Crohn's Disease Associated with Sweet's Syndrome and Sjögren's Syndrome Treated with Infliximab

The association of Crohn's disease (CD) and Sweet's syndrome is rare and the presence of Sjögren's syndrome in Crohn's disease is even rarer, with only three reports found in the literature. We describe two cases of Crohn's disease associated with Sweet's syndrome, one of which is the first case of CD and Sweet's concomitantly associated with Sjögren's syndrome. Both cases responded rapidly to Infliximab therapy with complete resolution of the skin lesions

Increased Competitiveness and Work Readiness of Students Four Year Vocational High School (VHS)

This study aims to determine the level of achievement of the fourth year Vocational School education program towards increasing student competitiveness and work readiness. The main objective of the fourth year vocational program is to equip students and graduates with various competencies in order to develop graduates capabilities in finding jobs, assigning work, entrepreneurship, pursuing the work faced and renewing their work skills. This research was conducted through a literature review of references originating from the theories and results of relevant research, and continued through focus group discussions. Relevant references include the policies of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, guidance on the implementation of the fourth year vocational program, relevant research results, namely evaluations of four years vocational programs, and influencing factors in increase in competitiveness and work readiness graduates. The study found: (1) reviewed from the curriculum of fourth years vocational school graduates having more work experience in the industry in the fourth year; (2) in terms of the competency of fourth year vocational school graduates having better competence than the third year vocational program; (3) in terms of industry interest, fourth year vocational graduates have more acceptance as labor in the industry than third year graduates

Modification of the Method for the Determination of Zinc Content in Insulins by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

Scientific relevance. Zinc quantification in insulin active substances and preparations by atomic absorption spectrometry requires a sample preparation procedure using hydrochloric acid, a narcotic and psychotropic precursor. The exclusion of precursors from laboratory practice significantly reduces labour costs during analysis.Aim. This study aimed to modify the pharmacopoeial method for quantifying zinc in insulins with a view to eliminating drug precursors and to evaluate the applicability of the modified method across different insulin preparations.Materials and methods. The study considered insulin active substances and preparations of various types, dosage forms, and strengths. Zinc content determination involved using an Agilent 240FS atomic absorption spectrometer at a characteristic wavelength of 213.86 nm.Results. The authors selected the conditions for elemental analysis (nitric acid concentration, monochromator slit width, and flame stabilisation time) corresponding to the pharmacopoeial requirements for quantifying zinc in insulins (RSD ≤1.4%, standard zinc solution with a concentration of 0.8 mg/dm3, and calibration curve correlation coefficient ≥0.99). The study compared zinc content measurements in the studied insulin samples with hydrochloric acid or nitric acid as a solvent; it did not reveal any significant differences between the results obtained by the pharmacopoeial method and the modified method.Conclusions. The modified method enables analysts to quantify zinc in insulin preparations in various dosage forms without drug precursors

Determination of zinc content in insulin products by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Scientific relevance. Zinc content is a quality attribute of insulin products. The State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation requires that it should be determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). However, many pharmaceutical manufacturers currently prefer inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), which is considered the most promising method for pharmaceutical and biomedical elemental analysis.Aim. The study aimed to develop and validate an ICP-MS-based analytical procedure for zinc content determination in insulin products.Materials and methods. The study focused on human insulin, insulin lispro, insulin aspart, and insulin glargine in the form of active substances, suspensions for subcutaneous injection, and solutions for injection from different manufacturers. Zinc content was determined on an Agilent 7900 ICP-MS; the analysis included 66Zn signal intensity registration.Results. The study compared the results of zinc content determination in test samples with either hydrochloric or nitric acid used as the solvent for sample preparation. The authors selected the experimental conditions to achieve relative standard deviations (RSDs) of not more than 2.5% for the measurements. The ICP-MSbased analytical procedure was validated for its specificity, linearity, accuracy, and precision in the range of 0.4–1.6 mg/L. The authors compared the measurements of zinc content made using FAAS and ICP-MS.Conclusions. The ICP-MS-based analytical procedure for zinc content determination in insulin products meets the validation criteria. This analytical procedure, as developed and validated, may be used in the quality control of medicinal products in the Russian healthcare system and at the batch release stage of pharmaceutical manufacturing

Selective Quantification of Organic and Inorganic Arsenic in Kelp Thalli and Kelp-Based Products

Kelp can accumulate large quantities of arsenic compounds even in the absence of considerable environmental pollution. A substantial difference in toxicity between organic and inorganic arsenic compounds makes the form of arsenic relevant for the risk assessment of consuming kelp thalli and kelp-based products.The aim of the study was to develop an analytical procedure for the selective quantification of organic and inorganic arsenic in kelp thalli by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and solid-phase extraction without scheduled precursors.Materials and methods. The authors studied samples of Laminaria saccharina and Laminaria japonica, spiking mixtures of chemical compounds containing arsenic in different oxidation states, and bioactive dietary supplements based on kelp thalli. Solid-phase extraction was performed using Maxi-Clean SAX cartridges. The arsenic content was determined using an Agilent 7900 inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer.Results. Microwave-assisted extraction with deionised water ensures 91% recovery of arsenic-containing compounds from kelp thalli, and the addition of hydrogen peroxide to the extractant provides complete extraction. Solid-phase extraction with an eluent based on 3% H2O2 can extract the organic fraction from a mixture of organic and inorganic arsenic compounds without washing the inorganic fraction off the cartridge.Conclusions. The authors offer an effective analytical procedure for the selective quantification of organic and inorganic arsenic in kelp thalli and kelp-based products. This procedure allows for the isolation of arsenic-containing compounds from the organic matrix of kelp with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Solid-phase extraction with this extractant can effectively separate organic and inorganic fractions without prior neutralisation of the test solution

ASSOCIATION OF THE METABOLIC SYNDROME CONSTITUENTS WITH MARKERS OF SUBCLINICAL TARGET ORGAN DAMAGE DURING FOLLOW-UP OF INTELLECTUAL LABORERS

Aim. To evaluate the relation of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its constituents with markers of subclinical damage of target organs (TOD) in follow-up of almost healthy intellectual laborers.Material and methods. From the selection of 1600 employees of a bank we randomly selected 383 with at least one component of MS without cardiovascular disorders, of those by the end of 2 years period 331 came to final visit (response 86%). Mean age 46,6±9,0 y., mostly women (214 (64,6%)). All patients underwent anthropometry, blood pressure measurement (BP), lipids investigation, creatinine and fasting glucose, echocardiography with the assessment of the left ventricle hypertrophy (LVH), ultrasound study of carotid arteries (intima-media complex thickness — CIM, and atherosclerotic plaques), vascular rigidity assessment, anklebrachial index, albumin concentration in single portion of urine at both stages of observation.Results. While performing multiple logistic regression, presence of arterial hypertension (AH) associated with increased probability of LVH, thickening of CIM and higher vessel rigidity in standardization by gender and age. Relation of MS with the markers of TOD has not been found. In 2 years of follow-up there was a significant increase of patients with thickening of CIM (from 81 (24,5%) to 146 (44,1%), p<0,001) and decrease of LVH prevalence (from 154 (46,7%) to 109 (32,9%), p=0,003) together with significant decrease of BP and total cholesterol.Conclusion. Presence of AH is associated with higher probability of LVH and increased vessel rigidity, as atherosclerotic changes in carotid arteries. MS was not related with an increased prevalence of TOD, and the main predetermining factors for structural heart abnormalities, the vessels and kidneys, were gender and age. In 2 years of observation there was markedly decreased number of patients with LVH and kidney dysfunction at the background of BP pattern improvement, and increase of the number of patients with thicker CIM, regardless of a decrease of the hypercholesterolemia patients. In MS patients there was more common to use antihypertension treatments, that led to more prominent LVH regression

Модификация методики определения цинка в инсулинах методом атомно-абсорбционной спектрометрии

Scientific relevance. Zinc quantification in insulin active substances and preparations by atomic absorption spectrometry requires a sample preparation procedure using hydrochloric acid, a narcotic and psychotropic precursor. The exclusion of precursors from laboratory practice significantly reduces labour costs during analysis.Aim. This study aimed to modify the pharmacopoeial method for quantifying zinc in insulins with a view to eliminating drug precursors and to evaluate the applicability of the modified method across different insulin preparations.Materials and methods. The study considered insulin active substances and preparations of various types, dosage forms, and strengths. Zinc content determination involved using an Agilent 240FS atomic absorption spectrometer at a characteristic wavelength of 213.86 nm.Results. The authors selected the conditions for elemental analysis (nitric acid concentration, monochromator slit width, and flame stabilisation time) corresponding to the pharmacopoeial requirements for quantifying zinc in insulins (RSD ≤1.4%, standard zinc solution with a concentration of 0.8 mg/dm3, and calibration curve correlation coefficient ≥0.99). The study compared zinc content measurements in the studied insulin samples with hydrochloric acid or nitric acid as a solvent; it did not reveal any significant differences between the results obtained by the pharmacopoeial method and the modified method.Conclusions. The modified method enables analysts to quantify zinc in insulin preparations in various dosage forms without drug precursors.Актуальность. Хлороводородная кислота, используемая на стадии пробоподготовки при определении содержания цинка в субстанциях и препаратах инсулина методом атомно-абсорбционной спектрометрии, является прекурсором наркотических веществ и психотропных препаратов. Исключение прекурсоров из лабораторной практики заметно снижает трудозатраты при проведении анализа.Цель. Модификация фармакопейной методики определения цинка в инсулинах, направленная на исключение прекурсоров наркотических веществ, и оценка применимости модифицированной методики для анализа препаратов инсулина.Материалы и методы. Фармацевтические субстанции и препараты инсулина различных лекарственных форм и дозировок. Определение содержания цинка проводили на атомно-абсорбционном спектрометре Agilent 240FS при характеристической длине волны 213,86 нм.Результаты. Подобраны условия проведения элементного анализа (концентрация азотной кислоты, ширина щели монохроматора, время стабилизации пламени), обеспечивающие соответствие фармакопейным требованиям к определению цинка в инсулинах (RSD≤1,4% для стандартного раствора цинка с концентрацией 0,8 мг/дм3, коэффициент корреляции калибровочного графика не менее 0,99). Проведено сравнение результатов измерения содержания цинка в исследуемых образцах при использовании в качестве растворителя хлороводородной или азотной кислоты. Сравнение модифицированной методики с фармакопейной не выявило существенного расхождения в результатах определения цинка при замене хлороводородной кислоты на азотную.Выводы. Модифицированная методика позволяет проводить анализ содержания цинка в различных лекарственных формах инсулина без использования прекурсоров наркотических веществ

Определение содержания цинка в инсулинах методом масс-спектрометрии с индуктивно-связанной плазмой

Scientific relevance. Zinc content is a quality attribute of insulin products. The State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation requires that it should be determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). However, many pharmaceutical manufacturers currently prefer inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), which is considered the most promising method for pharmaceutical and biomedical elemental analysis.Aim. The study aimed to develop and validate an ICP-MS-based analytical procedure for zinc content determination in insulin products.Materials and methods. The study focused on human insulin, insulin lispro, insulin aspart, and insulin glargine in the form of active substances, suspensions for subcutaneous injection, and solutions for injection from different manufacturers. Zinc content was determined on an Agilent 7900 ICP-MS; the analysis included 66Zn signal intensity registration.Results. The study compared the results of zinc content determination in test samples with either hydrochloric or nitric acid used as the solvent for sample preparation. The authors selected the experimental conditions to achieve relative standard deviations (RSDs) of not more than 2.5% for the measurements. The ICP-MSbased analytical procedure was validated for its specificity, linearity, accuracy, and precision in the range of 0.4–1.6 mg/L. The authors compared the measurements of zinc content made using FAAS and ICP-MS.Conclusions. The ICP-MS-based analytical procedure for zinc content determination in insulin products meets the validation criteria. This analytical procedure, as developed and validated, may be used in the quality control of medicinal products in the Russian healthcare system and at the batch release stage of pharmaceutical manufacturing.Актуальность. Одним из показателей качества препаратов инсулина является содержание в них цинка. В фармакопейном анализе цинк в инсулинах определяют методом атомно-абсорбционной спектрометрии с пламенной атомизацией (ПААС). В настоящее время многие производители лекарственных средств отдают предпочтение методу масс-спектрометрии с индуктивно-связанной плазмой (ИСП-МС), который признан наиболее перспективным методом элементного анализа в фармацевтике и биомедицине.Цель. Разработка и валидация методики определения цинка в инсулинах методом ИСП-МС.Материалы и методы. В качестве объектов исследования использованы фармацевтические субстанции, суспензии для подкожного введения и растворы для инъекций инсулина человеческого, лизпро, аспарта и гларгина различных производителей. Содержание цинка определяли методом масс-спектрометрии с индуктивно-связанной плазмой с использованием прибора Agilent 7900, фиксируя интенсивность сигналов 66Zn.Результаты. Проведено сравнение результатов определения содержания цинка в исследуемых образцах при использовании в качестве растворителей при пробоподготовке хлороводородной и азотной кислот. Подобраны условия эксперимента, обеспечивающие относительное стандартное отклонение RSD результата измерения не выше 2,5%. В диапазоне 0,4–1,6 мг/л оценены специфичность, линейность, правильность и прецизионность методики определениясодержания цинка методом ИСП-МС. Проведено сравнение результатов измерения содержания цинка в испытуемых образцах с использованием методик ПААС и ИСП-МС.Выводы. Валидационные характеристики методики определения содержания цинка в инсулинах методом ИСП-МС соответствуют критериям приемлемости методики. Разработанная и валидированная методика рекомендуется к использованию при проведении экспертизы качества в системе здравоохранения России и в производстве на стадии выходного контроля готовой продукции

Селективное определение органических и неорганических форм мышьяка в слоевищах ламинарии и продуктах на их основе

Kelp can accumulate large quantities of arsenic compounds even in the absence of considerable environmental pollution. A substantial difference in toxicity between organic and inorganic arsenic compounds makes the form of arsenic relevant for the risk assessment of consuming kelp thalli and kelp-based products.The aim of the study was to develop an analytical procedure for the selective quantification of organic and inorganic arsenic in kelp thalli by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and solid-phase extraction without scheduled precursors.Materials and methods. The authors studied samples of Laminaria saccharina and Laminaria japonica, spiking mixtures of chemical compounds containing arsenic in different oxidation states, and bioactive dietary supplements based on kelp thalli. Solid-phase extraction was performed using Maxi-Clean SAX cartridges. The arsenic content was determined using an Agilent 7900 inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer.Results. Microwave-assisted extraction with deionised water ensures 91% recovery of arsenic-containing compounds from kelp thalli, and the addition of hydrogen peroxide to the extractant provides complete extraction. Solid-phase extraction with an eluent based on 3% H2O2 can extract the organic fraction from a mixture of organic and inorganic arsenic compounds without washing the inorganic fraction off the cartridge.Conclusions. The authors offer an effective analytical procedure for the selective quantification of organic and inorganic arsenic in kelp thalli and kelp-based products. This procedure allows for the isolation of arsenic-containing compounds from the organic matrix of kelp with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Solid-phase extraction with this extractant can effectively separate organic and inorganic fractions without prior neutralisation of the test solution.Ламинария способна накапливать соединения мышьяка в больших количествах даже при отсутствии заметного загрязнения окружающей среды. Из-за существенных различий в токсичности органических и неорганических соединений мышьяка при оценке риска потребления слоевищ ламинарии и продуктов на их основе актуально учитывать форму его содержания.Цель работы: разработка методики селективного определения содержания органических и неорганических форм мышьяка в слоевищах ламинарии без использования прекурсоров наркотических веществ на основе методов масс-спектрометрии с индуктивно-связанной плазмой (ИСП-МС) и твердофазной экстракции.Материалы и методы: в работе были использованы образцы слоевищ Laminaria saccharina и Laminaria japonica, модельные смеси соединений мышьяка с различной степенью окисления, биологически активные добавки к пище на основе слоевищ ламинарии. Твердофазную экстракцию проводили на картриджах Maxi-Clean SAX. Содержание мышьяка определяли с помощью масс-спектрометра с индуктивно-связанной плазмой Agilent 7900.Результаты: установлено, что микроволновая экстракция деионизированной водой обеспечивает полноту извлечения мышьяк-содержащих соединений на уровне 91%. Добавление в экстрагент пероксида водорода приводит к полному извлечению соединений мышьяка из слоевищ ламинарии. Использование при твердофазной экстракции смеси органических и неорганических соединений мышьяка элюента на основе 3% пероксида водорода позволяет извлечь органическую фракцию, не смывая при этом с картриджа неорганические соединения мышьяка.Выводы: разработана методика селективного количественного определения содержания органических и неорганических форм мышьяка в слоевищах ламинарии и продуктах на их основе, позволяющая выделять мышьяк-содержащие соединения из органической матрицы ламинарии исключительно раствором 3% пероксида водорода. Использование этого экстрагента позволяет эффективно разделять органическую и неорганическую фракции на этапе твердофазной экстракции без стадии нейтрализации испытуемого раствора

Low pH immobilizes and kills human leukocytes and prevents transmission of cell-associated HIV in a mouse model

BACKGROUND: Both cell-associated and cell-free HIV virions are present in semen and cervical secretions of HIV-infected individuals. Thus, topical microbicides may need to inactivate both cell-associated and cell-free HIV to prevent sexual transmission of HIV/AIDS. To determine if the mild acidity of the healthy vagina and acid buffering microbicides would prevent transmission by HIV-infected leukocytes, we measured the effect of pH on leukocyte motility, viability and intracellular pH and tested the ability of an acidic buffering microbicide (BufferGel(®)) to prevent the transmission of cell-associated HIV in a HuPBL-SCID mouse model. METHODS: Human lymphocyte, monocyte, and macrophage motilities were measured as a function of time and pH using various acidifying agents. Lymphocyte and macrophage motilities were measured using video microscopy. Monocyte motility was measured using video microscopy and chemotactic chambers. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) viability and intracellular pH were determined as a function of time and pH using fluorescent dyes. HuPBL-SCID mice were pretreated with BufferGel, saline, or a control gel and challenged with HIV-1-infected human PBMCs. RESULTS: Progressive motility was completely abolished in all cell types between pH 5.5 and 6.0. Concomitantly, at and below pH 5.5, the intracellular pH of PBMCs dropped precipitously to match the extracellular medium and did not recover. After acidification with hydrochloric acid to pH 4.5 for 60 min, although completely immotile, 58% of PBMCs excluded ethidium homodimer-1 (dead-cell dye). In contrast, when acidified to this pH with BufferGel, a microbicide designed to maintain vaginal acidity in the presence of semen, only 4% excluded dye at 10 min and none excluded dye after 30 min. BufferGel significantly reduced transmission of HIV-1 in HuPBL-SCID mice (1 of 12 infected) compared to saline (12 of 12 infected) and a control gel (5 of 7 infected). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that physiologic or microbicide-induced acid immobilization and killing of infected white blood cells may be effective in preventing sexual transmission of cell-associated HIV