Category Archives: Review

Analytical Methodologies for the Stereoselective Determination of Sibutramine: An Overview

Alexandru Robert Vlad1, Gabriel Hancu1, Hajnal Kelemen1, Diana Ciurcă2, Amelia Tero-Vescan3

1 Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureş, Romania
2 Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureş, Romania
3 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureş, Romania

DOI: 10.1515/amma-2017-0021

Sibutramine is a chiral anti-obesity drug which decreases food intake and increases energy expenditure. In therapy it is used as a racemic mixture; however both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data have revealed enantioselective behavior of sibutramine and its major active metabolites. Several chromatographic and electrophoretic analytical methods have been published so far for the chiral determination of sibutramine from pharmaceutical preparations and biological samples. The current paper aims to provide a systematic review of the stereochemical aspects and analytical methods used for the enantiodetermination of sibutramine and its active enantiomers covering the last 15 years.

Keywords:
Full text: PDF

Development, Applications, Benefits, Challenges and Limitations of the New Genome Engineering Technique. An Update Study

Andrei Crauciuc1, Florin Tripon1, Andreea Gheorghiu1, Georgiana Nemes1, Alina Boglis1, Claudia Banescu1,2

1 University of Medicine and Pharmacy Tirgu Mures, Romania
2 Center for Advanced Medical and Pharmaceutical Research, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Tirgu Mureș, Romania

DOI: 10.1515/amma-2017-0007

We assume that the CRISPR Cas9 theory must be delimited by applicability because the consequences of long-term DNA manipulation remain unknown. Moreover, the irreversibility of this procedure should instigate researchers to reserved opinions. Usefulness as well as benefits of CRISPR Cas9 made it one of the most popular and used genome editing technique. But with its huge potential, ethical and safety concerns emerge. Therefore, before continuing research in this direction, we should have a well-organized system that is able to make that differentiation between research and reproduction. However, we truly believe in the future of genetic engineering and with the CRISPR-Cas9 system, we expect that the opportunity of treating now so called incurable diseases arises. Time is all we need.

Keywords: , , ,
Full text: PDF

Bulk Fill Resin Composite Materials Cured with Single-Peak versus Dual-Peak LED LCUs

Aldossary Mohammed1,2, Roebuck Elizabeth M1, Santini Ario3*

1 Department of Paediatric Dentistry. The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Dental Institute, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh EH3 9HA, United Kingdom
2 King Salman Hospital, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
3 The University of Medicine & Pharmacy, Tg-Mures, Romania

DOI: 10.1515/amma-2016-0009

Introduction: Manufactures claim that recently introduced bulk fill materials (BFM) can be cured adequately in 4 mm increments. This requires adequate light energy to be transmitted through the material to ensure adequate polymerization at the bottom of the increment.
Aim: To compare the total light energy transmission through three BFMs and bottom/top (B/T) surface Vickers hardness (VH) when cured with single-peak versus dual-peak LED LCUs.
Methods and Materials: Samples (n=5) of two viscous BFMs, Tetric EvoCeram® Bulk Fill X-tra fil® [XF] flowable SureFil, were prepared. A conventional RBC, Tetric EvoCeram® was used as a control. Using MARC® RC, the irradiance delivered to top surface of samples was adjusted to 1200 mW/cm2. Samples were cured with singlepeak EliparTM S10 or dual-peakBluephase® G2 for 10 seconds and irradiance transmitted to the bottom surface measured. Samples were stored for 24 hours, prior to VH measurements B/T VH ratios were calculated.
Statistically analysed used oneway ANOVA (α=0.05).
Results: There was no statistically significant difference for B/T total energy transmission between materials except XF with EliparTM S10 (P<0.001). Total energy transmission ranged from 0.7 J/cm2 to 1.5 J/cm2. There was no statistically significant difference for B/T VH ratios between materials (P>0.05) when materials were cured with single-peak versus dual-peak LCU’s, XF>SDR>TEC>TBF. TBF alone, did not reach the generally accepted B/T VH of 80%.
Conclusions: Both single-peak and dual-peak LCU’s were equally effective for curing the studied bulk fill materials. Manufacture’s recommended total energy delivered to the top surface may not always be sufficient for effective curing.

Keywords: , ,
Full text: PDF

Resin-Based Composite and LCU-related Factors Affecting the Degree of Cure. A Literature Review: Part 2. Light Curing Units & Related Factors

Aldossary Mohammed1, Santini Ario 1,2*

1 MClinDent, University of Edinburgh, UK
2 University of Medicine and Pharmacy Tirgu Mures, Romania

DOI: 10.1515/amma-2015-0127

In parallel with developments in resin based composite technology, there have been changes in light curing units (LCU). Broadly, there are four categories of LCUs available in the market, with the two commonest used in Dentistry being quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) lamps and light emitting diode (LED) units, though now, QTH is infrequently used in most developed countries.
Argon-ion lasers and Plasma-arc lamps (PALs) had many disadvantages limiting their use. Argon-ion lasers were large devices with increased cost compared to QTHs, [1] PALs had low curing efficiency, increased shrinkage and micro leakage due to fast curing, [2] increased cost, heat and power consumption and decline of lights power output over time compared to QTHs [1,3,4]. [More]

Keywords: ,
Full text: PDF

Resin-Based Composite and LCU-related Factors Affecting the Degree of Cure. A Literature Review: Part 1. Resin-Based Composites

Aldossary Mohammed1, Santini Ario2*

1 MClinDent, University of Edinburgh, UK
2 University of Medicine and Pharmacy Tirgu Mures, Romania

DOI: 10.1515/amma-2015-0126

Resin-Based Composite (RBC) is widely used in Dentistry to restore anterior and posterior teeth. There have been many advances in RBCs development to improve their clinical success rate and overcome the many disadvantages of the first materials. These materials are cured by visible light, and light curing units have also undergone considerable development. Recently, bulk-fill composite materials were introduced to be placed in the cavity in bulk, claiming replacement of the traditional layering technique. In this paper an overview of RBCs, their composition and properties will be presented. [More]

Keywords: , ,
Full text: PDF

New Perspectives: Quinolones as Complexation Agents

Rusu Aura, Gyéresi Á., Hancu G.

University of Medicine and Pharmacy Târgu Mureş, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Background: Quinolones are synthetic antibacterial agents, with a 4-oxo-1,4-dihydroquinolinic structure, which is based on the nalidixic acid model. The 4-oxo and 3-carboxyl groups confer quinolones excellent chelatation properties with metallic ions.
Aim: To highlight a few theories regarding the complexation phenomenon of quinolones.
Methods: Complexes with metallic ions have been characterized (stoichiometry, in vitro physical-chemicals properties, stability studies, and behavioral studies in different biological mediums).
Results: New availabilities have been identified: bioavailability of the complexed quinolones and formulation of new pharmaceutical products with a superior bioavailability and therapeutic effect; the antimicrobial activity of quinolone complexes; quinolone complexes as antitumor drugs with the aim of obtaining less toxic compounds; understanding the mechanism of action of quinolones, which is a challenge especially regarding their selectivity at the bacterial DNA level; development of new determination methods, based on the complexation of quinolones with metallic ions.
Conclusions: The 21st century may provide new useful therapeutic aspects on the basis of complexation between quinolones and metals.

Keywords: , , ,
Full text: PDF

Marfan Syndrome: the Nowadays of a Century-old Disease

Seres-Sturm L jr.1, Deac R2, Szabolcs Z3

1 Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Pecs, Hungary
2 Cardiovascular and Transplant Surgery Clinic, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Targu-Mures, Romania
3 Department of Cardiac Surgery, Semmelweis University Budapest, Hungary

The review emphasizes the actuality and importance of Marfan syndrome research worldwide. The hundred years old disease has been described mainly by its skeletal, ocular and cardiovascular manifestations, and constitutional type. The underlying gene mutations have been discovered in 1991. The surgical treatment of aortic root dilatation and dissection using Dacron tube reconstruction in emergency and prophylactic surgery has been published in 1955. Nowadays international foundations, database networks subjected Marfan syndrome as a rare disease with privileged research programs. The clinical Ghent nosology of pleiotropic criteria is accepted
world-wide (1996). The research programs are focused on international proposals.

Keywords: , , ,
Full text: PDF

Eco Doppler Examination in Pregnancies with Fetal Growth Restriction

Grif Caterina-Miladi

University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2, Tîrgu Mureș

Fetal growth restriction remains a major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality in modern obstetric practice. Doppler velocimetry provides a wide array of information on maternal, fetal, and placental aspects of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Delivery is the only practical treatment option, and the timing of delivery must be aimed to maximize gestation while minimizing the risks of continued intrauterine life. The investigation of the fetal circulation using eco Doppler ultrasonography has become more sophisticated, with greater attention being played to the venous circulation, particularly that unique to the fetus: ductus venosus and the umbilical vein.

Keywords: , , , ,
Full text: PDF

Update in Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Berteanu Cristina1, Stoica Maria2, Stoica GA2, Cernea Daniela2, Tănase Alina3, Copotoiu Sanda-Maria4, Brânzaniuc Klara4, Azamfirei L4, Cirstoiu C1, Rosin A5

1 Fundeni Bone Marrow Transplant Center Fundeni
2 Bucharest Emergency University Hospital
3 University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tîrgu Mureș
4 Craiova Emergency University Hospital
5 Bucharest Institute of Haematology

The authors review the most important aspects of stem cell transplantation, starting with its objectives, general guidelines and specific issues in rare diseases, and series of complications arising from this complicated therapeutic procedure.
Introduction
In the 40 years since the first bone marrow transplant for the treatment of a patient suffering from a congenital immune deficiency, this therapeutic modality has become an option to be considered in the treatment of several haematologic, immunologic, metabolic and neoplastic disorders. This has been possible thanks to the progress in our knowledge of the major histocompatibility complex, the supportive therapy for patients with severe pancytopenia and the prevention and treatment of infections and other complications associated to transplantation [1].
Today, Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT), in its different modalities, is the treatment of choice in several malignant and non-malignant haematological diseases and one of the best options in many others [1].[More]

 

Keywords:
Full text: PDF

Emergency Anaesthesia for Multiple Trauma

Grinţescu Ioana Marina, Ungureanu Raluca, Mirea Liliana

Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Clinic, Clinical Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania

Trauma anaesthesia management is a challenge because we must deal with a critical ill patient with unclear history, injuries and physiologic status. ATLS® protocol is a useful tool in assessing and managing patients with complex and life threatening injuries. Rapid sequence of intubation is the preferred approach for airway control. Many factors combine to increase tracheal intubation difficulty in the trauma patient. Fluid management is especially challenging because of rapid, unpredictable changes in volume status and incomplete pre-operative resuscitation. For severely injured, the damage control resuscitation approach is intended to minimize exacerbating the multifactorial trauma-induced coagulopathy by replacing lost blood with plasma and platelet-containing products (haemostatic resuscitation) instead of using early and large amounts of crystalloids and RBCs (hypotensive resuscitation). This strategy encapsulates also the established concept of damage control surgery in the scope to rapid control the haemorrhage.

Keywords: , ,
Full text: PDF