DISSOLUTION PERFORMANCE OF MELOXICAM FORMULATIONS UNDER HYDRODYNAMICS OF USP PADDLE APPARATUS AND FLOW-THROUGH CELL METHOD

Objective: To study the in vitro dissolution performance of four generic formulations of the poorly soluble drug meloxicam and the reference under hydrodynamic environments generated by flow-through cell method and USP paddle apparatus (pharmacopeial test). Methods: Dissolution method was validated according to ICH guidelines. Dissolution profiles were carried out with an automated flow-through cell apparatus (laminar flow at 16 ml/min with 22.6 mm cells) and USP paddle apparatus at 75 rpm. Phosphate buffer pH 7.5 at 37.0±0.5 °C was used as dissolution medium. Spectrophotometric determination of drug at 362 nm was carried out during 30 min. Dissolution profiles were compared with model-dependent and-independent methods. Results: Practically, all generic formulations showed significant differences with the percentage of drug dissolved at 30 min, mean dissolution time and dissolution efficiency, when USP paddle apparatus was used (*P<0.05), while only two generic formulations were different to reference using flow-through cell method. After adjustment to different mathematical equations, Weibull function was the best model to describe meloxicam dissolution performance and significant differences were found with all drug products when USP paddle apparatus was used, while only one formulation was different with flow-through cell method. Conclusion: The study reveals the need to look for better dissolution schemes for meloxicam tablets since USP paddle apparatus may not reflect properly the in vitro dissolution performance of meloxicam generic formulations and reference

Control de legalidad en la formulación de la acusación en el sistema penal acusatorio colombiano

En el sistema procesal acusatorio colombiano al legislar el inicio formal de la etapa del juicio omitió darle un espacio para el control judicial al escrito de acusación, argumentándose que esa era precisamente una expresión de la división de funciones entre investigación y juzgamiento, empero cierto es que una ausencia absoluta de control de la acusación hace nugatoria la posibilidad de la tutela real efectiva que como principio dentro del marco del derecho al debido proceso constitucional se erige en una garantía propia del Estado Social y de Derecho fundado en el respeto irrestricto a la dignidad humana. La posición asumida por el máximo Tribunal de la jurisdicción ordinaria es que “Si el acto que concreta el resultado de las averiguaciones, como es la acusación, fuera corregido, cuestionado, o validado por el juez, actividad en la cual se comprometería inapropiadamente con su éxito reflejado en una segura condena; y no se podría pregonar la igualdad de las partes cuando la posición procesal de una de ellas es avalada por el juez llamado a dirimir la -hasta entonces- desequilibrada controversia; y qué no decir de la imparcialidad de un juez que ya ha cobijado con su aprobación una acusación que anuncia un debate que apenas comienza”. Afirmación anterior que si bien es respetable, también lo es que quien controla la acusación puede no ser el juez que ha de dirimir el debate probatorio en juicio, con lo cual se queda sin fundamento el criterio de la Corte, tal y como lo previó el legislador frente a quien ejerce funciones de control de garantías y su prohibición de conocer del juicio, o del juez de conocimiento que conoce y deniega la preclusión quedando impedido para continuar con la acción penal, es más no se compadece con la realidad procesal hoy día sobre ausencia de imparcialidad en juicio oral por el juez de conocimiento al controlar la acusación, ya que en la audiencia preparatoria se mina la convicción del tercero imparcial al valorar los argumentos de las partes (incluso de la víctimas y Ministerio Público) para resolver sobre la admisión, inadmisión, rechazo o exclusión de sus peticiones probatorias, conforme los criterios de pertinencia, admisibilidad legalidad, utilidad y necesidad de la prueba, y ello no implica necesariamente violación al debido proceso ni quiebre de imparcialidad, aunque no son pocos los escenarios judiciales donde se avista una decisión judicial desde dicha audiencia en detrimento de las garantías procesales que gobiernan el proceso penal y por su puesto la presunción de inocencia

Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Activity of Platinum Nanoparticles on Bovine-Bone Powder: A Novel Support

Pt nanoparticles supported on bovine-bone powder were obtained by a rather simple method consisting of immersing powder of bovine bone into a Pt+4 metal ion solution at room temperature and subsequent reduction by sodium borohydride.This method eliminates the calcination step of the usual catalyst preparation methods. The nanocomposite was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which revealed uniformly dispersed platinum nanoparticles with average particle size of 2.2nm ± 0.6 nm.The XPS studies exhibited the presence of 63%Pt∘ and 37%PtO.The catalytic activity was tested in the hydrogenation of 2-butyne-1,4-diol.The nanocomposite shows good catalytic performance with nearly 100% conversion and 83% selectivity towards 2-butene-1,4-diol.CONACYT 26909

Recent dynamics and condition of coral reefs in the Colombian Caribbean

Long-term monitoring data provide a basis to recognize changes in coral reef communities and to implement appropriate management strategies. Unfortunately, coral reef dynamics have been poorly documented at any temporal scale in the Southern Caribbean. Through the "National Monitoring System of Coral Reefs in Colombia" (Spanish acronym: SIMAC), we assessed 32 permanent plots at different depth levels in six reefs areas of the Colombian Caribbean from 1998 to 2004. Temporal trends in coral and algal cover were evaluated by repeated measures ANOVA. The model included the effect of depth levels (a fixed effect), monitoring plots (a random effect) as a nested factor within depths, and time (repeated factor). We found high spatial variability in major benthic components. Overall means indicated that algae were the most abundant biotic component in nearly all areas, ranging from 30.3% at Rosario to 53.3% at San Andrés. Live coral cover varied considerably from 10.1% at Santa Marta up to 43.5% at Urabá. Coral and algae cover per se are not always accurate reef indicators and therefore they need supplementary information. Temporal analyses suggested relative stability of coral and algal cover along the study but the causes for the observed trends were rarely identified. A significant decrease (p=0.042) in coral cover was only identified for some monitoring plots in Tayrona-time x plot (depth level) interaction, and importantly, few coral species explained this trend. Significant increase (p=0.005) in algal cover was observed over time for most plots in Rosario. Temporal trajectories in algal cover were influenced by depth-significant time x depth interaction-in San Andrés (increase, p=0.004) and Urabá (decrease, p=0.027). Algae trends were mainly explained by changes in algal turfs. Monitoring programs must focus on the mechanisms mediating the changes, in particular those concerning coral recovery and reef resilience in the current context of climate change. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (Suppl. 1): 107-131. Epub 2010 May 01.Este trabajo contiene el primer análisis temporal de la información obtenida por el Sistema Nacional de Monitoreo de Arrecifes Coralinos en Colombia (SIMAC). Entre 1998 y el 2004 se monitorearon un total de 32 parcelas permanentes ubicadas a diferentes niveles de profundidad en seis áreas arrecifales del Caribe colombiano. Los patrones temporales de algas y corales fueron evaluados mediante análisis de varianza de medidas repetidas. Los promedios generales indicaron que las algas dominaron en la mayoría de las áreas evaluadas, variando de 30.3% (Rosario) hasta 53.3% (San Andrés). La cobertura coralina fluctuó considerablemente entre 10.1% (Santa Marta) y 43.5% (Urabá). Los arrecifes estudiados han permanecido relativamente estables durante el periodo evaluado en términos de algas y corales. El único cambio significativo en la cobertura se detectó en algunas parcelas de monitoreo del Tayrona, y pocas especies coralinas explicaron la tendencia de disminución. En Rosario se detectó una tendencia significativa de incremento para las algas en la mayoría de las parcelas. En San Andrés y Urabá las tendencias temporales (aumento y disminución respectivamente) se presentaron en ciertos niveles de profundidad. En estas dos áreas las tendencias en la cobertura de las algas fueron explicadas principalmente por cambios en los tapetes algales. En general las causas de los patrones observados no pudieron identificarse. Los programas de monitoreo deben evaluar no solo las tendencias generales de algas y corales sino también las de sus componentes (especies de coral y grupos funcionales de algas). Así mismo, deben enfocarse en evaluar los mecanismos involucrados en los cambios, en especial aquellos relacionados con la recuperación coralina y la resiliencia arrecifal, de manera que se pueda enfrentar el deterioro arrecifal en el actual contexto de cambio climático

An early warning for better planning of agricultural expansion and biodiversity conservation in the Orinoco high plains of Colombia

The eastern high plains of the Orinoco region in Colombia are known as ‘Altillanura’. They are considered the future agricultural frontier of Colombia. Unfortunately, an agricultural expansion without taking in consideration areas of high biodiversity and conservation of fragile ecosystems that are ecologically irreplaceable will likely fail in providing a sustainable grow. An orderly management planning of the territory based on scientific evidence is currently lacking for this region. Specifically, studies that combine biodiversity data and agricultural information are a major research gap. This study analyses the spatial patterns of species richness and endemism of flora and fauna at the site and subregional levels. We compared the spatial changes of biodiversity patterns with aspects related to the expansion of the agricultural frontier and its possible impacts. We found a west-to-east pattern; sites closer to the Andes were more exposed to ecological degradation than those in the east. Santa Rosalía and Puerto Lopez are the municipalities with the most remarkable species diversity. Conversely, La Primavera municipality has the most significant number of endemic species. Our spatial changes results raise the alarm showing that hotspots of diversity closer to the municipalities of Puerto Lopez and Puerto Gaitan are under more pressure than underdeveloped municipalities (La Primavera and Puerto Carreño). Our results could serve as a baseline to identify spatial changes of agrobiodiversity and a guideline for land-use planning, regional policies and local decision-makers to improve regional development in Colombia’s eastern plains region

Ultra‐Small Platinum Nanoparticles with High Catalytic Selectivity Synthesized by an Eco‐friendly Method Supported on Natural Hydroxyapatite

The biosynthesis of Pt-nanoparticles (Pt NPs) supported on bovine bone powder was conducted by an environmentally friendly method that consists on immersing bovine bone powder into a Pt4+ metal ion solution at room temperature, atmospheric pressure and subsequent reduction by Heterotheca inuloides. It is worth pointing out that a calcination process is not required for the synthesis of this catalyst by the method reported herein. The nanocomposite was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which revealed uniformly dispersed platinum nanoparticles with quasi-spherical form and average particle size of 7.1 nm. The XPS studies exhibited the presence of 47.62% Pt° and 51.84% PtO. The catalyst activity was tested in the selective hydrogenation of 2-butyne-1,4-diol towards 2-butene-1,4-diol. The nanocomposite exhibits a reasonable catalytic performance with nearly 100% conversion of the alkyne and 96% selectivity towards 2-butene-1,4-diol.CONACY

1,4-Cyclohexanedicarboxylato-bridged cobalt coordination polymers: Synthesis, crystal structures and magnetic properties

1,4-Cyclohexanedicarboxylato-bridged cobalt coordination polymers: Synthesis, crystal structures and magnetic propertiesThree coordination polymers have been synthesized, using self-assembly solution reactions at ambient conditions, combining Co(II) ion with 1,4-ciclohexanedicarboxylic acid, in the presence of 1,10-phenantrolione and two different 2,20-bipyridines, as co-ligands: [Co(H2O)(cdc)(phen)]n (1); {[Co(H2O)(cdc)(4dmb)] 2H2O}n (2); {[Co(H2O)(cdc)(5dmb)] 3H2O}n (3), where cdc = e,a-cis-1,4-ciclohexanedicarboxylato, phen = 1,10-phenantroline, 4dmb = 4,40-dimethyl-2,20-bipyridine, and 5dmb = 5,50-dimethyl-2,20-bipyridine. Crystallographic studies show that these compounds have one-dimensional (1D) structures; Co(II) in 1–3 is six-coordinated with a distorted-octahedral coordination sphere. Complexes 2 and 3 exhibit a novel bridging motif of the cdc ligand in its equatorial, axial cis configuration. In addition, the solid-state self-assembly of the polymeric structure of 1 gives rise to a 2D supramolecular framework, mainly through hydrogen bonding. In contrast, complex 2 forms an infinite 1D supramolecular array, made of double Co ion rows bridged by hydrogen bonding interactions. Complex 3 generates an intricate 2D supramolecular framework also throughout hydrogen bonding. The thermal stabilities of the three coordination polymers were investigated. Magnetic properties measurements reveal that complexes 1–3 exhibit weak antiferromagnetic ordering with h(C-W) = 9.6, 5.8 and 7.5 K, and E2 = 0.51, 0.16 and 0.28 cm 1, accordingly to Curie-Weiss model and Rueff phenomenological approach, respectively

Moxifloxacin versus levofloxacin against acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis: the Latin American Cohort

We compared the efficacy and safety of moxifloxacin and levofloxacin for the treatment of patients with acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB) using a prospective, randomized, double blind, parallel-group clinical trial design. A total of 563 patients with AECB were enrolled (437 efficacy-valid) at 34 centers in Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. Patients were randomized to oral therapy with either moxifloxacin 400 mg once daily for 5 days or levofloxacin 500 mg once daily for 7 days. Clinical success was achieved in 201 out of 221 (91.0%) patients in the moxifloxacin group, and in 203 out of 216 (94.0%) in the levofloxacin group, indicating that moxifloxacin is equivalently effective to levofloxacin. Bacteriologic eradication or presumed eradication was also similar in the two treatment groups: 92.8% in the moxifloxacin group and 93.8% in the levofloxacin group. Nausea was the most common drug-related adverse event in each treatment group. the rate of discontinuation because of adverse events was very low (<= 2%). in conclusion, a 5-day course of moxifloxacin is clinically and bacteriologically equivalent to a 7-day course of levofloxacin in the treatment of patients with AECB. the short treatment duration with moxifloxacin may have compliance advantages over other currently used therapies in the 'real-Life' clinical setting. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Fdn LUSARA, Mexico City 08930, DF, MexicoInst Nacl Enfermedades Resp, Mexico City, DF, MexicoHosp Mi Pueblo, Buenos Aires, DF, ArgentinaUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, BrazilClin Reina Sofia, Bogota, ColombiaClin Ricardo Palma, Lima, PeruBayer Mexico, SA & CV, Mexico City, DF, MexicoUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Adverse effects of antipsychotics on sleep in patients with schizophrenia. Systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionOur objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of adverse effects on sleep in patients with schizophrenia receiving antipsychotic treatment.MethodsA systematic search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane Central, Embase, Toxline, Ebsco, Virtual Health Library, Web of Science, SpringerLink, and in Database of abstracts of Reviews of Effects of Randomized Clinical Trials to identify eligible studies published from January 1990 to October 2021. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using the CONSORT list, and the Cochrane bias tool. Network meta-analysis was performed using the Bayesian random-effects model, with multivariate meta-regression to assess the association of interest.Results87 randomized clinical trials were identified that met the inclusion criteria, and 70 articles were included in the network meta-analysis. Regarding the methodological quality of the studies, 47 had a low or moderate bias risk. The most common adverse effects on sleep reported in the studies were insomnia, somnolence, and sedation. The results of the network meta-analysis showed that ziprasidone was associated with an increased risk of insomnia (OR, 1.56; 95% credible interval CrI, 1.18–2.06). Several of the included antipsychotics were associated with a significantly increased risk of somnolence; haloperidol (OR, 1.90; 95% CrI, 1.12–3.22), lurasidone (OR, 2.25; 95% CrI, 1.28–3.97) and ziprasidone (OR, 1.79; 95% CrI, 1.06–3.02) had the narrowest confidence intervals. In addition, perphenazine (OR, 5.33; 95% CrI, 1.92–14.83), haloperidol (OR, 2.61; 95% CrI, 1.14–5.99), and risperidone (OR, 2.41; 95% CrI, 1.21–4.80) were associated with an increased risk of sedation compared with placebo, and other antipsychotics did not differ. According to the SUCRAs for insomnia, chlorpromazine was ranked as the lowest risk of insomnia (57%), followed by clozapine (20%), while flupentixol (26 %) and perospirone (22.5%) were associated with a lower risk of somnolence. On the other hand, amisulpride (89.9%) was the safest option to reduce the risk of sedation.DiscussionInsomnia, sedation, and somnolence were the most frequent adverse effects on sleep among the different antipsychotics administered. The evidence shows that chlorpromazine, clozapine, flupentixol, perospirone, and amisulpride had favorable safety profiles. In contrast, ziprasidone, perphenazine, haloperidol, and risperidone were the least safe for sleep.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42017078052, identifier: PROSPERO 2017 CRD42017078052

Repeated Mechanical Endovascular Thrombectomy for Recurrent Large Vessel Occlusion: A Multicenter Experience

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is now the standard of care for large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke. However, little is known about the frequency and outcomes of repeat MT (rMT) for patients with recurrent LVO. METHODS: This is a retrospective multicenter cohort of patients who underwent rMT at 6 tertiary institutions in the United States between March 2016 and March 2020. Procedural, imaging, and outcome data were evaluated. Outcome at discharge was evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale. RESULTS: Of 3059 patients treated with MT during the study period, 56 (1.8%) underwent at least 1 rMT. Fifty-four (96%) patients were analyzed; median age was 64 years. The median time interval between index MT and rMT was 2 days; 35 of 54 patients (65%) experienced recurrent LVO during the index hospitalization. The mechanism of stroke was cardioembolism in 30 patients (56%), intracranial atherosclerosis in 4 patients (7%), extracranial atherosclerosis in 2 patients (4%), and other causes in 18 patients (33%). A final TICI recanalization score of 2b or 3 was achieved in all 54 patients during index MT (100%) and in 51 of 54 patients (94%) during rMT. Thirty-two of 54 patients (59%) experienced recurrent LVO of a previously treated artery, mostly the pretreated left MCA (23 patients, 73%). Fifty of the 54 patients (93%) had a documented discharge modified Rankin Scale after rMT: 15 (30%) had minimal or no disability (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2), 25 (50%) had moderate to severe disability (modified Rankin Scale score 3-5), and 10 (20%) died. CONCLUSIONS: Almost 2% of patients treated with MT experience recurrent LVO, usually of a previously treated artery during the same hospitalization. Repeat MT seems to be safe and effective for attaining vessel recanalization, and good outcome can be expected in 30% of patients