Can Pharmaceutical Excipients Threaten the Aquatic Environment? A Risk Assessment Based on the Microtox® Biotest

The ecotoxicological impact of pharmaceuticals has received considerable attention, primarily focusing on active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) while largely neglecting the potential hazards posed by pharmaceutical excipients. Therefore, we analyzed the ecotoxicity of 16 commonly used pharmaceutical excipients, as well as 26 API-excipient and excipient-excipient mixtures utilizing the Microtox® test. In this way, we assessed the potential risks that pharmaceutical excipients, generally considered safe, might pose to the aquatic environment. We investigated both their individual ecotoxicity and their interactions with tablet ingredients using concentration addition (CA) and independent action (IA) models to shed light on the often-overlooked ecotoxicological consequences of these substances. The CA model gave a more accurate prediction of toxicity and should be recommended for modeling the toxicity of combinations of drugs with different effects. A challenge when studying the ecotoxicological impact of some pharmaceutical excipients is their poor water solubility, which hinders the use of standard aquatic ecotoxicity testing techniques. Therefore, we used a modification of the Microtox® Basic Solid Phase protocol developed for poorly soluble substances. The results obtained suggest the high toxicity of some excipients, i.e., SLS and meglumine, and confirm the occurrence of interactions between APIs and excipients. Through this research, we hope to foster a better understanding of the ecological impact of pharmaceutical excipients, prompting the development of risk assessment strategies within the pharmaceutical industry.

Highly Substituted 10-RO-(hetero)acenes-Electric Properties of Vacuum-Deposited Molecular Films

The functionalization of the aromatic backbone allows the improvement of the electrical properties of acene molecules in the amorphous layered structures of organic thin films. In the present work, we discuss the electric properties of the stable, amorphous, vacuum-deposited films prepared from five highly substituted 10-RO-acenes of various electronic properties, i.e., two extreme electron-donor (1,3-dioxa-cyclopenta[b]) anthracenes with all RO substituents, two anthracene carbaldehydes and one benzo[b]carbazole carbaldehyde possessing both electron-donor and acceptor substituents. The hole mobility data were obtained using subsequent steady state space charge limited currents (SCLC) and Time of Flight (TOF) measurements, performed on the same sample and these were then compared with the results of theoretical hole mobility calculations obtained using the Density Functional Theory (DFT) quantum-chemical calculations using the Marcus-Hush theory. The study shows a good agreement between the theoretical and experimental values which allows for the quick and quantitative estimation of Einstein's mobility values for highly substituted 10-RO anthracene and benzo[b]carbazole based on chemical calculations. This agreement also proves that the transport of holes follows the hopping mechanism. The theoretical calculations indicate that the reorganization energy plays a decisive role in the transport of holes in the amorphous layers of highly substituted hetero(acenes).

Organosulfur Materials with High Photo- and Photo-Oxidation Stability: 10-Anthryl Sulfoxides and Sulfones and Their Photophysical Properties Dependent on the Sulfur Oxidation State

While few studies show only symmetrical and poorly mono-SOn (n = 0-2) substituted acenes, in this study, we present a synthesis of a new group of unsymmetrical, significantly substituted derivatives, which revealed unique photophysical properties. Both sulfides (S), sulfoxides (SO) and sulfones (SO2) showed very high photochemical stabilities, unusual for these groups, during UV-irradiation at 254/365 nm (air O2 and Ar), which was higher than any found in the literature. For the (S)/(SO) series (254 nm), the stabilities of 80-519 min. (air O2 and Ar) were found. At 365 nm, stabilities of 124-812 min./(air O2) for (S)/(SO) and higher for (SO2) were observed. Photoluminescence lifetimes of (SOn) of the lower anthryl symmetry remained in the following order: (SO2) < (S) < (SO); those with full symmetry were in the following order: (S) < (SO) < (SO2). The enhanced photostability was explained with DFT/MS/Hammett's constants, which showed the leading role of the SOn groups in stabilization of HOMO/LUMO frontier orbitals. The SOn (n = 0-2) substituted acenes turned out to be tunable violet/blue/green emitters by oxidation of S atoms and the introduction of rich substitution.

Role of Hydrogen Bonds in Formation of Co-amorphous Valsartan/Nicotinamide Compositions of High Solubility and Durability with Anti-hypertension and Anti-COVID-19 Potential

Physicochemical properties, in particular solubility and the associated bioavailability, are key factors in determining efficacy of poorly water-soluble drugs, which constitute 40% of new drugs in the market, and improving them is an important challenge for modern pharmacy. A recent strategy to achieve this goal is formation of stable co-amorphous solid dispersions with co-formers of low molecular weight. Here, the amorphization strategy was applied for low-soluble anti-hypertensive valsartan (VAL), an angiotensin II receptor blocker, and nicotinamide, which exhibits lung- and cardio-protective effects. Through interactions with the renin-angiotensin-aldosteron system, VAL may be used to treat both hypertension and the current pandemic coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection. Using mechanochemical and liquid- and solid-state approaches, solvated co-amorphous solid dispersions of VAL with nicotinamide were obtained. They were characterized by spectroscopic, thermal, and X-ray analyses. The density functional theory, quantum theory of atoms in molecules, and non-covalent interaction index calculations revealed the presence of two types of hydrogen bonds between VAL and NIC (i.e., N-H···O and O-H···O). One of them had a partially covalent character, which caused conformational changes in the flexible VAL molecule, restricting contribution of the tetrazolyl N-H donor and thus limiting the possibility of co-crystal formation. The recognized VAL/NIC1- and VAL/NIC2-type heterodimeric interactions were responsible for the excellent durability of the solid compositions and up to 24-fold better solubility than VAL alone. The synthesized dispersions constitute a new class of dually acting drugs, containing an active pharmaceutical ingredient (VAL) and supporting nutraceutical (nicotinamide).

Novel bioactive properties of low-polarity fractions from sea-buckthorn extracts (Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson) - (in vitro)

Due to the richness of bioactive substances and easy accessibility, sea-buckthorn can be an ingredient of currently popular functional food supporting anti-cancer therapy. Low-polarity fractions from fruit (OL), twigs (GL) and leaves (LL) were investigated. Compared to the previous scientific reports a more detailed analysis of the chemical composition of individual fractions was performed. Cytotoxicity of low-polarity fractions has been investigated and activity compared in human tumor and normal cells cultured in vitro. The genotoxicity and pro-apoptotic properties of low-polarity fractions were also followed on selected cell lines that had proved to be the most sensitive. In the proposed research model being tested, low-polarity fractions act cytotoxically, even 3 times more strongly in cancer cells than normal ones. Measurement of caspase 3/7 activity indicated that cell death occurs through apoptosis. Furthermore, high concentrations of low-polarity fractions have moderate genotoxic properties. Data obtained on the biological properties of low-polarity fractions from sea-buckthorn show that these fractions can potentially support cancer cells elimination. Phytotochemical analysis indicates the key role of the triterpenoids in this process.

Modification of the Microtox® Basic Solid Phase Test: A new application for the ecotoxicological studies on poorly soluble antihypertensive drugs

Increasing consumption of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs: valsartan, losartan potassium, telmisartan) is inevitably associated with their appearance in the environment and impact on aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Since the pharmaceuticals do not occur as pure substances in the environment, but as complex mixtures with other active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients used in pharmaceutical formulations, we compared the ecotoxicity of ARBs in various forms: as pure APIs, in pharmaceutical formulations and in mixtures with hydrochlorothiazide (HCT). Because the studied APIs are poorly water-soluble, the Microtox® Basic Solid Phase Test, utilizing bacteria Aliivibrio fischeri, has been modified by using a neutral matrix. Thus, this test, which is correlated with other tests for higher aquatic organisms, may be applied for the ecotoxicological evaluation of poorly soluble APIs. This is the first study reflecting the real situation in the environment, where non-target species are exposed to the pharmaceuticals, which can be dissolved/suspended in the liquid medium or adsorbed on the solid matrix. The results obtained indicate that the excipients are not inert substances and their presence in the environment may cause an increased risk to non-target organisms. Moreover, antagonistic effects were observed for two-component drug-drug (ARBs-HCT) mixtures.

Ecotoxicity of ammonium chlorophenoxyacetate derivatives towards aquatic organisms: Unexpected enhanced toxicity upon oxygen by sulfur replacement

Phenoxyacetate herbicides, such as 2,4-D and MCPA, having a high toxicity to non-target organisms are commonly used for controlling broadleaf weeds in agriculture. However, novel and environmentally friendly analogs are constantly sought after. For this purpose, various substituents at the phenyl group have been tested to find the optimal balance between the potent herbicidal activity and safety for non-target species. In this work, we investigated the influence of the oxygen by sulfur replacement in the phenoxy moiety of ammonium chlorophenoxyacetates on the toxicity towards aquatic organisms, such as bacteria (Vibrio fischeri), water flea (Daphnia magna) and freshwater fish (Pimephales promelas) by determining experimental (Microtox® test - V. fischeri) and predicted (ACD Lab Percepta software - D. magna, P. promelas) EC₅₀/LC₅₀ values. The achieved results showed that in contrary to the literature observations, where O-compounds were more toxic than their S-analogs (urea/thiourea), the O/S replacement in chlorophenoxyacetate significantly increased ecotoxicity of the S-analogs (up to 11 times). Moreover, one- and two-substituted phenoxyacetates in the form of ammonium salts were less toxic to V. fischeri than the commercially available phenoxy herbicides in the acid form. The logP/logD values were also calculated to understand hydro/lipophilic nature of the investigated compounds and differences in their toxicity.

BioSCOOP - Biobank Sample Communication Protocol. New approach for the transfer of information between biobanks

Dynamic development of biobanking industry (both business and science) resulted in an increased number of IT systems for samples and data management. The most difficult and complicated case for the biobanking community was cooperation between institutions, equipped with different IT systems, in the field of scientific research, mainly data interchange and information flow. Tools available on the market relate mainly to the biobank or collection level. Efficient and universal protocols including the detailed information about the donor and the sample are still very limited. Here, we have developed BioSCOOP, a communication protocol in the form of a well documented JSON API. The main aim of this study was to harmonize and standardize the rules of communication between biobanks on the level of information about the donor together with information about the sample. The purpose was to create a communication protocol for two applications: to transfer the information between different biobanks and to allow the searching and presentation of the sample and data sets.

Ammonium 2,2'-thiodiacetates - Selective and environmentally safe herbicides

2,2'-Thiodiacetic acid derivatives have a wide application potential, mainly in coordination chemistry. This research indicates that quaternary ammonium 2,2'-thiodiacetate salts may also be potent herbicidal agents used in agriculture. To provide a rationale for this statement, the toxic effect by a alkyl and aryl quaternary ammonium salts (QASs) on plant growth was investigated. The phytotoxicity of these compounds was tested against cultivated monocotyledonous (spring barley) and dicotyledonous (common radish) plants, whereas herbicidal activity was investigated in relation to popular weeds species (white goosefoot, sorrel and gallant-soldier). The results showed that aliphatic QASs possessed a low phytotoxicity to food crops and that some of them (in particular triethylammonium salt) had potent and selective herbicidal properties against common weeds, such as sorrel and gallant-soldier. However, the investigated compounds appeared to be ineffective herbicides against white goosefoot.

An influence of structural changes in ammonium cations on ecotoxicity of 2,2'-thiodiacetate mono and bis-salts

2,2'-Thiodiacetates with their excellent complexing properties may be used as metal extraction agents, fluorescent and superparamagnetic materials, antibacterial and anticancer medical agents, however there are no data concerning the environmental impact of 2,2'-thiodiacetates derivatives and data definying the potential hazard connected with their use. This study describes the ecotoxicity assessment of seven 2,2'-thiodiacetates with non-metallic, alkyl and aryl ammonium cations, which were obtained in an environmentally friendly, solvent-free syntheses. The ecotoxicity of these water soluble compounds was tested in aquatic and benthic environments using luminescent marine bacteria Vibrio fischeri (Microtox^® test) and the crustaceans Heterocypris incongruens (Ostracodtoxkit F™), respectively. The antimicrobial and antifungal activity against Trichoderma viridis, Aspergillus niger, Rhizoctonia solani and Escherichia coli was also investigated. The results showed how structural changes within ammonium cations themselves influence ecotoxicity: the QASs with alkylammonium cations exhibited a similar, rather low toxicity both to Vibrio fischeri and Heterocypris incongruens, and they would not pose a risk to these organisms in case of leakage. Higher toxicity was observed in case of two isoquinolinium salts, however it was rather associated with the heteroaromatic cation, than with the 2,2'-thiodiacetate anion.

Ammonium haloacetates - An alternative to glyphosate?

This study shows the design, synthesis and evaluation of eco(phyto)toxic and herbicidal activities of quaternary ammonium salts (QASs), derived from haloacetic acids, in context of the search for safer alternatives to the commonly used herbicide, N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (glyphosate). The structure of the investigated QASs refers to the heteroatom sequence in the anion of glyphosate in which the (P-C)-N nitrogen atom was replaced by one or more halogens (F, Cl). The ecotoxicity of the synthesized QASs was tested against luminescent marine bacteria Vibrio fischeri (Microtox® test) and the crustaceans Heterocypris incongruens (Ostracodtoxkit F™). The phytotoxic effect of QASs was also studied with respect to spring barley (Hordeum vulgare) and common radish (Raphanus sativus L. radicula Pers.), whereas herbicidal activity was investigated in relation to popular weeds species gallant soldier (Galinsoga parviflora Cav.) and common sorrel (Rumex acetosa L.). The results showed that toxicity of the synthesized QASs depends on a number of halo-substituents, especially for bioluminescent bacteria Vibrio fischeri for which EC50 values were those varying the most. Phytotoxicity tests proved that the investigated QASs had a similar high, toxic effect both on monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants with exception of DIPA - DCA. Moreover, their herbicidal activity against common sorrel was comparable to glyphosate.

Unusual emission properties of the selected organosilicon compounds containing a styryl-carbazole chromophore: inversion of the singlet excited states

The presence of the silicon atom in a trimethylsilyl-styryl-carbazole derivative induced the inversion of the lowest excited states in polar solvents.

Total synthesis of (±)-epithuriferic acid methyl ester via Diels-Alder reaction

In this paper, we have described the first total synthesis of (±)-epithuriferic acid methyl ester from non-natural sources, in four steps (20% overall yield). The key step involves the Diels-Alder reaction of isobenzofuran with methyl 3-(dimethoxyphosphoryl)acrylate which is controlled by "ortho" regio- and endo stereoselectivities due to the COOMe group.

Protonation of the Trimethylated Pyrichrominium Ion

Spectroscopic manifestations of protonation of the trimethylated pyrichrominium ion studied previously experimentally [1] are investigated using a semiempirical INDO/S Cl method. Singlet and triplet energy levels of the free ion and several protonated species are calculated, and transition energies and oscillator strengths are compared with experimental spectra. Calculated charge densities on nitrogen atoms are correlated with experimental values for the ground and lowest excited singlet and triplet states. The possibility of the proton transfer reaction (phototautomerization) in the lowest excited singlet state of monoprotonated species is discussed on the basis of INDO/S Cl calculations, fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy.

Spectroscopic and Photochemical Studies of Gossypol in Solution

Spectroscopic properties of gossypol and its stability in different solvents and pH are studied by means of UV-visible absorption and emission spectroscopy. The results are correlated and discussed on the basis of semiempirical INDO/S CI calculations. The influence of oxygen and excitation wavelength on the photodecomposition of gossypol in solution is also investigated.

1-(Thiophen-3-yl)ethanone

The structure of the title compound, C(6)H(6)OS, exhibits a flip-type disorder of the thiophene ring [occupancy ratio = 0.848 (3):0.152 (3)], which is typical for many thiophene derivatives. The puckered thiophene ring is essentially coplanar with the plane formed by the non-H atoms of the acetyl substituent, similar to its simple analogues, i.e. 3-acetyl-2-carboxythiophene, 4-acetyl-3-carboxythiophene and 3,5-diacetyl-2-ethylamino-4-methylthiophene. In the crystal structure, molecules are connected by C-H···π hydrogen bonds, forming a sheet parallel to the (001) plane. Moreover, an inspection of the crystal lattice reveals that there are short S···O contacts connecting the molecules of adjacent sheets. Comparison of the title crystal structure with its simple 3-methoxythiophene analogue shows a close similarity in the herringbone arrangement of molecules and in the presence of C-H···π interactions and S···O contacts.

La4.27Mg2.89Zn30, a new structure type with strong positional disorder

Ternary tetralanthanum trimagnesium tricontazinc, La(4.27)Mg(2.89)Zn(30), crystallizes as a new structure type. It belongs to the structural family that may be derived from the hexagonal CaCu(5) and Th(2)Ni(17) structure types by combination of internal deformation and multiple substitution. The triangular 3(6) and hexagonal 6(3) nets are alternately stacked with Kagomé 3636 nets. The atoms with the largest radius (La) are enclosed in 18-vertex polyhedra (distorted pseudo-Frank-Kasper polyhedra). The coordination polyhedra of the two Mg atoms are bicapped and monocapped hexagonal antiprisms, with coordination numbers of 14 and 13, respectively. For all the Zn atoms, the typical icosahedral coordination is observed. In the direction of the six- and threefold axes, strong positional disorder is observed as a result of partial substitutions of La atoms by pairs of Mg atoms.

2-[(2Z,3E)-2-Hydroxyimino-5-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-3-thienylidene]-2-phenylacetonitrile

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C₁₈H₁₂N₂OS, centrosymmetric dimers are stabilized both by van der Waals inter­actions and by two types of inter­molecular O—H⋯N hydrogen bonds. In addition, an intra­molecular C—H⋯S hydrogen bond is observed. The dihedral angles between the central ring and the two pendant phenyl rings are 7.4 (1) and 45.06 (9)°.

The new ternary phases of La3(Zn0.874Mg0.126)11 and Ce3(Zn0.863Mg0.137)11

The new ternary intermetallic title compounds, namely trilanthanum undeca(zinc/magnesium), La(3)(Zn(0.874)Mg(0.126))(11), (I), and tricerium undeca(zinc/magnesium), Ce(3)(Zn(0.863)Mg(0.137))(11), (II), are isostructural and crystallize in the orthorhombic La(3)Al(11) structure type. These three phases belong to the same structural family, the representative members of which may be derived from the tetragonal BaAl(4) structure type by a combination of internal deformation and multiple substitution. Compared to the structure of La(3)Al(11), in (I), a significant decrease of 11.9% in the unit-cell b axis and an increase in the other two directions, of 3.6% along a and 5.2% along c, are observed. Such an atypical deformation is caused by the closer packing of atoms in the unit cell due to atom shifts that reflect strengthening of metallic-type bonding. This structural change is also manifested in a significant difference in the coordination around the smaller atoms at the 8l Wyckoff position (site symmetry m). The Al atom in La(3)Al(11) is in a tricapped trigonal prismatic environment (coordination number 9), while the Zn atoms in (I) and (II) are situated in a tetragonal antiprism with two added atoms (coordination number 10).

Fluoroscopic guidance of Arndt endobronchial blocker placement for single-lung ventilation in small children

BACKGROUND

Thoracoscopic surgery may require single-lung ventilation (SLV) in infants and small children. A variety of balloon-tipped endobronchial blockers exist but the placement is technically challenging if the size of the tracheal tube does not allow the simultaneous passage of the fibreoptic scope and the endobronchial blocker. This report describes a technique for endobronchial blocker insertion using fluoroscopic guidance in children undergoing SLV.

METHODS

After approval from the local Medical Ethics Committee and parental consent, 18 patients aged 2 years or younger scheduled for thoracic surgery requiring SLV were prospectively included. Following induction of anesthesia, a 5 Fr endobronchial blocker (Cook) Arndt endobronchial blocker) was inserted first into the trachea under direct laryngoscopy. Correct placement in the main bronchus was assessed by fluoroscopy and tracheal intubation next to the endobronchial blocker. Optimal position and balloon inflation was verified using a fibreoptic scope. The duration and number of insertion attempts as well as age, weight and size of the tracheal tube were recorded.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients were studied. Median (range) age and weight were 12 (0.2-24) months and 11.2 (4-15) kg, respectively. SLV was successfully achieved in all patients using a 5 Fr endobronchial blocker outside a 3.5-4.5 mm ID tracheal tube within 11.2 (+/-2.2) min. No side effects were observed during the procedure.

CONCLUSION

Fluoroscopic-guided insertion of extraluminal endobronchial blocker is an effective and reliable tool to place Arndt endobronchial blockers in small children.

Dy2Ni7Sn3: a new member of the CaCu5 family of intermetallics

Single crystals of didysprosium heptanickel tritin were synthesized from the constituent elements by arc-melting. Two of the five Ni atoms are at general sites and all other atoms are at sites with either twofold or m symmetry. The structure contains 'DyNi(5)Sn' and 'DyNi(2)Sn(2)' fragments and represents a new member of the CaCu(5) series of intermetallics.

Naphthalene-1,6-diol: a three-dimensional framework built from O-H...O, O-H...pi and C-H...O hydrogen bonds

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(10)H(8)O(2), contains two practically planar symmetry-independent molecules linked by one O-H...O hydrogen bond. Molecules are further linked into a three-dimensional network, which is built from R(6)(6)(36), R(6)(6)(18), R(6)(6)(30) and R(4)(4)(26) rings formed by the combined effect of three O-H...O and one C-H...O hydrogen bond. This network is additionally stabilized by an O-H...pi interaction.

Naphthalene-1,7-diol

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(10)H(8)O(2), contains two planar symmetry-independent molecules linked by an O-H...O hydrogen bond. In the crystal structure, molecules are linked into infinite chains of rings, formed by a combination of O-H...O and C-H...O hydrogen bonds, and additionally reinforced by pi-pi stacking interactions. Adjacent chains are connected by weak C-H...pi interactions.

Anesthésie maternofœtale pour « ex utero intrapartum » traitement (EXIT) procédure : à propos de deux cas

The ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure is a surgical procedure maintaining utero-placental circulation during caesarean section. Anaesthetic implications are described: foetal transplacental anaesthesia to avoid first breathing and to permit surgical procedure on obstructed foetal airway, deep maternal haemodynamically stable anaesthesia to relax uterine smooth muscle during a long caesarean procedure but avoiding post-partum haemorrhage. Volatile anaesthesia with sevoflurane seems to be adequate for these aims. Two cases are described.