Simultaneous determination of sulfasalazine and its metabolites sulfapyridine and N-acetylsulfapyridine in human serum by ion-pair high-performance liquid chromatography using a polymer-based column

An HPLC method is described for the simultaneous and rapid determination of sulfasalazine (salicylazosulfapyridine) and two of its metabolites, sulfapyridine and N-acetylsulfapyridine, in human serum. The range of quantitation is 0.1 to 12 micrograms/mL for sulfasalazine and sulfapyridine and 0.25 to 12 micrograms/mL for N-acetylsulfapyridine. Serum is mixed with acetonitrile containing the internal standard sulfamethazine and the ion-pairing agent tetraethylammonium chloride. The acetonitrile extract is concentrated and analyzed by HPLC, using a new polymer-based column, and detected by UV spectroscopy at 270 nm. This paper is the first both to describe the simultaneous analysis of all three of the compounds from serum and to present sulfasalazine concentration-time data following oral administration to humans.     

Positive Thinking Among Slot Machine Gamblers: A Case of Maladaptive Coping?

Background  Research has demonstrated that optimism and “positive illusions” can be used a coping mechanism among those facing adversity. Gamblers are a little studied group who also experience adversity and uncertainty. They often feel considerable levels of frustration, guilt, anger and a sense of feeling cheated after making significant losses. In order to deal with such feelings it is hypothesized that these individuals will search for positive consequences from their behaviour in order to offset this negative affect. Objectives  To (1) determine whether after gambling, gamblers compensate and reduce negative affect by identifying positive consequences from experiencing a loss, and (2) identify types of strategies which gamblers employ and consider how these should be classified. Materials and Methods  Eighty-seven regular slot machine gamblers were interviewed in a variety of environments housing slot machines. Each participant was asked a series of questions in a semi-structured format, to explore possible styles of positive thinking. Results  Nine types of ‘positive thinking’ experienced by gamblers were identified. These included Comparative thinking, Prophylactic thinking, Biased frequency thinking, Responsibility avoidance, Chasing Validation, Prioritization, Resourcefulness, Thoughtfulness, and Fear Reduction. Gamblers who were positive thinkers experienced significantly less guilt than non-positive thinkers. Conclusions  While reduction of negative affect may be perceived as positive in many other contexts, it is argued that it may counteract efforts to promote responsible gambling. Clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed.     

Antenatal diagnosis of a de novo paracentric inversion of chromosome 11

A de novo paracentric inversion of chromosome 11 identified through antenatal diagnosis is described along with long-term follow-up information on the child and discussion of reported experiences with de novo inversions.