A novel in vitro serum stability assay for antibody therapeutics incorporating internal standards

Antibody-based therapeutics have demonstrated remarkable therapeutic benefit, but their susceptibility to biotransformation and degradation in the body can affect their safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) profiles. In vitro stability assessments play a pivotal role in proactively identifying potential liabilities of antibody therapeutics prior to animal studies. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based in vitro stability assays has been developed and adopted in the biopharmaceutical industry for the characterization of antibody-based therapeutics. However, these methodologies often overlook operational error and random variation during sample preparation and analysis, leading to inaccurate stability estimation. To address this limitation, we have developed an LC-MS-based in vitro serum stability assessment that incorporates two internal standards (ISs), National Institute of Standards and Technology monoclonal antibody (NISTmAb) and its crystallizable fragment (Fc), to improve assay performance. Our method involves three steps: incubation of antibody therapeutics along with an IS in biological matrices, affinity purification, and LC-MS analysis. The stability of 21 monoclonal or bispecific antibodies was assessed in serums of preclinical species using this method. Our results showed improved accuracy and precision of recovery calculations with the incorporation of ISs, enabling a more confident stability assessment even in the absence of biotransformation or aggregation. In vitro stability correlated with in vivo exposure, suggesting that this in vitro assay could serve as a routine screening tool to select and advance stable antibody therapeutic candidates for subsequent in vivo studies.

In-depth characterization and semi-quantification of anti-drug antibodies in clinical samples using specific hybrid IC-LC-MS/MS methods

Anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) generated by biotherapeutics can impair the drug clearance, prevent the binding to its target or lead to hypersensitivity reactions, thereby affecting efficacy and safety. It is therefore essential to assess the immunogenicity of potential biotherapeutics, particularly in clinical development. Ligand binding assays (LBA) are the gold standard for ADA detection because of their high sensitivity and throughput. However, LBA assays don't provide details on the isotypes produced and their relative abundance. As certain isotypes are known to be associated with ADA mediated adverse events, this information could be helpful to anticipate or better characterize the immunogenicity risk of biotherapeutics. A hybrid IC-LC-MS/MS strategy was developed for the detection of specific isotypes/subclasses of ADAs in a phase I clinical study. A first approach using the biotinylated drug to capture ADAs in human serum allowed the simultaneous semi-quantification of all IgG subclasses and the detection of ADAs of the IgM isotype in clinical samples. These results enabled a detailed characterization of the immune response against the biotherapeutic. A second assay was developed using a sequential immunocapture to measure drug specific IgEs known to be potentially associated with hypersensitivity reactions. The overall results were consistent with the clinical adverse events observed in some healthy volunteers.

Procognitive Potential of Neuroprotective Triazine 5-HT6 Receptor Antagonists Tested on Chronic Activity In Vivo in Rats: Computer-Aided Insight into the Role of Chalcogen-Differences on the Pharmacological Profile

Among serotonin receptors, the 5-HT6 subtype is an important protein target and its ligands may play a key role in the innovative treatment of cognitive disorders. This study aimed to extend the body of preclinical research on two naphthyl-derived methylpiperazine-1,3,5-triazine analogues with thioether (WA-22) or Se-ether (PPK-32) linkers, the newly described compounds having high affinity and selectivity for 5-HT6 receptors and drug-like parameters in vitro. Thus, crystallography-supported deeper insight into their chemical properties, the comparison of their neuroprotective and pharmacokinetic profiles, and especially their impact on memory disturbances after chronic administration to rats were investigated. As a result, the chronic administration of WA-22 completely reversed (+)MK-801-induced memory disturbances evaluated in the novel object recognition test (NORT) in rats. The pharmacokinetic and biochemical results support the notion that this 1,3,5-triazine 5-HT6 receptor ligand could offer a promising therapeutic tool in CNS-related disorders. The selenium compound PPK-32, with a similar range of activity at acute administration, has shown even broader neuroprotective profiles, especially at the genetic level. However, for therapeutic use, its weaker pharmacokinetics (stability), which is a probable limit for action upon chronic administration, would require improvement, e.g., by an appropriate formulation.

An ultra-fast UPLC-MS/MS approach for the quantification of baricitinib in the HLM matrix: greenness assessment with application to in vitro and in silico metabolic stability studies

Baricitinib (Olumiant) is a Janus kinase inhibitor utilized for the management of COVID-19, rheumatoid arthritis, and alopecia areata. It received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval on May 31, 2018. This work developed a sensitive, rapid, environmentally friendly, and reliable UPLC-MS/MS method for quantifying baricitinib in human liver microsomes, utilized to evaluate the in vitro metabolic stability of baricitinib in HLMs. The StarDrop software, with DEREK and P450 metabolic programs, was employed to detect the structural warnings related to BCB and assess the in silico metabolic lability. The validation of the UPLC-MS/MS approach conformed to U.S. Food and Drug Administration standards for bioanalytical approach validation. The present UPLC-MS/MS method exhibited a wide range of linearity (1.0-3000 ng mL-1) and optimum separation of analytes in an ultra-fast separation time (1 min) and was reproducible and accurate in the absence of human liver microsome matrix effects. Baricitinib and encorafenib (the internal standard) were examined employing an isocratic mobile phase technique on a reversed phase (SB C18) column. This study assessed the accuracy and precision of UPLC-MS/MS methodologies for intra- and inter-day evaluations, which ranged from -1.20% to 8.67% and 0.12% to 11.67%, respectively. The intrinsic clearance of baricitinib was quantified at 27.49 mL min-1 kg-1, while the in vitro half-life was established at 29.50 minutes. In silico analysis proposes that slight structural alterations to the pyrrole ring (88%) and the pyrimidine ring (5%) in drug design may increase safety and metabolic stability related to baricitinib. The evaluation of in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and metabolic stability characteristics for baricitinib is crucial for advancing innovative drug discovery focused on enhancing metabolic stability.

ELISA protein detector (EPD): A Python-based ELISA tool for accurate low-level protein quantification

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a cornerstone technique for quantifying protein secretion in biological research. However, the built-in software provided by ELISA plate readers often struggles to accurately detect low-concentration proteins, particularly in the sub-nanogram/mL range, due to limitations in calibration curve fitting. We developed the ELISA Protein Detector (EPD) to overcome these challenges. This open-source Python-based software employs advanced optimization algorithms to enhance curve fitting precision, particularly at low detection thresholds." EPD features an intuitive user interface, requires minimal technical expertise, and supports robust cross-validation to enhance the reliability of ELISA data analysis. Tested on Windows systems, this tool provides a cost-effective and versatile solution for researchers, enabling accurate quantification of low-level protein concentrations and addressing the shortcomings of standard ELISA software in diverse biological and clinical applications.

Sensitive and eco-friendly voltammetric detection of galantamine using a screen-printed sensor with a functional boron-doped diamond electrode

The presented study focused on developing and optimizing a modern electroanalytical platform for the direct quantitative determination of galantamine. This work used different voltammetric methods to use a screen-printed sensor with a working boron-doped diamond electrode (SP/BDDE). Beneficial analytical performance for detecting galantamine was achieved in a Britton-Robinson buffer with pH 3.0. The oxidation peaks at 0.92 V and 1.20 V were followed for electrochemical quantification of galantamine. High-resolution mass spectrometry was used for the first time to analyze the products of preparative electrolysis, and a mechanism for the electrochemical oxidation of galantamine was proposed, which describes the demethylation of galantamine and the further oxidation of the hydroxyl group to a ketone group in the galantamine molecule. Coupled with the optimized parameters of differential pulse voltammetry and square-wave voltammetry on the SP/BDDE detected galantamine in two linear ranges (the first range was from 1.22 μM to 10 μM; the second range was from 10 μM to 200 μM), providing the limit of detection and limit of quantification on a micromolar level (0.50 μM and 1.48 μM, respectively). Amperometry and chronoamperometry were employed to develop a rapid detection method for galantamine. In this approach, galantamine can be detected at a level of 1.08 μM (amperometry at the second peak). The selectivity of the optimized amperometric methods was found to be excellent in the presence of ten times higher concentrations of certain interferences. The practical applicability of the SP/BDDE for detecting galantamine was demonstrated through the analysis of pharmaceutical products and human urine samples. The proposed procedure fully complies with the latest requirements of green analytical chemistry.

Modification of Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles for antibiotic detection

The manufacture, modification, and application of surface-functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles in the extraction and isolation of antibiotics are reviewed in this paper. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) can be used to characterize the morphological features of Fe3O4 nanoparticles, while Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) can be used to determine the crystalline shapes and distinctive functional groups of these particles. We gathered a lot of data to investigate the effects of experimental parameters like pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and ionic strength on the extraction of antibiotics from Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles. We additionally talked about the mechanism of action of magnetic nanoparticles for the extraction of separated antibiotics and how they are utilized in practical detection methods. This work concluded with an overview of the potential for environmental friendliness and dispersion of functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles, as well as potential challenges and directions.

Development and Validation of Targeted Metabolomics Methods Using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for the Quantification of 235 Plasma Metabolites

Plasma contains metabolites with diverse physicochemical properties, ranging from highly polar to highly apolar, and concentrations spanning at least nine orders of magnitude. Plasma metabolome analysis is valuable for monitoring health and evaluating medical interventions but is challenging due to the metabolome's diversity and complexity. This study aims to develop and validate targeted LC-MS/MS methods for quantifying 235 mammalian metabolites from 17 compound classes in porcine plasma without prior derivatization. Utilizing reversed-phase and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, each analyte is identified and quantified using two selected reaction monitoring (SRM) transitions. Fast polarity switching and scheduled SRM enhance the metabolome coverage and throughput, enabling the analysis of one sample in about 40 min. A simple "dilute and shoot" sample preparation protocol was employed, with samples injected at two dilution levels to align metabolite concentrations within calibration curve ranges. Validation in porcine plasma included assessments of carryover, linearity, detection and quantification limits, repeatability and recovery. The method was further applied to plasma samples from various animal species, demonstrating its applicability to human and animal studies. This study establishes two robust LC-MS/MS methods for comprehensive porcine plasma metabolome quantification, advancing large-scale targeted metabolomics in biomedical research.

WDR36 Regulates Trophectoderm Differentiation During Human Preimplantation Embryonic Development Through Glycolytic Metabolism

Mammalian pre-implantation development is a complex process involving sophisticated regulatory dynamics. WD repeat domain 36 (WDR36) is known to play a critical role in mouse early embryonic development, but its regulatory function in human embryogenesis is still elusive due to limited access to human embryos. The human pluripotent stem cell-derived blastocyst-like structure, termed a blastoid, offers an alternative means to study human development in a dish. In this study, after verifying that WDR36 inhibition disrupted polarization in mouse early embryos, it is further demonstrated that WDR36 interference can block human blastoid formation, dominantly hindering the trophectoderm lineage commitment. Both transcriptomics and targeted metabolomics analyses revealed that WDR36 interference downregulated glucose metabolism. WDR36 can interact with glycolytic metabolic protein lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), thereby positively regulating glycolysis during the late stage of human blastoid formation. Taken together, the study has established a mechanistic connection between WDR36, glucose metabolism, and cell fate determination during early embryonic lineage commitment, which may provide potential insights into novel therapeutic targets for early adverse pregnancy interventions.

Phytochemical-Based Drug Discovery for Breast Cancer: Combining Virtual Screening and Molecular Dynamics to Identify Novel Therapeutics

Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK), a pivotal signaling protein, plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, such as cell growth, survival, and differentiation. There is currently a growing interest in MELK as a promising therapeutic target for multiple cancers, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Exploring MELK as a target offers a prospective strategy to impede cancer progression and enhance the efficacy of conventional anticancer therapies. In this study, we employed a multistep docking procedure to evaluate the anticancer potential of phyto-compounds from the NPACT and PhytoHub databases targeting the MELK protein. A collection of 23 740 compounds underwent hierarchical multistep docking, accompanied by an analysis of binding interactions. The extensive analysis identified five compounds (PHUB000697, PHUB002010, NPACT00373, PHUB002005, and PHUB001739) as potent inhibitors of the MELK protein, exhibiting docking scores lower than -11 Kcal/mol, that is, -12.90, -12.00, -11.23, -11.19, and -11.09 Kcal/mol, respectively. PHUB000697 exhibited very crucial interactions with Gly20, Lys40, Cys89, and Glu93 (2.74 Å). To evaluate the stability of protein-ligand interactions in dynamic states, 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were conducted using the entire trajectory, revealing a substantial binding affinity for all identified compounds toward the MELK protein. Consequently, these five compounds emerge as promising candidates for future drug development targeting the MELK protein in treating TNBC. However, experimental assessment is essential to understand the molecular interaction mechanisms better. We are aiming to report a few in vitro and in vivo studies on these compounds to validate the computational results.

Non-targeted metabolomics-based molecular networking enables the chemical characterization of Rumex sanguineus, a wild edible plant

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Rumex sanguineus, a traditional medicinal plant of the Polygonaceae family, is gaining popularity as an edible resource. However, despite its historical and nutritional significance, its chemical composition remains poorly understood. To deepen the understanding of the of Rumex sanguineus composition, an in-depth analysis using non-targeted, mass spectrometry-based metabolomics was performed.  METHODS: Rumex roots, stems and leaves samples were analyzed by UHPLC-HRMS and subsequently subjected to feature-based molecular networking.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Overall, 347 primary and specialized metabolites grouped into 8 biochemical classes were annotated. Most of these metabolites (60%) belong to the polyphenols and anthraquinones classes. To investigate potential' toxicity due to the presence of anthraquinones, the amount of emodin was quantified with analytical standard, revealing higher accumulation in leaves compared to stems and roots. This highlights the need for thorough metabolomic studies to understand both beneficial and harmful compounds, especially in plants with historical medicinal use transitioning to modern culinary use.

Metal-Organic Frameworks MIL-101(Fe) and MIL-53(Al) as Efficient Adsorbents for Dispersive Micro-Solid-Phase Extraction of Sorafenib in Plasma and Wastewater, Coupled with HPLC-UV Analysis

In the present study, metal-organic frameworks, MIL-101(Fe) and MIL-53(Al), were synthesized under solvothermal conditions and were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray energy diffraction spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The synthesized metal-organic frameworks were utilized for the purpose of dispersive micro-solid phase extraction of sorafenib in both human plasma and wastewater, which was subsequently followed by high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet determination. Parameters affecting extraction efficacy including adsorbent amount, ionic strength, pH, type of elution solvent, adsorption and desorption time were optimized. Under optimal experimental conditions, the linearity in human plasma and wastewater was achieved in the range of 0.25-5.00 and 0.01-0.20 μg/mL, respectively. The extraction recovery for MIL-101(Fe) and MIL-53(Al), respectively, was calculated in human plasma and wastewater and found to be in the range of 86.27-99.47%.

Simultaneous isotyping and semi-quantitation of anti-drug antibodies to an IgG1 biotherapeutic using hybrid LBA-LC-MS/MS

BACKGROUND

Commonly, ligand-binding platforms are being used for immunogenicity assessment, but with the recent advent of liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for protein quantification, this technology has become an alternative for the measurement of anti-drug antibodies (ADAs), when combined with an immunocapture step to extract them out of the biological sample.

METHOD

The monoclonal antibody adalimumab was immobilized on magnetic beads to isolate ADAs against this drug from serum samples. Multiple repetitions of immunopurification were used to minimize nonspecific binding and improve drug tolerance while maintaining sufficient recovery. A subsequent tryptic digestion released peptides, from which unique peptide sequences, originating from the constant region of seven ADA subclasses, were selected. These were then analyzed by LC-MS/MS against (unextracted) subclass-specific reference standards for semi-quantification.

RESULTS

With two immunocapture and two immunopurification steps, the method simultaneously measures the ADA subclasses IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgM, IgE and IgA within their relevant ranges, with good repeatability and drug tolerance, and limited interference of endogenous immunoglobulins. The method was successfully applied for the analysis of serum samples of subjects dosed with adalimumab.

CONCLUSION

Hybrid LBA-LC-MS/MS is a viable platform for measuring ADAs and adds value, especially when ADA isotyping is needed.

Plasma drug screening using paper spray mass spectrometry with integrated solid phase extraction

Drug overdoses have risen dramatically in recent years. We developed a simple nontargeted method using a disposable paper spray cartridge with an integrated solid phase extraction column. This method was used to screen for ~160 fentanyl analogs, synthetic cannabinoids, other synthetic drugs, and traditional drugs of abuse in over 300 authentic overdose samples collected at emergency departments in Indianapolis. A solid phase extraction step was implemented on the paper spray cartridge to enable subnanograms per milliliter synthetic drugs screening in plasma. Analysis was performed on a quadrupole orbitrap mass spectrometer using the sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion spectra approach in which tandem mass spectrometry was performed using 7 m/z isolation windows in the quadrupole. Calibration curves with isotopically labeled internal standards were constructed for 35 of the most frequently encountered synthetic and traditional illicit drugs by US toxicology labs. Additional qualitative-only drugs in a suspect screening list were also included. Limits of detection in plasma for synthetic cannabinoids ranged from 0.1 to 0.5 and 0.1 to 0.3 ng/mL for fentanyl and its analogs and between 1 and 5 ng/mL for most other drugs. Relative matrix effects were evaluated by determining the variation of the calibration slope in 10 different lots of biofluid and found to be between 3% and 20%. The method was validated on authentic overdose samples collected from two emergency departments in Indianapolis, Indiana, from suspected or known overdoses. Commonly detected synthetic drugs included fentanyl related substances, designer benzodiazepines such as flubromazolam, and the synthetic cannabinoid 5F-PB-22.

Current status of fluid biomarkers for early Alzheimer's disease and FDA regulation implications

Many changes can now be seen in the development and use of tests, especially those incorporating fluid biomarkers, to diagnose Alzheimer's disease (AD), a devastating disease caused by the progressive but rapid degeneration of cortical tissue. Some biomarkers we already know have a significant association with AD, such as amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau, as well as the ratio of concentrations of other Aβ isoforms. In addition, several novel biomarkers are emerging that can also be used as diagnostic fluid biomarkers for AD, but many studies are still needed before we can consider them reliable. The U.S. Federal Food and Drug Administration recently announced its final ruling to regulate laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) as medical devices, which can significantly impact LDT development. In this narrative review, we discuss the current status of fluid biomarkers used to diagnose early AD, their potential and limitations, and the impact caused by the FDA's decision and strategies to help developers navigate the complex changes in the regulatory landscape of LDTs.

Analyzing the Effect of Resveratrol on Pharmacokinetics of Antituberculosis Drug Bedaquiline in Rats by a Novel UPLC-MS/MS Approach

Bedaquiline (BDQ), a diarylquinoline compound, is an inhibitor of mycobacterial ATP synthase, specifically with FDA approval as a treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). M2 is the main metabolite of BDQ and is active against tuberculosis. The objective of this study was to establish and validate a sensitive and convenient ultraperformance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) approach to concurrently quantify BDQ and M2 in rat plasma and to examine whether resveratrol, a CYP3A4 inhibitor, could influence the pharmacokinetics of BDQ and M2 in rats. Plasma samples containing the internal standard (IS) linezolid were formulated by adding acetonitrile for a simple one-step protein precipitation, and the analytes in samples were quantified by the UPLC-MS/MS method. BDQ and M2 were successfully calibrated in the ranges of 0.5-1000 and 1.0-200 ng/mL, where the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 0.5 and 1.0 ng/mL, respectively. The precisions and accuracies of BDQ and M2 were in compliance with the FDA analytical standards. Recoveries and matrix effects of the analytes were satisfactory, and the analytes remained stable under four different temperatures and conditions. The well-validated UPLC-MS/MS method was successfully applied to the study of the food-drug interaction in rats. Remarkably, resveratrol increased the level of exposure of BDQ. Furthermore, the effect of resveratrol on the metabolism of BDQ and M2 needs further clinical studies.

A simple, robust and high-throughput LC-MS/MS method for the therapeutic drug monitoring of polymyxin B1, polymyxin B2, polymyxin B3, isoleucine-polymyxin B1, polymyxin E1 and polymyxin E2 in human plasma

To facilitate clinical therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of polymyxin B (PB) and polymyxin E (PE), we developed and validated a simple LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of PB (including polymyxin B1 (PB1), polymyxin B2 (PB2), polymyxin B3 (PB3) and isoleucine-polymyxin B1 (ile-PB1)) and PE (including polymyxin E1 (PE1) and polymyxin E2 (PE2)) in human plasma. PB or PE was extracted from 20.0 μL plasma using a 5% (v/v) formic acid acetonitrile solution and separated on a BEH-C18 column (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.7 μm) with a mobile phase consisting of 0.8% formic acid aqueous solution and 0.2% formic acid acetonitrile solution. Gradient elution was performed over 5.5 min at a flow rate of 0.250 mL/min. Quantitative analysis was conducted in positive ion scanning mode by electrospray ionization and multiple reaction monitoring. The method validation was conducted based on bioanalytical method validation guidance, including specificity, calibration curve, precision, accuracy, recovery, matrix effect, stability and dilution integrity and all of the results satisfied the requirements. The method was simple, robust and high-throughput and is currently being used to provide a TDM service to enhancing therapeutic efficacy and safety use of the PB and PE.

Neurogenic-derived 6-nitrodopamine is the most potent endogenous modulator of the mouse urinary bladder relaxation

6-Nitrodopamine (6-ND) modulates vas deferens, seminal vesicles, and corpus cavernosum contractility; however, its role on the lower urinary tract organs has not been evaluated. Investigations of isolated urinary bladders from wild-type (WT) mice revealed 6-ND release was comparable to that of dopamine and adrenaline, whereas noradrenaline was hardly detected, as assessed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. In vitro, 6-ND induced concentration-dependent relaxations in carbachol pre-contracted bladders with high potency (pEC50: 8.04 ± 0.86), independently of eNOS/sGC activity. Co-incubation of 6-ND (1-10 μM) antagonizes the contractile effects of acetylcholine (p < 0.05). Experiments using nitric oxide synthase (NOS) knockout mice demonstrated that 6-ND release from isolated urinary bladder was significantly reduced by neuronal NOS (nNOS-/-) deletion and abolished by triple NOSs deletion (n/i/eNOS-/-), while no significant changes were observed in endothelial (eNOS-/-) or inducible (iNOS-/-) knockout mice. Incubation with tetrodotoxin resulted in a significant decrease in 6-ND release in bladders obtained from WT, but not in nNOS-/- mice. The bladders from nNOS-/- and n/i/eNOS-/- mice exhibited significantly higher contractile responses to electric field stimulation (EFS), compared to eNOS-/-, iNOS-/-, or WT bladders. The hyperreactivity observed in triple NOS knockouts was reversed by the incubation with bladder mucosal layer obtained from a donor WT mice, but not with the muscular layer. These findings clearly demonstrate 6-ND is the most potent endogenous relaxing agent of urinary bladder, and inhibition of its release is associated with bladder hyperreactivity.

Dispersive micro-solid phase extraction based on two MOFs as highly effective adsorbents for analysis of nilotinib in plasma and wastewater

BACKGROUND

Nilotinib (NIL) is a prescription medication employed in the treatment of specific types of leukemia, namely chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). The determination of NIL levels in patients undergoing treatment for CML is of paramount importance for effective management of treatment and toxicity. Also, monitoring and controlling its level in wastewater sources could help scientists to identify potential hotspots of contamination and take appropriate measures to mitigate their impact on the environment and public health.

OBJECTIVES

This study presents a D-µ-SPE technique utilizing two MOFs as adsorbents for the efficient detection of nilotinib in plasma and wastewater samples for the first time.

METHODS

Two highly effective MOFs, MIL-101(Fe) and MIL-53(Al), were synthesized and applied as dispersive micro-solid phase extraction (D-µ-SPE) adsorbents for the extraction of nilotinib coupled with HPLC-UV in a short time of analysis. Experimental parameters affecting extraction efficacy such as adsorbent amount, ionic strength, pH value, adsorption-desorption time and type of elution solvent, were optimized.

RESULTS

Under optimal experimental conditions, the linear dynamic was achieved in the range of 0.25-5.00 µg/mL in human plasma and 0.01-0.20 µg/mL in wastewater. The extraction recovery was in the range of 89.18-91.53% and 94.39-99.60% for nilotinib and MIL-101(Fe) and also 91.22-97.35% and 98.14-100.78% for nilotinib and MIL-53(Al) from human plasma and wastewater respectively.

CONCLUSION

HPLC-UV determination of nilotinib after the D-µ-SPE method showed acceptable accuracy and precision in both plasma and wastewater. In comparison between the two adsorbents, the extraction procedure was easier and faster with MIL-53(Al) as the adsorbent.

Evaluating quackery formulations: LC-MS/MS based method for detecting glucocorticoid content

Glucocorticoids are widely used as highly effective drugs for treating inflammatory diseases. In this study, a method was developed and validated using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to simultaneously determine four glucocorticoids, including betamethasone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, and prednisolone in unauthorized or unregulated medicinal powders often associated with quackery formulations. Commercially available standards were used for method development and glucocorticoid detection. Glucocorticoids were extracted from the samples with methanol, which were then chromatographically separated using two mobile phases (0.1 % formic acid in water and 0.1 % formic acid in acetonitrile) in an isocratic flow on an Agilent Poroshel 120 C18 column (2.1 mm x 75 mm x 2.7 m). The validated analytical measuring range (AMR) of betamethasone and dexamethasone was 7.8-500 ng/mL, whereas, for hydrocortisone and prednisolone, AMR was 7.8-1000 ng/mL. The method showed an excellent coefficient of determination (r2) >0.990 for betamethasone, hydrocortisone, and prednisolone, while for dexamethasone 0.986. Accuracy and precision (intra/inter days) of these glucocorticoids showed a bias of 6-15 % (<20 %) and a coefficient of variation (CV) of <15 %. For each dilution factor, the integrity of samples was maintained after dilution. The developed method is sensitive and valuable for detecting, quantifying, and confirming the selected glucocorticoids in various quackery formulation powders commonly used in Pakistani setups.

Functionalized Graphene Quantum Dots as an Eco-Friendly Fluorescent Probe for Galantamine Analysis: Greenness Evaluation With Application to Pharmacokinetics Monitoring

In this study, the use of functionalized graphene quantum dots (GQDs) as a fluorescent probe has been investigated for the quantitative determination of galantamine, a choline esterase inhibitor used for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The GQDs exhibit a significant quenching in their fluorescence intensity upon interaction with galantamine allowing for sensitive and selective detection of the drug. This quenching process follows a dynamic pattern with a linear relationship between fluorescence intensity and the concentration of galantamine. Several factors affecting the quenching process were investigated and optimized, including the concentration of GQDs, the pH of the solution, and the incubation time. The proposed probe exhibited excellent analytical performance with a linear range of 10-500 ng/mL, a limit of detection of 15 ng/mL, accuracy of 100.78 ± 0.698%, and intraday and interday precision of 0.742 and 1.369%, respectively. Furthermore, the GQDs-based sensor exhibited good selectivity towards galantamine in the presence of potentially interfering substances. Another advantage of the GQDs-based sensor is its greenness evaluation, as it offers a more environmentally friendly alternative compared to traditional methods. In addition, the GQDs-based sensor was successfully applied to analyze galantamine in pharmaceutical samples and in vivo samples, demonstrating its potential for pharmacokinetics monitoring.

An Ultra-Fast Validated Green UPLC-MS/MS Approach for Assessing Revumenib in Human Liver Microsomes: In Vitro Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion and Metabolic Stability Evaluation

Background and Objectives: Revumenib (SNDX-5613) is a powerful and specific inhibitor of the menin-KMT2A binding interaction. It is a small molecule that is currently being researched to treat KMT2A-rearranged (KMT2Ar) acute leukemias. Revumenib (RVB) has received Orphan Drug Designation from the US FDA for treating patients with AML. It has also been granted Fast Track designation by the FDA for treating pediatric and adult patients with R/R acute leukemias that have a KMT2Ar or NPM1 mutation. Materials and Methods: The target of this research was to create a fast, precise, green, and extremely sensitive UPLC-MS/MS technique for the estimation of the RVB level in human liver microsomes (HLMs), employing an ESI source. The validation procedures were carried out in accordance with the bioanalytical technique validation requirements established by the US Food and Drug Administration that involve linearity, selectivity, precision, accuracy, stability, matrix effect, and extraction recovery. The outcome data of the validation features of the UPLC-MS/MS approach were acceptable according to FDA guidelines. RVB parent ions were formed in the positive ESI source and its two fragment ions were estimated employing multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The separation of RVB and encorafenib was achieved using a C8 column (2.1 mm, 50 mm, and 3.5 µm) and isocratic mobile phase. Results: The RVB calibration curve linearity ranged from 1 to 3000 ng/mL (y = 0.6515x - 0.5459 and R2 = 0.9945). The inter-day precision and accuracy spanned from -0.23% to 11.33%, while the intra-day precision and accuracy spanned from -0.88% to 11.67%, verifying the reproducibility of the UPLC-MS/MS analytical technique. The sensitivity of the developed methodology demonstrated its capability to quantify RVB levels at an LOQ of 0.96 ng/mL. The AGREE score was 0.77, confirming the greenness of the current method. The low in vitro t1/2 (14.93 min) and high intrinsic clearance (54.31 mL/min/kg) of RVB revealed that RVB shares similarities with medications that have a high extraction ratio. Conclusions: The present LC-MS/MS approach is considered the first analytical approach with the application of metabolic stability assessment for RVB estimation in HLMs. These methods are essential for advancing the development of new pharmaceuticals, particularly in enhancing metabolic stability.

From Burst to Sustained Release: The Effect of Antibiotic Structure Incorporated into Chitosan-Based Films

Background/Objectives: Medical devices are susceptible to bacterial colonization and biofilm formation, which can result in severe infections, leading to prolonged hospital stays and increased burden on society. Antibacterial films have the potential to assist in preventing biofilm formation, thereby reducing administration of antibiotics and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains. In a previous study, a chitosan-based matrix crosslinked with tannic acid and loaded with gentamicin was reported. In this study, five different antibiotics (moxifloxacin, ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole or linezolid) were loaded into these chitosan-based films, and their impact on the release behavior carefully assessed. Methods: The samples were characterized according to their thickness, swelling, and mass loss in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), as well as by morphology using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical phase contrast microscopy. Antibiotic release over time was quantified in PBS by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Antibacterial activity was investigated by disk diffusion test and antibiotic release over time. Finally, the cytotoxicity of the samples was assessed with human dermal fibroblasts. Results: The obtained results differed significantly, especially regarding the antibiotic release time and antibacterial activity, which varied from one day to six months, enabling classification of the films from burst/transient to prolonged release. The films also showed antibacterial features against bacteria mostly present in medical devices and displayed to be non-cytotoxic. Conclusions: In conclusion, it was demonstrated that the antibiotics structure significantly alters the release kinetics, and that by carefully selecting the antibiotic, the consequent release can be tuned. This approach yielded films that could be used for potentially-scalable release in antimicrobial coatings specific to medical devices, aiming to reduce biomaterial associated infections (BAIs).

Validated LC/MS method for simultaneous determination of elbasvir and grazoprevir in human plasma

A sensitive and accurate LC/MS method for the determination of elbasvir (ELB) and grazoprevir (GZP) in human plasma was established using daclatasvir (DCT) as an internal standard. The analytes were separated on a Waters Spherisorb phenyl column (150mm×4.6mm ID, 5μm particle size) maintained at 40°C±2°C. Gradient elution, at a flow rate of 0.8mLmin-1, was used. The mobile phase consists of 90% of acetonitrile mixed to 10% of a 5mM ammonium formate buffer (+0.1% v/v of trimethylamine, pH was adjusted to 3.2 by formic acid) as phase A and 10% of acetonitrile mixed to 90% of the same buffer as phase B. Liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate solvent was used to recuperate compounds from plasma. The method was validated over a concentration range of 2 and 100ng/mL for GZP and between 1 and 50ng/mL for ELB. The intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy of the quality control samples at low, medium, and high concentration levels exhibited relative standard deviations (RSD)<15%, and the accuracy values ranged from 94.2 to 107.8%. The robustness of the method was established using a two-level full factorial design.

Periconceptional maternal and paternal alcohol consumption and embryonic and fetal development: the Rotterdam periconception cohort

RESEARCH QUESTION

What is the impact of maternal and paternal alcohol consumption in the periconception period on embryonic and fetal development assessed using three-dimensional ultrasound and virtual reality techniques?

DESIGN

This prospective observational study was embedded in the Rotterdam periconception cohort (Predict study). Participating women received longitudinal three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound examinations from week 7 to week 12 of gestation to measure crown-rump length and embryonic volume. Mid-pregnancy fetal size parameters and birth weight were retrieved from medical files. Participants completed a periconception exposure questionnaire and a validated food frequency questionnaire. Linear mixed models were used to analyse the association between parental alcohol consumption, and embryonic and fetal developmental parameters.

RESULTS

In total, 1141 female and 987 male participants were included in the analyses. Moderate maternal alcohol consumption in the periconception period resulted in a smaller head circumference (β = -1.85, SE = 0.84, P = 0.03), abdominal circumference (β = -2.65, SE = 0.93, P = 0.004), femur length (β = -0.56, SE = 0.22, P = 0.01) and estimated fetal weight (β = -9.36, SE = 4.35, P = 0.03) at 20 weeks of gestation. Paternal alcohol consumption showed significant positive associations, mainly with fetal size parameters (abdominal circumference: β = 0.033, SE = 0.01, P = 0.008; estimated fetal weight: β = 0.131, SE = 0.06, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate maternal alcohol consumption is negatively associated with fetal growth parameters. Moreover, alcohol is proven to be a strong teratogen, and its consumption before and during pregnancy should be discouraged in both women and men as it affects several parameters of embryonic and fetal development.

Prevalence of Nutritional Anaemia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Absence of Renal Impairment

BACKGROUND

Anemia is more common in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and is more likely when glycemic control is poor. Anemia in T2DM can reduce quality of life and increase cardiovascular risk, and therefore, its prevalence and contributory factors in diabetic patients with normal kidney function are important to understand.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of anemia in individuals with type 2 diabetes and normal kidney function, focusing on blood glucose, serum creatinine, HbA1c, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels. The research also examined the influence of gender, age, and glycemic control on anemia occurrence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was conducted at Balaji Medical College and General Hospital from March 2021 to January 2023 to evaluate blood glucose, HbA1c, serum creatinine, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels in type 2 diabetes patients. Data were collected using a standardized proforma, including age, sex, occupation, physical activity, and clinical history. Biochemical and hematology analyses were performed on venous blood samples collected via venipuncture. Statistical analysis used an unpaired two-tailed t-test with a significance level of p < 0.05. The study included 100 patients categorized by glycemic control, gender, age, and socioeconomic status.

RESULTS

Results showed a high prevalence of anemia in uncontrolled diabetic patients (mean hemoglobin level 11.75 ± 1.72 g/dL vs. 14.46 ± 1.445 g/dL in the controlled cases, p = 0.0001). The mean hematocrit level was 35.46 ± 5.136% in uncontrolled patients compared to 43.62 ± 4.59% in controlled patients (p = 0.0001), showing a direct relationship between poor glycemic control and low hematological indices.

CONCLUSION

The study shows that anemia is common in people with type 2 diabetes, especially if their blood sugar is not well controlled or as they get older. It highlights the need for regular blood tests to check for anemia in diabetes patients, especially older ones. The study recommends adding iron supplements, balanced diets, and vitamins to treatment plans. These steps can help manage both diabetes and anemia better, leading to improved patient care and outcomes.

Modular Point-of-Need Tropane Alkaloid Detection at Regulatory Levels: Combining Solid-Liquid Extraction from Buckwheat with a Paper-Immobilized Liquid-Phase Microextraction and Immuno-Detection in Interconnectable 3D-Printed Devices

Contamination with tropane alkaloids in cereals is expected to increase globally. However, current identification tools (e.g., liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) for tropane alkaloids are time-consuming and expensive. Furthermore, their miniaturized alternatives lack sensitivity and robustness. Therefore, there is a pressing need for inexpensive and effective screening methods. Here, an on-site applicable modular workflow for tropane alkaloid detection in buckwheat is presented. The modular workflow combines paper microfluidics and interconnectable 3D-printed sample preparation tools and was evaluated for different tropane alkaloids, including atropine and scopolamine. Furthermore, integration with an indirect competitive lateral flow immunoassay (icLFIA) for atropine detection at relevant levels was demonstrated. In the modular workflow, to minimize matrix coextraction, tropane alkaloids were extracted from the milled buckwheat cereals by a mixture of alkaline aqueous and immiscible organic solvents (extraction recoveries: 66-79%). The tropane alkaloids were subsequently concentrated with a newly developed paper-immobilized liquid-phase microextraction (PI-LPME, extraction recoveries: 34-60%, concentration factor to immobilized solution in paper: 60-108×). After the PI-LPME, with an integrated 3D-printed setup, the tropane alkaloids were directly eluted (elution recoveries: 83-93%) and detected with the icLFIA. Digital read-out of the icLFIA, by employing a hand-held reader, enabled semiquantification of atropine (IC50 = 0.56 ng mL-1 in standard solutions). The modular workflow was validated by analyzing 24 blank and spiked buckwheat cereal samples with 5 and 10 μg kg-1 atropine. A cutoff value was established with an estimated false negative rate of 1% and estimated false positive rate of 0.68%. Therefore, the modular workflow can aid in fast, inexpensive, and on-site atropine detection by nonexperts, and when integrated with a scopolamine-specific icLFIA expanded toward scopolamine detection. Moreover, the developed sample extraction and concentration method (PI-LPME) is suitable for the analysis of many other compounds with pH-dependent polarity.

Quantitative determination by UHPLC-MS/MS of 18 common drugs of abuse and metabolites, including THC and OH-THC, in volumetric dried blood spots: a sustainable method with minimally invasive sampling

The increased use of drugs of abuse urges forensic toxicologists to create quick, simple, minimally invasive sampling techniques for biological fluids combined with analytical methods assuring accurate results. To this purpose, a method was developed aimed at quantifying 18 drugs of abuse and metabolites in DBS. Validation of the method was conducted by spiking blank whole blood with the analytes on Capitainer® B cards. The extracts were analyzed by a targeted UHPLC-MS/MS method. Linear calibration was achieved in the range of 1-100 ng/mL for: amphetamine, MDA, MDMA, methamphetamine, cocaine, codeine, benzoylecgonine, cocaethylene, morphine, 6-MAM, buprenorphine, methadone, EDDP, ketamine, norbuprenorphine norketamine, THC, and OH-THC. Experimental LOD was found at 0.5 ng/mL for all analytes except for norbuprenorphine, THC and THC-OH which yielded a LOD of 1 ng/mL. Intra- and inter-day accuracy was satisfactory with bias% resulting within 5%. Evaluation of intra- and inter-day precision yielded CV% values within 20%, for all compounds except EDDP. Average extraction recovery calculated at low (2 ng/mL) and high (75 ng/mL) concentration levels was 63% while average matrix effect determined at the same levels was found to be within 85% - 115% for all analytes except from codeine (70%) and MDMA (131%). The method was applied to authentic blood samples spotted onto the DBS card and the minimum value detected was 1.3 ng/mL. HPLC-MS/MS proved capable to identify all the targeted analytes at low concentrations in the small blood volumes obtainable from DBS cards, which in turn confirmed to be effective and sustainable micro-sampling devices.

An Ultra-Fast Green UHPLC-MS/MS Method for Assessing the In Vitro Metabolic Stability of Dovitinib: In Silico Study for Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, Metabolic Lability, and DEREK Alerts

Background and Objectives: Dovitinib (DVB) is a pan-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that can be administered orally. In September 2023, the FDA granted Oncoheroes approval to proceed with an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for dovitinib. This application is intended for the treatment of relapsed or advanced juvenile solid tumors, namely, osteosarcoma. Materials and Methods: The target of the present study was to develop a rapid, green, accurate, and sensitive UHPLC-MS/MS method for measuring DVB levels in human liver microsomes (HLMs). The validations of the HLMs were performed via the established UHPLC-MS/MS approach, as stated in the US FDA reported guidelines for the standards of bioanalytical method validation protocol. The StarDrop in silico software package (version 6.6), which involves the DEREK and WhichP450 in silico modules, was used to check the DVB structure for hazardous alerts and metabolic instability. The DVB and encorafenib (EFB), internal standard, and chromatographic peaks were successfully separated using a reversed phase column (an Eclipse Plus Agilent C8 column) and an isocratic mobile phase. The production of DVB parent ions was accomplished by utilizing the positive ionization mode of an ESI source. The identification and measurement of DVB daughter ions were conducted using the MRM mode. Results: The inter-day accuracy and precision exhibited a spectrum of values in the range of -0.56% to 9.33%, while the intra-day accuracy and precision showcased a range of scores between 0.28% and 7.28%. The DVB calibration curve showed a linear relationship that ranged from 1 to 3000 ng/mL. The usefulness of the currently validated UHPLC-MS/MS method was approved by the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of 1 ng/mL. The AGREE findings demonstrate that the UHPLC-MS/MS method had a noteworthy degree of ecological greenness. The in vitro half-life (t1/2) and intrinsic clearance (Clint) of DVB were calculated to be 15.48 min and 52.39 mL/min/kg, respectively, which aligned with the findings from the WhichP450 software (version 6.6). Conclusions: Via the usage of in silico software, it has been observed that making small changes to the structure of the aryl piperazine ring and quinolinone moieties, or replacing these groups in the drug design process, shows potential for enhancing the metabolic safety and stability of newly developed derivatives compared to DVB.

Analysis of Bovine Lactoferrin in Infant Formula and Adult Nutritional Products by Optical Biosensor Immunoassay: Collaborative Study, Final Action 2021.07

BACKGROUND

Bovine lactoferrin is increasingly being used as an ingredient in infant formula manufacture to enhance nutritional efficacy through the provision of growth, immunoprotective, and antimicrobial factors to the neonate.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate method reproducibility of AOAC First Action Official Method 2021.07 for compliance with the performance requirements described in Standard Method Performance Requirement (SMPR®) 2020.005.

METHODS

Eight laboratories participated in the analysis of blind-duplicate samples of seven nutritional products. Samples were diluted in buffer, and an optical biosensor immunoassay was used in a direct-assay format to quantitate bovine lactoferrin by its interaction with an immobilized anti-lactoferrin antibody. Quantitation was accomplished by the external standard technique with interpolation from a four-parameter calibration regression.

RESULTS

After outliers were removed, precision as reproducibility was found to be within limits set in SMPR 2020.005 (≤ 9%) for six out of seven samples and all had acceptable Horwitz Ratio (HorRatR) values ranging from 1.0 to 2.1. Additionally, comparison with an alternative independent Stakeholder Panel on Infant Formula and Adult Nutritionals (SPIFAN) First Action method (heparin cleanup LC-UV), showed negligible difference between results.

CONCLUSION

The method described is suitable for the quantification of intact, undenatured bovine lactoferrin in powdered infant formulas. The SPIFAN Expert Review Panel evaluated the method and accompanying validation data from this multi-laboratory testing (MLT) study in July 2023 and recommended Official Method 2021.07 for adoption as a Final Action Official MethodSM.

HIGHLIGHTS

A multi-laboratory validation study of an automated optical biosensor immunoassay for the determination of intact, undenatured bovine lactoferrin is described.

Determination of Alzheimer's Drugs in a Human Urine Sample by Different Chemometric Methods: Chemometric Determination of Alzheimer's Drugs

In this study, spectrophotometric determination of donepezil and rivastigmine in healthy human urine samples was carried out by the statistical method. Partial least squares (PLS) and principal component regression (PCR) from multivariate calibration methods were used to evaluate the data obtained from the UV-Vis spectroscopy analysis of the urine sample. Mixtures of each early substance were prepared prior to urine sample analysis, and simultaneous determination of donepezil and rivastigmine was performed on the established chemometric model without any prior separation. The calibration curves of each drug were analyzed, and linearity values were also analyzed. For donepezil and rivastigmine, they were 0.9989 and 0.9997, respectively, and were linear over the concentration range of the synthetic mixture. When both chemometric methods (PLS and PCR) were evaluated in terms of accuracy and reproducibility, very high recoveries and small standard deviations were determined. In the PLS method, the standard error of prediction (SEC), the sum of the prediction residual errors (PRESS), the limit of quantitation (LOQ), and the limit of detection (LOD) values were 0.015, 0.0030, 0.067, 0.24, 0.018, 0.0042, 0.089, and 0.301 for donepezil and rivastigmine, respectively. In the PCR method, SEC, PRESS, LOD, and LOQ values are 0.016, 0.0054, 0.066, and 0.23 for donepezil and 0.022, 0.0062, 0.091, and 0.300 for rivastigmine. Chemometrics is used for speed, simplicity, and reliability. The proposed methods have been successfully applied to a sample of urine.

Accumulation of 3-Monochloro-Propanediol Esters in Kidney Tissues of Patients with Human Renal Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

3-Monochloro-propanediol esters (3-MCPDEs), commonly found in refined edible oils and related products, have generated concerns due to their nephrotoxicity and carcinogenicity, yet clinical evidence remains limited.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we aimed to assess, for the first time, the accumulation of 3-MCPDEs in human kidney tissues, focusing on 68 participants, some with and others without renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

METHODS

An analytical method for 3-MCPDE determination in kidney tissues underwent partial validation to ensure its suitability for sample analysis. The analyst was blind to the sample groups.

RESULTS

Results revealed significantly higher 3-MCPDE levels in RCC patients compared to non-RCC counterparts (0.22 vs. 0.01 µg/g) (p < 0.01). Moreover, no significant correlation was found between 3-MCPDE levels and tumor stage or size in the RCC group.

CONCLUSIONS

Accumulation of 3-MCPDEs in humans, with significantly higher levels was observed in kidney tumor specimens compared to non-patients. These findings suggest minimizing the intake of 3-MCPD and its esters in diets in order to reduce potential negative health impacts.

UPLC-PDA factorial design assisted method for simultaneous determination of oseltamivir, dexamethasone, and remdesivir in human plasma

A green and simple UPLC method was developed and optimized, adopting a factorial design for simultaneous determination of oseltamivir phosphate and remdesivir with dexamethasone as a co-administered drug in human plasma and using daclatasvir dihydrochloride as an internal standard within 5 min. The separation was established on UPLC column BEH C18 1.7 μm (2.1 × 100.0 mm) connected to UPLC pre-column BEH 1.7 μm (2.1 × 5.0 mm) at 50 °C with an injection volume of 10 μL. The photodiode array detector (PDA) was set at three wavelengths of 220, 315, and 245 nm for oseltamivir phosphate, the internal standard, and both dexamethasone and remdesivir, respectively. The mobile phase consisted of methanol and ammonium acetate solution (40 mM) adjusted to pH 4 in a ratio of 61.5:38.5 (v/v) with a flow rate of 0.25 mL min-1. The calibration curves were linear over 500.0-5000.0 ng mL-1 for oseltamivir phosphate, over 10.0-500.0 ng mL-1 and 500.0-5000.0 ng mL-1 for dexamethasone, and over 20.0-500 ng mL-1 and 500.0-5000.0 ng mL-1 for remdesivir. The Gibbs free energy and Van't Hoff plots were used to investigate the effect of column oven temperatures on retention times. Fluoride-EDTA anticoagulant showed inhibition activity on the esterase enzyme in plasma. The proposed method was validated according to the M10 ICH, FDA, and EMA's bioanalytical guidelines. According to Eco-score, GAPI, and AGREE criteria, the proposed method was considered acceptable green.

Challenges and effective tracking down strategies of antibiotic contamination in aquatic ecosystem

A growing environmental concern revolves around the widespread use of medicines, particularly antibiotics, which adversely impact water quality and various life forms. The unregulated production and utilization of antibiotics not only affect non-targeted organisms but also exert significant evolutionary pressures, leading to the rapid development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacterial communities. To address this issue, global studies have been conducted to assess the prevalence and quantities of antibiotics in various environmental components including freshwater, ocean, local sewage, and fish. These studies aim to establish effective analytical methods for identifying and measuring antibiotic residues in environmental matrices that might enable authorities to establish norms for the containment and disposal of antibiotics. This article offers a comprehensive overview of methods used to extract antibiotics from environmental matrices exploring purification techniques such as liquid-liquid extraction, solid-phase extraction, green extraction techniques, and concentration methods like lyophilization and rotary evaporation. It further highlights qualitative and quantitative analysis methods, high-performance liquid chromatography, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography, and liquid chromatography-tandem along with analytical methods such as UV-Vis and tandem mass spectrometry for detecting and measuring antibiotics. Urgency is underscored for proactive strategies to curb antibiotic contamination, safeguarding the integrity of aquatic ecosystems and public health on a global scale.

Musketeer: a software tool for the analysis of titration data

Musketeer is a powerful open-source software tool for the analysis of titration data, featuring a simple cross-platform graphical interface for importing data directly from UV-vis, fluorescence and NMR spectrometers, or from spreadsheets. The fast data analysis algorithm can be used to obtain equilibrium constants for simple binding isotherms, as well as for more complicated systems with multiple competing equilibria. Applications of Musketeer for the analysis of a range of different supramolecular and biomolecular systems are illustrated, including titrations with multiple spectroscopically active species, competitive binding assays, denaturation experiments, optimisation of concentrations as variables. The software also includes a number of tools that can be used to select the binding isotherm that represents the best model to describe a dataset.

Assessment of Dried Serum Spots (DSS) and Volumetric-Absorptive Microsampling (VAMS) Techniques in Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of (Val)Ganciclovir-Comparative Study in Analytical and Clinical Practice

Ganciclovir (GCV) and its prodrug valganciclovir (VGCV) are antiviral medications primarily used to treat infections caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV), particularly in immunocompromised individuals such as solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Therapy with GCV is associated with significant side effects, including bone marrow suppression. Therefore, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is mandatory for an appropriate balance between subtherapeutic and toxic drug levels. This study aimed to develop and validate three novel methods based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for GCV determination in serum (reference methodology), dried serum spots (DSS), and VAMS-Mitra™ devices. The methods were optimized and validated in the 0.1-25 mg/L calibration range. The obtained results fulfilled the EMA acceptance criteria for bioanalytical method validation. Assessment of DSS and VAMS techniques extended GCV stability to serum for up to a minimum of 49 days (at room temperature, with desiccant). Developed methods were effectively evaluated using 80 clinical serum samples from pediatric renal transplant recipients. Obtained samples were used for DSS, and dried serum VAMS samples were manually generated in the laboratory. The results of GCV determination using serum-, DSS- and VAMS-LC-MS/MS methods were compared using regression analysis and bias evaluation. The conducted statistical analysis confirmed the interchangeability between developed assays. The DSS and VAMS samples are more accessible and stable during storage, transport and shipment than classic serum samples.

In vivo absorption and excretion in rats and in vitro digestion and fermentation by the human intestinal microbiota of 2-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid from the fruits of Lycium barbarum L

2-O-β-D-Glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid (AA-2βG) from Lycium barbarum fruits has diverse bioactivities, yet its absorption and digestion are poorly understood. Therefore, the in vivo absorption of AA-2βG in rats was investigated in the present study. After oral administration to SD rats, AA-2βG was absorbed intact, reaching a peak plasma concentration of 472.32 ± 296.64 nM at 90 min, with fecal excretion peaking at 4-8 h and decreasing rapidly by 12-24 h, indicating a prolonged intestinal presence. Furthermore, the digestibility under simulated gastrointestinal conditions and the impact on the gut flora through in vitro fermentation of AA-2βG were investigated. The results reveal that AA-2βG resisted in in vitro simulated digestion, indicating potential interactions with the gut microbiota. The results of in vitro fermentation showed that AA-2βG regulated the composition of the gut microbiota by promoting Oscillospiraceae, Faecalibacterium, Limosilactobacillus, and Fusicatenibacter, while inhibiting Enterococcus, Phocaeicola, Bacteroides, and Streptococcus. Furthermore, at the species level, AA-2βG promoted the growth of Limosilactobacillus mucosae and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and inhibited the growth of Enterococcus. F. prausnitzii is a major producer of n-butyric acid, and the results of short-chain fatty acids also demonstrated a significant promotion of n-butyric acid. Therefore, the study on the absorption, excretion, and regulatory effects of AA-2βG on the gut microbiota supported its potential development as a functional food additive to enhance intestinal health and prevent diseases.

An ultra-fast ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for estimating the in vitro metabolic stability of palbociclib in human liver microsomes: In silico study for metabolic lability, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion features, and DEREK alerts screening

Palbociclib (Ibrance; Pfizer) was approved for the management of metastatic breast cancer characterized by hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative status. The objective of this study was to create a fast, precise, environmentally friendly, and highly sensitive ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry approach for quantifying palbociclib (PAB) in human liver microsomes with the application for assessing metabolic stability. The validation features were performed in agreement with the bioanalytical method validation standards outlined by the US Food and Drug Administration. The StarDrop software (WhichP450 and DEREK modules) was used in screening the metabolic lability and structural alerts of PAB. The separation of PAB and encorafenib (as an internal standard) was achieved on a C8 column, employing an isocratic mobile phase. The inter-day and intra-day accuracy and precision ranged from -6.00% to 4.64% and from -2.33% to 3.13%, respectively. The constructed calibration curve displayed a linearity in the range of 1-3000 ng/mL. The sensitivity of the established approach was proven by the lower limit of quantification of 0.73 ng/mL. The Analytical GREEness calculator results revealed the high level of greenness of the developed method. The PAB's metabolic stability (t1/2 of 18.5 min and a moderate clearance (Clint) of 44.8 mL/min/kg) suggests a high extraction ratio medication that matched the WhichP450 software results.

An ultra-fast green ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for estimating the in vitro metabolic stability of zotizalkib in human liver microsomes

Zotizalkib (ZTK, TPX-0131) is a fourth-generation highly effective inhibitor of wild-type anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and ALK-resistant mutations that can penetrate the central nervous system. It exhibited greater potency compared to all five officially approved ALK inhibitors. The aim of this study was to develop a rapid, accurate, eco-friendly, and highly sensitive ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method for measuring the concentration of ZTK in human liver microsomes (HLMs). The validation aspects of the current UHPLC-MS/MS methodology in the HLMs were conducted in accordance with the bioanalytical method validation standards specified by the US Food and Drug Administration. ZTK and encorafenib were separated using an Agilent C8 column (Eclipse Plus) and an isocratic mobile phase. The calibration curve for the developed ZTK exhibited a linear relationship within the concentration range of 1-3000 ng/mL. The results from the Analytical Green-ness Metric Approach program (0.76) suggested that the created method demonstrated a significant degree of environmental sustainability. The in vitro half-life (t1/2) and intrinsic clearance (Clint) of ZTK were determined to be 15.79 min and 51.35 mL/min/kg, respectively that suggests the ZTK exhibits characteristics similar to those of a medication with a high extraction ratio. These approaches are crucial for the progress of novel pharmaceutical development, especially in improving metabolic stability.

Measurement of isoniazid in tuberculosis patients using finger sweat with creatinine normalisation: A controlled administration study

BACKGROUND

Insufficient exposure and poor compliance with anti-tuberculosis (TB) medications are risk factors for treatment failure and the development of drug resistance. Measurement of drugs in biological samples, such as blood and saliva, can be used to assess adherence and make dose adjustments by therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Finger sweat testing is a convenient and non-invasive method to monitor patients.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the feasibility of finger sweat testing for medication adherence and as a semi-quantitative tool for TDM analysis.

METHODS

Ten patients provided finger sweat, blood and saliva samples following a controlled dose of isoniazid. Samples were analysed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

Isoniazid can be detected in finger sweat 1-6 h following administration at typically prescribed dosages. The normalisation of isoniazid to creatinine increases the correlation between finger sweat and serum isoniazid concentration and provides a means to account for inconsistent sample volumes.

CONCLUSION

We describe the time-course measurement of isoniazid (or drug-to-creatinine ratio) in finger sweat compared to the pharmacokinetic profile in blood for the first time. This technique, adaptable for other drugs, could reduce the burden on clinics and improve patient experience.

Empowering Women's Health: Examining the Impact of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination on Cervical Cancer Treatment and Beyond

This study aims to identify the change in the health status of women, particularly in cervical cancer treatment through HPV vaccination. Thus, the research aims to measure the reduction in the incidence of cervical cancer in vaccinated women and evaluate the impact of HPV vaccination on the overall health and well-being of women treated for cervical cancer. The paper uses a research approach that involves reviewing the literature, analysing epidemiological data, and assessing the impact of the vaccination program. Major observations suggest that many developed countries' campaigns have reduced cervical cancer and enhanced treatment. Further, the study also addresses some additional effects of the intervention, both health-related with an emphasis on the decrease in healthcare costs and an enhancement of the quality of life among women, and social with a focus on the changes in women's status as a result of vaccination. The research also focusses on the community and economic points of view on HPV vaccination programs, its problems and opportunities regarding socio-economic factors, cultural disparities, and healthcare systems. This study implies that working on those barriers by implementing effective interventions, increasing awareness, and demanding relevant changes in policies could improve vaccination levels as well as outcomes. Hence, this research supports HPV vaccination as vital to the future health status of women. Through the use of survey data and the adoption of a public health perspective, the study can fill existing gaps in the literature on preventive interventions and cervical malignancies and consequently contribute to the enhancement of women's health, particularly in developing countries.

Can capillary microsampling facilitate a clinical pharmacokinetics study of cefazolin in critically ill children?

Aim: Pharmacokinetic studies in children are limited, in part due to challenges in blood sampling. We compare the use of capillary microsampling and conventional sampling techniques in pediatric patients to show results that can be used in the pharmacokinetic analysis of Cefazolin.Patients & Methods: Paired blood samples (n = 48) were collected from 12 patients (median age/weight 49 months/18 kg).Results: The United States Federal Drug Administration incurred sample reanalysis acceptance criteria was used and identified 79% of paired samples achieved a difference of less than 20% in magnitude with a capillary microsampling bias of -10% (SD 20%). With exclusion of PK outliers, this rose to 88%.Conclusion: Capillary microsampling is reliable, meets acceptance criteria and can be used in pharmacokinetic studies.ACTRN: 12618001469202.

Revealing Changes in Celecoxib Nanostructured Lipid Carrier's Bioavailability Using Hyaluronic Acid as an Enhancer by HPLC-MS/MS

Purpose

Oral drug administration is the most common and convenient route, offering good patient compliance but drug solubility limits oral applications. Celecoxib, an insoluble drug, requires continuous high-dose oral administration, which may increase cardiovascular risk. The nanostructured lipid carriers prepared from drugs and lipid excipients can effectively improve drug bioavailability, reduce drug dosage, and lower the risk of adverse reactions.

Methods

In this study, we prepared hyaluronic acid-modified celecoxib nanostructured lipid carriers (HA-NLCs) to improve the bioavailability of celecoxib and reduce or prevent adverse drug reactions. Meanwhile, we successfully constructed a set of FDA-compliant biological sample test methods to investigate the pharmacokinetics of HA-NLCs in rats.

Results

The pharmacokinetic analysis confirmed that HA-NLCs significantly enhanced drug absorption, resulting in an AUC0-t 1.54 times higher than the reference formulation (Celebrex®). Moreover, compared with unmodified nanostructured lipid carriers (CXB-NLCs), HA-NLCs enhance the retention time and improve the drug's half-life in vivo.

Conclusion

HA-NLCs significantly increased the bioavailability of celecoxib. The addition of hyaluronic acid prolonged the drug's in vivo duration of action and reduced the risk of cardiovascular adverse effects associated with the frequent administration of oral celecoxib.

Characterization of the in vitro metabolic profile of nazartinib in HLMs using UPLC-MS/MS method: In silico metabolic lability and DEREK structural alerts screening using StarDrop software

The orally given, irreversible, third-generation inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), known as Nazartinib (EGF816), is now undergoing investigation in Phase II clinical trials conducted by Novartis for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. The primary aim of the current research was to establish a rapid, specific, environmentally friendly, and highly versatile UPLC-MS/MS methodology for the determination of nazartinib (NZT) levels in human liver microsomes (HLMs). Subsequently, same approach was used to examine the metabolic stability of NZT. The UPLC-MS/MS method employed in HLMs was validated as stated in the bioanalytical method validation criteria outlined by the US- FDA. The evaluation of the metabolic stability of NZT and the identification of potentially structural alarms were performed using the StarDrop software package that includes the P450 and DEREK software. The calibration curve for NZT showed a linearity in the range from 1 to 3000 ng/mL. The inter-day accuracy and precision exhibited a range of values between -4.33 % and 4.43 %, whereas the intra-day accuracy and precision shown a range of values between -2.78 % and 7.10 %. The sensitivity of the developed approach was verified through the determination of a LLOQ of 0.39 ng/mL. The intrinsic clearance and in vitro half-life of NZT were assessed to be 46.48 mL/min/kg and 17.44 min, respectively. In our preceding inquiry, we have effectively discerned the bioactivation center, denoted by the carbon atom between the unsaturated conjugated system and aliphatic linear tertiary amine. In the context of computational software, making minor adjustments or substituting the dimethylamino-butenoyl moiety throughout the drug design process may increase the metabolic stability and safety properties of new synthesized derivatives. The efficiency of utilizing different in silico software approaches to conserve resources and reduce effort was proved by the outcomes attained from in vitro incubation experiments and the use of NZT in silico software.

Ultra-fast UPLC-MS/MS approach for estimating X-376 in human liver microsomes: Evaluation of metabolic stability via in silico software and in vitro analysis

X-376 is a novel anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor that is capable of penetrating the blood brain barrier. This makes it suitable for use in patients with ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have metastases in the central nervous system. This study developed a highly sensitive, fast, eco-friendly, and reliable UPLC-MS/MS approach to quantify X-376 in human liver microsomes (HLMs). This approach was used to evaluate X-376's metabolic stability in HLMs in vitro. The UPLC-MS/MS analytical technique validation followed US-FDA bio-analytical method validation guidelines. StarDrop software, containing P450 metabolic and DEREK modules, was utilized to scan X-376's chemical structure for metabolic lability and hazardous warnings. X-376 and Encorafenib (ENF as internal standard) were resoluted on the Eclipse Plus C18 column utilizing an isocratic mobile phase method. The X-376 calibration curve was linear from 1 to 3000 ng/mL. The precision and accuracy of this study's UPLC-MS/MS approach were tested for intra- and inter-day measurements. Inter-day accuracy was -1.32% to 9.36% while intra-day accuracy was -1.5% to 10.00%. The intrinsic clearance (Clint) and in vitro half-life (t1/2) of X-376 were 59.77 mL/min/kg and 13.56 min. The high extraction ratio of X-376 supports the 50 mg twice-daily dose for ALK-positive NSCLC and CNS metastases patients. In silico software suggests that simple structural changes to the piperazine ring or group substitution in drug design may improve metabolic stability and safety compared to X-376.

Optimization of an in vitro method for assessing pulmonary permeability of inhaled drugs using alveolar epithelial cells

INTRODUCTION

Inhalation of drugs for the treatment of pulmonary diseases has been used since a long time. Due to lungs' larger absorptive surface area, delivery of drugs to the lungs is the method of choice for different disorders. Here we present the establishment of a comprehensive permeability model using Type II alveolar epithelial cells and Beclomethasone Dipropionate (BDP) as a model drug delivered by pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI).

METHODS

Using Type II alveolar epithelial cells, the method was standardized for parameters viz., cell density, viability, incubation period and membrane integrity. The delivery and deposition of drug were using the pMDI device with a Twin Stage Impinger (TSI) modified to accommodate cell culture insert having monolayer of cells. The analytical method for simultaneous estimation of BDP and Beclomathasone-17-Monopropionate (17-BMP) was validated as per the bioanalytical guidelines. The extent and rate of absorption of BDP was determined by quantifying the amount of drug permeated and the data represented by calculating its apparent permeability.

RESULTS

Type II alveolar epithelial cells cultured at 0.55 × 105 cells/cm2 for 8-12 days under air-liquid interface were optimized for conducting permeability studies. The data obtained for absorptive transport showed a linear increase in the drug permeated against time for both BDP and 17-BMP along with proportional permeability profile.

DISCUSSION

We have developed a robust in vitro model to study absorptive rate of drug transport across alveolar layer. Such models would create potential value during formulation development for comparative studies and selection of clinical candidates.

The hormonal profile in women using combined monophasic oral contraceptive pills varies across the pill cycle: a temporal analysis of serum endogenous and exogenous hormones using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectroscopy

Oral contraceptive pills, of all types, are used by approximately 151 million women worldwide; however, a clear understanding of the concentrations of endogenous and exogenous hormones across a 28-day combination monophasic oral contraceptive pill pack is not well described. In our study of 14 female participants taking various combination monophasic oral contraceptive pills, we found significant fluctuations in endogenous and exogenous hormone levels throughout the pill cycle. Our analysis revealed significantly greater levels of ethinyl estradiol on the 20th and 21st days of active pill ingestion, compared with days 1-2 (active) and days 27-28 (inactive pill ingestion). Conversely, estradiol concentrations decreased during active pill consumption, while progestin and progesterone levels remained stable. During the 7 days of inactive pill ingestion, estradiol levels rose sharply and were significantly higher at days 27-28 compared with the mid and late active phase time points, while ethinyl estradiol declined and progestin did not change. These findings challenge the previous assumption that endogenous and exogenous hormones are stable throughout the 28-day pill cycle.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The results from this study have wide-ranging implications for research and treatment in women's health including considerations in research design and interpretation for studies including women taking oral contraceptives, the potential for more precise and personalized methods of dosing to reduce unwanted side effects and adverse events, and the potential treatment of a variety of disorders ranging from musculoskeletal to neurological with exogenous hormones.

Mini-Review: Electrochemical Sensors Used for the Determination of Water- and Fat-Soluble Vitamins: B, D, K

Vitamins are one of the most essential organic compounds that are necessary for the human body, in order to develop and grow in a healthy way. The aim of this mini-review is to bring together a series of electrochemical sensors (voltametric and amperometric) developed for the determination of vitamins from the families of B, D and K in biological, pharmaceutical or food-related samples. For this mini-review, 16 articles published between 2016 and 2021 were taken into consideration.

Diagnostic Potentials of Lung Ultrasound In Neonatal Care: An Updated Overview

Recent technological strides, including high-frequency probes and lung ultrasound, have become a crucial non-invasive diagnostic tool in neonatal care, revolutionizing how respiratory conditions are assessed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). High-frequency probes and portable devices significantly enhance the effectiveness of lung ultrasound in identifying respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), pneumonia, and pneumothorax, and underscore its growing significance. This comprehensive review explores the historical journey of lung ultrasonography, technological advancements, contemporary applications in neonatal care, emerging trends, and collaborative initiatives, and foresees a future where personalized healthcare optimizes outcomes for neonates.