IR and UV-VIS spectroscopic analysis of a new compound: N-[1-(4-hydroxyphenyl) aminoethilyden]-4-[1-(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-6,7-dihydronaphtalen-2-yl)-ethenyl] phenylcarbohydrazide

INTRODUCTION: Hydrazones are compounds that can be considered as hydrogenated azo compounds or as derivatives of hydrazine (H2N-NH2) in the structure of which one hydrogen atom at each nitrogen is replaced by a hydrocarbon group. In this work, we discuss the possibilities for analysis of a newly synthesized hydrazone of the retinoid bexarotene with acetaminophen using infrared (IR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy.  AIM: The purpose of this study is to perform Fourier-transfrom infrared (FTIR) and UV-VIS spectroscopic analysis of a newly synthesized hydrazone of bexarotene. MATERIALS AND METHODS: А newly synthesized hydrazone derivative was obtained according to the basic scheme of synthesis of bexarotene analogs. Infrared spectra 500-4000 cm-1 were taken on a Bruker FTIR spectrometer using ATR—a plug with a Smart iTR adapter. Spectra in the range 190–325 nm were recorded using UV-VIS spectrophotometer T60 UV with UVWin Software 6.0. RESULTS: After a detailed comparison of the data obtained in the IR analysis of the reagents and the newly obtained hydrazone, a similar position and intensity of the spectral bands are reported. However, there are displacements in spectral bands and significant differences corresponding to the structural changes that have occurred. Different values for the wavelength of maximum absorption were measured with a UV-VIS spectrophotometer for bexarotene, Paracetamol, and the newly synthesized compound. CONCLUSION: In order to confirm the data obtained by FTIR and UV-VIS spectroscopy, a further reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet (HPLC-UV) analysis of the new hydrazone derivative should be performed

Best Practice Documents for coexistence of genetically modified crops with conventional and organic farming. 2. Monitoring efficiency of coexistence measures in maize crop production

The present technical report deals with monitoring the efficiency of measures/strategies for coexistence between genetically modified (GM) and non-GM maize crop production. The report is a follow up of the best practices for coexistence in maize crop production proposed by the Technical Working Group (TWG) for Maize of the European Coexistence Bureau (ECoB). The ECoB TWG maize held three meetings in October 2010, June 2012 and November 2012 and examined state-of-art-knowledge from scientific literature, research projects and empirical evidence provided by numerous finished and ongoing studies looking at the appropriate level of monitoring, monitoring strategy, sampling and testing issues, detection methods, analysis of results and possible follow up. The review of this information (coming from a total of 55 references) is presented in a structured manner in Section 3 and 4 of the document. The overview of the activities carried out by EU Member States for monitoring effectiveness/efficiency of coexistence measures in maize crop production (Section 3), shows a still limited experience in practical terms, due to the limited experience in commercial cultivation of GM maize in most EU Member States. However, the present report provides technical guidance to those responsible for monitoring the efficiency of coexistence strategies.JRC.J.4-Agriculture and Life Sciences in the Econom

Analysis of Gentamicin Sulfate in Medicinal Products After Expiry Date

Gentamicin is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics in the aminoglycoside class of drugs. This is largely due to its spectrum of action, low cost, and affordability. It is both effective against gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. Gentamicin has no oral absorption, so there are no oral dosage forms. There are various commercial products on the market that contain gentamicin in the form of solutions for intramuscular and intravenous administration, eye dosage forms, as well as those for external applications. For the purposes of the present study, by using a UV-VIS spectrophotometer, we have determined the content of gentamicin in an injectable dosage form at a concentration of 40 mg/mL in ampoules with an expiration date of 2016 or 2017

Antibacterial activity of 4-isopropyl-phenyl-methylidene-4- [1- (3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-6,7-dihydronaphthal-2-yl) ethenyl] benzohydrazyde

The increase in antibiotic resistance of microorganisms encourages the constant search for new compounds. Studies on the activity of hydrazones identify them as promising compounds for further microbiological research. The aim of the present study is to determine the antibacterial activity of newly synthesized 4-isopropyl-phenyl-methylidene-4- [1- (3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-6,7-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl) ethe- nyl] benzohydrazide, an analog of the antineoplastic preparation bexarotene. The assay was performed against clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus

Best practice document for the coexistence of genetically modified potato with conventional and organic farming

The Technical Working Group (TWG) for Potato is the fourth one of the European Coexistence Bureau (ECoB) and is established for elaboration of the coexistence issues between genetically modified (GM) potato cultivation and non-GM potato and honey production in the EU. The present technical report analysed the possible sources for potential cross-pollination with GM potato and adventitious admixture of GM potato material such as seeds and pollen and presents consensually agreed by TWG for Potato best practices for coexistence. The terms of reference for this review are presented in Section 1. The scope of the Best Practice Document is coexistence in potato production in the EU. It includes the coexistence between GM potato cultivation and honey production. The ECoB TWG for Potato held two meetings in November 2015 and May 2016 and examined the state-of-the-art from scientific literature, research projects and empirical evidence provided by existing studies for segregation in potato production looking at the factors determining the cross-pollination rates in potato as well as other sources of admixture of GM material in conventional potato harvests and EU-produced honey. The review of this information (coming from a total of 155 references) is presented in a structured manner in Sections 4-6 of this document. Finally, the TWG for Potato reviewed the up to date approaches for the detection and identification of traces of GM potato material in non-GM potato harvests and honey (Section 7). The TWG for Potato of the ECoB, based on the analysis of the evidence summarised in this document submitted proposals for best management practices, which form the ground for the agreed consensus recommendations presented in Section 8, complemented by an ex-ante view about their economic impact (Section 9).JRC.D.4-Economics of Agricultur

KINETIC MODELING ON AMIDE HYDROLYSIS, DRUG RELEASE AND MUCOSAL PERMEATION OF INDOMETHACIN IN THE COMPOSITION OF SELECTED SEMISOLID VEHICLES

The present study aims to reveal the role of a semi-solid vehicle in the composition of Indomethacin dosage forms for their physical and chemical stability, in vitro and ex vivo behavior. Three types of hydrogels and emulgels were prepared with gelling agents Methylcellulose 2%, Poloxamer 407 20% and Carbomer 940 1%. Each preparation was observed for physical and chemical stability at 5°C and 25°C within 3 months. Test formulations, along with USP standard Indomethacin gel and combined marked product Indextol,were subjected to in vitro drug release test and ex vivo permeation study, using porcine intestinal mucosa on Franz diffusion cell. A hypothesis was built to predict steady-state plasma concentration (Css) of Indomethacin for each formulation following mucosal administration. Results revealed sustained chemical stability of all emulgels for the period observed and significantly lower chemical stability of the corresponding hydrogels. Methylcellulose hydrogel (at both temperatures) and emulgel (at 25°C) showed signs of phase separation, while all other formulations kept their physical appearance for the duration of the study. Methylcellulose emulgel along with Poloxamer 407 hydrogel showed highest cumulative drug release in 12 hours (58.01% and 55.00%, respectively). Same formulations exhibited also highest drug permeation rate (Jss) through mucosa (10.55 µg.cm-2.h-1 and 13.20 µg.cm-2.h-1, respectively) and highest predicted value of plasma concentration (Css up to 100.49 µg.l-1 and 125.71 µg.l-1, respectively), whereas highest drug deposition in mucosal tissue was detected for Poloxamer 407 emulgel (2.1 mg.cm-3)

Synthesis, Characterization and Toxicity Study of Bexarotene Esters // Синтез, охарактеризиране и изследване на токсичността на естери на Бексаротен

Retinoids are used in the treatment of skin diseases and some types of cancer. Their role in vision, embryonic development, regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation, homeostasis and various aspects of metabolism is of interest to researchers. However, their application is limited due to their toxicological profile. One of the approaches to improving the pharmaceutical properties of drugs is molecular design. It aims to improve the chemotherapeutic index and specific action. The use of such an approach aims at the synthesis of new retinoid analogues with improved pharmacological properties, tolerance and reduced toxicity. Synthesizing prodrugs is one of the most commonly applied molecular design methods. It is based on modifying the physicochemical properties of the drug in order to overcome a deficiency. The goals are to improve the efficacy, selectivity and reduce the toxicity of drugs, as well as to optimize the properties of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion. The retinoid bexarotene is approved for treating CTCL refractory to at least one systemic therapy. There is growing interest in the possible effect of treating neurological diseases. Due to the potential of bexarotene for application in oncology and its ability to modulate a number of physiological effects, there is a growing interest in the synthesis and characterization of its new derivatives and the investigation of their possibilities for new therapeutic applications.Ретиноидите намират приложение при лечението на кожни заболявания и някои видове рак. Тяхната роля в зрението, ембрионалното развитие, регулацията на клетъчна пролиферация и диференциация, хомеостазата и различните аспекти на метаболизма поражда интерес за изследователи. Приложението им обаче е ограничено поради техния токсикологичен профил. Един от подходите за подобряване фармацевтичните свойства на лекарствата е молекулния дизайн. Той има за цел да подобри химиотерапевтичния индекс и специфичното действие. Използването на такъв подход има за цел синтез на нови ретиноидни аналози с подобрени фармакологични свойства, толерантност и намалена а токсичност. Синтезирането на предлекарства е един от най-често приложимите методи за молекулен дизайн. Той се основава на модифициране на физико-химичните свойства на лекарството с цел преодоляване на недостатък. Цели се подобряване на ефикасността, селективността и намаляване на токсичността на лекарствата, както и оптимизиране на свойствата на абсорбция, разпределение, метаболизъм и екскреция. Ретиноидът Бексаротен е одобрен за лечение на CTCL, рефрактерен на поне една системна терапия. Нараства интересът към възможния ефект при лечение на неврологични заболявания. Поради потенциала на Бексаротен за приложение в онкологията и способността му да модулира редица физиологични ефекти нараства интереса в синтеза и охарактеризирането на нови негови производни и изследване на възможностите им за нови терапевтични приложения, включително пролекарства

The European Coexistence Bureau: 5 years' experience

The European Coexistence Bureau (ECoB) was established in 2008 to help European Union member states identify best practices for technical segregation measures between GM and non- GM crops and, on these bases, develop guidelines for crop-specific measures for coexistence. The ECoB works with EU member states’ experts, managed by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre staff; the ECoB works in consultation with stakeholders. The ECoB deals with best practices of coexistence at the technical and agronomic level, excluding related administrative or legal issues. Since its establishment, the ECoB has focused on coexistence in GM maize production, since this remains the only GM crop cultivated in EU countries. The ECoB has produced Best Practice Documents (BPDs) for (i) coexistence of GM maize crop production with conventional and organic farming, (ii) monitoring efficiency of coexistence measures in maize crop production, and (iii) coexistence of GM maize and honey production. An overview on similar efforts and expert groups, which are beginning to appear outside the European Union (United States, Canada, and Brazil) for development of coexistence guidelines, is also presented.JRC.J.4-Agriculture and Life Sciences in the Econom

European Coexistence Bureau. Best Practice Documents for coexistence of genetically modified crops with conventional and organic farming. 3. Coexistence of genetically modified maize and honey production

The Technical Working Group (TWG) for Maize of the European Coexistence Bureau (ECoB) analysed in 2010 the best practices for coexistence between GM maize crop production with non-GM maize . In this document the analysis is extended to the coexistence between GM maize crop production and honey production in the EU. The TWG assessed if any further coexistence measure to those currently recommended in the previous document was required to limit adventitious presence of GM maize pollen in honey avoiding economic loses for producers. The terms of reference for this review are presented in Section 1. An overview of the structure of the honey-producing sector in Europe is given in Section 2. The EcoB TWG maize held two meetings in June and November 2012 and examined state-of-art-knowledge from scientific literature, study reports and empirical evidence provided by numerous finished and ongoing studies looking at the factors determining the presence of pollen in general or maize pollen (even specifically GM maize pollen) in samples of EU produced honey. In addition to biological factors (related to honeybee behaviour and maize pollen characteristics) the TWG also analysed existing mandatory quality standards that impact the eventual presence of pollen in commercial honey. The review of this information (coming from a total of 132 references) is presented in a structured manner in Section 3 of this document. Finally, the TWG reviewed the state of the art and possibilities for the detection and identification of traces of GM maize pollen in honey (Section 4). The analysis of existing information indicates that total pollen presence in honey ranges between 0.003 to 0.1 % in weight. Considering the share of maize pollen in total pollen found in honey, the extrapolated figures for maize pollen in honey would be around an order of magnitude lower. Nevertheless, it is important to stress that studies aiming at the detection/identification of this trace-levels of maize pollen are usually carried out with morphological identification and counting of pollen grains, and that a routine DNA analysis based on validated PCR protocol able to quantify total pollen in honey is unavailable. Once such a method could be found, the maize pollen fraction as well as the GM-pollen fraction of the total pollen could be established. In conclusion, the TWG maize of the ECoB, based on the analysis of the evidence summarised in this document concludes that no changes in the Best practice document on maize coexistence of July 20101 are necessary to ensure that adventitious presence of GM maize pollen in honey is far below legal labelling thresholds and even below 0.1 %.JRC.J.4-Agriculture and Life Sciences in the Econom

Study on physical and chemical stability of different indomethacin semi-solid formulations

Introduction: Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for the treatment of many inflammatory conditions. Formulation of indomethacin dosage forms and enhancement of drug bio­availability is quite challenging considering its poor solubility in water, as well as in oils, and its con­siderable chemical instability due to hydrolysis. The purpose of the study was to assess physical and chemical stability of different indomethacin semi-solid formulations eligible for mucosal application as a function of the semi-solid base used. Furthermore, based on the experimental data, to predict and optimize formulations stability during storage and shelf life.Materials and Methods: All experimental formulations were prepared with 1% indomethacin as ac­tive ingredient. Three types of gelling agents were used - Methylcellulose, Poloxamer 407 and Car­bomer 940 - for the preparation of hydrogels and emulgels. Experimental formulations were tested along with USP standard indomethacin 1% gel and marketed in Bulgaria as a combined paste with indomethacin - Indextol. Samples were stored and observed for physical stability at 4 0C and 25 0C for three months. Formulations that exhibited satisfactory physical stability were subjected to an ac­celerated chemical stability test at 100 0C in order to determine drug hydrolysis kinetics and predict product shelf life.Results: Tests reveal better physical stability of emulgels compared to corresponding hydrogels. Hy­drogel with Methylcellulose was found to form a sediment at both temperatures in a few weeks. Emul­gel bases with Poloxamer 407 and Carbomer 940 showed the best potential to prevent drug hydrolysis and improve chemical stability.Conclusions: Simple hydrogels with indomethacin did not show satisfactory physical and chemical stability, which justifies the use of more complex formulations such as emulgels. Furthermore, emul­gel with Poloxamer 407 exhibited potential for much longer shelf life than standard indomethacin semi-solid formulations