Search

Rationale: Precise and accurate analysis of trace sulfur in environmental samples is essential to understand its biogeochemical cycle. Yet it remains a challenging analytical task for single‐quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) instrumentation because of the presence of significant isobaric interferences. Methods: We evaluated the effect that different instrumental parameters have on the formation of SO+ species, and show that, under our instrumental configuration, it is not possible to fully remove all spectral interferences. Consequently, our instrumental optimization is focused on minimizing their contribution while obtaining the best possible sensitivity. We assessed the performance of the interference standard (IFS) method, where the signal corresponding to the SO+ ions formed in the ICP is normalized to that of 36Ar+. Results: We found that, by pressurizing the cell with O2, there is a significant improvement in sensitivity and detection limits, associated with a more effective production and focalization of SO+ ions. Moreover, by applying the systematics of the IFS with pure O2 injected into the cell (IFS‐O2) we observed a significant improvement in accuracy and detection limits, making this the method of choice for the quantification of trace sulfur in environmental samples by ICP‐MS. Conclusions: The method described here represents an effective and affordable alternative for the accurate and precise determination of sulfur using single‐quadrupole ICP‐MS in environmental samples, with LODs and LOQs comparable with those obtained with more expensive instrumentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Casiopeina III-Ea is a mixed chelate copper ( II) complex that has shown cytotoxic and antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo. The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics of total copper derived from casiopeina III-Ea administered by intravenous bolus injection to Wistar rats. Other objective was to evaluate the hematotoxicity produced by this compound in those animals. Wistar rats received a single intravenous dose of 4 mg/kg of casiopeina III-Ea. Blood samples were taken and pharmacokinetics evaluated. Furthermore, erythrocyte copper levels were determined to identify a potential target and Zn levels were analyzed to determine a possible change. For the evaluation of hematotoxicity, both blood and urine samples were collected for hematological and biochemical analyses; moreover, Fe determination was performed. Blood copper and zinc levels, red blood cell copper levels as well as copper, zinc, and iron amounts excreted into urine were analyzed by ICP- MS. The blood concentration-time profile of copper derived from casiopeina III-Ea was fitted to a two-compartment model with a zero-order input. Cumulative amounts of Cu, Zn, and Fe excreted into rat urine after administration of casiopeina III-Ea were different with respect to control. Hematological and biochemical data indicated a hemolytic toxicity. Pharmacokinetic analysis of total copper derived from casiopeina III-Ea provided a general knowledge about distribution and elimination process of this compound. Additionally, the systemic exposure of the copper derived from casiopeina III-Ea accounts for the hematotoxicity of this complex at test dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Geostandards & Geoanalytical Research is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)