Search Results (12)

The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is a polyphagous pest native to East Asia and invasive in many countries. Various approaches have been used to control its spread, including IPM strategies. Monitoring pest populations is the starting point for developing an appropriate control strategy. The most common attractant for H. halys is based on its two-component aggregation pheromone ((3S,6S,7R,10S)-10,11-epoxy-1-bisabolen-3-ol and (3R,6S,7R,10S)-10,11-epoxy-1-bisabolen-3-ol), in combination with the synergist methyl (2E,4E,6Z)-2,4,6-decatrienoate. The aim of this research was to evaluate the most effective combination of the pheromone and the synergist for different types of adjuvants and dispensers, i.e., Blister Pack, Wax Tablet, and Polymers (Non-Biodegradable and Biodegradable Polymers). Field trials were carried out in Northern Italy, during summer and autumn 2023 and 2024. The effectiveness of the different combinations was evaluated on the basis of the number of H. halys individuals caught in sticky traps baited with the different treatments, separated by 50 m each. Individuals actively collected in the surrounding vegetation were also monitored. During the first year, the Non-Biodegradable Polymer performed better than the others. In the second year, H. halys captures were quite similar among the tested dispensers, and all were higher than the control. Captures of non-target stink bugs and other bugs of the Coreidae family were evaluated but, in most cases, were negligible. Under laboratory conditions, the release rate of the chemical compounds differed depending on the type of dispenser. Our results confirm the specificity of the semiochemical lure combination tested towards H. halys and its persistence in the field for at least 12 weeks. The results could be useful for improving the effectiveness of H. halys trapping, as well as for attract-and-kill or push–pull strategies of the pest. Full article

Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) show promising abilities for the delamination of multilayer packaging films that are used in food packaging and in pharmaceutical blister packs. Due to the complexity of their structure, the recycling of such materials is a challenging task, leading to the easiest or cheapest disposal option of either landfill or incineration. Towards the development of ‘green’ solvents for efficient waste management and recycling, this research focuses on the preparation of a range of hydrophobic and hydrophilic DESs based on carboxylic acids in combination with various naturally derived aliphatic and aromatic organic compounds as well as amino acids. Chemical and physical characterization of the solvents was undertaken using differential scanning calorimetry, rheometry, and density measurements for the determination of their properties. Subsequently, batches of solvent were tested against different types of consumer packaging to evaluate the ability of the DES to delaminate these structures into their component materials. The laminate packaging waste products tested were Al/PE, PE/Al/PET, Al/PE/paper, and PVC/PE/Al. Separated films were collected and studied to further examine the effect of solvent delamination on the materials. Depending on the DES formulation, the results showed either partial or full delamination of one or more of the packaging materials, albeit there were challenges for certain solvent systems in the context of delivering a broad delamination efficiency. Variables including temperature, agitation rate, mixing time, and solvent ratios were investigated via a Design of Experiments process to assess the effects of these parameters on the delamination outcome. The results showed that the DESs presented in this research can offer an efficient, low-energy, affordable, and green option for the delamination of laminate packaging materials. Full article

This study is a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial (October 2013–April 2017) involving 150 People Who Inject Drugs (PWIDs) with hepatitis C virus (HCV) seen in opioid agonist treatment programs in the Bronx, New York, and investigates the impact of distrust in the healthcare system on adherence to Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs) HCV treatment therapy among PWIDs. The distrust was scaled on a 9-item instrument and the adherence to DAA medications was measured using electronic blister packs. This study demonstrated a significant inverse relationship between levels of distrust and medication adherence: 71.8 ± 2.2% (se) vs. 77.9 ± 1.8%, p = 0.024 between participants with higher and lower distrust levels. Despite the absence of significant association of distrust with sociodemographic or substance use characteristics, these findings suggest that building trust within the healthcare system is paramount for improving adherence to DAAs among PWIDs. The results call for a healthcare approach that emphasizes trust-building through patient-centered care, sensitivity training, peer support, and health system reform to effectively address the treatment needs of this marginalized population. Full article

Rhinacanthins, derived from Rhinacanthus nasutus, widely used in traditional medicine, exhibit antifungal, anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial, and antiplatelet aggregation effects. Recently, their anti-diabetic activity was confirmed, which makes them an interesting natural alternative in the therapy of the early stage of diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the possibility of formulating orodispersible tablets (ODTs) and orodispersible films (ODFs) containing rhinacanthin-rich extract (RRE). Tablets with 50 mg or 100 mg of RRE were produced by direct compression. ODFs were manufactured by casting of Lycoat RS 720 or polyvinyl alcohol solution with RRE and additional excipients. The mechanical properties and disintegration times of the prepared formulations were studied. The effectiveness of taste masking was analyzed with an electronic tongue system. Six months simplified stability studies were performed in conditions complying to ICH guidelines. Appropriate friability of ODTs was achieved, despite low tensile strength (0.45–0.62 MPa). All prepared ODFs successfully met the acceptance criteria regarding Young’s modulus, tensile strength, and elongation at break. The observed variations in their mechanical properties were dependent on the type and quantity of polymers and plasticizers used. Disintegration time of ODTs ranged from 38.7 s to 54.2 s, while for ODFs from 24.2 to 40 s in the pharmacopoeial apparatus. Analyses made with the electronic tongue showed the significant taste-masking effect in both formulations. The addition of sucralose as a sweetener and menthol with mint flavor as a taste-masking agent was sufficient to mask an RRE’s taste in the case of ODTs and ODFs. Stability studies of ODTs packed in the PVC/Alu blisters showed a decrease in the RRE content below 90% after 6 months. However, ODFs with PVA were physicochemically stable for 6 months while being stored in Alu/Alu sachets. Our study proved for the first time the possibility of the formulation of orodispersible dosage forms with RRE, characterized by good mechanical properties, disintegration time, and appropriate taste masking. Full article

Exhumations are performed in accordance with a court order and are crucial instruments in the investigation of death allegations. When a death is thought to be the result of drug misuse, pharmaceutical overdose, or pesticide poisoning, this process may be used on human remains. However, after a protracted postmortem interval (PMI), it might be difficult to detect the cause of death by looking at an exhumed corpse. The following case report reveals problems associated with postmortem drug concentration changes following exhumation more than two years after death. A 31-year-old man was found dead in a prison cell. Onan inspection of the place, two blister packs, one with a tablet and the other empty, were taken and kept by the police officers. The evening before, the deceased would have taken cetirizine and food supplements consisting of carnitine–creatine tablets. No relevant autopsy findings have been observed. The toxicological analysis was performed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and was negative for substances of abuse. Proteomic analysis was positive for creatine detection and negative for other drugs (clarithromycin, fenofibrate, and cetirizine). The presented case shows the methods, the findings, and the limitations of toxicological analysis in an exhumation case with a long postmortem interval (PMI). Full article

Freeze-dried tuna pepsin powder (TPP) was prepared using maltodextrin (10%) and trehalose (5%), while trypsin-loaded beads (TLB) with 5% glycerol were obtained via chitosan/alginate ionotropic gelation. The storage stability of TPP and TLB and their proteolytic activity toward red kidney bean protein (RKB), threadfin bream surimi (TBS) and egg white protein (EWP) in varying simulated in vitro gastrointestinal (GI) tract conditions were studied. The intestinal transepithelial transportation of generated peptides was also carried out through Caco-2 cell monolayers after the cytotoxicity test. Enzyme activity was dropped when TPP and TLB in blister packs were kept for 10 weeks of storage at room (28 °C) and refrigerated (4 °C) temperatures. TPP and TLB at a level of 50% (w/w of proteins) effectively hydrolyzed RKB, TBS and EWP in a simulated in vitro GI tract, as indicated by marked protein degradation and increased degree of hydrolysis. Some peptides generated after GI digestion could transport through Caco-2 cell monolayers. Those peptides had different molecular size distribution and antioxidant activities. The highest antioxidant activity was observed for RKB hydrolysate after passing through the Caco-2 cell monolayer. Therefore, TPP and TLB from skipjack tuna viscera could potentially be used for enzyme supplementation to help digest food proteins. Food-derived bioactive peptides generated after GI digestion could assist in improving human health due to their antioxidant activity. Full article

This study presents the kinetic modeling of the natural long-term aging of the pharmaceutical substance as well as the intact tablets of Diclofenac. Datasets are collections of near-infrared spectra acquired from the intact tablets packed in plastic blisters and the spectra of the pure substance. Fresh samples and samples at different stages of degradation are analyzed. No methods of accelerated aging were applied. Multi-step application of MCR-ALS in its soft version followed by the kinetic modeling of the results helps to propose a generic degradation mechanism; which includes: a global kinetic model; approximations of the NIR spectra of the intermediate and product; rough estimates of rate constants. We study tablets in blister packs; exactly as they are presented in pharmacies; and this is important from a practical point of view. Full article

The stability of amorphous drugs is among the main challenges in the development of solid dosage forms. This paper examines the effect of storage conditions (25 °C/60% RH and 40 °C/75% RH) and different packaging materials, i.e., polystyrene containers and PVC/Al blisters, on the crystallinity and dissolution characteristics of solid dispersions containing bicalutamide and polyvinylpyrrolidone. The results confirmed drug amorphization upon milling and improved dissolution resulting from the lack of a crystal lattice. These properties varied with time regarding sample composition, storage conditions, and packaging material. The most resistant to storage conditions was the 1:1 solid dispersion packed into blisters. Based on the obtained results, the 1:1 solid dispersion was formulated into minitablets, which were then tested after tableting and then packed into PVC/Al blisters and stored for six months in the same conditions as solid dispersions. We proved that efficient stabilization of amorphous bicalutamide depends on the barrier properties of packaging materials and that a properly chosen material protected the drug substance from the influence of unfavorable storage conditions such as elevated temperature and humidity. Full article

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies comprise sensors, devices, networks, and applications from the edge to the cloud. Recent advances in data communication and application using IIoT have streamlined predictive maintenance (PdM) for equipment maintenance and quality management in manufacturing processes. PdM is useful in fields such as device, facility, and total quality management. PdM based on cloud or edge computing has revolutionized smart manufacturing processes. To address quality management problems, herein, we develop a new calculation method that improves ensemble-learning algorithms with adaptive learning to make a boosted decision tree more intelligent. The algorithm predicts main PdM issues, such as product failure or unqualified manufacturing equipment, in advance, thus improving the machine-learning performance. Herein, semiconductor and blister packing machine data are used separately in manufacturing data analytics. The former data help in predicting yield failure in a semiconductor manufacturing process. The blister packing machine data are used to predict the product packaging quality. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method is accurate, with an area under a receiver operating characteristic curve exceeding 96%. Thus, the proposed method provides a practical approach for PDM in semiconductor manufacturing processes and blister packing machines. Full article

The formation of blister in the injection moulded parts, especially in the film insert moulded parts, is one of most significant causes of part rejection due to cosmetic requirements or functionality issues. The mechanism and physics of blister formation for molded parts are not well-understood by the state-of-the-art literature. The current paper increases the fundamental understanding of the causes for blister formation. In the experiment, a membrane strip of 5 mm in width was overmoulded with Polypropylene (PP), which formed a disc-shaped part with a diameter of 17.25 mm and a thickness of 500 µm. To investigate the influence of the processing parameters, a full factorial design of experiments (DoE) setup was conducted, including mould temperature (T_m), barrel temperature (T_b), injection speed (V_i) and packing pressure (P_p) as variables. The degree of blistering at the surface was characterized by the areal surface roughness parameters Spk and Smr1, measured with a confocal laser microscope. The measurements were taken on the 10 mm long section of the membrane surface in the centre of the moulded part across the entire width of the film. In addition, the film insert moulding (FIM)-process was simulated and the average shrinkage of the substrate material under the membrane was investigated. Eventually, a method and processing window could be defined that could produce blister-free parts. Full article

Since the United States Food and Drug Administration’s approval of over-the-counter levonorgestrel emergency contraception, access to this time-sensitive medication has improved. However, multiple barriers, including the cost of the medication and pharmacy availability, still exist. The objective of this study was to determine the over-the-counter availability of levonorgestrel emergency contraception in pharmacies on Oahu, Hawaii. We conducted a cross-sectional population-based study using in-person simulated patient encounters at all pharmacies on Oahu. Out of 109 chain pharmacies and 13 independent pharmacies, 102 (84%) pharmacies had levonorgestrel emergency contraception available over the counter. Of pharmacies in which it was available, 12.7% required an employee to unlock the medication, 37.3% required the medication to be unlocked at the register, 29.4% were packaged in a large plastic box, and 3.9% were packaged in a blister pack. Levonorgestrel emergency contraception is widely available as an over-the-counter medication in pharmacies on Oahu, yet there are packaging and display practices that make it less accessible. Many of these practices could be improved with pharmacy education or changes in store policies. Systems-based interventions are needed to improve the access to levonorgestrel emergency contraception as an over-the-counter medication. Full article

Hydrogen-bond acidic polymers are important high affinity materials sensitive to organophosphates in the chemical warfare agent sensor detection process. Interactions between the sensor sensitive materials and chemical warfare agent simulants were studied by inverse gas chromatography. Hydrogen bonded acidic polymers, i.e., BSP3, were prepared for micro-packed columns to examine the interaction. DMMP (a nerve gas simulant) and 2-CEES (a blister agent simulant) were used as probes. Chemical and physical parameters such as heats of absorption and Henry constants of the polymers to DMMP and 2-CEES were determined by inverse gas chromatography. Details concerning absorption performance are also discussed in this paper. Full article