Validación de la metodología para cuantificar el fluconazol y sus impurezas orgánicas en materia prima por cromatografía líquida de alta resolución / Method validation for the quantification of fluconazole and its organic impurities in raw material using high-performance liquid chromatography

Introducción. La eficiencia de una metodología para analizar una sustancia farmacológica puede verse afectada por las condiciones reales del laboratorio de cada país, incluyendo el clima. Por esta razón, se requiere validar el método con las pautas recomendadas para ello y optimizar el proceso, para asegurar el éxito y la confianza en los resultados. Objetivo. Validar una metodología para la cuantificación simultánea del fluconazol (materia prima) y sus impurezas orgánicas mediante cromatografía líquida de alta resolución con detector de arreglo de diodos en condiciones de clima tropical y con todos los requisitos normativos. Materiales y métodos. Se hicieron pruebas previas a la validación del método: idoneidad del sistema, estudio de filtros, límite de cuantificación, ausencia del error sistemático, estudios de degradación forzada y estabilidad de las soluciones. Además, se validaron: la especificidad, la linealidad, la exactitud, la precisión y la robustez. Resultados. La pureza espectral del método se logró al obtener la separación de los productos de degradación de los picos de los analitos. La estabilidad de las soluciones no se vio afectada, en la frecuencia evaluada de 24 horas, a temperatura ambiente y de refrigeración. Se obtuvo una linealidad con coeficientes de correlación mayores o iguales a 0,999 para la valoración y mayores o iguales a 0,997 para las impurezas. La recuperación estuvo en el rango de 98 a 102,0 % de fluconazol, con una exactitud entre el 80 y el 120 % para las impurezas. El factor de repetibilidad y reproducibilidad no superó la desviación estándar relativa del 2,0 % para la valoración y, la del 5,0 %, para las impurezas, lo cual mostró una solidez adecuada del método. Además, se obtuvo un tiempo corto de ejecución del análisis, lo que permitió la rápida determinación de la calidad de la materia prima. Conclusión. Se demostró que el método de cuantificación de fluconazol, validado por cromatografía líquida de alta resolución con detector de arreglo de diodos, es lo suficientemente selectivo, preciso, exacto, lineal y robusto; además, es capaz de generar resultados analíticos veraces en condiciones de uso reales, incluyendo el clima tropical de Colombia.

Introduction. The real laboratory conditions of each country, including climate, can affect the method's efficiency in analyzing a pharmacological substance. Thus, it is necessary to validate the process according to the corresponding guidelines and optimize it to ensure success and confidence in the results. Objective. The objective was to validate a methodology for fluconazole and its organic impurities quantification in raw material using high-performance liquid chromatography, with a diode array detector, under tropical climate conditions, and complying with all regulatory requirements. Materials and methods. We performed pre-validation tests of the method consisting of system adequacy, filters study, quantification limit, absence of systematic error, forced degradation studies, and solutions stability. In addition, we validated the specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, and robustness of the system. Results. Separation of the degradation products from the analyte peaks allowed the achievement of the method's spectral purity. The solution's stability was not affected during the evaluated time (24 hours) at room temperature and under refrigeration. Linearity resulted in correlation coefficients greater than or equal to 0.999 for the evaluation and greater than or equal to 0.997 for impurities. We obtained a fluconazole recovery varying from 98 to 102% with an accuracy between 80 to 120% for impurities detection. The repeatability and reproducibility factor did not exceed a relative standard deviation of 2.0% for the evaluation and of 5.0% for the impurities, demonstrating the adequate robustness of the method. In addition, a short analysis execution time allowed the quick determination of the raw material quality. Conclusion. We demonstrated that the fluconazole quantification method validated by high-performance liquid chromatography is sufficiently selective, precise, exact, linear, and robust to generate accurate analytical results under real conditions, including the tropical climate of Colombia.

Research status of insect infestation of Chinese medicinal materials during storage / 中国中药杂志

During the storage process, Chinese medicinal materials are susceptible to insect infestation due to their own nature and external storage factors. Infestation by insects can have varying impacts on the materials. In mild cases, it affects the appearance and reduces consumer purchasing power, while in severe cases, it affects the quality, reduces medicinal value, and introduces impurities such as insect bodies, excrement, and secretions, resulting in significant contamination of the medicinal materials. This study reviewed the rele-vant factors influencing insect infestation in Chinese medicinal materials and the compositional changes that occur after infestation and summarized maintenance measures for preventing insect infestation. Additionally, it provided an overview of detection techniques applicable to identifying insect infestation during the storage of Chinese medicinal materials. During the storage process, insect infestation is the result of the combined effects of biological factors(source, species, and population density of insects), intrinsic factors(moisture, chemical composition, and metabolism), and environmental factors(temperature, relative humidity, and oxygen content). After infestation, there are significant changes in the content of constituents in the medicinal materials. By implementing strict pre-storage inspections, regular maintenance after storage, and appropriate storage and maintenance methods, the occurrence of insect infestation can be reduced, and the preservation rate of Chinese medicinal materials can be improved. The storage and maintenance of Chinese medicinal materials are critical for ensuring their quality. Through scientifically standardized storage and strict adherence to operational management standards, the risk of insect infestation can be minimized, thus guaranteeing the quality of Chinese medicinal materials.

Design and application of a new transoral gastric tube for extraction and storage of gastric contents / 中华危重病急救医学

Difficulty in swallowing is a common symptom in stroke patients, and nasogastric tubes are routinely used to solve the nutritional support problem of these patients. The existing nasogastric tube have the disadvantages of causing aspiration pneumonia and patient discomfort. The traditional transoral gastric tube has no one-way valve switch and gastric content storage device, and cannot be fixed in the stomach, resulting in reflux of gastric contents, inability to fully understand the digestion and absorption of gastric contents, and accidental dislocation of the gastric tube, affecting further feeding and gastric content detection. For these reasons, the medical staff of the department of gastroenterology and colorectal surgery of Jilin University China-Japan Union Hospital designed a new transoral gastric tube that can extract and store gastric contents, and was granted a national utility model patent of China (ZL 2020 2 1704393.1). The device consists of collection, cannula and fixation modules. The collection module includes three parts. Gastric contents storage capsule, which can clearly visualize the gastric contents; three-way switch, which can be controlled by rotating the pathway, makes the pathway exist in different states, which is convenient for medical personnel to extract gastric juice, as well as perform intermittent oral tube feeding on the patient or close the pipeline, and reduce contamination and prolong the service life of the gastric tube; one-way valve, which can effectively avoid the contents of the reflux back into the stomach. The tube insertion module includes three parts. A graduated tube, which can enable the medical staff to effectively identify the insertion depth; a solid guide head, which makes the insertion of the tube through the mouth more smoothly; the gourd-shaped passageway, which effectively avoids the blockage of the tube. The fixation module is a water-filled balloon, which is properly filled with water and air. After the pipe is inserted through the mouth, it can be injected with water and gas properly to avoid accidental withdrawal of the gastric tube. Intermittent oroesophageal tube feeding of patients with dysphagia after stroke through a transoral gastric tube that can extract and store gastric contents can not only accelerate the recovery process of patients and shorten the hospitalization time, but also transoral enteral nutrition can effectively promote the recovery of patients' systemic systems, which has certain clinical use value.

Application and prospect of stable isotope technology in tracing geographical origin of Chinese herbal medicines / 中国中药杂志

As a unique medical resource in China, Chinese herbal medicine plays a key role in the prevention and treatment of human diseases. With the gradual expansion of applications, the quality of Chinese herbal medicine has become the focus of attention. The quality of Chinese herbal medicines depends largely on their source authenticity. Tracing the origin of Chinese herbal medicines plays an important role in ensuring their quality and efficacy and reducing the mixing and adulteration of Chinese herbal medicines from different regions. Stable isotope technology, as a key technology for origin tracing of agricultural products and food, has been used in the research of Chinese herbal medicines from multiple sources and origins in recent years. This new technological means contributes to standardizing the origin of Chinese herbal medicines and controlling their quality from the source. Apart from introducing the basic principles of stable isotope technology and the characteristics of common stable isotopes, this study reviewed the application status of light and heavy stable isotopes in the origin tracing of Chinese herbal medicines and their correlation with ecological factors, and forecasted the application prospect of this technology in the authentication of Chinese herbal medicines, aiming to provide reference for the geographical origin tracing of Chinese herbal medicines and promote the sustainable development of traditional Chinese medicine.

Methods for synchronous detection of 14 mycotoxins in Pseudostellariae Radix and investigation on its contamination / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to establish a method for synchronous detection of 14 mycotoxins in Pseudostellariae Radix and investigate its contamination with mycotoxins, so as to provide technical guidance for monitoring the quality of Chinese medicinal materials and medication safety. The sample was extracted with 80% acetonitrile in an oscillator for 1 h, purified using the modified QuEChERS purifying agent(0.1 g PSA + 0.3 g C_(18) + 0.3 g MgSO_4), and separated on a Waters HSS T3 chromatographic column(2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.8 μm). The gradient elution was carried out with 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile, followed by the scanning in the multi-reaction monitoring(MRM) mode and the analysis of mycotoxin contamination in 26 Pseudostellariae Radix samples. The recovery rates of the established method were within the range of 82.17%-113.6%, with the RSD values less than 7% and the limits of quantification(LOQ) being 0.019-0.976 μg·kg~(-1). The detection rate of 14 mycotoxins in 26 batches of medicinal materials was 53.85%. The detection rate of sterigmatocystin(ST) was the highest, followed by those of zearalenone(ZEN), aflatoxin G_2(AFG_2), fumonisin B_1(FB_1), HT-2 toxin, and nivalenol(NIV). Their respective detection rates were 38.46%, 26.92%, 23.08%, 11.54%, 11.54%, and 7.69%, with the pollution ranges being 1.48-69.65, 0.11-31.05, 0.11-0.66, 0.28-0.83, 20.86-42.56, and 0.46-1.84 μg·kg~(-1), respectively. The established method for the detection of 14 mycotoxins is accurate, fast and reliable. The research results have very important practical significance for guiding the monitoring and prevention and control of exogenous fungal contamination of Chinese medicinal materials.

Preservation fluid cultures. Clinical significance in liver transplantation / Cultivos de líquido de preservación en trasplante hepático. Significancia clínica

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of preservation fluids (PF) bacterial positive cultures, identify the germs involved, determine their correlation with infections in recipients during the postoperative period and compare outcomes in terms of morbidity, hospital stay and both patient and graft survival. We describe incidence and etiology of germs developed in PF cultures in our series and evaluate its impact on recipients. A prospective study in deceased donor liver transplants (LT) recipients was carried out from January 2014 to December 2017. Back table PF cultures were analized considering positive the development of any germs and negative to no signs of growth after 5 days. PF were classified as contamination or pathogens. Targeted antibiotic therapy was administered in the last ones. Recipients were divided in: PF (-) and PF(+). Recipients infections related to positive PF were analyzed. These were identified as "direct correlation" when the same germ grew up in PF. Hospital stay and 30 days follow up were compared. Eighty-eight patients PFs were included, 38% (33) had positive cultures, 28 (85%) of these were considered contamination and only 5 as pathogens. We found no differences in postoperative infections (p 0.840), ICU and total hospital stay (p 0.374 and 0.427) between both groups. Postoperative infections and hospital stay seem not to be influenced by PF cultures positivity. Treatment of isolated pathogens could have prevented infections, therefore, those groups that perform PF cultures should consider treatment in these cases and conclude prophylaxis when PF is negative or contaminated.

Resumen Las infecciones bacterianas son frecuentes en pacientes sometidos a trasplante hepático. Describimos la incidencia y etiología de los cultivos de líquidos de preservación (LP) positivos en nuestra serie y analizamos su importancia clínica. Se trata de un trabajo prospectivo de pacientes trasplantados hepáticos, entre enero 2014 a diciembre 2017. Se analizaron muestras de LP tomadas al finalizar la mesa de banco, considerándose positivo el desarrollo de cualquier germen y negativo la ausencia del mismo luego de 5 días. Los LP positivos se clasificaron en: con contaminantes y con patógenos. Los pacientes con LP patógenos recibieron tratamiento antibiótico de acuerdo al antibiograma. Los pacientes fueron divididos en dos grupos: con LP + y LP-. Las infecciones relacionadas a los LP fueron analizadas. Se consideró "correlación directa" cuando el mismo germen desarrolló en el LP y en el recipiente. Se comparó estadía hospitalaria en ambos grupos. Se incluyeron 88 pacientes, 38% (33) presentaron LP+, de los que el 85% (28) fueron por contaminación y 5 por pa tógenos. No se hallaron diferencias significativas en infecciones postoperatorias (p 0.840) y estadía hospitalaria (p 0.427) entre ellos. No hubo casos de "correlación directa". Las infecciones postoperatorias y la estadía hospitalaria de los pacientes no parecen estar influidas por la positividad de los cultivos de LP. El tratamiento dirigido a los gérmenes aislados como patógenos pudo prevenir infecciones, por lo tanto, los grupos que realizan cultivos de rutina deberían considerar el tratamiento en estos casos y finalizar la profilaxis cuando el LP sea negativo o contaminado.

Pharmacobotanical characterization of Monteverdia ilicifolia (Mart. ex Reiss.) Biral leaves and its adulterants sold as medicinal tea in Brazil: a contribution to quality control / Caracterización farmacobotánica de hojas de Monteverda ilicifolia (Mart. ex Reiss.) Biral y sus adulterantes vendidos como té medicinal en Brasil: una contribución al contol de calidad

Leaves of Monteverdia ilicifolia ("espinheira-santa") are considered a medicinal tea by the Brazilian Sanitary Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), by their anti-dyspeptic, anti-acid and protective of the gastric mucosa properties. Their spiny margins are similar to those of other botanical species, which may lead to misidentifications. The aim of this work was to evaluate the authenticity of 32 samples of herbal drugs commercialized as "espinheira-santa" in the formal trade in Brazil, by macro and microscopic morphological studies of the leaves. The evaluation of the botanical authenticity was based on leaf venation patterns, shape and anatomy of the petiole and midrib region in cross section, vascular system arrangement and epidermal characters. Analysis of these characters compared to literature data suggests that 34% of the samples are M. ilicifolia and the remaining 66% are Sorocea bonplandii, a species with no clinical studies assuring its effective and safe use, representing thus a potential risk to public health.

Las hojas de Monteverdia ilicifolia ("espinheira-santa") son consideradas tés medicinales por la Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria (Anvisa), Brasil, por las indicaciones terapéuticas como antidispépticos, antiácidos y protectores de la mucosa gástrica. Sus márgenes foliares espinescentes se parecen a los de otras especies, conduciendo a identificaciones erróneas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la autenticidad de 32 muestras de drogas vegetales vendidas como "espinheira-santa" en el comercio legal de Brasil, realizando un estudio morfológico de las hojas. Esta evaluación se ha basado en observar de la hoja, sus patrones de nerviación, su forma y anatomía (pecíolo y nervadura central en corte transversal), disposición del sistema vascular y caracteres epidérmicos. El análisis de la morfología, comparado con los datos de literatura, sugiere que el 34% de las muestras son M. ilicifoliay el 66% son Sorocea bonplandii, una especie que no cuenta con los estudios clínicos que garantizan su uso efectivo y seguro, representando un riesgo para la salud pública.

Health risk assessment of exogenous harmful pollutants in Chinese medicine: a review / 中国中药杂志

In recent years, the quality and safety problems have been limiting the internationalization of Chinese medicine. The pollutants in Chinese medicine, particularly the exogenous harmful pollutants mainly including mycotoxins, pesticide residues, heavy metals, harmful elements, and sulfur dioxide, are of high risks for people. Therefore, the World Health Organization(WHO) and relevant national organizations have clearly defined the maximum residue limits(MRLs) of such pollutants. Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020 edition, volume Ⅳ) also demonstrates the detection methods, MRLs and preliminary risk assessment methods for four typical exogenous harmful pollutants in Chinese medicine. Therefore, continuous optimization of the health risk assessment system can further help further raise the quality and safety of Chinese medicine. This paper reviews the research on the health risk assessment of four typical exogenous harmful pollutants in Chinese medicine and discusses the problems of and challenges for the assessment system, which is expected to lay a scientific basis for the establishment of the risk warning mode and response measures suitable for specific types of Chinese medicine.

Progress on application of terahertz time-domain spectroscopy in identification of traditional Chinese medicine / 中国中药杂志

With the increasing demand for traditional Chinese medicines(TCMs), the resources of TCMs are gradually rare, and the phenomenon that TCMs fake is a common occurrence. Consequently, we need to urgently improve identification technique of TCMs. Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy(THz-TDS) is a newly emerging spectroscopy technology that has been widely used in image, security inspection, biological detection, medicine, material technology, aerospace, oil exploration and other fields. Which is currently used as a simple and quick method to identify the origins, fake products, processed products and pesticide residues of TCMs, hence, it plays a significant role in supplementing and improving the quality control levels of TCMs. In this paper, the composition principle of THz-TDS and its advantages in authentification of TCMs have been summarized. Additionally, the current situation and application prospects of THz-TDS in the field of TCM identification have also been reviewed.

Preparation of highly sensitive monoclonal antibody against aflatoxin B_1 and its application in rapid detection of contamination in Ziziphi Spinosae Semen / 中国中药杂志

A highly sensitive monoclonal antibody against aflatoxin B_1(AFB_1) was prepared and an indirect competition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ic-ELISA) was established based on the antibody which was used for high-throughput and rapid screening of AFB_1 contamination in Chinese herbal medicines to ensure the safety of medication. In this study, the structure of AFB_1 was modified by improved oxime method, and the carrier protein was coupled by EDC-NHS method to obtain the complete antigen of AFB_1, which was more convenient and environmental friendly. The Balb/c female mice were immunized using increasing the immunization dose and various ways of injection, and finally the AFB_1 monoclonal antibody was prepared. The AFB_1 monoclonal antibody belongs to IgG_(2 b) immunoglobulin by identifying its immunological characteristics, and its sensitivity(IC_(50)) can reach 0.15 μg·L~(-1), and the affi-nity is 2.81×10~8 L·mol~(-1). The cross-reaction rates of AFB_2, AFG_1, and AFG_2 were 35.07%, 8.75%, and 1.15%, respectively, and there was almost no cross-reactivity with other mycotoxins. Based on the high sensitivity and specificity of the antibody, an ic-ELISA method was established and applied to the determination of AFB_1 contamination in Ziziphi Spinosae Semen. According to the matrix matching standard curve, the linear concentration range for AFB_1 was 0.05-0.58 μg·L~(-1)(R~2=0.992), the recoveries were 88.00%-119.0%, and the detection limit was 1.69 μg·kg~(-1). The AFB_1 in 33 batches of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen samples was determined by ic-ELISA, and the contamination level was 3.62-206.58 μg·kg~(-1). The linear correlation coefficient between the detection results of ic-ELISA and UHPLC-MS/MS was 0.996, and there were no false positive and false negative cases. It indicates that the established ic-ELISA is accurate and reliable, and could provide a simple and effective technique for fast screening of AFB_1 contamination in Ziziphi Spinosae Semen, and also could be considered as the reference for the detection and monitoring of AFB_1 contamination in other Chinese herbal medicines.

Utensílios sanitários: comparação entre processos de limpeza e desinfecção manual e automatizado / Sanitary appliance: comparative study of automated and manual cleaning and disinfection processes / Utensilios sanitarios: comparación entre procesos de limpieza y desinfección manual y automatizado

Objetivo: Comparar os resultados dos processos de limpeza e desinfecção manual e automatizado de Utensílios Sanitários (US). Método: Estudo experimental, descritivo, realizado por meio de culturas microbiológicas de US usados por pacientes acamados em uma unidade de internação de um hospital localizado no sul do Brasil. As amostras icrobiológicas foram coletadas após limpeza e desinfecção, sendo 11 amostras de cada um dos três processos testados: automatizado, manual sem supervisão e manual com supervisão. Resultados: No processo automatizado, não houve crescimento de microrganismos patogênicos de relevância epidemiológica. No manual, em ambos processamentos realizados, conforme protocolo estabelecido pela instituição com e sem supervisão, houve crescimento de microrganismos patogênicos. Conclusão: Com base nos resultados obtidos no estudo, o método automatizado demonstrou ser seguro para utilização dos US na assistência à saúde. Os resultados obtidos no método manual não conferem segurança. Sugere-se que sejam realizados estudos com conhecimento prévio do grau de contaminação controlada por meio de cepas de referência.

Objective: To compare the results of manual and automated cleaning and disinfection of Sanitary Appliance (US). Method: A descriptive experimental study, carried out by means of microbiological cultures of appliance used by patients bedridden in a hospitalization unit of a hospital located in the south of Brazil. Thirty three samples were collected after the cleaning and disinfection processes were carried out, eleven for each of the three methods available: automated, manual with and without supervision for microbiological evaluation. Results: In the automated process, pathogenic microorganisms of epidemiological relevance was now here to be found in the experiment. In the manual, in both processes performed, according to protocol established by the Institution with and without supervision, there was growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Conclusion: Therefore, in this study we conclude that the automated method for cleaning and disinfection has been shown to be safer for use in healthcare. The results obtained in the manual method do not confer safety. It is suggested that studies be carried out with references trains with controlled contamination.

Objectivo: Comparar los procesos de limpieza y desinfección manual y por médio de um equipo automático de Utensilios Sanitarios (US). Método: Estudio experimental descriptivo de medio de cultivos microbiológicos de US de los que hicieron uso enfermos en piso de internación de un hospital delsur de Brasil. Las muestras microbiológicas fueron recolectadas después de La limpieza y desinfección, de lãs cuales 11 muestras de cada uno de los tres procesos probados: automatico, manual sin supervisión y manual com supervisión. Resultados: Em El proceso com el equipo automatico, no hubo crecimiento de microorganismos patógenos de relevancia epidemiológica. Em los dos procesos manuales con y sin supervisión, conforme protocolo establecido por La institución, hubo crecimiento de microorganismos patógenos. Conclusión: Por los resultados obtenidos em ele studio, se concluye que el la limpeza e nel equipo automático ha demostrado seguridade para usar los US en cuidados a La salud. Se sugiere que se realicen estúdios conconocimiento prévio del grado de contaminación controlada por medio de cepas de referencia.

Adulterants in crack cocaine in Brazil / Adulterantes no crack vendido na "Cracolândia"

Abstract Introduction Brazil is the world's biggest consumer of crack cocaine, and dependence is a major public health issue. This is the first study to investigate the prevalence of potentially harmful adulterants present in hair samples from Brazilian patients with crack cocaine dependence. Method We evaluated adulterants in hair samples extracted by convenience from 100 patients admitted at the 48 hour-observation unit of Centro de Referência de Álcool, Tabaco e Outras Drogas (CRATOD), Brazil's largest center for addiction treatment. A cross-sectional analysis was performed with the data obtained. Results Adulterants were found in 97% of the analyzed hair samples. The most prevalent adulterant was lidocaine (92%), followed by phenacetin (69%) and levamisole (31%). Conclusion Adulterants were widely prevalent in hair samples from crack users treated at CRATOD: at least one adulterant was present in virtually all the hair samples collected. This points to a need to monitor adverse effects in the clinical setting in order to provide this high-risk group of patients with prompt and effective care related to the acute and chronic complications associated with these adulterants.

Resumo Introdução O Brasil é o maior consumidor mundial de crack, e a dependência é um grande problema de saúde pública. Este é o primeiro estudo a investigar a prevalência de adulterantes potencialmente nocivos presentes em amostras de cabelo de pacientes brasileiros com dependência de crack. Métodos Foram avaliados adulterantes em amostras de cabelos extraídos por conveniência de 100 pacientes internados na unidade de observação de 48 horas do Centro de Referência de Álcool, Tabaco e Outras Drogas (CRATOD), o maior centro de tratamento de dependência do Brasil. Uma análise transversal foi realizada com os dados obtidos. Resultados Foram encontrados adulterantes em 97% das amostras de cabelo analisadas. O adulterante mais prevalente foi a lidocaína (92%), seguida da fenacetina (69%) e levamisol (31%). Conclusão Os adulterantes foram amplamente prevalentes em amostras de cabelo de usuários de crack tratados no CRATOD: pelo menos um adulterante estava presente em praticamente todas as amostras de cabelo coletadas. Isso aponta para a necessidade de monitorar os efeitos adversos no ambiente clínico, a fim de proporcionar a esse grupo de pacientes de alto risco cuidados imediatos e efetivos relacionados às complicações agudas e crônicas associadas a esses adulterantes.

Determinação de estimulantes, esteroides anabolizantes, diuréticos e laxante por HPLC-DAD e LC-MS/MS em suplementos alimentares adulterados disponíveis no Brasil / Determination of stimulants, anabolic steroids, diuretics and laxative by HPLC-DAD and LC-MS/MS in adulterated dietary supplements available in Brazil

A adulteração de suplementos alimentares pela adição de substâncias farmacologicamente ativas e um problema que vem se agravando nos últimos anos. Essas substâncias são adicionadas intencionalmente nos produtos, com objetivo de melhorar a sua eficácia, sem que essa adição seja devidamente informada nos rótulos. O consumo de suplementos adicionados de substâncias farmacologicamente ativas nao declaras nos rótulos e, alem de um problema de saúde pública, um risco a carreira de atletas profissionais, quando se trata de doping no esporte. Neste trabalho foram desenvolvidos métodos analíticos baseados em cromatografia líquida para detecção de 19 substâncias farmacologicamente ativas em amostras de suplementos alimentares, nos niveis de contaminação cruzada e adulteração. Para tal, empregou-se a cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência acoplada a detector de arranjo de diodos (HPLC-DAD) e a cromatografia líquida acoplada a espectrometria de massas sequencial (LC-MS/MS). As substâncias investigadas apresentam ação androgênica e anabólica (i.e. testosterona, metiltestostetona, propionato de testosterona, decanoato de testosterona, trembolona, estanozolol, dehidroepiandrosterona, androstenediona, decanoato de nandrolona, oxandrolona e metasterona), estimulante (i.e. cafeína), anorexigena (i.e. sibutramina), diurética (i.e. amilorida, bumetanida, furosemida, hidroclorotiazida e clortalidona) e laxante (i.e. fenolftaleina). Entre os métodos de preparo de amostra avaliados (Quechers e extração sólido-líquido seguida de uma etapa de precipitação de proteína), a extração sólido-líquido empregando metanol como solvente extrator e ZnSO4 como agente precipitante apresentou-recuperação acima de 80% para todas as substâncias avaliadas, sendo selecionado para o fim deste estudo. Os métodos analíticos propostos apresentaram limites de detecção e de quantificação na faixa de contaminação, foram seletivos e lineares com r2 superior a 0,99 na faixa de concentração de interesse para todas as substâncias e valores de recuperação, precisão e exatidão dentro dos valores aceitáveis. Um conjunto amostral representativo dos suplementos alimentares comercializados no Brasil, constituído por 230 amostras, foi analisado sendo que mais de 25% do conjunto amostra foram positivos para cafeína (48), sibutramina (14), fenolftaleína (2) e furosemida (3), isoladas ou associadas entre si. Os métodos desenvolvidos utilizaram um preparo de amostra simples e apresentaram resultados satisfatórios para a investigação de possível adulteração ou contaminação com 19 das substâncias de interesse. Dos 58 suplementos alimentares adulterados, apenas 11 podem ser considerados adulterados por contaminação cruzada. Os demais, são consideradas adições dolosas por parte dos fabricantes com objetivo de melhorar a eficiência dos seus produtos. Os resultados aqui apresentados indicam a necessidade de ações mais efetivas por parte das autoridades sanitárias no sentido de fiscalizar com mais eficiência a produção e a comercialização desses produtos e alertar a população para que fiquem atentos a possível adulteração de suplementos alimentares e aos riscos associados ao consumo desses produtos

The adulteration of dietary supplements by the addition of pharmacologically active substances is a serious issue, which is aggravating steadily. These substances are added intentionally in various products, with the aim of improving their effectiveness, but without proper labeling stating so. In addition to a public health problem, the consumption ofsupplements added with undeclared pharmacologically active substances also represents a career risk for professional athletes when it comes to doping in sport. In the present work, analytical methods based on liquid chromatography were developed for the detection of 19 pharmacologically active substances in dietary supplement samples at the levels of crosscontamination and adulteration. For this purpose, high performance liquid chromatography/diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were used. The investigated substances comprise of androgenic and anabolic effects (ie testosterone, testosterone propionate, testosterone decanoate, trenbolone, stanozolol, dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, nandrolone decanoate, oxandrolone and metasterone), stimulant (ie caffeine), anorexigenic (ie sibutramine), diuretic (ie amiloride, bumetanide, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone) and laxative (ie phenolphthalein). Among the sample preparation methods evaluated (Quechers and solidliquid extraction followed by a protein precipitation step), solid-liquid extraction using methanol as extraction solvent and ZnSO4 as the precipitating agent has been chosen as it has shown recovery values above 80% for all evaluated substances. The proposed analytical methods had limits of detection and quantification within the contamination range, they were also selective and linear showing r2 values higher than 0.99 in the concentration range of interest for all substances and accuracy within acceptable values. A representative sampling of dietary supplements marketed in Brazil, consisting of 230 samples, was analyzed and more than 25% have shown to be positive for caffeine (48), sibutramine (14), phenolphthalein (2) and furosemide (3), isolated or associated with each other. The methods developed used a simple sample preparation and presented satisfactory results for the investigation of possible adulteration or cross-contamination for the 19 of the substances of interest. From a total of 58 adulterated dietary supplements, only 11 could be considered adulterated by crosscontamination. The remaining are considered to be intentional additions by manufacturers in order to improve the efficiency of their products. The results presented in this study indicate the need for more effective measures by the health authorities towards the production and marketing of these products so that the general public is aware of their potential adulteration and the risks associated with their consumption

QuEchERS pretreatment coupled to gas chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry to fast determination of 34 pesticide residues in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma / 中国中药杂志

This study proposed a quantitative method for 34 pesticides including organochlorine,organophosphorus and pyrethroids in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma herbs and medicinal slices,and analyzed the pesticide residues of collected Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma samples from different regions. With acetonitrile extraction and optimized Qu Ech ERS purification,the 32 batches of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma herbs and medicinal slices were analyzed by matrix matching standard curve quantitative analysis under GC-MS/MS multi-response monitoring( MRM) mode. This study investigated the pretreatment of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma samples based on the Qu Ech ERS method of Chinese Pharmacopoeia( 2015 edition,4),and the result showed that the recoveries of some pesticide was low and pigment has a strong interference in analysis,which result in worse purification effect. Therefore,this paper further optimized the Qu Ech ERS method and corrected the matrix matching standard curve method,and compensated the qualitative and quantitative effects of matrix effects on the detected target compounds in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. The results showed that 34 kinds of pesticide had good linear( R~2 of 0. 996 4 or higher) within a covering 0. 01-0. 2 mg·kg~(-1) concentration range. The limits of quantitation are less than 0. 01 mg·kg~(-1). This method was further applied to the simultaneous determination of 34 pesticide residues of typical organochlorine,organophosphorus and pyrethroids in 32 batches of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma herbs and medicinal slices. Six batches containing beta-endosulfan,thiosulphate,o,p'-DDD and thrta-cypermethrin were detected,but none of them exceeded the limit of pesticide residues stipulated in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and the EU Pharmacopoeia. This study indicates that the established method is rapid,convenient,accurate,and sensitive,which provides a rapid and efficient method for the simultaneous determination of typical organochlorine,organophosphorus and pyrethroids in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma.

Survey on pesticide use in Crataegi Fructus and analysis of pesticide residues based on LC-ESI-MS/MS / 中国中药杂志

In order to study the pesticide residues of the medicinal Crataegi Fructus,this study aims to establish an analysis method for pesticide residues( mainly containing insecticides and fungicides) suitable for the actual situation of medicinal Crataegi Fructus based on the survey of the pesticides of the Crataegi Fructus base,combined with the blind screening results of the LC-ESI-MS/MS pesticide screening platform established by the research team in the early stage. Then,the pesticide residues in medicinal Crataegi Fructus from Shandong,Hebei,Henan,Shanxi,and Liaoning( main cultivation areas) were analyzed. The samples were pretreated by the modified Qu ECh ERS method,i.e.,extracted with acetonitrile-water( 9 ∶1),purified by PSA,C_(18),GCB,silica gel. The detection of pesticides was performed by LC-MS/MS. The ion source was ESI with positive scanning mode,and the linearity of 11 kinds of pesticides in the range of 5-300 μg·kg~(-1) was acceptable( R~2>0. 996 9). All the recoveries of pesticides were within 70. 02%~(-1)12. 0% in the low,medium and high levels,with RSD≤17%. The results showed that the detection rate of carbendazim,chlorpyrifos and difenoconazole is 79%,82%,56%,respectively. Besides,the prohibition pesticide carbofuran were detected in some of the batches,indicating the security risk. This study provides methodological references and basic data for risk assessment of Crataegi Fructus and government regulation.

Analysis and health risk assessment of aflatoxin B_1 residue in Ziziphi Spinosae Semen / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to analyze the residues of aflatoxin B_1( AFB_1) in Ziziphi Spinosae Semen from different producing areas and to assess the health risk of aflatoxin B_1 residue based on the obtained data. A total of 72 samples of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen from different areas were detected by IAC-HPLC-FLD. Based on the data of AFB_1 pollution,a probabilistic assessment model with Monte Carlo simulation was developed. Then,the risk assessment of AFB_1 exposure by Ziziphi Spinosae Semen intake was carried out by MOE( margin of exposure). The results showed that 32 out of 72 of samples( 44. 4%) were found to be contaminated with AFB_1,and the average and maximum concentration of AFB_1 in samples was 5. 42 μg·kg~(-1) and 55. 09 μg·kg~(-1),respectively. After health risk assessment,the average and 97. 5%( 90% confidence interval) exposure level of daily exposure of AFB_1 by Ziziphi Spinosae Semen intake were 0. 008 6( 0. 008 1-0. 009 2) and 0. 057 3( 0. 053 2-0. 061 4) μg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1),respectively. The results showed common use of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen had low level of risk associated with AFB_1. However,the high consumption of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen showed a higher risk than common intake,requiring attention. This study laid a foundation for clinical safe prescription of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen.

High-throughput screening of ochratoxin A in Chinese herbal medicines using enzyme-linked immunoassay / 中国中药杂志

An indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay( ic-ELISA) was developed for the rapid detection of ochratoxin A( OTA) in nutmeg( Myristicae Semen),ginger( Zingiberis Rhizoma) and turmeric( Curcumae Longae Rhizoma). The matrix matching standard curve was used instead of the standard curve of sample diluent,and the sample extract and sample diluent were optimized. The sensitivity( IC_(50)) of this method for OTA in nutmeg,ginger and turmeric were determined as 0. 146,0. 157 and 0. 153 ng·m L~(-1),respectively and the limits of detection( LODs) were 0. 040,0. 032 and 0. 031 ng·m L~(-1),respectively. The recovery of samples ranged from 75. 99% to 122. 3%,with RSD<10%. Two positive samples for nutmeg and one positive sample for turmeric occurred in 50 samples,and the highest OTA contamination value was 1 167. 8 μg·kg~(-1). The results were further confirmed by LC-MS/MS. It shows that the developed ic-ELISA method is simple,rapid and sensitive,and can be applied for rapid and high-throughput screening of OTA in nutmeg,ginger and turmeric,as well as some other CHMs.

Analysis of arsenic speciation in Sepiae Endoconcha and research on its limit standard / 中国中药杂志

Sepiae Endoconcha is a common marine animal medicine,which generally contains high concentration of arsenic( As).The Chinese Pharmacopoeia( 2010 edition,part I) stipulated that the total As content of Sepiae Endoconcha should not exceed 2 mg·kg~(-1),while this limit was revised to 10 mg·kg~(-1) in the 2015 edition. So far,there is no research on the speciation of As in Sepiae Endoconcha,which made it hard to accurately evaluate its security risk. In this study,32 batches of Sepiae Endoconcha from different sources were collected. The safety risk assessment was carried out by determining the total As content and As speciation,inorganic As[As( Ⅲ),As( Ⅴ) ]and organic As( MMA,DMA,As C,As B) by HPLC-ICP-MS,and then the limit standard was discussed. The results showed that As B was the main form of As in Sepiae Endoconcha,followed by DMA and As( Ⅴ) ． Of the 32 batches of Sepiae Endoconcha,9 batches( accounting for 28%) were detected possessing i As. The maximum concentration of As( Ⅲ) was 103. 3 μg·kg~(-1),and the maximum concentration of As( Ⅴ) was 222. 4 μg·kg~(-1). According to the limit of i As in food,18. 75% of the samples exceeded the standard. The results indicate that there is no simple positive correlation between total As and As morphology in Sepiae Endoconcha. Besides,there is a risk in the total As limit,especially after the relaxation of the total As limit. The problem of high i As content caused by pollution and other factors is difficult to regulate. Since the toxicity of inorganic As is much higher than that of organic As,it is of great practical significance to establish inorganic As form limits in Sepiae Endoconcha.

Safety evaluation of heavy metals contaminated Xiaochaihu Tang using health risk assessment model / 中国中药杂志

In order to further improve the quality and safety evaluation standards of traditional Chinese medicine compound preparation,Xiaochaihu Tang compound preparations were selected to analyze the pollution level of heavy metals deeply,and the potential health risks were evaluated under taking such kind of compound preparations. In this study,the contents of copper( Cu),arsenic( As),cadmium( Cd),mercury( Hg),and lead( Pb) in different Xiaochaihu Tang compound preparations were determinated by the method of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry( ICP-MS). Moreover,combined with target hazard coefficient method and in vitro artificial system,the bioaccessibility and health risk level was investigated in three main consumption ways including powder,decoction and granule. The result was showed that,under the maximum residual limit set by International Standard Organization,only one batch of raw herb was eight times exceeded the Hg MRL,however,in water decoctions and granules,the heavy metal residue rate was reduced to 2. 02%( Hg in granules)-42. 85%( Cd in granules). So,the heavy metal pollutions and health risks can be reduced to safe region in spite of the serious pollution in raw herbs. Besides,the THQ and CR values of the three consumption methods were lower than the standard values of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks of each heavy metal. It can be seen that even if the heavy metals in the raw herbs exceed the standard,the use of Xiaochaihu Tang decoction and granules can reduce the harm of heavy metals to the human body. Above all,the establishment of this health risk assessment model can be provided experimental basis and reference value for improving the safety evaluation standard of other heavy metals contained traditional Chinese medicine( TCM) compound preparations,and further improving the quality control methods of other different toxic compounds in clinical use.

Antibacterial effect of lidocaine in various clinical conditions

BACKGROUND: Infection, one of the complications associated with procedures, can cause fatal outcomes for patients. Although the local anesthetic agent we use is less susceptible to infection due to its antibacterial action, we performed this study to check the change in the antibacterial effect of lidocaine in various clinical conditions. METHODS: After exposing lidocaine to five contaminated environments, we checked on whether the bacteria could be cultured in blood agar plate (BAP) media. In each contaminated environment, lidocaine was exposed for 4 h (n = 9) and 8 h (n = 9), and the results were compared. Lidocaine was swabbed with chlorhexidine (group A), brought into contact with saliva (group B), skin (group C), an operating room floor and an outpatient room floor (group D), operating room air for 24 h (group A-a), and outpatient room air for 24 h (group A-b). After exposure, the culture was initiated. RESULTS: In 2 of 9 BAP media where lidocaine was exposed to saliva (group B) for 8 h, growth of a colony was observed. In gram staining, it was found to be Streptococcus viridans. No bacteria were found in any other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Though lidocaine has strong antibacterial activity, it has been found that long-term exposure to a contaminated environment reduces its antibacterial activity and that drug contamination can be heavily affected not only by environmental but also human effects. Therefore, the use of aseptic drugs is necessary, and stopping the reuse of the drug is a way to prevent complications, including infection.