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Open Access August 07, 2024

Revolutionizing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients: From Concept to Compliance

Abstract Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) serve as the cornerstone of pharmaceutical development, driving therapeutic efficacy and safety in drug formulations. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the lifecycle of APIs, starting from their discovery and development, through to manufacturing processes and regulatory oversight. The development of APIs begins with intensive research and [...] Read more.
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) serve as the cornerstone of pharmaceutical development, driving therapeutic efficacy and safety in drug formulations. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the lifecycle of APIs, starting from their discovery and development, through to manufacturing processes and regulatory oversight. The development of APIs begins with intensive research and discovery efforts, where medicinal chemists and pharmacologists identify and optimize potential compounds through computational modelling, high-throughput screening, and structure-activity relationship studies. Promising candidates undergo rigorous preclinical testing to assess pharmacological properties, safety profiles, and potential adverse effects in animal models. Upon successful preclinical outcomes, APIs progress to clinical trials, involving phases of testing in human subjects to evaluate efficacy, dosage regimens, and safety profiles under controlled conditions. Clinical trial data are meticulously analyzed to support regulatory submissions, demonstrating the API's therapeutic benefits and safety for eventual patient use. Manufacturing APIs involves complex chemical synthesis or biotechnological methods, ensuring precise control over reaction conditions, purity, and yield. The scale-up from laboratory synthesis to industrial production demands adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), where stringent quality control measures verify consistency, potency, and stability throughout production batches. Regulatory oversight by authorities such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in Europe ensures that APIs meet stringent standards of safety, efficacy, and quality before market approval. Manufacturers must submit comprehensive Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) data, detailing manufacturing processes, analytical methods, and stability studies to support regulatory filings.
Review Article
Open Access November 03, 2022

5-fluorouracil Improves the Testicular Antioxidant Status and Alleviates Oxidative Stress in Male Albino Rats Treated with Cyclophosphamide

Abstract The therapeutic effect of Cyclophosphamide (CPA) is thus attributed to phosphoramide mustard and acrolein leads to the formation of high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which results in decreased antioxidant activity. Excessive production of ROS could also culminate in oxidative stress. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effect of sub-lethal dose of the [...] Read more.
The therapeutic effect of Cyclophosphamide (CPA) is thus attributed to phosphoramide mustard and acrolein leads to the formation of high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which results in decreased antioxidant activity. Excessive production of ROS could also culminate in oxidative stress. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effect of sub-lethal dose of the cyclophosphamide, 5-FU, combination of 5-FU, and CPA on testicular antioxidant status, and oxidative stress in male albino rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight male adult rats were grouped randomly into four groups (n=5 each group). Group I (control): Rats were injected with saline intraperitoneally and at a dose of 1.0 ml/kg b.w. for 14 days. Group II cyclophosphamide (CPA): Cyclophosphamide at a dose of 10 mg/kg day by day through i.p. to rats for 14 days. Group III Fluorouracil (5-FU): 5-Fluorouracil at a dose of 10 mg/kg day by day in saline was given through i.p. to rats for 14 days. Group IV (CPA+5-FU): Rats were given CPA followed by 5-FU at a dose of 10 mg/kg per day (day by day) through i.p. to rats for 14 days. At the end of the experimental period, rats were anesthetized using light ether. Blood and testes tissue samples were taken and prepared for biochemical measurements. Biochemical parameters in rat serum and tissues were evaluated. Results: Individual injection of CPA and 5-FU to rats were reduced testes TAC, GSH concentration, GR, and CAT activities compared to control. However, the combination treatment of rats with 5-FU and CPA increased the levels of these non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant compared with those treated with CPA alone. Also, results showed significantly increased TBARS and NO concentration in the testes of CPA treated rats when compared to normal ones, while 5-FU increased NO only compared with the control. Conclusion: It can be concluded that treatment of rats with CPA is associated with the production of free radicals that leads to hazardous alterations in certain non-enzymatic, and enzymatic functions. The increase in lipid peroxidation probably leads to the intracellular accumulation of ROS with the subsequent development of testes tissue injury. However, 5-FU and CPA combination could produce a significant amelioration in most cases for these changes, and it may be considered as a potentially useful candidate in the combination chemotherapy with CPA to combat oxidative stress mediated non target organs injury even if it was not a complete protection. Future work should consider combined chemotherapy regimens, as two or more mechanisms of action of chemotherapeutic drugs could be more powerful than one mechanism.
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Open Access October 15, 2022

Cyclophosphamide Induces Hepatorenal Toxicity and Attenuation by 5-fluorouracil in Male Albino Rats

Abstract Background: Cyclophosphamide (CPA) induces acute inflammation of the urinary bladder, renal damage, and liver damage, thereby limiting its therapeutic use. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the hepatorenal toxicity induced by cyclophosphamide and amelioration by 5-fluorouracil in male albino rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight male adult rats were [...] Read more.
Background: Cyclophosphamide (CPA) induces acute inflammation of the urinary bladder, renal damage, and liver damage, thereby limiting its therapeutic use. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the hepatorenal toxicity induced by cyclophosphamide and amelioration by 5-fluorouracil in male albino rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight male adult rats were grouped randomly into four groups (n=5 for each group). Group I (control): Rats were injected with saline intraperitoneally and at a dose of 1.0 ml/kg b.w. for 14 days. Group II cyclophosphamide (CPA): Cyclophosphamide at a dose of 10 mg/kg day by day through i.p. to rats for 14 days. Group III Fluorouracil (5-FU): 5-Fluorouracil at a dose of 10 mg/kg day by day in saline was given through i.p. to rats for 14 days. Group IV (CPA+5-FU): Rats were given CPA followed by 5-FU at a dose of 10 mg/kg per day (day by day) through i.p. to rats for 14 days. At the end of the experimental period, rats were anesthetized using light ether. Blood samples were taken and prepared for biochemical measurements. Results: Serum total protein, albumin, and globulin concentration significantly reduced in animal groups that received cyclophosphamide. 5-FU and CPA combination reduced the changes in total protein, albumin, and globulin compared to CPA treated group. A significant increase in LDH serum concentration was found in CPA, 5-FU, and their combination-treated animals. The mean values of the combination of chemotherapy were above that in CPA followed by 5-FU treatment. Administration of CPA, 5-FU resulted in a significant increase in serum AST, ALT, ALP, and bilirubin compared to the control. Co-treatment 5-FU with CPA significantly attenuated the increase in serum AST, ALT, ALP, and bilirubin when compared to CPA – treated rats. Compared to controls, urea and creatinine levels were increased in CPA-treated rats, while uric acid was reduced in CPA, 5-FU, and their combination. The changes in urea and creatinine produced by the chemotherapy were restored when rats received CPA in combination with 5-FU. Conclusion: It could be concluded that the treatment of mammals with chemotherapy is associated with the production of free radicals that lead to hazardous alterations in biochemical parameters. However, 5-FU and CPA combination could produce a significant amelioration in most cases for these changes, and it may be considered as a potentially useful candidate in the combination chemotherapy with CPA to combat oxidative stress-mediated non-target organ injury even if it was not complete protection. Future work should consider combined chemotherapy regimens, as two or more mechanisms of action of chemotherapeutic drugs could be more powerful than one mechanism. Toxicological studies must be performed before using drugs as a combination before application. Further research is required on the toxicological impacts of drugs and pollutants mixtures.
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Open Access March 11, 2022

Interactional Linguistic Resources in Concession Speeches: An appraisal of Selected Political Leaders in Ghana and the United States of America

Abstract The purpose of the study was to examine the interactional linguistic resources in concession speeches of Selected Political Leaders in Ghana and the United States of America. The past three decades have witnessed an increasing scholarly interest in political discourse. Despite this, concession speeches have received limited scholarly attention. This study, therefore, comparatively analyzed the concession speeches delivered by John Dramani Mahama and Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo-Addo of Ghana and Hillary Clinton and Al Gore of the United States of America. Speech Act and Metadiscourse Interactionist Theories were used to examine the interpersonal linguistic resources found in the speeches. The speeches, were analyzed qualitatively. The study concluded that speakers of CSs in the two different cultural contexts use similar statements, as has already been discussed earlier in this study. For instance, the four losing candidates used almost the same interpersonal linguistic resources (hedges, boosters, self-mention, attitude markers, and engagement markers [...] Read more.
The purpose of the study was to examine the interactional linguistic resources in concession speeches of Selected Political Leaders in Ghana and the United States of America. The past three decades have witnessed an increasing scholarly interest in political discourse. Despite this, concession speeches have received limited scholarly attention. This study, therefore, comparatively analyzed the concession speeches delivered by John Dramani Mahama and Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo-Addo of Ghana and Hillary Clinton and Al Gore of the United States of America. Speech Act and Metadiscourse Interactionist Theories were used to examine the interpersonal linguistic resources found in the speeches. The speeches, were analyzed qualitatively. The study concluded that speakers of CSs in the two different cultural contexts use similar statements, as has already been discussed earlier in this study. For instance, the four losing candidates used almost the same interpersonal linguistic resources (hedges, boosters, self-mention, attitude markers, and engagement markers) to establish a bond between them and their interlocutors and supporters. It is recommended that, concession speeches (CSs) to be studied from other theoretical perspectives, this will allow for a detailed analysis of a wider range of linguistic resources such as noun phrases, verb phrases, and the use of adjuncts, beyond the SAs in CSs in order not to treat them as mere rhetoric in politics.
Review Article
Open Access November 29, 2021

Mucormycosis and Candida Infections in Patients of COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Systematic Review

Abstract Introduction: The city of Wuhan in China reported the first case of coronavirus, termed as SARS-CoV-2, in December 2019. To date, 187,827,660 cases have been reported to the WHO (3). With current research focusing on potential therapeutic agents for the coronavirus disease and vaccines, there remain major gaps in our understanding of the pathophysiology and clinical course of this viral [...] Read more.
Introduction: The city of Wuhan in China reported the first case of coronavirus, termed as SARS-CoV-2, in December 2019. To date, 187,827,660 cases have been reported to the WHO (3). With current research focusing on potential therapeutic agents for the coronavirus disease and vaccines, there remain major gaps in our understanding of the pathophysiology and clinical course of this viral pneumonia. Secondary infections are one of them. In this systematic review, we analyze the outcomes of two fungal infections in patients of COVID-19, viz. Mucormycosis and candida. Methodology: A systematic review has been done on secondary infections with mucor and candida fungi in patients of COVID-19. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were used. Twenty-three studies were included in the final analysis. Our review included studies from various countries across the globe. The risk of bias was analyzed using the NIH Quality Assessment Tool for Case Series Studies. This study did not require ethical approval as data was obtained from already available databases, and patients were not directly involved. Results: A total of 23 articles were included in the final review and the total number of patients included was 79 Male: female ratio was calculated to be 1.6 and the average age of patients was 52 years (ranging from 24-86 years). Various types of comorbidities were seen in the included patients, the most common being diabetes mellitus. Among the 18 patients in the cohort of mucormycosis, 7 patients died and four studies did not report patient outcomes. Among the 61 patients, 13 patients died and one patient was still ventilated at the time of publication. Conclusion: Secondary infections after COVID-19 are a cause of major concerns. Further studies and case reports are needed to better understand the various other types of secondary infections and also to formulate strategies to prevent these.
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Systematic Review
Open Access December 27, 2019

Predictive Analytics in Biologics: Improving Production Outcomes Using Big Data

Abstract Biopharmaceuticals, or biologics, are a burgeoning sector in the pharmaceutical industry, predicted to reach $239.4 billion by 2025. This unparalleled growth is often attributed to the enhanced specificity offered by large molecules over small molecules. The large size of the constituent proteins necessitates the continuous implementation of big data predictive analytics to elucidate the most [...] Read more.
Biopharmaceuticals, or biologics, are a burgeoning sector in the pharmaceutical industry, predicted to reach $239.4 billion by 2025. This unparalleled growth is often attributed to the enhanced specificity offered by large molecules over small molecules. The large size of the constituent proteins necessitates the continuous implementation of big data predictive analytics to elucidate the most effective candidates in the lead optimization process. These same methodologies can be applied, and with the advent of machine learning and automated predictive analytics, this is becoming an increasingly facile task, to the augmentation and optimization of the downstream production processes that comprise the majority of the development cost of any biologic. In this work, big data from cell line generation, product and process design, and large-scale lead validation studies have been used to compare the applicability of simple statistical models against these black-box approaches for the rapid acceleration of enzymes to the pilot plant stage. This research can be expanded upon to exploit the big datasets generated as part of the progression of biologics through the development pipeline to further optimize production outcomes. Over the coming months, data from the project will be used to probe which approaches are amenable to which processes and, as a result, more amenable to various economic simulations. The computed optimization objective for the HIT must include the cost of acquiring, storing, and analyzing data to construct these predictive models, alongside the expected commercial reward of choosing an optimally ranked candidate. In this vein, perspective must be taken in the probable future price, capability outputs, and ownership issues of increasingly sophisticated data analysis software as superstructures become more frequent. It is frequently stated that decisions made to reduce production costs are data-driven, but that is not because more economically or energetically costly experiments or production methods are employed; to truly evaluate production steps, dynamic energy, and economic models need to become more commonplace. Conversion of process quality approaches from large questionnaires, risk analysis, and expert opinion-driven methods to statistical and thus more reliable approaches is an area of future research in analytics used herein.
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Review Article
Open Access December 29, 2020

Enhancing Government Fiscal Impact Analysis with Integrated Big Data and Cloud-Based Analytics Platforms

Abstract While several application domains are exploiting the added-value of analytics over various datasets to obtain actionable insights and drive decision making, the public policy management domain has not yet taken advantage of the full potential of the aforementioned analytics and data models. To this end, in this paper authors present an overall architecture of a cloud-based environment that [...] Read more.
While several application domains are exploiting the added-value of analytics over various datasets to obtain actionable insights and drive decision making, the public policy management domain has not yet taken advantage of the full potential of the aforementioned analytics and data models. To this end, in this paper authors present an overall architecture of a cloud-based environment that facilitates data retrieval and analytics, as well as policy modelling, creation and optimization. The environment enables data collection from heterogeneous sources, linking and aggregation, complemented with data cleaning and interoperability techniques. An innovative approach for analytics as a service is introduced and linked with a policy development toolkit, which is an integrated web-based environment to fulfil the requirements of the public policy ecosystem stakeholders [1]. Large information databases on various public issues exist, but their usage for public policy formulation and impact analysis has been limited so far, as no cloud-based service ecosystem exists to facilitate their efficient exploitation. With the increasing availability and importance of both public big and traditional data, the need to extract, link and utilize such information efficiently has arisen. Current data-driven web technologies and models are not aligned with the needs of this domain, and therefore, potential candidates for big data, cloud-based and service-oriented public policy analysis solutions should be investigated, piloted and demonstrated [2]. This paper presents the conceptual architecture of such an ecosystem based on the capabilities of state-of-the-art cloud and web technologies, as well as the requirements of its users.
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Review Article
Open Access December 18, 2023

Leveraging AI, ML, and Generative Neural Models to Bridge Gaps in Genetic Therapy Access and Real-Time Resource Allocation

Abstract This paper leverages gene and cell therapy research in diverse disorders ranging from monogenic to infectious diseases to cancer and emerging breakthroughs, where one can harness individual genes or a synthetic gene sequence designed based on a shared molecular pattern in infected cells to better fight various disorders [1]. A pivotal task is to predict the performances of candidate gene therapies [...] Read more.
This paper leverages gene and cell therapy research in diverse disorders ranging from monogenic to infectious diseases to cancer and emerging breakthroughs, where one can harness individual genes or a synthetic gene sequence designed based on a shared molecular pattern in infected cells to better fight various disorders [1]. A pivotal task is to predict the performances of candidate gene therapies to guide clinical translational research using methods such as retrospective bioinformatic analyses. Implementing them to a large-scale gene therapy database reveals that it is feasible to construct and apply well-performing interpretable, supervised learning models [2]. Preliminary evidence of machine learning approaches' statistical significance helps clinicians and biomedical researchers, market participants, and regulatory and economic experts derive relevant, practical applications, thereby enhancing the deployment of gene therapy and genomics to achieve positive, long-term growth for humanity while alleviating the ongoing worldwide economic burden precipitated by prolonged and recurring diseases. Deploying machine learning techniques to accelerate gene and cell therapy drug development and trials shall also mitigate the existing obstacle of limited patient access to emerging, transformative medical innovations such as gene therapy due to skyrocketing prices, which often herald gene therapy products as the world's most expensive medicines [3]. Moreover, in preventing patients from accessing effective, life-saving genetic medicines, there commonly exists a multidimensional access gap encompassing the availability, affordability, and quality or acceptability of these clinical treatments. The ensuing substantial gap has repeatedly been documented and mainly emanates from differential institutional and socio-political choices around resource allocation at international and domestic levels [4]. Particularly, it is also due to the stringent licensure and regulatory approval processes underpinned by insufficient evidence for novel safety and clinical efficacy profiles for genetic therapies in multiple micro-local diagnoses and subpopulations. We believe that a higher likelihood of gene therapy adoption shall result when the clinical evidence path contains adequate representation from the most diverse and relevant patient populations [5].
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Case Report

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