Colorimetric analysis of some diuretic drugs: hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone

Two convenient spectrophotometric methods were developed for the determination of hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone. A specific colour reaction for the determination of hydrochlorothiazide is reported. One method is based on the reaction of hydrochlorothiazide withn-butylamine and cobaltous chloride in anhydrous methanol. A blue-violet colour is produced and is measured at 570 nm. A highly selective colorimetric method was adopted for the analysis of spironolactone by reacting with isoniazid forming a coloured hydrazone derivative and subsequent measurement of the coloured product at 405 nm.From Determination of certain diuretics, M Pharm Sci thesis.The volumetric flasks were dried by rinsing them with pure acetone after draining off the water, then allowing to drain until dry or blowing air through them.     

Toll- like receptor 2 polymorphism and IL-6 profile in relation to disease progression in chronic HBV infection: a case control study in Egyptian patients

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) has a wide range of outcomes depending on host immune responses mainly Toll-like receptors (TLRs) signaling and released cytokines. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) may influence the course of CHB. We aimed to elucidate the relation between TLR-2 polymorphism, IL-6 profile, and CHB progression. We analyzed TLR-2 polymorphism (SNP; rs3804099) in 185 CHB patients and 60 controls using TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. Serum IL-6 levels were assessed by ELISA. IL-6 levels were considerably higher in active CHB and cirrhotic patients compared with inactive carriers and controls (P < 0.001). IL-6 showed positive correlation with ALT and advanced fibrosis in active CHB patients (r = 0.31, P = 0.02). A significant positive correlation was noticed between IL-6 and HBV DNA PCR in all CHB groups. TT genotype of rs3804099/TLR-2 was significantly more prevalent in inactive carriers compared to active hepatitis patients (P = 0.04, OR = 0.39 and 95% CI: 0.16–0.95). Both heterozygous CT and mutant TT genotypes were significantly more frequent among inactive carriers compared to cirrhotic patients (P = 0.01, OR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.13–0.81 and P = 0.009, OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.13–0.77). TT genotype was significantly related to lower IL-6 levels in active hepatitis and cirrhotic groups (P = 0.005 and P = 0.001, respectively) showing that TLR mutations would be associated with milder hepatitis activity and lower possibility for disease progression. There may be a positive association between TLR2 rs3804099 polymorphism and hepatitis B activity. IL-6 is a good indicator of CHB disease progression.

     

Dextromethorphan Abuse in Texas, 2000–2009

ABSTRACT

This article aims at identifying a threshold number of drinks per day beyond which there is a high risk of developing alcoholic behavior that would enable physicians to more confidently support the use of alcohol for cardiovascular risk prevention. In a randomly selected, population-based sample of 2,042 adults 45 years or older, we graded alcohol drinking behavior using the Self-Administered Alcoholism Screening Test, quantified alcohol amount by questionnaire, and assessed the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (coronary, peripheral, or cerebrovascular disease) by medical record review. Although optimal alcohol use (≤2 drinks/day) was associated with reduced odds of cardiovascular disease, 43% of alcoholics and 82% of problem drinkers reported alcohol use in the optimal range as well. The association of alcohol use in the optimal range with alcohol-related behavioral problems supports the reluctance in physicians from recommending alcohol use for cardiovascular benefit, not withstanding the underreporting of alcohol use by alcoholics.     

Burden of pediatric hepatitis C

Hepatitis C virus(HCV)is a major health burden infecting 170-210 million people worldwide.Additional 3-4millions are newly-infected annually.Prevalence of pediatric infection varies from 0.05%-0.36%in the United States and Europe;up to 1.8%-5.8%in some developing countries.The highest prevalence occurs in Egypt,sub-Saharan Africa,Amazon basin and Mongolia.HCV has been present in some populations for several centuries,notably genotypes 1 and 2 in West Africa.Parenteral anti-schistosomal therapy practiced in the 1960s until the early 1980s had spread HCV infection throughout Egypt.Parenteral acquisition of HCV remains a major route for infection among Egyptian children.Insufficient screening of transfusions,unsterilized injection equipment and re-used needles and syringes continue to be major routes of HCV transmission in developing countries,whereas vertical transmission and adolescent high-risk behaviors(e.g.,injection drug abuse)are the major routes in developed countries.The risk of vertical transmission from an infected mother to her unborn/newborn infant is approximately 5%.Early stages of HCV infection in children do not lead to marked impairment in the quality of life nor to cognitive,behavioral or emotional dysfunction;however,caregiver stress and family system strain may occur.HCV slowly progresses to serious complications as cirrhosis(1%-2%)and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)especially in the presence of risk factors as hemolytic anemias,obesity,treated malignancy,and concomitant human immune deficiency and/or hepatitis B virus co-infection.HCV vaccine remains elusive to date.Understanding the immune mechanisms in patients who successfully cleared the infection is essential for vaccine development.The pediatric standard of care treatment consists of pegylated interferon-α2a or b plus ribavirin for 24-48 wk.The new oral direct acting antivirals,approved for adults,need further evaluation in children.Sustained virologic response varies depending on the viral load,genotype,duration of infection,degree of am