Interaction of talus and calcaneus morphometric values and estimation of carcass weight in cattle

In this study, the calcaneus and talus bones of 20 male and female adult Simmental and Angus cattle were used. The age and sex of these animals were recorded before slaughter, and carcass weights were taken after slaughter. Calcaneus and talus morphometric measurements were used to obtain multipliers that allow the estimation of the carcass weight. These multipliers were found to be mean values of 3.346 and 4.642, respectively. Thus, multipliers were obtained that can be used in the evaluation of chronological differences in archaeological cattle size and consequently carcass weight. LSM (Least Square Means) analysis of calcaneus and talus GL values revealed the effect of sex but not of breed. Proportional factors were obtained for calcaneus and talus pairings and associated bone size (GL) estimates.

Significance of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, serum albumin and prognostic nutritional index as predictors of morbidity in super-elderly patients operated on for acute appendicitis

OBJECTIVE

Both life expectancy and the proportion of the population in elderly are increasing. Therefore, the number of cases of acute appendicitis (AA) among the super-elderly population is increasing. In this study, it is aimed to find the correlations between morbidity and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), albumin and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in super-elderly patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, we studied super-elderly patients (85 years old and above) who were operated on due to AA between January 2015 and January 2020 at a tertiary health center. After approval by the ethics committee, patients' preoperative, peroperative and postoperative data were collected. Patients were divided into two groups: the morbidity-positive (+) group and the morbidity-negative (-) group. The differences between the two groups regarding the parameters investigated were evaluated.

RESULTS

25 super-elderly patients were operated on for AA. There were 7 patients in the morbidity (+) group and 18 in the morbidity (-) group. The area under the curve (AUC) for NLR was 0.476 ([95% CI: 0.215-0.738]; p = 0.856), and the AUC for PLR was 0.444 ([95% CI: 0.193-0.696]; p = 0.672). However, the AUC for PNI was 0.810 ([95% CI: 0.569-1.000]; p = 0.018), and the AUC for albumin was 0.845 ([95% CI: 0.601-1.000]; p = 0.008). At the cut-off value of 3.35 g/dL, albumin's sensitivity was 88.9% and its specificity was 85.7%. At the cut-off value of 38, PNI's sensitivity was 94.4% and its specificity was 71.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study found that PNI and albumin values can be used as prognostic factors and have high sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, this study is a leader study in identifying prognostic factors for AA that can be used in the super-elderly geriatric population. However, the possibility of statistical error should be minimized by conducting studies involving more patients.

Detection of Intraocular Foreign Body with Ultrasound

Objective

To evaluate the accuracy of emergency ultrasound in the diagnosis of varying location, size, and composition (metal, plastic, wooden) of intraocular foreign body in a sheep model.

Methods

This was an experimental study using freshly harvested adult articulated sheep eyes. A total of 8 fresh sheep heads were used. Two of the eyes were randomised to include more than one foreign body, the first one with three different sizes of metallic fragments of 0.46×0.81×0.46 mm, 0.46×0.93×0.46 mm, 0.46×0.82×0.46 mm and the second eye containing plastic fragments with a size of 0.97×0.67×0.67 mm and 1.00×0.67×0.67 mm. The wooden fragment was 0.52×0.76 mm and the metallic fragment was 0.45×0.46×0.46 mm. Half of the eyes were chosen as the control group and the sclera of the control group was also punctured. A total of 5 residents, from different postgraduate years, and 2 attending physicians participated in the study.

Results

Regardless of the nature and number of foreign bodies, correct identification of the intraocular foreign body was achieved in 44 of the 56 assessments. The overall sensitivity was 78% (95% confidence interval [CI], 65%-87%), and the overall specificity was 30% (95% CI, 19%-44%). Positive and negative predictive values were 53% and 58% respectively.

Conclusion

The dynamic nature of the ultrasound examination may be helpful in localising and determining the size and composition of the foreign body, but if the intraocular foreign body is a concern and the ultrasound and physical examination are negative, another imaging modality, such as a computed tomography scan of the globe, should be obtained. (Hong Kong j.emerg.med. 2014;21:88-91)

Traumatic Asphyxia: A Rare Clinical Syndrome

Traumatic asphyxia is a rare clinical syndrome characterised by cyanosis, oedema and petechial haemorrhage of the face, neck and upper chest due to the sudden, transient and severe thoraco-abdominal compression trauma. The huge increase in intra-thoracic pressure caused by the compression constitutes all the symptoms. Although mortality and morbidity due to traumatic asphyxia can happen, most of the patients survive without any sequel. Herein, we report three cases of traumatic asphyxia assessed in our emergency department. (Hong Kong j.emerg.med. 2014;21:185-188)

Outpatient Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism: sPESI Score and Highly Sensitive Troponin may Prove Helpful

Introduction

Despite advances in therapeutic and diagnostic options, acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Risk classification is important in deciding how and where to treat patients This study aimed to investigate simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI) scores and highly sensitive troponin levels to predict 30-day clinical outcomes.

Methods

Patients with the symptoms of dyspnoea, chest pain, and haemoptysis were included in the study. Multiple detector computed tomography (CT) examinations were performed. If the patients' glomerular filtration rate levels were less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, then the ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scan was the preferred imaging modality. Venous blood samples were collected to test for highly sensitive troponin T levels (Elecsys troponin T high sensitive, Roche diagnostics). All patients were examined by two-dimensional bedside echocardiography for detection of right ventricular dilatation. Patients' baseline characteristics (sex, ages, etc.) were recorded along with co-morbidities, symptoms, haemodynamic conditions, all-cause mortality rates during hospitalisation, the duration of hospital stay, radiographic test results, and laboratory findings, and electrocardiography were also obtained during emergency department admission. Primary outcome measure was defined as death in a month. Logistic regression model was created to reveal the associated parameters related to mortality within a month of the emergency department visit.

Results

One hundred and seventy patients suspected of PE underwent either a CT angiogram or pulmonary V/Q scan. In total 70 patients were diagnosed with PE and included in the study. The logistic regression model was created in order to assess poor prognosis markers. In addition to the troponin levels and sPESI scores commonly used for pulmonary embolism prognosis, right ventricular dilatation, heart rate, systolic blood pressure and oxygen saturation using logistic regression models were created. Positive troponin level (odds ratio: 5.23 and 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03 to 26.51) and negative sPESI score (odds ratio 2.14 and 95% CI 1.00 to 4.60) were found to be significant.

Conclusions

Some scoring systems, including PESI and sPESI score, can be used for predicting mortality in patients with pulmonary embolism. If sPESI score is zero, and troponin levels are negative, the patient can be discharged safely.

The prevalence of developmental delay among children aged 3-60 months in Izmir, Turkey

BACKGROUNDS

Developmental delay is defined as delays in speech and language development, motor development, social-emotional development and cognitive development. On a global scale, the prevalence estimations in paediatric population range between 5% and 15%. However, no prevalence studies on developmental delay have been conducted in primary care in Turkey. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of developmental delay among children aged 3-60 months in Izmir.

METHODS

This cross-sectional, descriptive study involved 1514 children aged 3-60 months, who were at 12 primary health centres for various reasons in Izmir between 1 November 2013 and 31 January 2014. The questionnaire and age-specific Turkish version of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires were applied to mothers via face-to-face interview.

RESULTS

The prevalence of developmental delay was 6.4% (95% confidence interval 5.2-7.7). The prevalence for age groups varied between 3.3% and 12.1%. Significant associations were found between developmental delay and maternal age, maternal/paternal education, socio-economic level of the family and the presence of consanguineous marriage.

CONCLUSIONS

Identifying developmental delay in children earlier by a validated, reliable, parent-completed questionnaire like Ages and Stages Questionnaires and detecting risk factors for delay are crucial for primary care where their growth and development are monitored. Identifying developmental delay and early referral to rehabilitation services may help improve children's quality of life.

Effects of Echinacea extract on the performance, antibody titres, and intestinal histology of layer chicks

1. This research was conducted to determine the effect of diet supplementation with Echinacea extract (cichoric acid) on the growth performance, antibody titres and intestinal tissue histology of layer chicks. 2. White, 1-d-old, Hy-Line hybrid chicks (n = 540) were divided into three treatments, each consisting of 6 groups of 30 chicks (n = 180): (1) control; (2) 2·5 mg/kg cichoric-acid-fed; and (3) 5 mg/kg cichoric-acid-fed. The trial lasted 60 d. 3. While the growth performance of the chicks was depressed between d 1 and 45, it was found to improve between d 45 and 60. 4. Feed consumption was lower in both of the cichoric-acid-fed groups than in the control group between d 1-15 and 15-30, but was higher between d 30 and 45. Overall, mean feed consumption did not differ between the control and cichoric-acid-fed groups during the 60 d study period. 5. During the 60 d evaluation period, live weight gain, feed utilisation rate and final live weight were higher in the control group than in both of the cichoric-acid-fed groups. 6. Antibody titres against infectious bronchitis and infectious bursal disease did not differ between the three groups, but those for Newcastle disease were higher in the 2·5 mg/kg cichoric-acid-fed group than in the control group after 45 d. 7. Height and width of the jejunal villus and the thickness of the muscle layer were lower in the 5 mg/kg cichoric-acid-fed group than in both the control and the 2·5 mg/kg cichoric-acid-fed groups. The height of the ileal villus was also lower in the 5 mg/kg cichoric-acid-fed group than in the other two groups. 8. Echinacea extract supplementation for layer chicks appears not to benefit growth performance and intestinal histology during the growing period.

Cholinesterase inhibitory activities of some flavonoid derivatives and chosen xanthone and their molecular docking studies

Flavonoids are one of the largest classes of plant secondary metabolites and are known to possess a number of significant biological activities for human health. In this study, we examined in vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activities of four flavonoid derivatives--quercetin, rutin, kaempferol 3-O-beta-D-galactoside and macluraxanthone. The in vitro results showed that quercetin and macluraxanthone displayed a concentration-dependant inhibition of AChE and BChE. Macluraxanthone showed to be the most potent and specific inhibitor of both the enzymes having the IC(50) values of 8.47 and 29.8 microM, respectively. The enzyme kinetic studies revealed that quercetin inhibited both the enzymes in competitive manner, whereas the mode of inhibition of macluraxanthone was non-competitive against AChE and competitive against BChE. The inhibitory profiles of the compounds have been compared with standard AChE inhibitor galanthamine. To get insight of the intermolecular interactions, the molecular docking studies of these two compounds were performed at the active site 3D space of both the enzymes, using ICM-Dock module. Docking studies exhibited that macluraxanthone binds much more tightly with both the enzymes than quercetin. The calculated docking and binding energies also supported the in vitro inhibitory profiles (IC(50) values). Both the compounds showed several strong hydrogen bonds to several important amino acid residues of both the enzymes. A number of hydrophobic interactions could also explain the potency of the compounds to inhibit AChE and BChE.

Cholinesterase inhibitory effects of the extracts and compounds of Maclura pomifera (Rafin.) Schneider

We have investigated anticholinesterase potential of the methanol extracts from the leaf, wood, flower, twig, and stem bark of the female and male individuals and rhizodermis and fruit from the female tree of Maclura pomifera (Rafin.) Schneider (Moraceae) along with its major isoflavonoids; osajin and pomiferin as well as their semi-synthetic derivatives; iso-osajin and iso-pomiferin. Anticholinesterase activity was determined by Ellman method using ELISA microplate reader. Osajin and pomiferin had a noticeable inhibition of AChE with IC(50) values of 2.239 and 0.096 mM, respectively, while their iso-derivatives were found to display less inhibition towards AChE. The extracts and compounds did not inhibit BChE. The extracts were analyzed for osajin and pomiferin contents by LC-DAD-MS and only the fruits and female flowers contained osajin (fruit: 8.87%, female flowers: 0.19%, w/w) and pomiferin (fruit: 13.6%, female flowers: 0.36%, w/w).

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory and antioxidant properties of Cyclotrichium niveum, Thymus praecox subsp. caucasicus var. caucasicus, Echinacea purpurea and E. pallida

The dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and aqueous extracts of Cyclotrichium niveum (CN) and Thymus praecox subsp. caucasicus var. caucasicus (TP), Echinacea purpurea (EPU), and E. pallida (EPA) along with the essential oils of CN and TP were assessed for their anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and antioxidant activities. AChE inhibition was estimated using spectrophotometric method of Ellman. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and ferrous ion-chelating power tests. Ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of CN and TP were also tested. CN essential oil was found to contain isomenthone (56.21%) and pulegone (19.76%). The ethyl acetate (83.11-87.98%) and dichloromethane (73.45-84.02%) extracts of CN showed the highest AChE inhibition. The ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts of TP exerted significant DPPH scavenger effect. The water extracts of CN and TP and the chloroform extract of the aerial parts of EPU displayed the highest ferrous ion-chelating effect. The leaf and flower essential oils of TP had the best FRAP.

Effects of polyphenols on skin damage due to ultraviolet A rays: an experimental study on rats

BACKGROUND

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes many acute and chronic conditions such as oedema of the skin, sunburn, immunosuppression, photo-ageing and skin cancer. The use of antioxidants has become of paramount importance in prevention of the damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), one of the main components of green tea, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties.

AIM

The aim of this experimental study was to investigate to what extent EGCG prevented acute skin damage caused by UVA.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The sample contained 2% EGCG, which was prepared in hydrophilic ointment (USP XXIV) as the vehicle. Twenty-four 12-week-old Wistar albino rats are included in the study and divided into four groups, each containing six rats. Group I was formed to be the control group, which was not applied any topical medication or exposed to UV radiation. Group II was formed to observe acute effects of UVA on the skin, Group III was formed to observe effectiveness of topical EGCG on the skin applied 30 min after exposure to UVA, and Group IV was formed to observe topical EGCG applied 30 min before exposure to UVA. All groups were examined for sunburn cells, leucocyte infiltration, dermo-epidermal activity, collagen changes and elastic fibre pathologies on 24 and 72 h. Statistical analysis was performed using spss 11.5, and chi-squared test was used for the evaluation of parameters.

RESULTS

Group IV showed a statistically significant decrease in sunburn cells and dermo-epidermal activation compared with Group II. Group II showed significant increase in all parameters compared with Group I, showing the effects of UV exposure alone, and no difference was detected in Group II and III.

CONCLUSION

These results show a protective effect of EGCG when applied topically before UVA exposure. No benefit was detected when EGCG was applied after UV exposure.

Accuracy of physical and ultrasonographic examinations by emergency physicians for the early diagnosis of intraabdominal haemorrhage in blunt abdominal trauma

OBJECTIVE

To determine the accuracy of physical examination and ultrasonographic evaluation performed by emergency physicians in cases of blunt abdominal trauma for the early diagnosis of intraabdominal haemorrhage.

METHODS

In this clinical prospective study, trauma patients were evaluated with four-quadrant ultrasonography by emergency physicians after initial stabilisation and physical examination. Diagnoses based on demographic data, physical examination and emergency physician's ultrasonography were compared with the subsequent clinical course.

RESULTS

A total of 442 patients participated in the study. The sensitivity and specificity of emergency physician's ultrasonographic examination to detect intraabdominal haemorrhage were 86 and 99%, respectively. Pre-test sensitivity and specificity of physical examination to detect intraabdominal haemorrhage were 39 and 90%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical examination was not a reliable method to detect intraabdominal haemorrhage in cases of blunt abdominal trauma. In contrast, abdominal ultrasonography performed by emergency physicians was a reliable diagnostic tool. Emergency physicians should be familiar with abdominal ultrasonographic examination, which should be routine in cases of blunt abdominal trauma.

Comparison of intravenous methylprednisolone therapy vs. oral methylprednisolone therapy in patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy

A prospective, randomised and single blind clinical trial was designed to compare intravenous methylprednisolone pulse (IVGC) with oral methylprednisolone (OGC) monotherapy in terms of effectiveness and tolerability in Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO). Fifty-two consecutive patients with untreated, moderately severe and active GO were randomly treated with either IVGC or OGC therapy for 12 weeks. IVGC therapy achieved a more rapid and significant improvement than OGC therapy according to clinical activity score (p < 0.01), proptosis (p < 0.038), lid width (p < 0.0001), extraocular muscle changes (p < 0.02), optic neuropathy. (p < 0.001), intraocular pressure (p < 0.04), visual acuity (p < 0.03), quality of life (p < 0.0001) and treatment response (p < 0.001). Diplopia was significantly improved in two groups but there was no difference between them (p < 0.6). Heavy smokers indicated alteration of ophthalmic signs with increased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)-receptor antibody during the therapy. In conclusion, IVGC therapy was more effective and better tolerated than OGC therapy in the management of GO.

Prospective validation of a current algorithm including bedside US performed by emergency physicians for patients with acute flank pain suspected for renal colic

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to validate an algorithm recommended by current literature for the patients with acute flank pain and evaluate the validity of bedside ultrasonography (US) performed by emergency physicians (EP) as a part of this algorithm.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective validation study was carried out over a 5 month period in a tertiary care hospital adult emergency department (ED) with annual attendance of 55,000. Adult patients presenting to the ED with unilateral acute flank pain during the study period were enrolled into the study consecutively. Oral consent was obtained after the protocol was briefly explained to the patient and before the administration of analgesia. A protocol form was recorded for each patient enrolled into the study, and patients were followed up under the guidance of a previously designated algorithm in the ED. Data were analysed with SPSS software. The chi2 test was used to compare the dichotomised data of patients, diagnosed with and without stones, and to select the significant parameters to be used in the logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of the 227 patients enrolled, 176 were proven to have urinary tract stones. There were 122 patients discharged from ED without further investigation except urinalysis and bedside US. Of these 122 directly discharged patients, 99 had a urinary stone, and the others did not have a life threatening disorder. Four of the 227 patients were admitted to the hospital. The remaining 51 patients did not have stones detected, and their pain subsided. Having a previous history of stones, radiation of pain to the groin, accompanying nausea, and detection of pelvicalyceal dilatation using bedside US performed by the EPs were found to be the most significant parameters in determining urinary stones in logistic regression analysis. Sensitivity and specificity of these parameters were: previous history of stones 59% and 66%, radiating pain to the groin 68% and 49%, nausea 71% and 51%, and detection of pelvicalyceal dilatation by bedside US 81% and 37%.

CONCLUSION

Bedside US performed by EPs could be used safely in the evaluation of patients with acute flank pain as a part of a clinical algorithm. Previous history of urinary stones, radiation of pain to the groin, accompanying nausea. and detection of pelvicalyceal dilatation are major parameters and symptoms of urinary stone disease, and could be used in the algorithms.

Bioassay-guided evaluation of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of pistachio, Pistacia vera L

The ethanolic and aqueous extracts prepared from different parts of Pistacia vera L. (Anacardiaceae) as well as its oleoresin were evaluated for their in vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities. Among the extracts screened, only the oleoresin was shown to possess a marked anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model in mice without inducing any gastric damage at both 250 and 500 mg/kg doses whereas the rest of the extracts were totally inactive. While the oleoresin was found to display significant antinociceptive activity at 500 mg/kg dose, the ethanolic and aqueous extracts belonging to fruit, leaf, branch and peduncle of Pistacia vera did not exhibit any noticeable antinociception in p-benzoquinone-induced abdominal contractions in mice. Fractionation of the oleoresin indicated the n-hexane fraction to be active, which further led to recognition of some monoterpenes, mainly alpha-pinene (77.5%) by capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) as well as the oleoresin itself. alpha-Pinene was also assessed for its antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in the same manner and exerted a moderate anti-inflammatory effect at 500 mg/kg dose.

HPLC method for the analysis of harmol, harmalol, harmine and harmaline in the seeds of Peganum harmala L

A simple and sensitive method for separation and determination of harmol, harmalol, harmine and harmaline has been developed and validated. Harmol, harmalol, harmine and harmaline were separated using a Metasil ODS column by isocratic elution with flow rate 1.5 ml/min. The mobile phase composition was Isopropyl alcohol-Acetonitrile-Water-Formic acid (100:100:300:0.3) (v/v/v/v) and pH adjusted 8.6 with triethylamine. Spectrophotometric detection was carried out at 330 nm. The linear range of detection for harmol, harmalol, harmine and harmaline were between 9.375-250, 30.750-246, 31.250-500 and 31.000-248 microg/ml, respectively. The method described was suitable for the determination of harmol, harmalol, harmine and harmaline in the seeds of Peganum harmala L.

LC method for the analysis of paracetamol, caffeine and codeine phosphate in pharmaceutical preparations

An accurate, simple, reproducible and sensitive method for the determination of paracetamol, caffeine and codeine phosphate has been developed and validated. Paracetamol, caffeine and codeine phosphate were separated using a muBondapack C8 column by isocratic elution with flow rate 1.0 ml/min. The mobile phase composition was 420/20/30/30 (v/v/v/v) 0.01 M KH2PO4, methanol, acetonitrile, isopropyl alcohol and spectrophotometric detection was carried out at 215 nm. The linear range of detection for paracetamol, caffeine and codeine phosphate were between 0.400 and 1500 microg/ml; 0.075 and 90 microg/ml; 0.300 and 30 microg/ml, respectively. The method has been shown to be linear, reproducible, specific, sensitive and rugged.

LC determination of atropine sulfate and scopolamine hydrobromide in pharmaceuticals

An accurate, simple, reproducible and sensitive method for the determination of atropine sulfate and scopolamine hydrobromide has been developed and validated. Atropine sulfate and scopolamine hydrobromide were separated using a microBondapack C(18) column by isocratic elution with flow rate 1.0 ml/min. The mobile phase composition was methanol, water, formic acid (165:35:1; v/v/v) and pH adjusted 8.3 with triethylamine. The samples were detected at 230 nm using photo-diode array detector. The linear range of detection for atropine sulfate (I) and scopolamine hydrobromide (II) were between 10.38 and 1038 microg/ml with a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 10.38, 10.00 and 1034 microg/ml with an LOQ of 10.00 microg/ml respectively. The linearity, range, peak purity, selectivity, system performance parameters, precision, accuracy, robustness and ruggedness for (I) and (II) were also shown acceptable values.

LC method for the analysis of acetylsalicylic acid, caffeine and codeine phosphate in pharmaceutical preparations

An accurate, simple, reproducible and sensitive method for the determination of acetylsalicylic acid, caffeine and codeine phosphate has been developed and validated. Acetylsalicylic acid, caffeine and codeine phosphate were separated using a microBondapack C(8) column by isocratic elution with flow rate 1.0 ml/min. The mobile phase composition was 125/125/250/0.5 (v/v) isopropyl alcohol, acetonitrile, water and o-phosphoric acid. The samples were detected at 215 nm using photo-diode array detector. The linear range of detection for acetylsalicylic acid, caffeine and codeine phosphate were between 0.40 and 1000, 0.25 and 250, and 0.48 and 96 microg/ml, respectively. The linearity, range, selectivity, system performance parameters, precision, accuracy, and ruggedness for acetylsalicylic acid, caffeine and codeine phosphate were also shown to have acceptable values.

Liquid chromatographic method for the analysis of buspirone HCl and its potential impurities

An accurate, reproducible, and sensitive method for the determination of buspirone HCl and its potential impurities is developed and validated. The validated liquid chromaography method is conducted to meet the Food and Drug Administration/ International Conference on Harmonization requirements for the analysis of buspirone HCI in the presence of its impurities. Five buspirone HCI potential impurities, including 1-(2-pyrimidinyl)-piperazine (I), propargyl chloride (II), 3,3'-tetramethylene glutarimide (III), propargyl glutarimide (IV), and the Mannich base-condensate of I-IV fumarate (V), are separated using a microBondapack C18 column by gradient elution with a flow rate 2.0 mL/min. The initial mobile phase composition is 90:10 (v/v) 10mM KH2PO4 (pH 6.1)-acetonitrile. After a 1-min initial hold, a linear gradient is performed in 26 min to 35:65 (v/v) 10mM KH2PO4 (pH 6.1)-acetonitrile. The samples are detected at 210 and 240 nm using a photo-diode array detector. The linear range of detection for buspirone HCI was between 1.25 ng/microL and 500 ng/microL, with a limit of quantification of 1.25 ng/microL. The linearity, range, peak purity, selectivity, system performance parameters, precision, accuracy, and robustness for all of the impurities were also shown to have acceptable values.

Simultaneous determination of hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride hydrochloride by ratio spectra derivative spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography

Rapid, precise, accurate and specific ratio spectra derivative spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatographic procedures were described for the simultaneous determination of hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride hydrochloride in combined pharmaceutical dosage forms. For the first method, ratio spectra derivative spectrophotometry, the signals were measured at 285.7 nm for hydrochlorothiazide and at 302.5 nm for amiloride hydrochloride in the mixture, in the first derivative of the ratio spectra. The second method is based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) on LiChrosorb RP-C18 column (5 microm, 20 cm x 4.6 mm) using 0.025 M orthophosphoric acid (adjusted to pH 3.0 with triethylamine (TEA)), acetonitrile (84:16 v/v) as a mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.2 ml/min(-1). Detection was carried out using a UV detector at 278.0 nm. Commercial sugar-coated and laboratory-prepared mixtures containing both drugs in different proportions were assayed using the developed methods.

Effect of Tribulus terrestris L. saponin mixture on some smooth muscle preparations: a preliminary study

Tribulus terrestris L. is an annual plant which has been commonly used in folk medicine as diuretic and against colic pains, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia in Turkey. This study investigated the effects of liophilized saponin mixture of this plant on several smooth muscle preparations in vitro. The liophilized material was obtained from dried and powdered T. terrestris L. by specific extraction method for saponins. Median lethal dose (LD50) of saponin mixture on Swiss albino mice was calculated according to Litchfield-Wilcoxon method via i.p. route. LD50 and its 95% confidence limits were 813 and 739-894 mg.kg-1 respectively. Saponin mixture has caused a significant decrease on peristaltic movements of isolated sheep ureter and rabbit jejunum preparations in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). However it has been observed no effect on isolated rabbit aorta and its contractile response to KCl or noradrenaline (p > 0.05). According to these results it has been suggested that T. terrestris L. or its saponin mixture may be useful on some smooth muscle spasms or colic pains.

Carcinoma of buccal mucosa in smokeless tobacco users: a preliminary study of the use of cytology for early detection

A type of smokeless tobacco, known as Maras powder, is widely used in lieu of cigarettes in the south-eastern region of Turkey. In the present study, we evaluated cytological smears obtained from the lesion of lower lip mucosa of 80 smokeless tobacco users. There were severe epithelial abnormalities in seven out of the 80 subjects. Punch biopsies from these cases disclosed dysplasia in three cases, carcinoma in situ in two, and carcinoma in the other two cases. There was mild dysplasia in two punch biopsies of the remaining 73 cases. Oral cancer in tobacco powder users appeared to be related to the length of use, as it was observed only in subjects with 15 or more years of exposure.

Multistage parallel algorithm for diffraction tomography

A multistage parallel algorithm with iterative processing is discussed for the processing of information in diffraction tomography. The algorithm is based on matrix partitioning, which results in mostly parallel stages of processing. Each successive stage is designed to minimize the remaining error. The process is iterated until convergence. The major advantages of the multistage algorithm are the reduced computational time from faster convergence as compared with a single-stage iterative algorithm, further reduction of computation time if the stages are implemented mostly in parallel, and better performance in terms of reduced reconstruction error.

Terpenoids from Salvia sclarea

From an acetone extract of the whole plant Salvia sclarea, seven known diterpenes, sclareol, manool, salvipisone, ferruginol, microstegiol, candidissiol and 7-oxoroyleanone, and two new ones, 2,3-dehydrosalvipisone and 7-oxoferruginol-18-al, as well as two sesquiterpenes, caryophyllene oxide and spathulenol, alpha-amyrin, beta-sitosterol and the flavonoids apigenin, luteolin, 4'-methylapigenin, 6-hydroxyluteolin-6, 7,3',4'-tetramethyl ether, 6-hydroxy apigenin-7,4'-dimethyl ether were obtained. The diterpenoids and the sesquiterpenoids were tested for antimicrobial activity against standard bacterial strains and a yeast. 2,3-Dehydrosalvipisone, sclareol, manool, 7-oxoroyleanone, spathulenol and caryophyllene oxide were found to be active against Staphylococcus aureus, the first and third compound against Candida albicans and the last compound against Proteus mirabilis.