Synergistic optical sensing: Selective colorimetric analysis of copper in environmental and biological samples

A groundbreaking optical sensing membrane has been engineered for the accurate assessment of copper ions. The pliable poly(vinyl chloride) membrane is formulated through the integration of sodium tetraphenylborate (Na-TPB), 4-(2-hydroxy-4-nitro azobenzene)-2-methyl-quinoline (HNAMQ), and tri-n-octyl phosphine oxide (TOPO), in conjunction with o-nitrophenyl octyl ether (o-NPOE). The sensor membrane undergoes a thorough investigation of its composition to optimize performance, revealing that HNAMQ serves a dual role as both an ionophore and a chromoionophore. Simultaneously, TOPO contributes to enhancing the complexation of HNAMQ with copper ions. Demonstrating a linear range for Cu2+ ions spanning from 5.0 × 10-9 to 7.5 × 10-6 M, the proposed sensor membrane showcases detection and quantification limits of 1.5 × 10-9 and 5.0 × 10-9 M, respectively. Rigorous assessments of potential interferences from other cations and anions revealed no observable disruptions in the detection of Cu2+. With no discernible HNAMQ leaching, the membrane demonstrates rapid response times and excellent durability. The sensor exhibits remarkable selectivity for Cu2+ ions and can be regenerated through exposure to 0.05 M EDTA. Successful application of the sensor in determining the presence of Cu2+ in biological (blood, liver and meat), soil, food (coffee, black tea, sour cherry juice, black currant, and milk powder) and environmental water samples underscores its efficacy.

An innovative approach in titanium determination based on incorporating 2-amino-4-((4-nitrophenyl)diazenyl)pyridine-3-ol in a PVC membrane

A pioneering optical sensor has been effectively developed to achieve precise and reliable detection of titanium ions. The sensor employs an optode membrane composed of 2-amino-4-((4-nitrophenyl)diazenyl)pyridine-3-ol (ANPDP) and sodium tetraphenylborate (NaTPB) incorporated into a plasticized PVC matrix, with dioctyl sebacate (DOS) acting as the plasticizer. When exposed to Ti4+ ions at pH 8.25, the color of the sensing membrane undergoes a distinctive transformation from yellow-orange to violet. Extensive investigations were carried out to assess and optimize various factors influencing the efficiency of ion uptake. Through careful experimentation, the optimum conditions were determined to be 60.0% DOS, 6.0% ANPDP, 30% PVC, and 4.0% NaTPB, with a rapid response time of 5.0 min. Within these conditions, the developed optode demonstrates an impressive linear range of 3.0-225 ng mL-1, boasting detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) limits of 0.91 and 2.95 ng mL-1, respectively. Moreover, the precision of the sensor, as indicated by the relative standard deviation (RSD%), remained consistently below 1.55% in six replicate determinations of 100 ng mL-1 Ti4+ across diverse membranes. The selectivity of the sensor was rigorously examined for a range of cations and anions, successfully establishing the tolerance limits for interfering species. Notably, the presence of EDTA as a masking agent did not compromise the high selectivity of the sensor. Consequently, the innovative probe holds significant potential as a reliable analytical tool for quantifying titanium content in various samples, including water, geological materials, soil, plants, paints, cosmetics, and plastics.

Patients with a DPP6 risk- haplotype for familial idiopathic ventricular fibrillation have normal left systolic function but abnormal deformation

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

An aberrant DPP6 mutation haplotype on chromosome 7 is associated with familial idiopathic ventricular fibrillation in severely affected Dutch families with numerous cases of  sudden cardiac death (SCD) So far, no clinical parameters could be linked to predict SCD risk other than this genetic predisposition. In various other cardiac disease, global longitudinal strain (GLS) and mechanical dispersion (MD), both markers of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, are predictive tools for patients at risk for ventricular arrhythmias (VA) and SCD. The goal of the current study was to investigate whether LV dysfunction, detected by GLS and MD, is present in patients with DPP6 haplotype.

Method

DPP6 risk-haplotype carriers with sufficient echocardiographic images were included as cases (n = 31, 15 males mean age 41 ± 11 years) and individuals evaluated during cascade screening who were tested but appeared not to be affected as controls (n = 14, 7 males, mean  age 39 ± 12 years). Echocardiographic bi-plane ejection fraction (LVEF), GLS and MD of the left ventricular were determined.

Results

LVEF was similar between DPP6 cases (57.3%) and controls (60.5%, p = 0.07). In contrast, the GLS of the LV (-18.0%) of DPP6 cases was significant lower compared to controls (-21.1%, p < 0.0001). MD in DPP6 cases (43.4ms) was significantly higher than in controls (26.7ms, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

DPP6 risk- haplotype carriers have similar LVEF, but significant lower LV-GLS and higher mechanical dispersion than controls. These findings can be used for clinical discrimination. Whether these markers can be used for prediction of clinical events has to be determined after a longer follow up.

echocardiographic characteristics controls DPP6 p-value LVEF (%) 60.5 57.3 0.07 GLS LV (%) -21.2 -18.0 0.0001 MD ( ms) 26.7 43.4 0.0001

Germline variants in HEY2 functional domains lead to congenital heart defects and thoracic aortic aneurysms

Purpose

In this study we aimed to establish the genetic cause of a myriad of cardiovascular defects prevalent in individuals from a genetically isolated population, who were found to share a common ancestor in 1728.

Methods

Trio genome sequencing was carried out in an index patient with critical congenital heart disease (CHD), family members had either exome or Sanger sequencing. To confirm enrichment, we performed a gene-based association test and meta-analysis in two independent validation cohorts: one with 2685 CHD cases versus 4370 controls, and the other 326 cases with familial thoracic aortic aneurysms (FTAA) and dissections versus 570 ancestry-matched controls. Functional consequences of identified variants were evaluated using expression studies.

Results

We identified a loss-of-function variant in the Notch target transcription factor-encoding gene HEY2. The homozygous state (n=3) causes life-threatening congenital heart defects, while 80% of heterozygous carriers (n=20) had cardiovascular defects, mainly CHD and FTAA of the ascending aorta. We confirm enrichment of rare risk variants in HEY2 functional domains after meta-analysis (meta-SKAT p=0.018). Furthermore, we show that several identified variants lead to dysregulation of repression by HEY2.

Conclusion

A homozygous germline loss-of-function variant in HEY2 leads to critical CHD. The majority of heterozygotes show a myriad of cardiovascular defects.

Data on self-awareness, self-determination, and self-efficacy of opioid-dependent patients receiving methadone treatment before and after getting individual psycho-educational (i-SEAZ) intervention

The readiness to change among drug addicts is a key strength for successful treatment. Self-awareness, self-determination, and self-efficacy have been identified as the fundamentals of readiness that should be embraced by drug addicts while in treatment. In this article, the shared data were applied to assess the effect of individual psycho-educational intervention based on integrated self-awareness and self-determination theories (i-SEAZ) on self-efficacy amongst opioid-dependent patients undergoing methadone treatment (MT). The effectiveness of the i-SEAZ module was evaluated in a total of 75 opioid-dependent MT participants from five Methadone Clinics under the Ministry of Health, Malaysia located across Klang Valley. The experimental group consisted of 38 participants who received 10 sessions of individual i-SEAZ alongside MT, whereas 37 participants of the control group only received MT. The shared data were collected through three questionnaires, namely Scale for Self-Consciousness Assessment (SSCA), Treatment Motivation Questionnaire (TMQ), and General Self Efficacy (GSE). Data collection was performed twice; the first instance was two weeks prior to initiation of i-SEAZ (pretest), and the second was two weeks post completion of i-SEAZ (posttest). The extracted data were precisely represented in terms of means and standard deviations (SDs).

P4373Post systolic shortening in the apex of the left ventricular is a typical finding in patients with PLN mutation

Introduction

The p.Arg14del founder mutation in the gene encoding phospholamban (PLN) is associated with an increased risk of malignant ventricular arrhythmia and heart failure. Ejection fraction (EF) is the gold standard of systolic left ventricular (LV) function, however new technics using global longitudinal strain (GLS) are able to detect LV dysfunction early, e.g. in patients with chemotherapy. Moreover, strain analysis on post systolic shortening (PSS) can show distinct pattern in various diseases, e.g. patients with myocardial fibrosis and amyloid. The goal of this study was to investigate whether speckle tracking (GLS and PSS) of the LV can detect LV dysfunction in patients with PLN mutations and whether these patients have a specific PSS pattern.

Method

72 Patients (49 female, mean age 32 years) diagnosed with the genetic PLN mutation p.Arg14del and 21 controls (10 female, mean age 27 years) underwent complete Echocardiographic exam including LVEF, GLS and PSI of all LV segments. LVEF <50% was considered as LV dysfunction. The diagnostic characteristics of GLS and PSI were determined.

Results

Pearson correlation is in PLN patients between PSI apex and EF 0.677 (P <.0001) PSI apex and GLS 0.692 (P <.0001)

PLN patients appeared to have a typical pattern with a high PSI in the apical segments. An apical PSI >20 was the strongest diagnostic parameter indicating LV dysfunction.

Apical PSI >20 and LVEF <50% have a sensitivity and specificity of 78% and 85%.

Diagnostic characteristics PLN Controls P-value LVEF, % 55.2 59.3 0.033 GLS, % 15.5 17.3 0.163 PSI basal 8.5 10.1 0.326 PSI mid 5.6 2.9 0.070 PSI apical 15.6 2.1 0.01 LVEF, left ventricular ejection fraction; GLS, Global longitudinal strain; PSI, post systolic index.

PSI

Conclusion

PLN patients have a typical pattern of high PSI in the apex of the left ventricular which can be used as a diagnostic test to detect LV dysfunction.

Intracardiac origin of heart rate variability, pacemaker funny current and their possible association with critical illness

Heart rate variability (HRV) is an indirect estimator of autonomic modulation of heart rate and is considered a risk marker in critical illness, particularly in heart failure and severe sepsis. A reduced HRV has been found in critically ill patients and has been associated with neuro-autonomic uncoupling or decreased baroreflex sensitivity. However, results from human and animal experimental studies indicate that intracardiac mechanisms might also be responsible for interbeat fluctuations. These studies have demonstrated that different membrane channel proteins and especially the so-called 'funny' current (If), an hyperpolarization-activated, inward current that drives diastolic depolarization resulting in spontaneous activity in cardiac pacemaker cells, are altered during critical illness. Furthermore, membrane channels kinetics seem to have significant impact upon HRV, whose early decrease might reflect a cellular metabolic stress. In this review article we present research findings regarding intracardiac origin of HRV, at the cellular level and in both isolated sinoatrial node and whole ex vivo heart preparations. In addition, we will review results from various experimental studies that support the interrelation between If and HRV during endotoxemia. We suggest that reduced HRV during sepsis could also be associated with altered pacemaker cell membrane properties, due to ionic current remodeling.

Respiratory syncytial virus infection of camels (Camelus dromedaries)

This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in camels in Sudan. A total of 272 camel lung specimens showing pneumonia were collected from slaughter houses at four different areas in Sudan, additionally 8 specimens were collected from outbreaks of respiratory infection in camels. Using sandwich ELISA kits for RSV antigen detection 4 out of 280 tested lungs (1.4%) were positive, all were from Central Sudan (Tambool slaughter house). FAT was used to confirm the ELISA positives. Polymerase chain reaction RT/PCR was applied for the detection of RSV genome in camel lungs; 1 out of 4 ELISA positives was positive by RT/PCR. Using indirect ELISA kits 135 out of 495 (27.3%) camel sera showed antibodies to RSV, highest prevalence was observed in Western (33.5%) then Central (31.6%) and Eastern Sudan (23.5%). Based on the manufacturer specified calculations for OD readings, most of positive sera (90/135) were low reactive (1+). This is the first report for the detection of RSV antigen, genome and antibody in camels in Sudan.

Respiratory infection of camels associated with parainfluenza virus 3 in Sudan

This study was undertaken to investigate the role of parainfluenza virus 3 (PIV3) in respiratory infection of camels. A total of 273 lung specimens from camels with pneumonia lesions were collected from slaughterhouses in four different areas of Sudan. In addition, eight specimens were collected from outbreaks of respiratory infection in camels. Using antigen detection sandwich ELISA kits, six out of the 281 specimens tested were positive for the PIV3 antigen (2.1%); the highest prevalence was noted in Eastern Sudan (4.2%), then in Central and Northern Sudan (1.4%). The direct immunofluorescent test (FAT) was used to confirm the positive reactions for PIV3 by ELISA. The polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was applied for the detection of the PIV3 genome in lungs of camels; two out of four samples which were positive by the PIV3 ELISA were also positive by RT-PCR. Virus isolation was attempted for PIV3 in MDBK cells; four specimens yielded cytopathic virus when inoculated onto the cell culture. The cytopathic effect (CPE) consisted of cell rounding, multinucleated cells, sloughing and elongation of cells, and some syncytia were observed on the 3rd to 7th day post-inoculation. Using commercially available indirect ELISA kits for antibodies to PIV3, 495 camel sera were tested, and the seroprevalence detected was 82.2%. The highest seroprevalence was observed in Central (92.6%), then in Eastern (92.2%) and Central to South Sudan (82.5%); the lowest prevalence was found in Northern Sudan (64.8%).

Natural exposure of Dromedary camels in Sudan to infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (bovine herpes virus-1)

The occurrence of bovine herpes virus-1 (BHV-1) in camels was studied. A total of 186 pneumonic camel lungs were collected from slaughter houses at four different areas in Sudan during 2000-2006. Using sandwich ELISA 1.6% of 186 tested lungs were found positive for BHV-1 antigen, all were from Tambool at Central Sudan. Direct fluorescent antibody test (FAT) was used to confirm the BHV-1 ELISA positives, all ELISA positives were also positive. PCR was used to detect BHV-1 genome with three positive results. BHV-1 was isolated from two camel lungs in MDBK cells. Isolates were identified using ELISA and FAT. Indirect ELISA was used to detect antibodies to BHV-1 in 260 camel sera; 76.9% were found positive. Highest prevalence was observed in sera from Kordofan (84%) then Blue Nile (80%) and Tambool (76.3%). This is the first report for the detection of BHV-1 antigen, genome using PCR, isolation in cell culture and antibodies in camels in Sudan.

The surfactant sensitized analytical reaction of cerium(IV) with some triphenylformazan derivatives

Cationic surfactant, cetylpyridinium bromide (CPB), sensitizes the colour reaction of cerium(IV) with 1,3-o-hydroxyphenyl-5-phenylformazan(I), 1-m-hydroxyphenyl-3-o-hydroxyphenyl-5-phenylformazan(II) and 1-m-carboxyphenyl-3-o-hydroxyphenyl-5-phenylformazan(III). The formation of a soluble ternary complex of stoichiometric ratio 1:1:1 (Ce(IV)-R-CPB) is responsible for the observed enhancement in the molar absorptivity and Sandell sensitivity of the formed complex, when a surfactant is present. The ternary complex exhibits absorption maxima at 596, 571 and 607 nm (epsilon=6.05 x 10(4), 6.28 x 10(4) and 8.06 x 10(4)L mol(-1)cm(-1)) using triphenylformazan derivatives I, II and III, respectively. Beer's law is obeyed between 0.15 and 2.5 microg ml(-1), whereas, optimum concentration range applying Ringbom method is in the range 0.30-2.25 microg ml(-1). Conditional formation constants in the presence and absence of CPB for Ce(IV) complexes have been calculated. The proposed method has been successfully applied to the analysis of magnesium-base cerium alloys and synthetic mixtures corresponding to various cerium alloys.

Novel Brugada syndrome-causing mutation in ion-conducting pore of cardiac Na+ channel does not affect ion selectivity properties

AIM

Brugada syndrome is an inherited cardiac disease with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Thus far Brugada syndrome has been linked only to mutations in SCN5A, the gene encoding the alpha-subunit of cardiac Na+ channel. In this study, a novel SCN5A gene mutation (D1714G) is reported, which has been found in a 57-year-old male patient. Since the mutation is located in a segment of the ion-conducting pore of the cardiac Na+ channel, which putatively determines ion selectivity, it may affect ion selectivity properties.

METHODS

HEK-293 cells were transfected with wild-type (WT) or D1714G alpha-subunit and beta-subunit cDNA. Whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique was used to study biophysical properties at room temperature (21 degrees C) and physiological temperature (36 degrees C). This study represents the first measurements of human Na+ channel kinetics at 36 degrees C. Ion selectivity, current density, and gating properties of WT and D1714G channel were studied.

RESULTS

D1714G channel yielded nearly 80% reduction of Na+ current density at 21 and 36 degrees C. At both temperatures, no significant changes were observed in V(1/2) values and slope factors for voltage-dependent activation and inactivation. At 36 degrees C, but not at 21 degrees C, D1714G channel exhibited more slow inactivation compared with WT channel. Ion selectivity properties were not affected by the mutation at both temperatures, as assessed by either current or permeability ratio.

CONCLUSION

This study shows no changes in ion selectivity properties of D1714G channel. However, the profoundly decreased current density associated with the D1714G mutation may explain the Brugada syndrome phenotype in our patient.

Spectrophotometric microdetermination of nefopam, mebevrine and phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride in pharmaceutical formulations using alizarins

Simple and rapid spectrophotometric procedures have been established for quantitation of nefopam hydrochloride (NF) mebevrine hydrochloride (MB) and phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride (PP). The procedures are based on the reaction between the examined drugs (NF, MB and PP) and alizarin (I), alizarin red S (II), alizarin yellow G (III) and quinalizarin (IV) producing ion-pair complexes which can be measured at the optimum wavelength. The optimization of the reaction conditions is investigated. Beer's law is obeyed in the concentration ranges 0.5-30.0 microg ml(-1). The molar absorptivity, Sandell sensitivity, detection and quantification limits are also calculated. The correlation coefficient was > or =0.9988 (n=6) with a relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) of < or =1.3, for six determinations of 20 microg ml(-1). The methods are successfully applied to the determination of NF, MB and PP in their pharmaceutical formulations.

Spectrophotometric studies and applications for the determination of yttrium in pure and in nickel base alloys

Yttrium reacts with 5-(4'-chlorophenylazo)-6-hydroxypyrimidine-2,4-dione (I), 5-(2'-bromophenylazo)-6-hydroxypyrimidine-2,4-dione (II), 5-(2',4'-dimethylphenylazo)-6-hydroxypyrimidine-2,4-dione (III), 5-(4'-nitro-2',6'-dichlorophenylazo)-6-hydroxypyrimidine-2,4-dione (IV), 5-(2'-methyl-4'-hydroxyphenylazo)-6-hydroxypyrimidine-2,4-dione (V) to form a dark pink complexes, having an absorption maximum at 610, 577, 596, 567 and 585 nm, respectively. The complex formation was completed spontaneously in theil buffer solution and the resulting complex was stable for at least 3 h after dilution. Under the optimum conditions employed, the molar absorptivities were found to be 1.60 x 10(4), 1.29 x 10(4), 1.96 x 10(4), 1.45 x 10(4) and 1.21 x 10(4) l mol(-1) cm(-1) and the molar ratios were (1:1) and (1:2) (M:L). The linear ranges were found within 95 microg of yttrium in 25 ml solution. One of the characteristics of the complex was its high tolerance for calcium and hence a method of separation and enrichment of microamounts of yttrium by using calcium oxalate precipitate was developed and applied to measure yttrium in nickel-base alloys. Interfering species and their elimination have been studied. The precision and recovery are both satisfactory.

Utility of formazans and cetylpyridinium chloride in rapid spectrophotometric determination of zinc in biological materials and pharmaceutical formulations

A facile, rapid and sensitive spectrophotometric method for the determination of zinc is performed, based on complexation reaction between the metal ion and 1,5-diphenyl-3-acetylformazan (I) 1-(o-carboxyphenyl)-3-acetyl-5-acetylformazan (II), 1-(o-carboxyphenyl)-3-acetyl-5-phenylformazan (III), and 1-(o-carboxyphenyl)-3-acetyl-5-m-tolylformazan (IV) in the presence of cationic surfactant cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC). The important analytical parameters and their effects on the reported system are investigated. Zinc reacts with the reagents (I-IV) and CPC in the ratio 1:1:2 (metal:reagent:CPC) in the pH range 8.5, 7.5, 5.5 and 6.5 to form a ternary complex with an absorption maximum 616, 656, 672 and 599 nm, respectively. The reaction was extremely rapid at room temperature, and the absorbance value remains unchanged for at least 1 week. The apparent stability constant of the complex were found to be 13.1 9.2, 11.4 and 12.3, and adheres to Beer's law for 0.05-3.50 microg per 10 ml of zinc. For more accurate analysis, Ringbom optimum concentration range was found from 0.08 to 3.20 microg per 10 ml of zinc. The apparent molar absorptivity, Sandell sensitivity, detection and quantification limits are also calculated. Taking a constant concentration of metal ion and determining its concentration in the presence of large number of foreign ions tested the effect of foreign ions. The method was applied for determination of zinc in serum, human hair and pharmaceutical formulations, where excellent agreements between reported and obtained results were achieved. The relative standard deviation was better than 1.67%.

Ion-association method for the colorimetric determination of neomycin sulphate in pure and dosage forms

A simple, fairly rapid, sensitive and accurate method is described for the colorimetric determination of neomycin sulphate (NMS), based on the measurement of the absorbance of the extracted organic soluble ion-association complex formed between neomycin dictation and a bulky counter anion. Different chromotropic acid azo dyes were examined as counter ions. The effect of pH, the counter ion concentration, sequence of addition and solvents for extraction were also illustrated. The most suitable system is based on reagent VIII (pH 7.5) with chloroform as the extraction solvent. The use of other counter ions, in conjunction with their respective solvents, was found to be less sensitive. The neomycin-reagent VIII system exhibits negligible or no interference when used for the determination of up to 58 microgml(-1) of NMS in the presence of several drug excipiences. The method has been used for the determination of up to 58 microgml(-1) with a good recovery (99.8+/-1.5%), and the precision is supported by the low relative standard deviation </=1.35%. The sensitivity is discussed and the results are compared with the official method. The proposed method was applied successfully to the determination of NMS in pure and dosage forms, with a good precision and accuracy compared to the official one.

Utility of oxidation-reduction reaction for the determination of ranitidine hydrochloride in pure form, in dosage forms and in the presence of its oxidative degradates

Three simple, accurate and sensitive colorimetric methods (A, B and C) for the determination of ranitidine HCl (RHCl) in bulk sample, in dosage forms and in the presence of its oxidative degradates are described. The first method A is based on the oxidation of the drug by N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) and determination of the unreacted NBS by measurement of the decrease in absorbance of amaranth dye (AM) at a suitable lambda(max)=520 nm. The methods B and C involve the addition of excess Ce(4+) and determination of the unreacted oxidant by decrease the red color of chromotrope 2R (C2R) at a suitable lambda(max)=528 nm for method B or decrease the orange pink color of rhodamine 6G (Rh6G) at a suitable lambda(max)=526 nm for method C. Regression analysis of Beer-Lambert plots showed good correlation in the concentration ranges 0.2-3.6, 0.1-2.8 and 0.1-2.6 microg ml(-1) for methods A, B and C, respectively. The apparent molar absorptivity. Sandell sensitivity, detection and quantitation limits were calculated. For more accurate results, Ringbom optimum concentration ranges were 0.3-3.4, 0.2-2.6 and 0.2-2.4 microg ml(-1) for methods A, B and C, respectively. Analyzing pure and dosage forms containing RHCl tested the validity of the proposed methods. The relative standard deviations were </=1.38 with recoveries 98.9-101.0%.

Colorimetric determination of beta-blockers in pharmaceutical formulations

A simple, accurate, precise and sensitive colorimetric method for the determination of some beta-blockers as atenolol (Ateno), metoprolol (Metop), sotalol (Sot) and nadolol (Nad) is described. This method is based on the formation of charge transfer complex with 4-chloro-7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole (NBD-Cl) in methanolic-aqueous (for Ateno and Metop) or acetone-aqueous (for Sot and Nad) medium [30% (v/v)]. The orange color products are measured at 485, 470, 465 and 462 nm for Ateno, Metop, Sot and Nad, respectively. The optimization of various experimental conditions is described. Beer's law is obeyed in the range 0.4-60 microgram ml(-1) while that obtained applying Ringbom is 0.8-56 microgram ml(-1). The molar absorptivity, Sandell sensitivity, detection and quantification limits are calculated. The results obtained showed good recoveries of 99.5+/-1.1, 100.3+/-1.2, 100.5+/-1.0 and 99.3+/-1.1% with relative standard deviations of 0.74, 0.98, 1.15 and 0.87% for Ateno, Metop, Sot and Nad, respectively. Applications of the proposed method to representative pharmaceutical formulations are successfully presented.

Facile colorimetric methods for the quantitative determination of tetramisole hydrochloride

A facile, rapid and sensitive methods for the determination of tetramisole hydrochloride in pure and in dosage forms are described. The procedures are based on the formation of coloured products with the chromogenic reagents alizarin blue BB (I), alizarin red S (II), alizarin violet 3R (III) and alizarin yellow G (IV). The coloured products showed absorption maxima at 605, 468, 631 and 388 nm for I-IV, respectively. The colours obtained were stable for 24 h. The colour system obeyed Beer's law in the concentration range 1.0-36, 0.8-32, 1.2-42 and 0.8-30 microg ml(-1) respectively. The results obtained showed good recoveries with relative standard deviations of 1.27, 0.96, 1.13 and 1.35%, respectively. The detection and determination limits were found to be 1.0 and 3.8, 1.2 and 4.2, 1.0 and 3.9 and finally 1.4 and 4.8 ng ml(-1) for I-IV complexes, respectively. Applications of the method to representative pharmaceutical formulations are represented and the validity assessed by applying the standard addition technique, which is comparable with that obtained using the official method.

Detection of Brucella species in the milk of infected cattle, sheep, goats and camels by PCR

One hundred and three milk samples were collected from 52 cows, 21 ewes, 18 goats and 12 camels. The animals tested positive to at least one of the following: (1) standard tube agglutination test (SAT); (2) Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT); (3) milk ring test (MRT). All milk samples were examined by culture and single-step polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques for detection of Brucella species. The PCR assay amplified Brucella-DNA from 29 bovine milk samples, 10 from sheep, 13 from goats and one from a camel. The direct culture method detected Brucella organisms from 24 samples of cows' milk, 12 from sheep, 10 from goats and failed to detect any Brucella organisms from camels' milk. PCR detected up to 100 colony forming units (CFU) of B. abortus per millilitre of milk in 100% of diluted milk samples, and 1000 CFU of B. melitensis from 70% of milk samples. Although the overall sensitivity of the PCR was higher than the culture method, it should be possible to increase the sensitivity to detect lower numbers of Brucella organisms in field samples. The speed and sensitivity of the PCR assay suggest that this technique could be useful for detection of Brucella organisms in bovine milk, as well as in sheep, goat, and camels milk.

Charge transfer complexes of some oxazolones with iodine

Molecular charge-transfer (CT) complexes of some oxazolone derivatives with sigma-electron acceptor iodine have been investigated spectrophotometrically in CH2Cl2 at 20 degrees C. Stability constants of the CT complexes formed were computed and discussed in terms of the donor molecular structure and solvent polarity. The thermodynamic parameters of complex formation were determined and discussed. The solid CT complexes have been synthesized and characterized. It was deduced that the complexes formed are of strong n-sigma kind.

Detection of Brucella melitensis in semen using the polymerase chain reaction assay

An evaluation of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of Brucella melitensis DNA in bovine and ovine semen was performed. Since semen contains different components that inhibit PCR amplification, a protocol was used to purify Brucella-DNA from bovine and ovine semen samples prior to conducting amplification of the targeted DNA. When separated fractions of naturally Brucella contaminated semen were analyzed by the PCR, most of B. melitensis DNA were present in the seminal fluid and non-sperm fractions. The PCR examination results for detection of B. melitensis DNA in different semen fractions were compared with the results for traditional cultural methods of Brucella from semen. The PCR was more sensitive than the traditional cultural methods since it detected Brucella-DNA in 12 (10%) out of 120 semen samples while direct culture detected only 7 (5.8%) in the same semen samples. The limit of detection by PCR was 100 CFU/ml of semen. In addition, the results of PCR were available in one day, whereas isolation and identification of Brucella organisms required days or even weeks. The PCR may be used as a supplementary test for detection of B. melitensis in semen.

Colorimetric determination of tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E) in pure form and in multi-vitamin capsules

A simple, accurate and sensitive method for the determination of micro amounts of vitamin E (V(E)) in pure form and in multi-vitamin capsules is described. The method is based on the reduction of tetrazolium blue in slightly alkaline medium by vitamin E after extraction from aqueous EDTA medium with petroleum ether and transesterification. The oxidation reduction reaction occurs after 10 min of heating in a water bath at 90+/-2 degrees C, leading to the formation of a highly coloured formazan derivative. Different variables affecting the colour development were investigated and optimized. Absorbance measurements were made at 526 nm and the calibration graph was linear for 0.2-11.0 microg/ml of (V(E)) with relative precision of about 0.7-1.5% when the standard additions method is used.

Pyrocatechol violet in pharmaceutical analysis. Part I. A spectrophotometric method for the determination of some beta-lactam antibiotics in pure and in pharmaceutical dosage forms

A fairly sensitive, simple and rapid spectrophotometric method for the determination of some beta-lactam antibiotics, namely ampicillin (Amp), amoxycillin (Amox), 6-aminopenicillanic acid (6APA), cloxacillin (Clox), dicloxacillin (Diclox) and flucloxacillin sodium (Fluclox) in bulk samples and in pharmaceutical dosage forms is described. The proposed method involves the use of pyrocatechol violet as a chromogenic reagent. These drugs produce a reddish brown coloured ion pair with absorption maximum at 604, 641, 645, 604, 649 and 641 nm for Amp, Amox, 6APA, Clox, Diclox and Flucolx, respectively. The colours produced obey Beer's law and are suitable for the quantitative determination of the named compounds. The optimization of different experimental conditions is described. The molar ratio of the ion pairs was established and a proposal for the reaction pathway is given. The procedure described was applied successfully to determine the examined drugs in dosage forms and the results obtained were comparable to those obtained with the official methods.

Determination of nickel in biological samples spectrophotometrically involving complexation reaction with some thiazolylazo compounds

Three new heterocyclic azo compounds, 5(2-benzothiazolylazo)2,2 biphenyldiol (I), 5-(2-benzothiazolylazo)-8-hydroxyquinolene (II) and 4-(2-benzothiazo-lylazo)3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (III) were synthesized. The formation constant of the reagents in 30% (v/v) ethanol and reactions with various metal ions were studied. These reagents (I-III) reacts with nickel ion to form (2:1) colored complex with an absorption band at 604, 635 and 643 nm. The apparent stability constants and the optimum conditions for complete color development were investigated. Beer's law is obeyed over the concentration ranges of 0.05-3.50, 0.05-4.00 and 0.05-3.10 micrograms ml-1. For more accurate analyses, Ringbom optimum concentration ranges were found to be 0.20-3.25, 0.20-3.80 and 0.20-2.90 micrograms ml-1 using reagents I, II and III, respectively. The apparent molar absorptivity and Sandell sensitivity were also calculated. The interference of various foreign ions on the determination of nickel was investigated. The proposed method has been successfully applied to the determination of nickel substrates in various biological samples.

Utilization of colorimetric and atomic absorption spectrometric determination of aztreonam through ion pair complex formation

Three rapid and sensitive, colorimetric and atomic absorption spectrometric methods were developed for the determination of aztreonam. The proposed methods depend upon the reaction of cobaltthiocyanate (I) or reineckate (II) ions with the drug to form stable ion-pair complexes which extractable with chloroform. The greenish blue and pink color complexes are determined either colorimetrically at lambda(max) 625 and 525 nm for I and II reagents, respectively, or by atomic absorption spectrometry, directly using the organic extracted complex, or indirectly, using the supernatant. The three procedures are applied for the determination of aztreonam in pure and in pharmaceutical dosage forms applying the standard additions technique and the results obtained agreed well with those obtained by the official method.

Selective spectrophotometric method for the determination of erythromycin and its esters in pharmaceutical formulations using gentiana violet

A simple and selective method for the determination of erythromycin and its stearate and succinate esters in their pure forms and in pharmaceutical formulations is described. The procedure is based on the formation of a blue-coloured (lambda max = 633 nm) complex with gentiana violet in alkaline medium. Different variables affecting the colour development were studied and optimized. The method was used to determine 2.5-25 micrograms ml-1 of erythromycin in the final measured solution. The simplicity of the method permits rapid analysis and it is thus suitable for routine control. The method is highly specific for the determination of stearate and succinate esters in pharmaceutical formulations. The reliability of the method was established by parallel determinations against the official British Pharmacopoeial method.

Ewing's sarcoma of maxilla--a case report

This paper reports the case of an adolescent girl who was admitted in the ENT ward, IPGMR in February '88 with the complaints of nasal obstruction, nasal discharge associated with progressive swelling of the right side of her face for 1 year. She had an operation at Chittagong Medical College Hospital 1 year back for some problem in the right side of the nose. No history of pain, nasal bleeding or visual disturbance were present. The nasal mass was mobile, insensitive and did not bleed on touch, but the facial swelling was red, soft and cystic. Clinically diagnosed as an Antral growth with Ethmoidal involvement. Radiologically revealed soft tissue swelling, obliteration of nasal fossa and opacification of sinuses. After surgical resection the facial mass was diagnosed as Ewing's sarcoma histopathologically. The patient needed radiotherapy but did not follow it.