Oncological Clearance Following Resection of the Carcinoma Rectum: A Comparison between Laparoscopic and Open Anterior Resection.

Till the day the rectal cancer deaths in the world is in eighth position. For rectal cancer surgery, short-term benefits are expected to be similar for laparoscopic resection of rectum (LRR) and open resection of rectum (ORR). In Bangladesh though the rectal cancer is the sixteenth most common cause of cancer deaths, there is lack of data regarding outcomes of laparoscopic and open surgical approaches for carcinoma rectum. Purpose of study was to compare oncopathological outcomes by quality of surgical resection between LRR and ORR groups. The quasi experimental study was conducted among 46 subjects who attended in the Department of Colorectal Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Bangladesh from July 2020 to June 2021 with rectal adenocarcinoma within 15cm from the anal verge. Equal number of subjects were allocated for LRR and ORR group. Oncopathological end points such as circumferential resection margin (CRM), distal resection margin (DRM), lymph nodes and quality of mesorectal excision were assessed and compared. Here every patients have given their written consent for this study. Mean age of the subjects for LRR and ORR were 45.47±12.66 and 44.47±12.48 years respectively. Majority of the subjects were in age above 40 years (67.0%). The proportion of male (56.5%) were higher than those of female (43.5%). The complete resection was better in LRR (91.3%) than ORR (87.0%) group though statistically not significant. CRM was lower in LRR (0.0%) than ORR (13.0%) group in respect of frequency distribution. DRM was negative for both LRR and ORR group (95.7% each) and it was not statistically significant. ORR met the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) criteria of harvesting 12 lymph nodes were as in LRR group 10 lymph nodes were harvested. The mean harvested lymph nodes were 12.2±5.55 and 10.1±5.55 in LRR and ORR group respectively. The study demonstrated that LRR is better (though statistically not significant) in respect of complete resection and CRM while in harvesting lymph nodes, ORR met the NCCN criteria but LRR does not. There is no difference observed regarding DRM in both groups. On oncopathological point of view both the group showed almost equally effective results. Laparoscopic surgery can be opted as the standard operative technique for surgical management of rectal cancer.

Clinical Outcome of 0.2% Glyceryl Trinitrate Topical Ointment Compared to Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy in the Treatment of Patient with Chronic Anal Fissure: A Randomized Control Trial.

The objective of study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of topical 0.2% Glyceryl trinitrate topical (GTN) ointment in the treatment of chronic anal fissure. This randomized control trial was carried out in the Colorectal Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Bangladesh from May 2015 to April 2016. Total 94 patients were included in this trial, where 47(50.0%) patients were treated by 0.2% GTN ointment as Trial group 12 hourly for 8 weeks and 47(50.0%) patients by lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) as Control group in this study. Patients were randomized in two groups by lottery following purposive sampling. Post-procedural outcome variables with 6 months follow up were evaluated. Majority of the patients were found in between 20 to 40 years of age in both groups. The mean age was 34.6±10.4 years and 33.2±8.6 years in GTN and LIS respectively. Overall male female ratio was 0.88:1. All (100.0%) patients presented with pain in anus and 86.15% patients presented with per rectal bleeding. Pain relief in GTN arm versus LIS arm in 2nd and 6th week was 55.31% vs. 76.6%, 74.5% vs. 87.23% with no significant difference between two groups. But at 6 month it was 57.44% vs. 93.6% respectively. The fall in pain relief at 6th month in GTN arm was due to recurrence of fissure. At the end of 2nd, 6th week and 6month, cessation of bleeding improved gradually in both groups after treatment but the improvement was significantly better in LIS group than in GTN group indicating sphincterotomy stops bleeding better. Healing after 2nd week in both groups was minimum but equal 2(4.26%) patients. After 6 weeks LIS group had significant better healing than GTN 40(85.1%) versus 26(55.3%) with p value <0.001. In 6 month time GTN group had increased healing but LIS group had significant better healing than GTN group 42(89.36) vs. 32(68.08) with p value 0.004. Transient flatus and liquid incontinence were 8.51% and 6.4% respectively in LIS group with 0.0% in GTN group. Headache and recurrence were significantly higher in GTN group 61.7% and 34.04% with p<0.001. Lateral internal anal sphincterotomy is superior to the topical application of 0.2% nitroglycerin ointment in the treatment of chronic anal fissure with the advantages of good symptomatic relief, high rate of healing and a very low rate of transient continence disturbances.

Change of Hemoglobin Level among Exclusively Breastfed Term and Preterm Babies up to Six Months of Age.

There is progressive increase of Hb levels is observed during course of intrauterine development of fetus but high concentrations found at birth. In preterm neonate normal Hb is characteristically deviated from term neonate. Breast milk is the only natural ideal food for both term and preterm babies from birth up to 6 months. Preterm milk was found to contain significantly higher concentrations nutrients particularly iron than term milk. Preterm human milk is more suitable for the premature infant than term human milk. As Hb concentration varies in term and preterm babies in different counties in different feeding practices. The purpose of this longitudinal descriptive study is to find out the pattern of changes in the Hb level among exclusively breastfed preterm and term infants during the first six months of life. This study was carried in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), Mymensingh from September 2016 to February 2018. One hundred fifty (150) neonates both term and preterm were included in this study and followed up to 6 months of age. After admission informed written consent was taken from parents, thorough history taking and clinical examination were done. Data were collected in a pre-designed case record form. All the babies of Group A provided 2mg/kg iron supplementation from 6 weeks for 2 months for universal recommendation. Hb level was measured of all exclusively breast feed babies at admission after birth then next follow-up at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. All information regarding history, anthropometrics measurement, Hb level was recorded in structural questionnaire. Data analysis was done by SPSS version 20.0. Male were predominant in both groups. Most of the preterm (72.0%) and term babies (65.3%) were delivered by vaginal route. Mean Hb level was found significantly higher among preterm babies than term babies after birth were 16.55g/dl and 15.98g/dl respectively. Sharp fall of Hb concentration was observed after birth up to 6 weeks in both preterm and term babies but Hb level was found significantly lower in preterm in comparison to term babies (9.27gm/dl vs. 9.58gm/dl). In term babies, even after 6 weeks fall of Hb level continued to 3 months of age followed by gradual increase up to 6 months without iron supplementation. Hb level of in preterm babies gradually increased from 6 weeks up to 6 months with universal iron supplementation. Hb level fall sharply up to 6 weeks in both exclusively breastfed term and preterm babies but even after 6 weeks term babies experienced gradual fall of Hb levels up to 3 months. Hb level increases in exclusively breast-fed term babies without iron supplementation from 3 months of age. Hb level in exclusively breastfed preterm babies increase from 6 weeks onward might be effect of universal iron supplementation.

Overweight and Obesity among Children of Primary Schools of Mymensingh Municipal Area.

Obesity is now recognized as a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. The relative percentage of change is higher in developing countries. Childhood obesity has become a serious public health emerging problem because of its strong association with adulthood obesity and related adverse health consequences. The main objective of the study was to find out the status of overweight and obesity among primary school children of Mymensingh municipal area. This cross sectional descriptive study was carried out among primary school children of Mymensingh municipal area from September 2016 to February 2018. Total 1450 students were enrolled from 6 schools. Schools were selected by random lottery method. Data was collected in predesigned case record forms by investigator with the help of students, teachers and parents. Anthropometry was measured by principal investigator. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and plotted by using Center for disease control (CDC) BMI growth charts for age and sex. Children were categorized as obese, overweight, normal and underweight. Data analysis was done by computer software SPSS version 20.0. Mean age of children was 9.0±1.124 years. There was 47.4% male and 52.6% female. Among the 1450 children 18.6% obese, 17.5% overweight, 53.5% normal and 10.4% underweight. So, total 36.1% children had BMI above normal limit. Obesity was found more common among male children (p<0.001). Obesity and overweight was significantly associated with fast food consumption (p<0.001), playing computer and mobile games (p<0.001), watching TV (p<0.001), higher parent's education (p<0.001), higher parent's income (p<0.001), service holder father (p<0.001), family history of overweight or obesity (p<0.001), single child in family (p<0.001) and increased birth weight (p<0.001). A large number of primary school children in Mymensingh municipal area were overweight and obese. Childhood obesity and overweight varies from school to school. Childhood obesity and overweight is an emerging and growing health issue in municipal area.

Action mechanisms and biocontrol of Purpureocillium lilacinum against green mould caused by Penicillium digitatum in orange fruit.

AIMS: The present study evaluated, for the first time, the inhibitory effects of the filtrate of Purpureocillium lilacinum against Penicillium digitatum. METHODS AND RESULTS: No direct contact between P. lilacinum and P. digitatum was observed during the dual culture test and the inhibition zone was 6·1 mm. The filtrate of P. lilacinum completely inhibited P. digitatum growth and spore germination at the concentration of 64%. The filtrate increased the permeability of the cell membrane and the content of MDA in P. digitatum. The ergosterol content in P. digitatum was strongly inhibited at 32% by 81·1%. The green mould incidence and severity in filtrate-treated fruit at 64% were 71·7 and 80·7% lower than in the control, respectively. The filtrate enhanced the activity of PAL, PPO and POD enzymes in orange fruit. The POD and PAL gene expression levels were significantly upregulated in the fruit treated with the filtrate. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that the antifungal mechanism of P. lilacinum filtrate against P. digitatum is mainly by the damage of the fungal cell membrane and its components. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This work provides the pioneer evidence on the application of P. lilacinum filtrate as a novel biocontrol agent for orange green mould.

Hand Sewn versus Stapled Closure of Duodenal Stump after Gastric Resection.

This prospective comparative study was done to compare the outcome of stapled closure of the duodenal stump with hand-sewn closure during gastric resection in terms of total operating time, postoperative duodenal stump leakage, postoperative hospital stay, and surgical cost. This study was conducted from January 2013 to August 2014. Patients who were admitted to the Department of Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh with the indication of distal or total gastrectomy were included in the study. A total of 32 patients were enrolled in this study with 16 in each group, they were divided either into Group I (Hand Sewn) or Group II (stapling). Mean±SD age of Group I was 53.38±8.69 and Group II was 50.88±9.56 (p=0.445). Male patients were predominant than the female with a male: female ratio being 3.57:1. Mean±SD total operating time was 154.38±16.32 minutes and 136.88±17.40 minutes in Group I and Group II respectively (p=0.001). In Group I, 2(12.5%) patients and in Group II, 1(6.3%) patient had duodenal stump leakage which showed no statistically significant difference (p=0.999). Postoperative hospital stay had no statistically significant difference (p=0.923). The surgical cost had a significant difference (p=0.001) which is more in Group II. This study showed there was a significant reduction in total operating time but there was no significant difference in occurring of duodenal stump leakage or postoperative hospital stay. However, use of stapler hastens the surgeon's job and it relieves extra pressure of them.

Extra Skeletal Ewing's Sarcoma Involving Perineum of a Young Male Patient.

Ewing's Sarcoma is the second most common primary malignant bone tumor in children and young adults after osteosarcoma but exceptionally it can arise from extra skeletal sites also. Extra skeletal Ewing's sarcoma is of neuroectodermal origin and usually involves extremities, retroperitoneum and paravertebral regions. No case of extra skeletal Ewing's sarcoma involving perineum is yet reported. A 16 years old male patient admitted to colorectal surgery department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh in July 2015 having swellings in perineum as well as both inguinal regions. The swelling was near to anal verge. FNAC from perineal swelling and inguinal lymph node demonstrate small blue round cell tumor. After operation the tumor size was 5cm×4cm, cell type was malignant round cell arranged in sheet and perivascular forming rosette. Extra skeletal Ewing's sarcoma can be a differential diagnosis of soft tissue tumor arising in perineum.

Adsorption of methylene blue using modified adsorbents from drinking water treatment sludge.

This study aims to explore the preparation and application of alum sludge (AS) and mud sludge (MS) from a drinking water treatment plant to remove methylene blue (MB) dye from aqueous solution. The sludge (MS and AS) was treated by chemical and physical activation to obtain new adsorbents. The adsorption experiments were carried out under different conditions of initial dye concentration (50-100 mg/L) adsorbent dosage (0.05-0.25 g), solution pH (3-9), temperature (20-60 °C) and contact time (20-90 min). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction instruments were used for characterization of the developed adsorbents. The results show that sludge activated by nitric acid (0.25 M HNO3) and pyrolysis at 700 °C were the best chemically and physically activated adsorbents. The optimum adsorption conditions for the adsorption of MB are 100 ppm initial dye concentration, 1 hour contact time, 250 °C solution temperature, pH 7 and 0.25 g adsorbent dosage. Application of the Langmuir and Freundlich Isotherm models showed that adsorbents fitted the Langmuir model well. SEM studies indicated the porous structural aspects of sludge suitable for removing MB dye.

Synthesis and application of a novel nanostructured ion-imprinted polymer for the preconcentration and determination of thallium(I) ions in water samples.

A novel synthesized nanostructured ion-imprinted polymer (IIP) was investigated for the determination of trace amount of thallium(I). For this purpose, the thallium(I) IIP particles were synthesized using methacrylic acid (MAA) as the functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as the cross-linker, methyl-2-[2-(2-2-[2-(methoxycarbonyl) phenoxy] ethoxyethoxy) ethoxy] benzoate as the chelating agent and 2,2-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as the initiator. The prepared IIP particles were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). Various experimental factors such as pH, the amount of IIP particles, sorption and desorption time, sample volume, elution condition, and potentially interfering ions systematically examined. Under the optimum conditions, a sensitive response to Tl(I) within a wide concentration range (0.05-18 µg L(-1)) was achieved. The limit of detection (LOD, 3Sb/m) was 6.3 ng L(-1). The maximum adsorption capacity of the novel imprinted adsorbent for Tl(I) was calculated to be 18.3 mg g(-1). The relative standard deviation (RSD) for eight replicate detections of 0.1 µg L(-1) of thallium(I) was found to be 4.0%. An enrichment factor (EF) of 100 was obtained by this method. The proposed technique was successfully applied to monitoring thallium in different water samples and the certified reference material.

Pylorus Preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy vs. Standard Whipple's Procedure in Case of Carcinoma head of the Pancreas and Periampullary Carcinoma.

Pancreatic carcinoma is a life threatening condition. Surgical resection is the only hope of cure. Advances in surgical technique have reduced the mortality rate. Nevertheless, operative complications related with morbidity still remains high. Two operation techniques in the treatment of periampullary and pancreatic head cancer: the Standard Whipple operation (SW) and Pylorus Preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) are performed predominantly. This study was performed to compare the results of Pylorus Preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) with that of the Standard Whipple's (SW) procedure. This prospective study was carried out in the Department of General Surgery, BSMMU in two years duration. All admitted patient's with periampullary carcinoma and carcinoma of the head of the pancreas were included and randomized for a SW or a PPPD resection. Data regarding patients demographics, preoperative assessment, intraoperative and postoperative findings were collected and analyzed. Less blood loss (2.67±0.65 units in Group I and 2.88±0.64 units in Group II), fewer need of blood transfusions and shorter hospital stay in the PPPD group were observed. Gastrointestinal leakage was similar in both groups of patients (1:1). One pancreatic fistula (8.3% in Group I) was observed in PPPD group and one intra-abdominal abscess developed in Standard Whipple's procedure (00.0% in Group I and 12.5% in Group II). Bile leakage was higher in standard Whipple procedure (8.3% in Group I and 37.5% in Group II). Morbidity was more or less similar in both groups (58.0% in Group I and 50.0% in Group II) but one patient (12.5% in Group II) died in standard Whipple's resection. PPPD procedure is more effective treatment for periampullary carcinoma and cancer of the pancreatic head region than the standard Whipple's operation.

Laparoscopic assisted appendicectomy in District Hospital, Joypurhat, Bangladesh.

"Laparoscopic assisted appendicectomy" refers to visualization of abdominal cavity, identification of appendix, drawing the appendix out through the port wound and appendicectomy. The objective of this study is to evaluate the outcome of the procedure of laparoscopic assisted appendicectomy. In this prospective study patients with appendicitis were randomly selected for laparoscopic assisted appendicectomy from August 2007 to February 2009 in the Department of Surgery, Modernized District Hospital, Joypurhat, Bangladesh. Out of 73 patients Laparoscopic assisted appendicectomy was performed successfully in 95.89% cases and conversion rate was 4.11%. Male to female ratio was almost 1:2 with mean±SD age 18.62±9.16 years. The wound infection rate was 8.2% and urinary retention 2.7%. Early postoperative feeding was started within 24 hours in 86.3% cases and mean duration of hospital stay was 2 days in 76.71% patients. More than 82% returned to their home and started social activities within 5 days. Duration of surgery was almost similar in emergency and interval appendicectomy group (19.35±10.13 vs. 23.66±9.43) minutes. Postoperative morbidity in emergency appendicectomy group showed significantly higher morbidity than interval appendicectomy group (p=0.003). This study indicates that the laparoscopic assisted appendicectomy is feasible for the majority of the patients with appendicitis in both emergency and interval settings. It reduces the operative time, shortens hospital stay and helps in early resumption of normal activities with good cosmetic outcome and patients' satisfaction.

Low Temperature Synthesis of Belite Cement Based on Silica Fume and Lime.

This paper describes the low temperature synthesis of belite (ß-C2S) from silica fume. Mixtures of lime, BaCl2, and silica fume with the ratio of (Ca + Ba)/Si = 2 were hydrothermally treated in stainless steel capsule at 110-150°C for 2-5 hours, calcined at 600-700°C for 3 hours, and analyzed by FTIR, XRD, TGA/DTA, and SEM techniques. Dicalcium silicate hydrate (hillebrandite) was prepared by hydrothermal treatment of lime/silica fume mixtures with (Ca + Ba)/Si = 2 at 110°C for 5 hours. Hillebrandite partially dehydrates in two steps at 422 and 508°C and transforms to γ-C2S at 734°C which in turn transforms to α'-C2S at 955°C which in turn transforms to ß-C2S when cooled. In presence of Ba(2+) ions, ß-C2S could be stabilized with minor transformation to γ-C2S. Mixture of silica fume, lime, and BaCl2 with the ratio of (Ca + Ba)/Si = 2 was successfully utilized for synthesis of ß-C2S by hydrothermal treatment at 110°C for 5 hours followed by calcination of the product at 700°C for 3 hours.

A study of HER-2/neu expression and silver binding nucleolar organizer regions (Ag NORs) in perilesional normal salivary gland tissue.

UNLABELLED: Salivary gland neoplasms comprise phenotypically and biologically diverse lesions of uncertain histogenesis. OBJECTIVES: The present study was carried out to assess the immunohistochemical expression of HER-2/neu protein and of silver binding nucleolar organizer regions in normal salivary tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty paraffin blocks of salivary tumors containing surrounding normal salivary tissue were used in the study. One section was processed to investigate HER-2/neu protein expression and another section was stained to assess the mean Ag NOR counts in normal salivary tissue. RESULTS: Only two cases of the studied normal salivary tissue showed HER-2/neu expression (10%), which was expressed only in ductal cells with 4.2 ± 2.1 mean number of reactive cells per five high power fields (HPFs). Statistically significant (P = 0.01) higher mean Ag NOR counts in ductal (2 ± 0.83) than in acinar cells (1.2 ± 0.01) of normal salivary tissue were found. CONCLUSION: It was concluded from the data of the present study that ductal cells of normal salivary tissue are a proliferative pool and an oncogenic target which plays an important role in the histogenesis of salivary gland tumors.

Immunohistochemical analysis of P53 protein in odontogenic cysts.

The p53 is a well-known tumor suppressor gene, the mutations of which are closely related to the decreased differentiation of cells. Findings of studies on immunohistochemical P53 expression in odontogenic cysts are controversial. The present study was carried-out to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of P53 protein in odontogenic cysts. Thirty paraffin blocks of diagnosed odontogenic cysts were processed to determine the immunohistochemical expression of P53 protein. Nine of the 11 odontogenic keratocysts (81.8%) expressed P53, one of three dentigerous cyst cases expressed P53, while none of the 16 radicular cysts expressed P53 protein. The findings of the present work supported the reclassification of OKC as keratocystic odontogenic tumor.

Flame atomic absorption spectrometry for the determination of trace amount of rhodium after separation and preconcentration onto modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes as a new solid sorbent.

The present article reports on the application of modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MMWCNTs) as a new, easily prepared and stable solid sorbent for the preconcentration of trace rhodium ion in aqueous solution. Rhodium ions were complexed with 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN) in the pH range of 3.2-4.7 and then the formed Rh-PAN complex was adsorbed on the oxidized MWCNTs. The adsorbed complex was eluted from MWCNTs sorbent with 5.0 mL of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). The rhodium in eluted solution was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Linear range for the determination of rhodium was maintained between 0.16 ng mL(-1) and 25.0 microg mL(-1) in initial solution. Relative standard deviation for the 10 replicated determination of 4.0 microg mL(-1) of rhodium was +/-0.97%. Detection limit was 0.010 ng mL(-1) in initial solution (3S(bl), n=10) and preconcentration factor was 120. Sensitivity for 1% absorbance of rhodium (III) was 0.112 microg mL(-1). The sorption capacity of oxidized MWCNTs for Rh (III) was 6.6 mg g(-1). The effects of the experimental parameters, including the sample pH, flow rates of sample and eluent solution, eluent type, breakthrough volume and interference ions were studied for the preconcentration of Rh(3+). The proposed method was successfully applied to the extraction and determination of rhodium in different samples.

Morbidity pattern and hospital outcome of neonates admitted in secondary care level hospital in Bangladesh.

This retrospective study in pediatric ward of general hospital, which is a secondary care level hospital having 100 beds. Study period was six months, from 1st July 2006 to 31st December 2006. Records of all admitted patients was meticulously reviewed and analyzed. During this period 11,580 patients were admitted in the hospital of which 2638(22.86%) were pediatric patients. Among the pediatric patient 909(34.46%) were neonate. These 909 neonates were enrolled in this study. The top three neonatal diseases were perinatal asphyxia (57.2%), neonatal septicemia (18.5%) low birth weight including very low birth weight (8.91%). Among admitted patient 70% were out born. Most of the neonatal disease were male predominant. Most of the death was due to perinatal asphyxia (63.06%) then septicemia (17.88%) and preterm low birth weight including very low birth weight babies (8.99%). Death among low birth weight babies were higher (35.58%) than normal birth weight babies (27.29%). Death also was common in preterm babies (43.70%) than term babies (16.8%). Association of septicemia and death among low birth weight babies were higher than normal birth weight babies. Association of septicemia among low birth weight babies was 33.06% and among normal birth weight babies were 12.87%. Death among low birth weight babies was 23.1% and among normal birth weight babies were 16.87%. Total death rate among admitted patients was 20.79%.

Flame atomic absorption spectrometry determination of trace amounts of copper after separation and preconcentration onto TDMBAC-treated analcime pyrocatechol-immobilized.

A simple and reliable method has been developed for green separation and preconcentration of trace amounts of copper ions in aqueous solutions for subsequent measurement by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The Cu(2+) ions are adsorbed selectively and quantitatively during the passage of an aqueous solution through TDMBAC-treated analcime pyrocatechol-immobilized. The retained copper ions were desorbed from the column with 5.0mL of 4mol L(-1) nitric acid solutions as eluent and were determined by FAAS. The linear range was 0.2-75ng mL(-1) in the original solution with a correlation coefficient of 0.9987. In this case we can concentrate 0.1microg of copper from 1000mL of solution and the proposed method permits a large enrichment factor (about 200). The detection limit of the proposed method is 0.05ng mL(-1) in the original solution (2sigma(bl)). Determination of copper in standard alloys showed that the proposed method has good accuracy (recovery was more than 97%). The method was successfully applied for recovery and determination of copper in several water samples.

Catalytic-kinetic determination of trace amount of formaldehyde by the spectrophotometric method with a bromate-Janus green system.

A new simple and rapid catalytic kinetic method for the determination of trace amount of formaldehyde is described. The method is based on the catalytic effect of formaldehyde on the oxidation of Janus green by bromate in the present of sulfuric acid. The reaction monitored spectrophotometrically by measuring the decrease in absorbance of the reaction mixture at 618 nm. The fixed-time method was used for the first 150 s. For initiation of the reaction, under the optimum conditions, in the concentration range of 0.003-2.5 microg ml(-1) formaldehyde can be determined with a limit of detection 0.0015 microg ml(-1). The relative standard deviation of five replicate measurements is 2.3% for 1.0 microg ml(-1) of formaldehyde. The method was used for the determination of formaldehyde in real samples with satisfactory results.

Square wave anodic stripping voltammetric determination of metoclopramide in tablet and urine at carbon paste electrode.

A simple, reliable and selective square wave anodic stripping (SWAS) voltammetric method at carbon paste electrode (CPE) of metoclopramide hydrochloride (MCP) in pharmaceutical dosage forms (tablet) and in biological fluids (spiked and real urine samples) has been developed and evaluated. Different parameters such as medium, supporting electrolyte, pH, accumulation potential, scan rate, accumulation time and ionic strength, were tested to optimize the conditions for the determination of MCP. The adsorbed form is oxidized irreversibly under optimal conditions, viz., 0.4M HCl-sodium acetate buffer (pH approximately 6.2), 0.2M KCl, a linear concentration ranges from 0.067 to 0.336, 0.067 to 0.269 and 0.067 to 0.269 ng/mL of MCP, at accumulation times 60, 120 and 180 s, respectively, can be determined successfully. The interferences of some common excipients and some metal ions were studied. The standard addition method was used to determine the MCP in pure solutions, tablets and in biological fluids with satisfactory results. The data obtained are compared with the standard official method.

Flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination of trace amounts of manganese in alloys and biological samples after preconcentration with the ion pair of 2-(5-bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-diethylaminophenol and ammonium tetraphenylborate on microcrystalline naphthalene or by column method.

Manganese is quantitatively retained on 2-(5-bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-diethylaminophenol (5-Br-PADAP)-ammonium tetraphenylborate with microcrystalline naphthalene or by a column method in the pH range 7.5-10.5 from large volumes of aqueous solutions of various samples. After filtration, each solid mass consisting of the manganese complex and naphthalene was dissolved with 5 ml of dimethylformamide and the metal was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Manganese complex can alternatively be quantitatively adsorbed on ammonium tetraphenylborate-naphthalene adsorbent packed in a column and determined similarly. About 0.1 microgram of manganese can be concentrated in a column from 500 ml of aqueous sample, where its concentration is as low as 0.2 ppb. Eight replicate determinations of 1.0 ppm of manganese gave a mean absorbance of 0.224 with a relative standard deviation of 1.8%. The sensitivity for 1% absorption was 19 ppb. The interference of a large number of anions and cations has been studied and the optimized conditions developed were utilized for the trace determination of manganese in various standard samples.