Here we describe the use of a new open-source software package and a Raspberry Pi(®) computer for the simultaneous control of multiple flow chemistry devices and its application to a machine-assisted, multi-step flow preparation of pyrazine-2-carboxamide - a component of Rifater(®), used in the treatment of tuberculosis - and its reduced derivative piperazine-2-carboxamide.

Pyrazinamide (PZA) is increasingly used with isoniazid and rifampicin, in short-course antituberculous chemotherapy in service programme conditions. Complicating arthralgias occur due to hyperuricaemia induced by the inhibition of renal tubular secretion of uric acid by pyrazinoic acid, the main PZA metabolite. Allopurinol (Al), a hypouricaemic agent, provides no substantial clinical improvemen...

Pyrazinamide may exist in at least four known polymorphic forms, which were obtained experimentally. One of these polymorphs, (α), shows outstanding mechanical properties, demonstrating a significant anisotropic plasticity three-point bending test, while the δ form was brittle. Despite → α transition as well β and γ behavior being experimentally studied, relative stability pyrazinamide polymorp...

OBJECTIVES To describe the population pharmacokinetics of rifampicin, pyrazinamide and isoniazid in children and evaluate the adequacy of steady-state exposures. PATIENTS AND METHODS We used previously published data for 76 South African children with tuberculosis to describe the population pharmacokinetics of rifampicin, pyrazinamide and isoniazid. Monte Carlo simulations were used to predic...

OBJECTIVES There is a paucity of evidence regarding the optimal dosing of anti-TB drugs in children. The aim of this study was to identify the pharmacokinetic parameters of first-line anti-TB drugs and the concentrations achieved after implementation of the 2010 WHO-recommended paediatric dosages. METHODS We conducted a prospective, observational pharmacokinetic study in children 10 years old...

OBJECTIVE Human tuberculosis (TB) has re-emerged at an alarming rate as one of the deadliest contagious diseases; not only in the developing world, but also in the developed countries. Its re-emergence indicates failure to control its transmission. What causes part of the alarm is the growing number of isolates displaying resistance to the first line drugs used in its control. The very high vol...

BACKGROUND Multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis infections cause public health concerns worldwide. Local epidemiologic data about the drug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolate (Mtb) is critical to guide appropriate empirical therapy to cure patients and restrain the spread of tuberculosis. METHODS Antituberculosis susceptibility testing was performed for...