Automated determination of asulam by enhanced chemiluminescence using luminol/peroxidase system.

A flow injection system with chemiluminescence detection for the determination of asulam, enhancer of the system luminol-H(2)O(2)-horseradish peroxidase, is proposed. The method shows a moderate selectivity against other pesticides usually present in formulations of herbicides and in water. The procedure was applied to the determination of asulam in tap water samples and a recovery study was carried out in order to validate the method. The obtained results show acceptable recovery values (between 88.3 and 93.9%). The detection limit for asulam was 0.12 ng/mL. The precision of the method expressed as relative standard deviation was 1.55% (n = 8), at the 19 ng/mL level.

Comparison of ultrasonographic cervical length and the Bishop score in predicting successful labor induction.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the performance of the Bishop score and transvaginal ultrasonography to predict successful labor induction, and to estimate the most useful cut-off points for the two methods. METHODS: The five components of the Bishop score were assessed by digital examination and cervical length was measured by transvaginal ultrasonography in 177 women with a single pregnancy, 36-42 weeks of gestation, and a live fetus in cephalic presentation before induction of labor. RESULTS: Multiple regression analysis showed that the Bishop score, cervical length, and parity provided independent contribution in the prediction of the likelihood of delivering vaginally within 60 h. The only component of the Bishop score that was independently predictive of the probability of vaginal delivery within 60 h was station. The best cut-off points for predicting successful induction using receiver operating characteristic curves were 24 mm for cervical length and 4 for the Bishop score. Cervical length was a better predictor than the Bishop score (sensitivity and specificity of 66 and 77% versus 77 and 56%, respectively). Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that cervical length was the best discriminator of successful induction. CONCLUSION: Measurement of cervical length by transvaginal ultrasonography is a better predictor of success in labor induction with both topical prostaglandin and oxytocin.

Long-term outcome after valve replacement with the omnicarbon prosthesis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aim was to determine whether long-term prognosis was affected by valve replacement with a tilting-disc prosthesis. METHODS: Surgical data were recorded prospectively for all (n = 153) valve replacement cases with the Omnicarbon prosthesis during the period February 1985 to January 1986. A rheumatic valvular pathology was present in 105 patients (68.6%). There were 78 (51%) aortic (AVR), 51 (33%) mitral (MVR) and 24 (16%) double (DVR) valve replacements. The follow up was 99% complete (n = 151). RESULTS: Mean follow up was 10.2+/-4.4 years (total 1,472 patient-years (pt-yr)). Survival at 10 years was 68+/-4% (71+/-5% AVR, 61+/-7% MVR), and this fell to 57+/-4% at 14 years. No structural failure was observed. Thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events were rare, with actuarial freedom from thromboembolism of 94+/-2% and 91+/-3% at 10 and 14 years, respectively. This low incidence of thromboembolism encouraged an ease in anticoagulation; hence the AVR and MVR cohorts had a median INR of 2.8, but a higher INR (3.4) was maintained in DVR patients. All prostheses had acceptable hemodynamic performance. No cases of hemolytic anemia were detected, and mean blood counts were within normal ranges. Lactate dehydrogenase values indicated minimal hemolysis, and were lowest after AVR (median LDH 93% normal) and highest after DVR (median LDH 136% normal). Functional evaluation showed an improvement in NYHA class that remained stable over 14 years. At follow up, 95% (75/79) of patients were in NYHA class I or II. CONCLUSION: Survival and quality of life after Omnicarbon valve implantation exceeded the authors' expectations. Functional capacity remains good, and valve-related complication rates are low. The Omnicarbon tilting-disc valve has been shown to provide reliable and satisfactory service in the long term.