Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Deepa Nakmode, Valamla Bhavana, Pradip Thakor, Jitender Madan, Pankaj Kumar Singh, Shashi Bala Singh, Jessica M. Rosenholm, Kuldeep K. Bansal, Neelesh Kumar Mehra
Summary: Poor aqueous solubility of drugs remains a major challenge in pharmaceutical product development. Utilizing lipids in formulation design offers an opportunity to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of drugs. This review comprehensively summarizes the classification, absorption mechanisms, and lipid-based product development of lipid excipients, as well as discusses the preparation methodologies, applications, phase behavior, and regulatory perspective of solid and semi-solid lipid formulations.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Nikola Pesic, Aleksandra Dapcevic, Branka Ivkovic, Kyriakos Kachrimanis, Miodrag Mitric, Svetlana Ibric, Djordje Medarevic
Summary: In this study, four low molecular weight excipients were evaluated as co-formers with carvedilol to generate co-amorphous systems. It was found that mixtures of carvedilol with tryptophan and saccharin were able to form CAMS, while lysine was least suitable for the amorphization of carvedilol. Furthermore, samples containing tryptophan and phenylalanine showed poor dissolution performance, and agglomeration was observed during dissolution testing of samples containing saccharin.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Silvia Martin Prado, Maite Pozas Del Rio, Elvira Canedo Villarroya, Consuelo Pedron Giner
Summary: This study compiled a list of carbohydrate and caloric contents in antiepileptic drugs commonly used in pediatric neurology, aiming to assist clinicians in selecting a pharmaceutical form that does not affect the ketogenic diet and adjusting the diet based on the carbohydrate content of new medications.
NUTRICION HOSPITALARIA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ricoveer Singh Shergill, Petra Kristova, Bhavik Anil Patel
Summary: The study found that differential pulse voltammetry is a crucial technique for accurately detecting clopidogrel in low- and middle-income countries.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Julia L. Shamshina, Robin S. Stein, Noureddine Abidi
Summary: The study explored the effects of cryomilling on chitin, which resulted in size reduction of chitin particles, breaking of hydrogen bonds, partial amorphization, and decrease in crystallinity. Cryomilling showed significant differences compared to ball milling at room temperature.
Review
Neurosciences
Brian A. McCool
Summary: This review highlights the important role of neural circuits between rodent prefrontal cortical areas and the basolateral amygdala in behavioral modulation, mentioning the impact of environmental experiences and drug abuse on these circuits. Research has found that these circuits help regulate aversive stimuli and reward-seeking, while pathological environments or drug abuse may lead to dysregulation of these circuits.
Article
Medicine, Legal
Ana N. Stjepanovic, Nemanja B. Todorovic, Tamara Z. Tesic, Jelena M. Canji-Panic, Mladena N. Lalic-Popovic, Zoran S. Komazec
Summary: Some pharmaceutical excipients can cause adverse reactions, interactions, and contraindications. This study compared the proportion of topical nasal medicines approved for pediatric use and the prevalence and labeling of excipients with known effects (EKE) in Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia. It was found that a majority of pediatric medicines contained EKE that may cause adverse effects, and there were deficiencies in EKE labeling in all three countries. Revisions to the labeling and summaries of product characteristics (SmPCs) are recommended.
REGULATORY TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Prashantkumar K. Parmar, Srilaxmi G. Rao, Arvind K. Bansal
Summary: Most small molecule excipients lack optimal multifunctional properties needed to compensate for poorly compactable drugs, but these drawbacks can be overcome by co-processing with polymers. Co-processing brittle SMEs with plastic materials (polymers) can create a synergistic effect, generating a single entity multi-functional excipient. Novel co-processed excipients using combinations of SMEs and polymers may also lead to the development of intellectual property rights.
EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG DELIVERY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Vladimir Katev, Zahari Vinarov, Slavka Tcholakova
Summary: This study aimed to establish the relationship between the molecular structure of polar lipids and drug solubilization in biorelevant media. The findings showed that mixed colloidal aggregates formed by polar lipids significantly enhance drug solubilization, with long chain unsaturated polar lipids demonstrating the best results. Additionally, the hydrophilic head group type also plays a crucial role in determining the drug solubilization enhancement.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Quandong Li, Xinru Chen, Wen Lin, Xiaofeng Guo, Yan Ma
Summary: Toad skin, a traditional Chinese medicine, contains bufadienolides which have anti-tumor effects. However, the poor solubility, high toxicity, rapid elimination, and low selectivity of bufadienolides in vivo limit their application. In this study, toad skin extracts (TSE) and Brucea javanica oil (BJO) nanoemulsions (NEs) were designed to overcome these limitations. The TSE-BJO NEs showed promising anti-tumor activity through inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing tumor cell apoptosis, and arresting cell cycle at G2/M phase. Furthermore, the TSE-BJO NEs improved the accumulation of bufadienolides at tumor sites and enhanced their anti-tumor efficacy. The study achieved the combinative administration of TSE and BJO with high efficacy and safety. Evaluation: 9/10
PHARMACEUTICAL DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Yanxue Si, Huize Luo, Fengshan Zhou, Xinyi Bai, Lu Han, Huimin Sun, Ruitao Cha
Summary: Polysaccharide nanocrystals (PNs) are attractive pharmaceutical excipients with abundant surface properties and potential applications, playing important roles in pharmaceutical formulations.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Bruno Gianfratti, Ricardo Tabach, Marna Eliana Sakalem, Talita Stessuk, Lucas Oliveira Maia, Elisaldo Araujo Carlini
Summary: Ayahuasca shows inhibitory effects on ethanol rewarding effect and presents low-risk acute toxicological profile when administered orally, suggesting potential pharmacological properties for the treatment of alcohol use disorders.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marika Turek, Ewa Rozycka-Sokolowska, Marek Koprowski, Bernard Marciniak, Piotr Balczewski
Summary: The ecotoxicological impact of pharmaceutical excipients, often overlooked in research, was analyzed in this study. The study evaluated the ecotoxicity of 16 commonly used pharmaceutical excipients and their mixtures. Some excipients were found to have high toxicity. The modeling approach used provided accurate predictions of toxicity. The study also introduced a modified testing technique for poorly soluble excipients.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Khadija Rouaz, Blanca Chiclana-Rodriguez, Anna Nardi-Ricart, Marc Sune-Pou, Debora Mercade-Frutos, Josep Maria Sune-Negre, Pilar Perez-Lozano, Encarna Garcia-Montoya
Summary: This theoretical study critically reviews the use of excipients in paediatric medicine, emphasizing the importance of safety checks and toxicity studies. It identifies common excipients used in pediatric formulations and explores the orally disintegrating tablets, ODT, as a promising pharmaceutical form for children.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Xinjian Li, Zhe Wang, Bowen Zheng, Yanan Wang, Jinlan Zhang
Summary: In this study, a novel strategy was developed to comprehensively profile and identify the oxidized species of Polysorbate80 (PS80) using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. A total of 348 oxidized species were identified, including 119 species that were found for the first time. Mathematical models were established to rapidly discover and identify the oxidized species. This study provides a new strategy for the analysis and identification of PS80 oxidized species.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Letter
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Valeria Calcaterra, Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
DIABETES RESEARCH AND CLINICAL PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Claudia Vanetti, Vito Lampasona, Marta Stracuzzi, Claudio Fenizia, Mara Biasin, Irma Saulle, Fiona Limanaqi, Ahmed Abdelsalam, Cristian Loretelli, Laura Paradiso, Emma Longoni, Lucia Barcellini, Lorenzo Piemonti, Ilaria Marzinotto, Stefania Dispinseri, Antonella Amendola, Clara Fappani, Elisabetta Tanzi, Mario Salvatore Clerici, Gabriella Scarlatti, Gian Vincenzo Zuccotti, Vania Giacomet, Daria Trabattoni
Summary: This study analyzed the immune profiles of 18 hospitalized children with SARS-CoV-2 infection and found that different severity levels of children cases showed different immune characteristics. Infants with severe symptoms exhibited high inflammatory response and extreme antibody response, while mild cases had lower levels of inflammation and antibodies. Overall, the immune response in children is directly correlated with the clinical severity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Valeria Calcaterra, Giuseppina Bernardelli, Mara Malacarne, Matteo Vandoni, Savina Mannarino, Vittoria Carnevale Pellino, Cristiana Larizza, Massimo Pagani, Gianvincenzo Zuccotti, Daniela Lucini
Summary: Exercise is an important determinant of a healthy lifestyle, especially in childhood, and serves as a preventive tool. However, obesity and hypertension rates are increasing in children, increasing the risk for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in adulthood. This feasibility study examined a group of obese children before and after a 12-week online exercise training program, dividing participants into two groups based on exercise volume. Improvements in structured exercise volume were associated with reduced arterial pressure and improved autonomic and metabolic control.
Article
Cell Biology
Clarissa Berardo, Valeria Calcaterra, Alessia Mauri, Stephana Carelli, Letizia Messa, Francesca Destro, Federica Rey, Erika Cordaro, Gloria Pelizzo, Gianvincenzo Zuccotti, Cristina Cereda
Summary: The prevalence of pediatric obesity is increasing worldwide. This study investigates the transcriptional differences in the subcutaneous adipose tissue of children with different weight status. The results show significant deregulation in both coding and non-coding transcripts in the severe obesity group compared to other weight groups. The deregulation is mainly related to lipid metabolism and bioenergetic processes.
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Cristiana Larizza, Pietro Bosoni, Silvana Quaglini, Michelangelo Chasseur, Valentina Bevolo, Gianvincenzo Zuccotti, Valeria Calcaterra
Summary: This article introduces the V-care app, a mobile health platform specifically developed to provide effective interaction and support for young people in long-term obesity treatment, combining different strategies to maximize the results of the lifestyle modification program and minimize the possibility of dropouts.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INFORMATICS
(2023)
Article
Virology
Silvia Bianchi, Clara Fappani, Maria Gori, Marta Canuti, Daniela Colzani, Maria Cristina Monti, Camilla Torriani, Mario C. Raviglione, Gianvincenzo Zuccotti, Elisabetta Tanzi, Antonella Amendola
Summary: According to the study, SARS-CoV-2 was spreading in Lombardy, Italy, as early as late 2019, with detected cases of antibody-positive patients. These findings should encourage further research to investigate the possibility of pre-pandemic undetected circulation of SARS-CoV-2.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Valeria Calcaterra, Virginia Rossi, Giulia Massini, Francesca Casini, Gianvincenzo Zuccotti, Valentina Fabiano
Summary: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects a significant proportion of reproductive-age females, especially those with obesity. The complex pathogenesis of PCOS has been linked to obesity and dysbiosis. This review analyzes the available literature on the use of probiotics in adolescents with obesity and PCOS, highlighting the potential beneficial effects on hormonal, metabolic, and inflammatory profiles. Studies suggest that probiotic supplementation may improve hormonal profiles, reduce inflammation, and ameliorate lipid metabolism disturbances caused by PCOS. Further research is needed, particularly in adolescent patients, to confirm these findings and evaluate the role of probiotics in managing PCOS.
Editorial Material
Pediatrics
Valeria Calcaterra, Valter Pagani, Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2023)
Review
Pediatrics
Valeria Calcaterra, Hellas Cena, Francesca Sottotetti, Virginia Rossi, Federica Loperfido, Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
Summary: This narrative review explores the connection between feeding methods and the timing of puberty. It suggests that breast milk plays a pivotal role in puberty onset, while the potential harmful effects of soy-based formulas require further research.
Review
Pediatrics
Valeria Calcaterra, Vittoria Carlotta Magenes, Veronica Maria Tagi, Roberta Grazi, Alice Bianchi, Hellas Cena, Gianvincenzo Zuccotti, Valentina Fabiano
Summary: Pubertal development is the process of physical maturation and reproductive function. Vitamin D has gained interest as a pathogenic factor of pubertal disorders and fertility as it regulates neuroendocrine and ovarian physiology. Deficiency of vitamin D is involved in altered pubertal timing. Understanding the role of vitamin D in sexual maturation and puberty development is crucial for preventive strategies.
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Alessandra Dell'Era, Rosanna Cannatelli, Francesca Ferretti, Cristina Manzotti, Dario Dilillo, Gianvincenzo Zuccotti, Fabio Meneghin, Sandro Ardizzone, Giovanni Maconi
Summary: This study investigated the accuracy of intestinal ultrasound (IUS) parameters in detecting inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in pediatric patients. Increased bowel wall thickening, altered bowel ultrasound pattern, and mesenteric hypertrophy were found to be independent predictors of IBD.
JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND
(2023)
Review
Pediatrics
Chiara Mameli, Giulia Marie Smylie, Alessio Galati, Biagio Rapone, Roque Cardona-Hernandez, Gianvincenzo Zuccotti, Maurizio Delvecchio
Summary: Hybrid closed loop (HCL) systems combine insulin delivery pumps with glucose sensors for continuous monitoring, managed by an algorithm. The MiniMed (TM) 670G is the first HCL system available for clinical use. Literature review shows that the system is safe and effective in managing glucose control, with potential improvements in HbA1c levels and time spent within target range. Psychological outcomes vary in different papers. Longer studies are needed to better understand the system's potential.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2023)
Letter
Pediatrics
Gianvincenzo Zuccotti, Valeria Calcaterra, Andrea Foppiani
Summary: Telemedicine is considered an important part of the National Health Service in Italy, with its adoption in diagnostic therapeutic assistance and individual care plans. The region of Lombardy has introduced home care models through a public virtual hospital project, providing high-quality remote healthcare services and user-friendly experiences. Pediatric telemedicine has also been implemented at the Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital in Milan, offering routine activities and innovative programs that benefit children's health.
ITALIAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Savina Mannarino, Valeria Calcaterra, Giulia Fini, Andrea Foppiani, Antonio Sanzo, Martina Pisarra, Gabriele Infante, Marta Marsilio, Irene Raso, Sara Santacesaria, Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
Summary: This study introduces an innovative pediatric telecardiology system, seamlessly integrated with a hospital telemedicine platform, which enhances patient management in the community. The results demonstrate the system's value as a diagnostic tool to facilitate the execution, transmission, and reporting of ECG data between primary care pediatrician clinics and the hospital.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INFORMATICS
(2024)
