Novel Integrated Flow-Based Steam Distillation and Titration System for Determination of Volatile Acidity in Wines

Novel integrated flow-based steam distillation and titration system with spectrophotometric detection was developed for determination of volatile acidity in wines. Using the system, the distillation procedure was carried out in an automatic manner, starting with introducing into a heated steam distillation module a sample and subjecting it to steam distillation. Under selected conditions, all the analyte was transferred to the distillate; therefore, the system did not require calibration. The collected distillate and titrant were introduced into the next monosegments in varying proportions, in accordance with the developed titration procedure, and directed to the detection system to record the titration curve. The titration was stopped after reaching the end point of titration. Procedures for distillation and titration were developed and verified separately by distillation of acetic acid, acetic acid in the presence of tartaric acid as well as acetic acid, tartaric acid, and titratable acidity, with precision (relative standard deviation) and accuracy (relative error) for both procedures lower than 6.9 and 5.6%, respectively. The developed steam distillation and titration systems were used to determine volatile acidity in samples of white and rosé wines separately and as the integrated steam distillation and titration system, both with precision lower than 9.4% and accuracy better than 6.7%.

A Perspective of the Comprehensive and Objective Assessment of Analytical Methods Including the Greenness and Functionality Criteria: Application to the Determination of Zinc in Aqueous Samples

The recently proposed concept of White Analytical Chemistry (WAC), referring to the Red-Green-Blue color model, combines ecological aspects (green) with functionality (red and blue criteria), presenting the complete method as “white”. However, it is not easy to carry out an overall quantitative evaluation of the analytical method in line with the WAC idea in an objective manner. This paper outlines the perspective of the future development of such a possibility by attempting to answer selected questions about the evaluation process. Based on the study consisting in the evaluation of selected model methods by a group of 12 independent analysts, it was shown how well individual criteria are assessed, whether the variability of assessments by different people is comparable for each criterion, how large it is, and whether averaging the scores from different researchers can help to choose the best method more objectively.

3D-printed manifold integrating solid contact ion-selective electrodes for multiplexed ion concentration measurements in urine

Urinalysis is a simple and non-invasive approach for the diagnosis and monitoring of various health disorders. While urinalysis is predominantly confined to clinical laboratories the non-invasive sample collection makes it applicable in wide range of settings outside of central laboratory confinements. In this respect, 3D printed devices integrating sensors for measuring multiple parameters may be one of the most viable approaches to ensure cost-effectiveness for widespread use. Here we evaluated such a system for the multiplexed determination of sodium, potassium and calcium ions in urine samples with ion-selective electrodes based on state of the art octadecylamine-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube (OD-MWCNT) solid contacts. The electrodes were tested in the clinically relevant concentration range, i.e. ca. 10^-4 - 10^-1 mol L^-1 and were proven to have Nernstian responses under flow injection conditions. The applicability of the 3D printed flow manifold was investigated through the analysis of synthetic samples and two certified reference materials. The obtained results confirm the suitability of the proposed system for multiplexed ion analysis in urine.

Novel Approach to Sample Preconcentration by Solvent Evaporation in Flow Analysis

A preconcentration module operated in flow mode and integrated with a sequential injection system with spectrophotometric detection was developed. Using the system, preconcentration was performed in continuous mode and was based on a membraneless evaporation process under diminished pressure. The parameters of the proposed system were optimized and the system was tested on the example of the spectrophotometric determination of Cr(III). The preconcentration effectiveness was determined using the signal enhancement factor. In the optimized conditions for Cr(III), it was possible to obtain the signal enhancement factors of around 10 (SD: 0.9, n = 4) and determine Cr(III) with precision and intermediate precision of 8.4 and 5.1% (CV), respectively. Depending on the initial sample volume, signal enhancement factor values of about 20 were achieved. Applicability of the developed preconcentration system was verified in combination with the capillary electrophoresis method with spectrophotometric detection on the example of determination of Zn in certified reference materials of drinking water and wastewater. Taking into account the enhancement factor of 10, a detection limit of 0.025 mg L⁻¹ was obtained for Zn determination. Zn was determined with precision less than 6% (CV) and the results were consistent with the certified values.

Novel approach to two-component speciation analysis. Spectrophotometric flow-based determinations of Fe(II)/Fe(III) and Cr(III)/Cr(VI)

The proposed approach to two-component speciation analysis relies on simultaneous application of two calibration methods to determination of two different forms of an analyte. One form is determined in extrapolative way, whereas the second form is determined in interpolative way, with the use of the same calibration graph, after appropriate chemical treatment, e.g. oxidation or reduction. The applicability of the approach has been verified on the examples of spectrophotometric determinations of Fe(II)/Fe(III) and Cr(VI)/Cr(III) using 1,10-phenanthroline and 1,5-diphenylcarbazide methods, respectively. In the above methods, ascorbic acid and Ce(IV) have been used to reduce Fe(III) to Fe(II) and to oxidize Cr(III) to Cr(VI), respectively. Lab-In-Syringe and SIA systems (for determination of iron and chromium species, respectively) have been applied to make the implementation of the proposed approach more convenient. The approach was verified on the example of determination of the analytes in synthetic and certified reference materials of ground and waste water samples. Using the developed methods, Fe(II)/Fe(III) and Cr(VI)/Cr(III) were determined within the concentration ranges of 0.06-4.0/0.06-3.0 and 0.03-0.5/0.05-7.0mgL^-1, with precision (RSD, %) less than 3.8/2.0 and 2.2/6.0, and accuracy (RE, %) better than 2.9/4.3 and 6.8/5.2, respectively. The detection limits (mgL^-1) are 0.02/0.02 and 0.01/0.02 for determination of both forms of iron and chromium, respectively. The applicability of the approach has been checked by analysis of artesian water (Fe(II)/Fe(III)) and post-production waste samples (Cr(III)/Cr(VI)).

Gene expression profile analysis in laryngeal cancer by high-density oligonucleotide microarrays

The assessment of gene expression profile in laryngeal cancer shall allow to implement molecular biology methods in diagnostics, as well as in prognosis of the course of disease. Thus, it may influence the choice of the most optimal decisions in regards to the method of treatment, extent of surgical procedure, or the necessity of adding post-operative radiotherapy. The aim of the project was to analyse the gene expression profile of laryngeal cancer using oligonucleotide microarrays, aiming to derive novel molecular markers for that carcinoma. The study comprised a group of 14 patients (12 males and 2 females) with squamous cell laryngeal carcinoma, diagnosed and surgically treated between 2005 - 2007 in the ENT Department of the Silesian Medical University in Katowice, Poland. RNA was isolated from frozen tissue fragments. To assess gene expression profile, high density oligonucleotide microarrays (Affymetrix U 133 Plus 2.0) were applied, with over 54 thousand probesets for over 47 thousand transcripts. Four genes, previously not assesed in diagnostic context in laryngeal carcinoma, seemed to be valuable markers of that neoplasm. These are: metalloproteinase ADAM12, cycline-dependent kinase 2 - CDK2, kinesine 14 - KIF14, suppressor 1 of checkpoint - CHES1.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of analogues of the antitumor agent, 2-(4-[(7-chloro-2-quinoxalinyl)oxy]phenoxy)propionic acid (XK469)

2-(4-[(7-Chloro-2-quinoxalinyl)oxy]phenoxy)propionic acid (XK469) is among the most highly and broadly active antitumor agents to have been evaluated in our laboratories and is currently scheduled to enter clinical trials in 2001. The mechanism or mechanisms of action of XK469 remain to be elaborated. Accordingly, an effort was initiated to establish a pharmacophore hypothesis to delineate the requirements of the active site, via a comprehensive program of synthesis of analogues of XK469 and evaluation of the effects of structural modification(s) on solid tumor activity. The strategy formulated chose to dissect the two-dimensional parent structure into three regions-I, ring A of quinoxaline; II, the hydroquinone connector linkage; and III, the lactic acid moiety-to determine the resultant in vitro and in vivo effects of chemical alterations in each region. Neither the A-ring unsubstituted nor the B-ring 3-chloro-regioisomer of XK469 showed antitumor activity. The modulating antitumor effect(s) of substituents of differing electronegativities, located at the several sites comprising the A-ring of region I, were next ascertained. Thus, a halogen substituent, located at the 7-position of a 2-(4-[(2-quinoxalinyl)oxy]phenoxy)propionic acid, generated the most highly and broadly active antitumor agents. A methyl, methoxy, or an azido substituent at this site generated a much less active structure, whereas 5-, 6-, 8-chloro-, 6-, 7-nitro, and 7-amino derivatives all proved to be essentially inactive. When the connector linkage (region II) of 1 was changed from that of a hydroquinone to either a resorcinol or a catechol derivative, all antitumor activity was lost. Of the carboxylic acid derivatives of XK469 (region III), i.e., CONH2, CONHCH3, CON(CH3)2, CONHOH, CONHNH2, CN, or CN4H (tetrazole), only the monomethyl- and N,N-dimethylamides proved to be active.

[Use of argon coagulation in laryngology--personal experience]

In order to remove or destroy pathological changes of mucosa or control of bleeding in upper respiratory tract or in upper part of alimentary tract there are used various surgical technics including: electrocoaggulation, cryotherapy, laser-therapy. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) makes a new operative technique which is based on physical phenomenon of high frequency electric current flow through ionized argon plasma. There are several advantages of APC i.e.: no contact between applicator and tissue, no carbonization effect, possibility to control the application, large surface treatment. Authors present their own research in APC usage at 42 patients (age average 38.2, women 16, men 26). Estimating preliminary results of treatment APC can be described as an advantageous treatment method of nasal concha hypertrophy, nose bleeding (including Osler disease), nasal cavity polyps and pappilomas removal.

[The case of a large orbital foreign body evacuated by lateral orbitotomy using the Kronlein-Reese-Berk method]

The authors describe a case of patient with orbital large foreign body (glass) treated using Kronlein lateral orbitotomy.

[Antioxidant enzymes activity in patients suffering from laryngeal cancer]

The adequate activity of SOD, GPX and GR is a significant factor in oxidoreductation homeostasis maintaining. The attempt was made to estimate SOD, GPX, GR activity in full blood of 14 male patients suffering from laryngeal cancer (T2N0M0-T4N2M0). The studies were made before and in 8 and 16 week after the operation using RANDOX Company tests. The analysis of results proved that there were remarkable disorders of GR activity in comparison to a control group.

[A rare case of multiple neoplasms of parotid gland: adenolymphoma and squamous cell carcinoma]

The authors have presented a very rare case of multiple primary neoplasms of parotid gland: adenolymphoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Primary multiple neoplasms and multifocal neoplasms are a very complex problem and therefore have been a topic of many articles. The authors describe mechanism of origin, frequency of occurrence, possibilities of diagnostics. The main reason of these neoplasms origin are simultaneously exposure of the tissue to damaging factors and special tissue sensitivity.

[Histological and clinical analysis of mesenchymal malignant neoplasms (soft tissue sarcomas) of head and neck region in the data of I ENT Department of Silesian Medical Academy]

Between the years 19890-1998 in I ENT Department of Silesian Medical Academy were treated surgically 15 patients suffering from soft tissue sarcomas of head and neck region. Patomorphological examination showed: fibrosarcoma (4 cases), haemangioendothelioma malignum (2 cases), rhabdomyosarcoma (2 cases), schwannoma malignum (2 cases), fibrohistiocytoma malignum (2 cases), tumor mixtus mesenchymalis (1 case), haemangiopericytoma malignum (1 case), extrasceletal osteosarcoma (1 case). Sarcomas were localised in paranasal sinuses (7 cases), orbita (5 cases), parapharyngeal space (1 case), parotid gland (1 case) and bucca (1 case). All those patients were treated surgically and most of them were irradiated postoperatively. The authors have presented the diagnostic and methods of treatment of soft tissue sarcomas. According to our experience and data of the literature the method of choice in treatment soft tissue sarcomas should consist of surgery and radiation therapy postoperatively.

[Laryngeal carcinoma distant metastasis to the occipital bone: a case report]

The authors present a case of laryngeal carcinoma with rare metastasis to the occipital bone.

[A case of laryngeal mucoepidermoid carcinoma]

The authors present a very rare case of laryngeal mucoepidermoid cancer. Well separated and encysted tumor was totaly removed with Kleinsasser method.

[Primary multiple neoplasms of the head and neck region]

Considering rareness of primary multiple neoplasms of head and neck region, the authors present 5 cases of different histopathological structure. The authors refer to etiopathogenetic factors and to treatment problems connected with the fact that next recognized neoplasms are, generally, more clinically advanced.

[The concentration of ferritin in blood serum of patients with neoplasms of the larynx and the maxillary-ethmoidal complex]

The increased level of ferritin is known as a nonspecific marker of inflammatory processes and neoplasms. A purpose of the article was to indicate concentration of ferritin in blood serum before treatment of 33 patients with cancer of larynx and 16 patients with malignant neoplasms of maxillo-ethmoid complex. The patients with cancer of larynx were characterized by significantly high level of ferritin in comparison to patients with malignant neoplasms of maxillo-ethmoid complex (p < 0.05) and to healthy people (p < 0.05) (respectively 241.9 +/- 154.9; 106.9 +/- 45.4 and 125.0 +/- 30.4 ng/ml). Contrary to patients with cancer of larynx patients with malignant neoplasms of maxillo-ethmoid complex did not differ in significant level of ferritin from healthy people. The concentration of hemoglobin in blood in both groups of patients was similar and was characteristically lower than values obtained in healthy people. The results achieved suggest that indicating of ferritin can be helpful while making a differentiation between cancer of larynx and malignant neoplasms of maxillo-ethmoid complex.