In this study, the Fourier transform mid-infrared (FT-MIR) spectroscopy technique combined with chemometrics methods was used to monitor adulteration of honey with sugar syrup. Spectral data were recorded from a wavenumber region of 4000600cm−1, with a spectral resolution of 4cm−1. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were used for qualitative analysis to discriminate between adulterated and nonadulterated honey. For quantitative analysis, we used partial least-squares regression (PLS-R) and the support vector machine (SVM) to develop optimal calibration models. The use of PCA shows that the first two principal components account for 96 of the total variability. PCA and HCA allow classifying the dataset into two groups: adulterated and unadulterated honey. The use of the PLS-R and SVM-R calibration models for the quantification of adulteration shows high-performance capabilities represented by a high value of correlation coefficients R2 greater than 98 and 95 with lower values of root mean square error (RMSE) less than 1.12 and 1.85 using PLS-R and SVM-R, respectively. Our results indicate that FT-MIR spectroscopy combined with chemometrics techniques can be used successfully as a simple, rapid, and nondestructive method for the quantification and discrimination of adulterated honey.
Although knowledge on medicine acceptability remains fragmented, this multi-faceted concept has emerged as a key factor for compliance in pediatrics. In order to investigate the acceptability of medicines used in the University Medical Centre Ibn Sina (CHIS) of Rabat, Morocco, an observational study was conducted. Using a multivariate approach integrating the many aspects of acceptability, standardized observer reports were collected for 570 medicine intakes in patients up to the age of 16, then analyzed on a reference framework. Tablets appeared to be well accepted in children greater than 6 years old, but were crushed/dissolved for 90% of the 40 children aged from 3 to 5, and 100% of the 38 patients younger than 3. Moreover, the prescribed dose was fully taken for only 52% and 16% of these younger children, respectively. Despite this, tablets represented 24% of evaluations in children from 3 to 5 and 20% in infants and toddlers. Oral liquid preparations appeared to be better accepted than tablets in preschoolers, but not for those under 3. Overall, these findings highlight the lack of suitable alternatives for the younger children, especially for formulations of antiepileptics, antithrombotic, and psycholeptic agents in the local context.
Eucalyptus essential oil is widely valued for its therapeutic properties and extensive commercial applications, with its chemical composition significantly influenced by species variety, geographical origin, and environmental conditions. This study aims to develop a reliable method for identifying the geographical origin and variety of eucalyptus oil samples through the application of advanced analytical techniques combined with chemometric methods. Essential oils from Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus camaldulensis were analyzed using Gas Chromatography–Flame Ionization Detection (GC–FID) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy. Chemometric analyses, including Orthogonal Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (O2PLS-DA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), were utilized to classify the oils based on their volatile compound profiles. Notably, O2PLS-DA was applied directly to the raw FTIR data without additional spectral processing, showcasing its robustness in handling unprocessed data. For geographical origin determination, the GC–FID model achieved a Correct Classification Rate (CCR) of 100%, with 100% specificity and 100% sensitivity for both calibration and validation sets. FTIR spectroscopy achieved a CCR of 100%, specificity of 100%, and sensitivity of 100% for the calibration set, while the validation set yielded a CCR of 95.83%, specificity of 99.02%, and sensitivity of 94.44%. In contrast, the analysis based on species variety demonstrated 100% accuracy across all metrics CCR, specificity, and sensitivity—for both calibration and validation using both techniques. These findings underscore the effectiveness of volatile and infrared spectroscopy profiling for quality control and authentication, providing robust tools for ensuring the consistency and reliability of eucalyptus essential oils in various industrial and therapeutic applications.
Medication management in hospitals is a complex process that encompasses every step from prescription to administration, involving multiple healthcare professionals. This process is prone to various errors that can compromise patient safety and generate significant human and financial costs. Automation in hospital pharmacies represents a major advancement, enhancing patient safety, optimizing professional practices, and reducing hospital expenses. This study aims to analyze the different types of automation systems used in hospital pharmacies, assess the impact of automation, and explore its benefits as well as the challenges and limitations associated with its implementation. A literature search was conducted using the ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Scopus databases, covering the period from 1992 to 2024. A total of 129 relevant articles related to the automation of medication preparation and distribution, as well as its challenges and perspectives were included in this study. Automated technologies significantly contribute to reducing medication errors, strengthening traceability, optimizing inventory management, and alleviating the workload of healthcare professionals. However, challenges persist, particularly in terms of costs, integration with existing processes, and staff training. The use of artificial intelligence offers promising prospects for improving the accuracy and operational efficiency of automation systems.
Antibiotics are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in children. Adherence to the treatment with these drugs is of the utmost importance to prevent the emergence of resistant bacteria, a global health threat. In children, medicine acceptability is likely to have a significant impact on compliance. Herein we used a multivariate approach, considering simultaneously the many aspects of acceptability to explore the drivers of oral antibiotic acceptability in children under twelve, especially in toddlers and in preschoolers. Based on 628 real-life observer reports of the intake of 133 distinct medicines, the acceptability reference framework highlighted the influence of many factors such as age and sex of patients, previous exposure to treatment, place of administration, administration device, flavor agent in excipients and active pharmaceutical ingredient. These findings from an international observational study emphasize the multidimensional nature of acceptability. Therefore, it is crucial to consider all these different aspects for assessing this multi-faceted concept and designing or prescribing a medicine in order to reach adequate acceptability in the target population.
25 May 2021 in Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture