Atomic absorption spectrometric and colorimetric methods for determination of certain antihistaminic drugs

Two sensitive, colorimetric and atomic absorption spectrometric methods were developed for the determination of some antihistaminic drugs including acrivastine [1], fexofenadine hydrochloride [II] and cetirizine dihydrochloride [III]. The spectrophotometric method is based on the reaction of the above mentioned drugs with copper [II] to form cationic complexes, which was subsequently associated with the negatively charged rose Bengal to form ion association ternary complexes. The formed complexes were extracted with methylene chloride for acrivastine and 30% acetone in chroroform for fexofenadine hydrochloride and cetirizine dihydrochloride. The pink coloured extracts showed absorption maximum at 558 nm for [I] and 563 nm for [II] and [III]. The proposed procedures were applied over concentration ranges of [5-25], [2.5-40] and [5-50] micro g/ml for [I], [II] and [III], respectively. Molar absorptivities [epsilon], Sandell sensitivities, detection [LOD] and quantitation limits [LOQ] were calculated. Atomic absorption spectrometric method was developed, through the quantitative determination of the copper content of the complex for enhancing the sensitivity of the determination. The developed procedures were favorably applied for determination of the studied drugs in their pharmaceutical dosage forms. The obtained results were compared satisfactorily with the official and reported methods. There were no significant differences between the proposed, official and reported methods

Spectrophotometric determination of some drugs acting on the GIT via complexation of the drugs hydroxamate with iron [III]

Simple spectrophotometric method for the determination of trimebutine maleate, mebevrine HCL, diloxanide furoate and oxyphenonium bromide by hydroxamic acid formation either in pure or dosage forms is described. The studied drugs react with hydroxyl amine in alkaline medium to form hydroxamic acid derivatives that were complexed with iron [III] in acidic medium to form brownish violet colored complexes having maximum absorbances at 535 nm for mebevrine HCL. trimebutine maleate and diloxanide furoate and at 510 nm for oxyphenonium bromide, Beer's law was obeyed in the concentration ranges of 50-450, 100-700, 40-200 and 100-700 .microg ml[-1] for mebevrine HCL, trimebutine maleate, diloxanide furoate and oxyphenonium bromide, respectively. Molar absorbtivities and Sandell's sensitivities were calculated and presented. The developed procedures were favorably applied for determination of the studied drugs in their pharmaceutical dosage forms. The obtained results were compared satisfactorily with the official and reported methods. There were no significant differences between the proposed, official and reported methods

Fungal and bacterial infection in malnourished children and its relation to severity of the disease

The present research was conducted to assess the prevalence of fungal and bacterial infections in malnourished children and correlating these infections with the severity and type of malnutrition. The study included 50 malnourished children [25 Marasmus and 25 Kwashiorkor KW], their ages ranged from 1 to 36 months with a mean of 10'7 months. All patients were subjected to full history taking, thorough clinical examination: Anthropometric measures: Routine investigations and Microbiological study [fungal and bacterial cultures] of urine samples obtained by suprapubic aspiration both rectal and mouth swabs as well as gastric aspirate using nasogastric feeding tube were taken from each patient. The present study revealed that Candida albicans was the most prevalent fungal pathogen isolated, constituted 81% of +ve fungal cultures [85% in marasmus and 15% in KW patients]. E. coli was the most prevalent bacterial pathogen, detected in 50.5% of all +/- ve cultures [57% in marasmus and 43% in KW patients]. The severity of childhood malnutrition determines the incidence of fungal and bacterial infection

PCR and immunocytochemistry detection of p27[kip1] in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Chronic B-cell lymphocytic leukemia [B-CLL] is a clonal expansion of B-cells with low proliferative activity in which the cells are arrested in G[0]/G[1] phase of cell cycle. p27[KIP1] is one of the KIP/CIP family of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors [CKIs] which inhibit all cyclin dependent kinases by direct binding to cdk complexes. It is highly expressed when cells are arrested in G[0]/G[1]and its expression declines as cells progress towards S phase. In B-CLL the non-physiological increase in p27[KIP1] appears to be of clinical relevance since high protein levels correlate with poorer survival of patients. To study the expression of p27[KIP1] in B-CLL patients and correlate these results with the clinical and laboratory data of patients. p27[KIP1] expression was determined at the mRNA level by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] and at the protein level by immunocytochemistry in 35 patients with de novo B-CLL and 30 healthy age- and sex-matched control subjects. p27[KIP1] mRNA levels by RT-PCR was significantly higher among CLL patients compared to the control subjects [p<0.001] and was significantly higher among group II CLL patients [lymphocyte count >30 x 10[3]/L] compared to group I CLL patients [lymphocyte count

Role of interferon-alpha, interleukin-1 beta and T cell activation in aplastic anemia pathogenesis

The present work was performed to clarify the role of stimulatory cytokine as IL-1 beta and inhibitory cytokine as IFN-gamma and T cell activation evidenced by CD25 expression in the pathogenesis of aplastic anemia. Twenty-eight newly diagnosed aplastic anemia patients and 15 age and sex matched healthy controls were included in this study. An estimation of IL-1 beta, IFN-gamma and the percentage of CD25 expression was done to all patients and controls. IFN-gamma was significantly higher in AA patients as compared with the age matched controls. IL-1 beta was significantly lower in AA patients as compared with the controls. The percentage of CD25 expression was significantly higher in AA patients as compared with the controls. There was a highly positive significant correlation between IFN-gamma and leucocytopenia. There was a negative significant correlation between IL-1 beta and each of age and leucocytopenia. There was a highly positive correlation between CD25 expression and Hb level of the patients

Relationship between indoor environmental physical factors and depression aspects

The relationship between various physical indoor environmental factors and the level of the studied depression aspects had been investigated. The study has been tried to involve patients suffering from different levels of depression and treated at specialized mental hospitals. Significant negative correlation had been established between the efficient indoor physical environment such as available basic home facilities, ventilation and sunny environment, home satisfaction, neighborhood physical environment, work physical environment and the increased levels of depression aspects; namely, physiological, attitude, behavior, social, situational, self-satisfaction and self insight of depression. Recommendations were advised to add improvement of indoor physical environment to the line of depression treatment and to evaluate the efficiency of improving the work physical environment and its outcome in improving the physical and mental health of the workers with expected increased productivity and efficiency of those workers

Influence of rotating shift work on pregnancy stability and fetal well being among medical field pregnant workers

Inherent in all rotating shift schedules are the requirements that the worker regularly changes sleep, meal and work times. This conflicts with the dictates of the internal biological clock system, which in humans has evolved to a very unique diurnal orientation. This study aimed to evaluate stability of pregnancy course in rotating shift pregnant workers in hospitals and to investigate the fetal well being. A clinical prospective study was done in The Special Care unit for Fetus, Ain Shams Maternity Hospital. The study group included 60 pregnant workers in hospital environment and we also examined 20 pregnant housewives as a control group. The study group was subdivided into two subgroups: 1st subgroup comprised those who had fixed day work [regular schedule], while the 2nd subgroup comprised those with rotating shift work [irregular schedule]. The study population was subjected to functional evaluation of uterine contractility by external [abdominal] tocography using a cardiotocography machine which evaluates also external fetal heart rate. Abdominal ultrasonography was done with real time ultrasound probe 3.5 MHz using full bladder technique. The study revealed that there was a highly significant difference [P<0.001] between pregnant workers and housewives as regards the complications during pregnancy, with a higher incidence of complications among doctors, and nurses and technicians compared to employees; also there was a significantly higher incidence of congenital fetal malformation among doctors and technicians. Therefore, the study recommended that working women should be warned that if any complications arise they should be able to leave work so as to lessen foetal jeopardy and have a good

Assessment of some general and oral health hazards among radar exposed workers

This study was performed to determine the level of exposure to radar waves irradiation among the workers of radar station and examine the harmful effects of exposure to radar waves upon some target body organs and systems, including the oral affection, among workers of a radar station. There was significantly high exposure levels at the working zone that exceeded in some area - the recommended standard level by more than threefold. The study showed that there was significantly higher frequency of headache, epistaxis, auditory disorders and skin affections among exposed persons in comparison to controls. Also there was significantly higher mean arterial blood pressure both systolic and diastolic among exposed workers compared to controls. Oral manifestations included toothache, clinching of jaws, higher, and higher DMF index gingival score and temporomandibular joint disorders; all were significantly higher among the exposed in comparison to controls. Recommendations include protective measures to decrease exposure to radiation hazards and pre-employment periodical medical and oral examination

Effect of added surfactants on rheological, organoleptic properties and staling rate of pan bread.

Levels of 0.5%, 0.75% and 1% of surfactants, i.e. DUR-EM 207, Lonzest SMO, and Lonzest SMS-20 were used to retard staling of wheat pan bread. The effect of those surfactants on rheological and organoleptic properties, yeast gassing power and staling rate was investigated. The dough properties were improved by adding the previous mentioned surfactants according to Farinograph and Extensograph data, whereas, stability, departure time, mixing tolerance and development time increased, however, weakening of dough decreased by adding any of the three surfactants studied except for 0.75% DUR-EM 207. On the other hand, increasing the amount of surfactants caused a decrease in the extensibility. Moreover, the three used surfactants inhibited gas production. However, addition of the surfactants to dough, enhanced bread quality and induced higher scores for over all acceptability. The staling rate of the different samples of bread were evaluated by determining moisture migration and sensory panel test. Addition of the surfactants to wheat flour succeeded in retarding the staling of bread over the tested period [4 days] than the control bread. The highest improvements were for those containing 0.5% DUR-EM 207, 0.75% Lonzed SMO and 1% Lonzest SMS-20

Dietary Modification and its relation to anorexia in Egyptian school children suffering from uncomplicated hepatitis A virus

Dietary modification and its relation to anorexia was studied in children with uncomplicated hepatitis a. Out of 60 cases of acute viral hepatitis collected from primary and preparatory schools, 34 cases [56%] proved to have hepatitis a with positive Anti HAV IgM. All of these patients were subjected to full medical history, clinical examination, liver function tests, dietary assessment and followed up for 4 weeks. Anorexia was positive in all cases [100%]. A significant negative correlation between the duration of anorexia in days and certain foods mainly honey, molasses and milk, especially if these had been taken in the first week was found. These food items beside uncooked vegetables were found to be significantly correlated to the serum level of GPT. They may be helpful in improving liver function and lowering the serum level of GPT. We found that all our patients were taking a hypo caloric and unbalanced diet

Elemental mercury exposure in practicing dentists: an epidemiologic study

Dentists are exposed to mercury in their working environment as a result of handling and processing of amalgams used in rebuilding teeth. This study include 49 dentists and 20 non dentist control group. The blood mercury levels was measured for all participants who also answered a questionnaire on personal, occupational and medical histories. The aim of this work is to determine the blood mercury levels among dentists and to relate this levels to personal, occupational and medical findings. The main results of this study are: The dentists showed a significant higher mean value of blood mercury levels when compared with the control group [3.76 + 1.72 Vs 0.63 + 0.48 mg/dl], and this level was significantly related to the number of amalgams handled per day and the accidental spills of mercury in work sites. The prevalence of any of the examined symptoms [tremors, insomnia, loss of appetite and anexity] was relatively was relatively higher among dentists than control group. The results are suggestive of presence of potential hazards of mercury toxicity at dental clinics. Studies to determine organic and inorganic mercury levels among dentists would be useful. It is recommended to use non-mercury restorative materials and application of good hygienic measures in dental clinics

Hematological aspect of occupational electromagnetic field exposure

The current study was performed to evaluate the effect of occupational hazards of exposure to electromagnetic field [EMF] on the different blood cell count of the workers in Cairo Electricity Distribution Company. Exposure to magnetic field was calculated to be ranged from 4 to 90 milligauss, and electric field from 0.019 to 8.76 Kv/m. The study showed stimulating effect of [EMF] exposure on blood forming cells manifested by increased erythrocytic count and white blood cell count [WBC]. Red blood cell [RBC] were less in hemoglobin content [MCH] and cell volume [MCV], i.e. erythrocytosis with relative microcytic hypochromic cells. The [WBC] showed leucocytosis with relative neutrophilia and lymphocytopenia. There was significant correlation between time of exposure and [WBC] HB%, and [MCV]. The study recommended periodical blood cell count to the exposed to detect early changes apart from the basal count

Effects of IL-7 on human lymphocytes

Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is known as a growth factor for pre B-cell and mature T-cells in human. But in leukemic cells, IL-7 effect is variously reported. To investigate the effect of IL-7 on the cells of childhood acute leukemia we used 3H-Thymidine assay. Twelve Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), seven T-ALL and three Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) were involved in this study. Two out of twelve ALL and three out of seven T-ALL bone marrow (BM) cells were stimulated by IL-7 in 3H-Thymidine incorporation. In normal and AML BM cells, IL-7 had no stimulatory activity as in various leukemic cell lines. Two normal peripheral blood T-cells responded to IL-7 dose dependently. We have seen the effect of IL-7 to stimulate T-lineage cells but, for precise conclusion, further study using more purified samples will be needed.

Spectrophotometric methods for the determination of dapsone

Two spectrophotometric methods are proposed for the micro determination of dapsone [Bis- [4-aminophenyl] sulphone] which is commonly used for the treatment of leprosy as antimicrobial drug. In the first method 1, 2 naphthoquinone-4-sulfonate sodium salt was used as a reagent for the colorimetric determination of the cited drug. This reagent was largely used for the determination of primary aromatic amines, a deep red paraquinoid condensation product results which can be measured at 475 nm in 50% acetic acid medium. The second method is coupling of the diazotized primary aromatic amino- groups in dapsone with barbituric acid, a compound possessing an active methylenic group. The concentration range for Beer's law compliance is 1.28-9 mug ml-1 with mean percentage recovery 99.22 +/- 1.697%. The methods were successfully applied for the determination of dapsone in its dosage forms

Colorimetric determination of propranolol hydrochloride in formulation

The reaction of secondary amines with carbon disulphide to form dithiocarbamic acid was utilized as a base for analysis of propranolol hydrochloride. The dithiocarbamic acid formed reacts with Cu [II] to form a yellow colored complex measured at 440 nm after extraction with benzene. Conditions of the reaction were thoroughly studied including the effect of acetic acid and pyridine concentrations on the process of extraction of dithiocarbamate complex. The results obtained by this method were compared with the USP method. The results revealed that both the variance ratio and t test are within the theoretical limits, indicating that the suggested method is equally precise and accurate. Beer's law obeyed for the concentration range between 50 and 400 ug.m-1 with mean percentage recovery of 100.16 + 0.60

Ascaris: Skin test and eosinophils

In the present study, skin testing, stool analysis and differential leucocytic count were performed for 115 children [4-12 years]. Children were either: infected with Ascaris. Healthy, low socio economic-class. Healthy, high socio-economic class. 4.6% of infested children gave a positive skin reaction to Ascaris, compared to 42% of the controls. All infested children had eosinophilia ranging from 2% up to 28%