Using high resolution and dynamic reaction cell for the improvement of the sensitivity of direct silicon determination in uranium materials by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

The paper describes solving the problem of direct silicon determination at low levels in uranium materials, caused by the spectral interferences of polyatomic ions and the high value of blank levels, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS). To overcome the interference problem, two primary techniques have been applied: double focusing high-resolution ICP MS and dynamic reaction cell (DRC) filled with highly reactive ammonia gas. All measurements were performed at high resolution (m/Δm = 4000) on an Element-2 mass spectrometer and pressurized mode of a dynamic reaction cell on an Elan DRC II mass spectrometer. The ways to reducing background levels are investigated. The effects of operating conditions, such as plasma parameters, DRC system original parameters, and uranium matrix influence on the analytical signals of silicon at m/z = 28 have been observed for different mass spectrometer types. The detection limits and the random error characteristics (relative standard deviation) of silicon determination in uranium materials were estimated. © 2013 Pleiades Publishing, Ltd

Reaction of 3,3-dichloropentane-2,4-dione with aromatic aldehydes under the conditions of Darzens reaction

3,3-Dichloropentane-2,4-dione reacts with aromatic aldehydes under the conditions of Darzens reaction to give 4-acetoxy-4-aryl-3,3-dichlorobutan-2-ones, the products of insertion into the σ-C-C bond. The reaction of ethyl dichloroacetylacetate with benzaldehyde yields a derivative of tricyclo[5.1.0.03,5]octane, rather than 2,6-bis(1′-chlorobenzylidene)cyclohexane-1,4-dione, as the by-product. © 1995, Plenum Publishing Corporation. All rights reserved

Development of a Comprehensive Approach to Assessing the Content of Elemental Contaminants in Native Herbal Medicinal Products, Using Pumpkin Seeds as a Case Study

Native herbal medicinal products (NHMPs) are medicinal products derived from plant raw materials. NHMPs are characterised by a complete transfer of contaminants from raw materials to finished products and comparability of therapeutic doses to daily consumption of many foods. The aim of the study was to develop an approach to assessing the content of elemental contaminants in NHMPs, based on public health risk assessment methods, and exemplify its use by applying it to pumpkin seeds. Materials and methods: the study analysed national and international regulatory documents governing the control of elemental contaminants in medicinal products and food, as well as literature on the ability of pumpkin seeds to accumulate such contaminants. In order to determine permitted concentrations, hazard quotients and cancer slope factors, the authors used internationally accepted risk assessment criteria. Results: the study identified the elemental contaminants to be controlled during risk assessment of NHMPs (i.e., As, Cd, Co, Cr, Pb, Hg, Ni, and V). The authors calculated permitted concentrations of the elements for a therapeutic dose of pumpkin seeds; hazard quotients for the essential (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se, Zn), probably essential (As, Ni, V) and toxic (Al, Cd, Hg, Pb, Sr, Tl) elements consumed with the dose; and individual cancer risks associated with As, Cd, Cr, Pb. Conclusions: the total health impact of the studied elements in a therapeutic dose of pumpkin seeds is permissible, and there is no risk of non-carcinogenic effects. The content of each carcinogenic element in pumpkin seeds corresponds to the acceptable level of maximum individual cancer risk. These risk levels are to be controlled at all times. The results of this study may support the development of a compendial monograph on pumpkin seeds

Clinical and «Clip on» thinking at different training stages according to «General practice – family medicine» specialty.

There was carried out an anonymous questioning– a survey of 6th-year students who received an internship assignment in the specialty «General Practice – Family Medicine», interns and students doing courses in the same specialty in order to diagnose the pre­sence of «clip-on» thinking. M.B. Litvinova test method which is characterized by criterial and categorical validity and corresponds to reliability criterion was used. «Clip on» thinking was diagnosed in 36.5% of the surveyed students on training a budgetary basis and 37.8% of students studying on a contract basis, plus 38.5% of them were at risk. At the stage of postgraduate education (internship training), the percentage of «screen people» (with «clip» type of thinking) was significantly lower, but at the same time the share of the risk group on formation of a «clip» type of thinking was increased. The predominant increase in «people of the book» («long» thinking) among physicians with a certain length of service mainly is due to their age characteristics. Modern medical postgraduate education requires the formation of a qualitatively new approach to the educational process, based on the formation and development of clinical thinking, taking into account psychological characteristics of the modern youth and older colleagues. This phenomenon requires detailed social, andragogical and medical research, the creation of new educational technologies based on «live» communication

Use of pharmacoinvasive approach to the treatment of patients with ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome: state of the problem

Role of pharmacoinvasive tactics in the treatment of patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction is considered. The expert opinions reflected in the final version of the guideline are given, as well as the results of clinical trials in which the efficacy of thrombolytic therapy at early stage after acute myocardial infarction onset comparedwith primary percutaneous coronary intervention. The place of pharmacoinvasive tactics in real clinical practice is discussed

The role of out-of-class work of doctor-interns in improving qualitive academic progress on clinical immunology and allergology under the primary specialization “Internal diseases”.

The use of independent out-of-class work of interns on the specialty "Internal diseases" in the section of clinical immunology and allergology promoted the improvement of the qualitative success of interns

Modification of the Method for the Determination of Zinc Content in Insulins by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

Scientific relevance. Zinc quantification in insulin active substances and preparations by atomic absorption spectrometry requires a sample preparation procedure using hydrochloric acid, a narcotic and psychotropic precursor. The exclusion of precursors from laboratory practice significantly reduces labour costs during analysis.Aim. This study aimed to modify the pharmacopoeial method for quantifying zinc in insulins with a view to eliminating drug precursors and to evaluate the applicability of the modified method across different insulin preparations.Materials and methods. The study considered insulin active substances and preparations of various types, dosage forms, and strengths. Zinc content determination involved using an Agilent 240FS atomic absorption spectrometer at a characteristic wavelength of 213.86 nm.Results. The authors selected the conditions for elemental analysis (nitric acid concentration, monochromator slit width, and flame stabilisation time) corresponding to the pharmacopoeial requirements for quantifying zinc in insulins (RSD ≤1.4%, standard zinc solution with a concentration of 0.8 mg/dm3, and calibration curve correlation coefficient ≥0.99). The study compared zinc content measurements in the studied insulin samples with hydrochloric acid or nitric acid as a solvent; it did not reveal any significant differences between the results obtained by the pharmacopoeial method and the modified method.Conclusions. The modified method enables analysts to quantify zinc in insulin preparations in various dosage forms without drug precursors

Разработка комплексного подхода к оценке содержания элементных контаминантов в нативных продуктах на основе лекарственного растительного сырья и его применение к семенам тыквы

Native herbal medicinal products (NHMPs) are medicinal products derived from plant raw materials. NHMPs are characterised by a complete transfer of contaminants from raw materials to finished products and comparability of therapeutic doses to daily consumption of many foods. The aim of the study was to develop an approach to assessing the content of elemental contaminants in NHMPs, based on public health risk assessment methods, and exemplify its use by applying it to pumpkin seeds. Materials and methods: the study analysed national and international regulatory documents governing the control of elemental contaminants in medicinal products and food, as well as literature on the ability of pumpkin seeds to accumulate such contaminants. In order to determine permitted concentrations, hazard quotients and cancer slope factors, the authors used internationally accepted risk assessment criteria. Results: the study identified the elemental contaminants to be controlled during risk assessment of NHMPs (i.e., As, Cd, Co, Cr, Pb, Hg, Ni, and V). The authors calculated permitted concentrations of the elements for a therapeutic dose of pumpkin seeds; hazard quotients for the essential (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se, Zn), probably essential (As, Ni, V) and toxic (Al, Cd, Hg, Pb, Sr, Tl) elements consumed with the dose; and individual cancer risks associated with As, Cd, Cr, Pb. Conclusions: the total health impact of the studied elements in a therapeutic dose of pumpkin seeds is permissible, and there is no risk of non-carcinogenic effects. The content of each carcinogenic element in pumpkin seeds corresponds to the acceptable level of maximum individual cancer risk. These risk levels are to be controlled at all times. The results of this study may support the development of a compendial monograph on pumpkin seeds.Нативные продукты на основе лекарственного растительного сырья (НЛРП) относятся к лекарственным растительным препаратам. Характерная особенность НЛРП — полный переход в их состав контаминантов, содержащихся в исходном сырье, и сопоставимость терапевтических доз с суточными дозами потребления многих пищевых продуктов. Цель работы: на основе методологии анализа рисков для здоровья населения разработать подход к оценке содержания элементных контаминантов в НЛРП и продемонстрировать его на примере нормирования примесей в семенах тыквы. Материалы и методы: проанализированы отечественные и международные нормативные документы, регламентирующие контроль содержания элементных контаминантов в лекарственных препаратах и пищевых продуктах, а также данные литературы об аккумулятивной способности семян тыквы. Для вычисления допустимых концентраций, коэффициентов опасности и факторов канцерогенного потенциала использованы принятые в международной практике критерии оценки риска. Результаты: определены элементные контаминанты, содержание которых необходимо контролировать при оценке риска потребления НЛРП (As, Cd, Cо, Cr, Pb, Hg, Ni, V). Рассчитаны предельно допустимые концентрации этих элементов для терапевтической дозы семян тыквы. Для эссенциальных (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se, Zn), условно эссенциальных (As, Ni, V) и токсичных (Al, Cd, Hg, Pb, Sr, Tl) элементов рассчитаны коэффициенты опасности при потреблении терапевтической дозы семян тыквы. Для As, Cd, Cr, Pb рассчитаны индивидуальные канцерогенные риски. Выводы: суммарное воздействие изученных элементов на здоровье человека при потреблении терапевтической дозы семян тыквы является допустимым и не вызывает риск развития неканцерогенных эффектов. Содержание каждого из канцерогенных элементов в семенах тыквы соответствует предельно допустимому уровню индивидуального канцерогенного риска. Данные уровни риска подлежат постоянному контролю. Полученные результаты можно использовать при разработке проекта фармакопейной статьи «Тыквы семена»

Терапія післяопераційних ран армованими пов’язками на основі пекти-ну та їх протимікробна дія

A reinforced pectin-based dressing with a reinforcing element containing the antimicrobial agent chlorhexidine bigluconate has been developed. In vitro studies have shown that the hydrogel pectin dressing containing 0.03 ÷ 1.5 % chlorhexidine bigluconate inhibits the growth of both gram-positive (S. aureus) and gram-negative (P. aeruginosa) bacteria. The dressing can be used in the complex treatment of postoperative wounds with infectious-inflammatory process. The efficacy of different doses of chlorhexidine bigluconate was characterized by growth inhibition and increase of microorganism-free areas on the culture medium around the site of dressing localization, and regardless of the type of bacteria. Bacterial growth inhibition radius size depends on the dose of chlorhexidine in the hydrogel pectin dressing. The inhibition of growth of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa is directly proportional to chlorhexidine bigluconate content. The increase of dressing saturation with chlorhexidine to 1.0 and 1.5 % recorded the maximum inhibition of the growth of microorganisms. A veterinary clinical trial has shown a good therapeutic effect in the wound healing, in particular in the complex treatment of postoperative and accidental wounds both in the presence of infectious-inflammatory process and in its absence. The reinforced pectin-based dressing with cotton (or polypropylene) reinforcement element containing chlorhexidine bigluconate reduces the cost of dressings and bandaging frequency during wound healing. It protects the wound surface from contamination, mechanical irritation, bacterial contamination and the development of secondary infection. The dressing promotes good water, air and heat exchange between the wound and the environment, adsorbs excess exudate, maintains a moist environment and does not cause hyperosmotic damage and drying of the wound. Surgical wound healing occurred under the initial tension for 7 days. Considering the method of its application, this dressing is suitable for use on different parts of the animal's body (neck, withers, chest and abdomen, lower back, buttocks, thighs, shoulders, etc.).Розроблено армовану пов’язку на основі пектину з елементом армування, що містить антимікробний засіб хлоргексидин біглюконат. Проведені дослідження in vitro показали, що гідрогелева пектинова пов’язка з вмістом 0,03 ÷ 1,5 % хлоргексидину біглюконату пригнічує ріст як грампозитивних (S. aureus), так і грамнегативних (P. aeruginosa) бактерій. Завдяки цьому пов’язка може бути використана і за комплексного лікування післяопераційних ран з інфекційно-запальним процесом. Ефективність дії різних доз хлоргексидину біглюконату характеризувалася пригніченням росту та збільшенням вільного від мікроорганізмів зон середовища культивування навколо місця локалізації пов’язки з діючою речовиною, незалежно від виду бактерій. Однак величина діаметру зони пригнічення росту бактерій залежить від дози хлоргексидину в гідрогелевій пектиновій пов’язці. За пропорційного підвищення вмісту хлоргексидину біглюконату інгібування росту S. aureus і P. aeruginosa посилюється. Так, коли збільшували насичення пов’язки хлоргексидином до 1,0 і 1,5 %, реєстрували максимальне інгібування росту мікроорганізмів. Клінічне дослідження показало добрий лікувальний ефект у ветеринарній практиці за терапії ран, зокрема за комплексного лікування післяопераційних і випадкових ран як за наявності інфекційно-запального процесу, так і за його відсутності. Застосування армованої пов’язки на основі пектину з бавовняним (чи поліпропіленовим) елементом армування з вмістом хлоргексидину біглюконату скорочує витрати перев'язувального матеріалу і частоту перев’язок впродовж часу загоєння ран. Вона забезпечує захист ранової поверхні від забруднення, механічного подразнення, бактеріальної контамінації та розвитку вторинної інфекції. Пов’язка сприяє доброму водо-, повітро- та теплообміну між раною та зовнішнім середовищем, адсорбує надлишок ексудату, підтримує вологе середовище і не викликає гіперосмотичного ушкодження й висихання рани. Загоювання післяопераційної рани відбулося за первинним натягом впродовж 7 діб. Зважаючи на спосіб накладання, дана пов’язка може бути придатна для застосування у різних ділянках тіла тварини (шиї, холки, грудної й черевної стінок, попереку, крижів, стегна, плеча тощо)