Differential Pulse Polarographic Investigations on Glyphosate and Glufosinate Herbicides in Relation to Their Environmental Analysis.

Differential pulse polarographic (DPP) investigations on the reaction of the amino function of glyphosate and glufosinate herbicides with carbon disulphide and copper(II) perchlorate forming copper(III) dithiocarbamate complexes were made in the presence of sodium perchlorate in acetonitrile at dropping mercury electrode (DME). The newly formed herbicide complexes exhibited analytically useful diffusion-controlled peaks at - 115 mV and - 110 mV versus saturated calomel electrode (SCE) with linear relationship between current and concentration. This observation formed the basis for the determination of glyphosate and glufosinate in the concentration ranges 0.34-8.45 µg mL-1 and 0.4-9.91 µg mL-1 respectively with correlation coefficient of 0.999. The method was applied to their determinations in soil, fortified food and spiked water samples to assess their environmental relevance. The recoveries of the herbicides were in the range 89.5%-98.3% with relative standard deviation (RSD) in the ranges 0.8%-1.8% thus showing good accuracy and precision of the method.

Comparative evaluation of the antibacterial and physical properties of conventional glass ionomer cement containing chlorhexidine and antibiotics.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy and compressive strength of conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC) containing chlorhexidine and antibiotics at varying concentrations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chlorhexidine diacetate and antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and minocycline) were incorporated into GIC Fuji IX at 1.5% and 3% w/w ratio to form the experimental groups. The experimental GIC specimens were placed on brain heart infusion agar plates inoculated with Streptococcus mutans, and the area of inhibition was measured after 48 h. The 24-h compressive strength of the set specimens was evaluated using a Universal Testing Machine. RESULTS: The control group demonstrated no zone of inhibition. All experimental groups showed inhibition against S. mutans (P < 0.05), with larger zones of inhibition found in the higher concentration groups. Compressive strength at the end of 24 h decreased in the experimental groups as compared to the control group (P < 0.05), but no difference was found between the experimental groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that experimental GICs containing chlorhexidine diacetate and antibiotics were effective in inhibiting S. mutans, and incorporation of 1.5% ABX was optimal to give the appropriate antibacterial and physical properties.

Sigmoid vaginoplasty: long-term results.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term results of sigmoid vaginoplasty for Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome. The social and psychological acceptance of the procedure is also discussed in terms of a developing country scenario. METHODS: A total of 14 patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome were treated at our institute from January 1995 to December 2004. Sigmoid vaginoplasty was performed in all patients. The procedure was performed using a combined abdominoperineal approach. Dissection was done between the urethra and rectum to create a bed for the neovaginal colon conduit. A 10-cm segment of sigmoid colon was raised on its vascular pedicle, delivered through the abdominoperineal tunnel, and fixed to the vaginal pit incision. The patient records were reviewed for surgical technique and postoperative complications. Patients underwent a personal interview to assess the postoperative results, social acceptance of the procedure, and sexual satisfaction. RESULTS: The mean patient age at surgery was 16.8 years. The patients who underwent sigmoid vaginoplasty had good cosmetic results without the need for routine dilation or the problem of excessive mucus production. The postoperative morbidity was minimal. During a mean follow-up of 4.1 years, no stenosis or colitis was encountered. The subjective satisfaction rate with the surgical outcomes in all the patients was 8.01 on a scale of 0 to 10 (0, very disappointed to 10, satisfied). CONCLUSIONS: Sigmoid vaginoplasty is an effective treatment for patients with vaginal atresia. Timed vaginal reconstruction in these patients allows for a better quality of life and social acceptance. It also enables the patient to lead a near-normal sexual life, with high satisfaction rates.