubber export and production within the time frame. Thus, quantity of rubber exported increased with time. Again, the growth rate of 19.1% for rubber production and 18.2% for rubber exports implies that the production and exportation of rubber in Nigeria increased at instantaneous levels (at a point in time). The findings further revealed a positive correlation between rubber production, exportation and climate change variables. A significant difference of (t=5.065) existed in the mean quantity of rubber production and exports within the period under review indicating that the mean quantity of rubber production was more than the exported quantity within the study period. The results of this study will therefore serve as tool to share essential information on rubber, refocus attention on the prospects of rubber production and unravel its potential for boosting the Nigerian economy. In particular, the findings will offer an opportunity for proffering lasting solutions to the unemployment situation of the country

Evaluation du risque de deces dans les syndromes coronariens aigus par le score de GRACE en Côte d’Ivoire

Rationnel : Le score de GRACE est un score recommandé pour l’évaluation pertinente du risque de décès pour une prise en charge efficiente des syndromes coronariens aigus (SCA). Objectif : Déterminer le risque de décès des SCA à Abidjan afin d’améliorer la prise en charge Matériel et Méthode : Nous avons mené une étude observationnelle transversale sur une période de quatre ans du 01 Janvier 2010 au 31 Décembre 2013. Tous les patients consécutifs âgés d’au moins 18 ans, admis en unité de soins intensifs de l’Institut de cardiologie d’Abidjan pour SCA ont été inclus. Les données épidémiologiques, cliniques et thérapeutiques ont été analysées. Le risque de décès a été évalué à partir du score de GRACE. Résultats : 370 patients ont été inclus. L'âge moyen des patients était de 55,4 ans. On notait une prédominance masculine avec un sex-ratio de 3,87. Le délai médian d’admission était de 20 heures. Dans 20,8% des cas, les patients ont bénéficié d’une angioplastie coronaire. La thrombolyse a été réalisée chez 8,3% des patients admis pour SCA ST+. Le score de GRACE moyen était de 96.36 ± 32.18. Il était significativement plus élevé en cas de SCA ST+ (p<0.01). Le taux de décès était de 10%. En analyse uni variable, le sexe féminin (p=0,005), l’insuffisance cardiaque à l’admission (p=0,01), la dysfonction ventriculaire gauche (p=0,04) et score de le score de GRACE (p<0,001) étaient associés à la survenue de décès dans les SCA avec sus décalage persistant du segment ST. Dans les SCA sans sus décalage du segment ST, le diabète (p=0,01) et la dysfonction ventriculaire gauche (p=0,02) étaient les facteurs de risque de décès. Conclusion : L’évaluation du risque de décès par le score de GRACE pourrait s’intégrer dans une évaluation plus large des patients admis pour SCA, et contribuer à améliorer leur prise en charge. English title: Mortality-risk assessment by grace score in acute coronary syndromes in Côte d’Ivoire Abstract Introduction: The GRACE score is a useful tool for mortality-risk assessment and management of patients hospitalized for an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Objective: To assess the risk of death of ACS patients in order to improve their management Patients and methods: We carried out a cross-sectional observational study over a four-year period from January 01, 2010 to December 31, 2013. All consecutive patients aged 18 years or older, who presented to intensive care unit of Abidjan Heart Institute for ACS were included. Epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic data were analyzed. The risk of death was assessed by the GRACE score. Results: 370 patients were included. The mean age was 55.4 years. There was a male predominance with a sex ratio of 3.87. The median delay between onset of symptoms and admission was 20.0 hours. In 11.1% of cases, patients underwent coronary angioplasty. Thrombolysis was performed in 8.3% of patients admitted for STEMI. The average GRACE score was 96.36 ± 32.18. It was significantly higher in STEMI (p <0.01). In NSTEMI, the risk of death was significantly higher in diabetics (p = 0.005) as well as in those with left ventricular failure (p = 0.002). In-hospital death rate was 10%. In univariate analysis, female sex (p=0.005), heart failure at admission (p=0.01), reduced ejectional fraction (p=0.04) and GRACE score (p<0.001) were associated factors for death in ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients. In non ST-elevation ACS, diabetes (p=0.01) and reduced ejectional fraction (p=0.02) were predictive factors for death. Conclusion: As used in an integrated approach, GRACE score should be a useful tool in the management of ACS patients. Key words: Acute Coronary Syndrome - GRACE score – Côte d’Ivoir

Nanoprobiotics: when technology meets gut health

Nanotechnology is a fast-rising industry not defined by a single field of research, but as the convergence of disciplines, such as chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, and engineering, which exploits the benefits of nanoscale dimensions and characteristics for application in the macroworld. Current applications vary widely from nanorobotic industry to simple household items. However, the combination of such phenomena with probiotic science, another emerging and potentially promising area for the prevention and treatment of several human gastrointestinal and extraintestinal disorders using beneficial microorganisms, gives birth to “nanoprobiotics,” a field that focuses on the application of nanoscience into the probiotic-related world. In this chapter, we will navigate through the basic nanotech and probiotic knowledge and the current technologies employed with success for probiotic delivery and, ultimately, discuss what possibilities lie ahead in the nanoprobiotic future.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio