Photometric Screening of Tetrabromobisphenol A in Resin Using Iron(III) Nitrate/Hexacyanoferrate(III) Mixture as a Colorimetric Reagent.

This study aims to provide a simple way to identify the possibility of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) present in polymers without the need for complicated separation with expensive equipment. Since the presence of phenolic hydroxyl groups is known to be identifiable by the reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+ in a ferric coloring reagent, the possibility of TBBPA being present in a polymer can be screened by a photometric measurement. A mixed solution of iron(III) nitrate and potassium hexacyanide(III) acid was used as a ferric coloring reagent. With this method, the concentration of TBBPA can be estimated from the photometric absorbance corresponding to the depth of the blue color produced by reduction of the ferric reagent in the presence of Fe(NO3)3. The limit of detection (LOD) was determined to be approximately 2 mg/kg using the Student's t-test (99% confidence), and a reproducibility of approximately 3% was determined by the relative standard deviation (RSD) from measurements of calibration samples (n = 7). Furthermore, TBBPA in actual polymer samples was screened without the need for any complex processing steps. Because this colorimetric method measures TBBPA by detecting phenolic groups, it may overestimate the TBBPA concentration in the presence of other similar phenolic substances. Nonetheless, this simple colorimetric method should help to quickly identify the presence of TBBPA in various polymers.

[A Survey on the Concurrent Administration of Erlotinib and Gastric Acid Suppressing Medications among Doctors:Concern for Drug Interaction].

Erlotinibis known as a key drug for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer. It is known to interact with gastric acid suppressing medications(AS). Concurrent administration of erlotinibwith AS is reported to decrease AUC and Cmax of erlotinib. From the result of a survey on concurrent administration of erlotinib with AS in our hospital, we considered that intake of erlotinib between meals in the morning and intake of AS after dinner or at bedtime certainly reduce the chance of drug interactions to a minimum. We suggested a direction of use of erlotinibto the doctors who used to prescribe this medication in their daily medical practice. We surveyed the doctors' perceptions of drug interactions. The results of the survey showed that 29% of the doctors were not concerned about drug interactions, although 81% of the doctors approved our proposal. By providing a suggestion for drug administration by analyzing drug information, the expectations of the doctors can be met and it also demonstrates the efficiency of pharmacists.

[Preventing dermatopathy of patients receiving cancer chemotherapy].

Anticancer drug-associated dermatopathy tends to be disregarded because of its small systemic influence. However, it may affect daily living activities, and mental distress due to its appearance may interfere with the continuation of therapy. In this study, we surveyed the state of skin care, and found that patients had anxiety over vomiting and depilation rather than dermatopathy. Patients who developed dermatopathy performed skin care, but none performed preventive skin care. For patients to perform skin care to prevent adverse effects, we provided information on appropriate self-skin care methods based on pharmaceutical management/instruction and instruction in an outpatient chemotherapy room using documents. On conducting the second questionnaire survey after providing information, 74.3% of patients answered that information provided by pharmacists was useful. Since skin care is a form of self-care, it is necessary to continuously provide information to support patients.

[Analysis of a case of oxaliplatin - induced persistence sensory neuropathy].

Thirty-seven patients with advanced or recurrent colorectal cancer were treated with mFOLFOX6 or mFOLFOX6 with a Bevacizumab regimen between September 2008 and March 2009. Then, we evaluated persistent neuropathy using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (ver. 3). As a result of the research, grade 1-3 sensory neuropathy was observed in 5.6% after 3 cycles, 44. 4% after 5 cycles, 83. 3% after 8 cycles, and 83. 4% after 10 cycles. The average dose of L-OHP (mg/m2) until persistent sensory neuropathy appeared was grade 1: 399.7+/-157. 0 (17/ 37 patients); grade 2: 418.0+/-214. 1 (5/37 patients); and grade 3: 498.0+/-152. 8 (3/37 patients). As has been shown in international clinical trials, the severity and frequency of L-OHP-induced neurotoxicity are associated with the cumulative dose and duration of L-OHP administration. Further research is necessary to develop strategies for preventing or treating this side effect.