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Aims: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and their relationship to age and obesity were estimated in Punjab, Pakistan by a population-based survey done in 1998., Methods: Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed in a stratified random sample of 1852 adults aged >or=25 years. The diagnosis of diabetes and IGT were made on the basis of WHO criteria., Results: The prevalence of diabetes was 12.14% in males and 9.83% in females. Overall total glucose intolerance (diabetes and IGT) was present in 16.68% males and 19.37% females. Central obesity, hypertension and positive family history were strongly associated with diabetes., Conclusions: These results indicate that the prevalence of glucose intolerance is high in the studied population and comparable with the published data from the other three provinces of Pakistan i.e. Sindh, Baluchistan and North West Frontier Province, studied by the same group.

Forty genotypes (clones) of sugarcane, including elite lines, commercial cultivars of Saccharum officinarum and clones of S. barberi were fingerprinted with 50 SSR markers using a PCR-based marker assay. Nei's genetic distances for SSR data were determined and relationships between accessions were portrayed graphically in the form of a dendrogram. Genetic distance values ranging from 0.60 to 1.11 were observed among the 40 sugarcane accessions. The shortest genetic distance of 0.60 was seen between genotypes US-804 and US-130. These two genotypes differed from each other only in 10 bands, with 20 primers. The most dissimilar of the accessions were CP-77-400 and US-133, with a genetic distance of 1.11. SSR fingerprints can help sugarcane breeders to clarify the genetic pedigree of commercial sugarcane varieties and evaluate the efficiency of breeding methods.

DNA profiles of 40 sugarcane genotypes were constructed with 30 RAPD markers. Sugarcane genotypes of both Saccharum officinarum and S. barberi were included in this study. Multiple alleles were detected from each RAPD; there was a high level of polymorphism. On average, 7.93 alleles were produced per primer, giving a total of 238 alleles. The genetic distances between these genotypes were assessed with the POPGENE DNA sequence analysis software. A dendrogram was constructed from these data; cultivated species of sugarcane formed clusters with S. barberi genotypes. The 40 genotypes were clustered into two main groups; genetic distances ranged from 20.29 to 64.66%. These RAPD fingerprints will help sugarcane breeders to evaluate the efficiency of current conventional breeding methods and will help characterize the genetic pedigree of commercial sugarcane varieties. These data will also be valuable for conservation and utilization of the genetic resources in germplasm collections.

Formose sugar and formaldehyde (HCHO) were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) utilizing a CarboPac PA1 column (Dionex) and pulsed amperometric detection. This HPLC system was unsuitable for the analysis of formose sugar and HCHO and thus reducing sugars and unconverted HCHO were determined by endowing them with charges through a derivatization method using 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine. The separation and detection of compounds were performed by three Chromolith RP-C18 columns (Merck) and diode array detection, at a wavelength of 360 nm ultraviolet light, respectively. Lower sugars (except HCHO) showed some instabilities when the derivatized samples were kept for the extended periods of time. For C(5) and consecutive higher sugars, a certain derivatization time was necessary. In the present case (formose reaction with partial HCHO conversion), approximately 18 h may be a reasonable compromise for the derivatization reaction. A derivatization agent to compound mole ratio of up to 100:1 was required to complete the derivatization of C(4) and higher sugars. However, the analysis of C(4) and consecutive higher sugars is problematic for example due to overlapping of peaks or branched-chain sugars.

The clustering of central obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia known as metabolic syndrome has been associated with a two- to three-fold increase in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is recognized that the features of the metabolic syndrome can be present 10 years preceding T2DM and CVD. The objective of our study was to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in adults aged 25 years and older from an urban population of Karachi, Pakistan, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition and modified Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria. This study involved a survey conducted from July, 2004, to December, 2004, by generating a computerized random sample of households in Lyari Town using a geographical imaging system (GIS). Out of the 85,520 households, 532 households were randomly selected and 867 adults > or =25 years old consented to take part in the survey; 363 of these subjects gave blood samples. The prevalence of diabetes was 9.4%, whereas 5.6% had impaired fasting glucose (abnormal glucose tolerance 15%). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome according to the IDF definition and modified ATP III criteria was 34.8% and 49%, respectively. Inclusion of modified waist circumference and specific body mass index (BMI) cut offs for Asians may help predict metabolic syndrome at an early stage. High prevalence of metabolic syndrome was identified irrespective of the definition applied in this population. This may call for immediate action to halt the accelerating risk of diabetes and CVD that would lead to a possible unparalleled rise in the cost of health care and human suffering.

Aims: To investigate the influence of different cytochrome P450 (CYP) activities and other potential covariates on the disposition of methadone in patients on methadone maintenance therapy (MMT)., Methods: Eighty-eight patients (58 male; 21-55 years; 84 White) on MMT were studied. CYP2D6 activity [3 h plasma metabolic ratio of dextromethorphan (DEX) to dextrorphan (DOR)] was determined in 44 patients (29 male; 24-55 years), CYP1A2 activity (salivary caffeine elimination half-life) in 44 patients (21 male; 24-55 years) and CYP3A activity (oral clearance of midazolam) in 49 patients (33 male; 23-55 years). Data on all three CYPs were obtained from 32 subjects. Total plasma concentrations of (RS)-methadone and total and unbound plasma concentrations of both enantiomers were measured by LC/MS. Population pharmacokinetics and subsequent multiple regression analysis were used to calculate methadone oral clearance and to identify its covariates., Results: Between 61 and 68% of the overall variation in total plasma trough concentrations of (RS)-, (R)- and (S)-methadone was explained by methadone dose, duration of addiction before starting MMT, CYP3A activity and illicit morphine use. CYP3A activity explained 22, 16, 15 and 23% of the variation in unbound (R)-, unbound (S)-, total (RS)- and total (S)-methadone clearances, respectively. Neither CYP2D6 nor CYP1A2 activity was related to methadone disposition., Conclusions: CYP3A activity has a modest influence on methadone disposition. Inhibitors and inducers of this enzyme should be monitored in patients taking methadone.

Hypertension is one of the most prevalent diseases in the developed and developing countries. Based on the long historical association and the provocative findings of blood pressure effects at low level of lead exposure a study was carried out to determine if an association existed between low blood lead concentration and hypertension. In this study the effects of low-level exposure to lead on blood pressure were examined among 244 adults using atomic absorption spectrometer. For quality assurance purpose certified reference materials i.e., Animal blood A-13, Bovine liver 1577 and cotton cellulose V-9 from IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and NIST (National Institute of Standard Technology) were analyzed under identical experimental conditions. The mean age of hypertensive adults was 52 years (range 43 - 66). The mean values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure were (209+/-11.7) (range 170 - 250) and (117+/-3.9) (range 105 - 140) mmHg respectively. Blood lead concentration ranged from 78 - 201 microg/L with a mean of 139 microg/L and 165 - 497 microg/L with a mean of 255 microg/L in normal and hypertensive adults respectively. Increase in systolic blood pressure was significantly predictive with increase in blood lead levels. Body mass index (BMI) and lipid profile including total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride correlated with blood pressure.

The aims of this study were to determine the relationship between saliva and plasma methadone concentrations and the influence of variability in saliva pH. Saliva and plasma samples were taken before the daily dose of methadone in 60 patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). Saliva pH was measured immediately after sampling, and concentrations of (RS)-, (R)-, and (S)-methadone in saliva and plasma were assayed by LC/MS. In addition, unbound (R)- and (S)-methadone concentrations were measured in plasma samples by ultrafiltration. Plasma binding and pH differences between plasma and saliva were then used to estimate methadone saliva/plasma ratios and to compare them with observed values. Saliva pH ranged from 5.1 to 7.6 (mean +/- SD, 6.7 +/- 0.5). Plasma and saliva concentrations correlated weakly [(RS)-, r = 0.14, P = 0.007, n = 44; (R)-, r = 0.10, P = 0.04, n = 43; (S)-, r = 0.22, P = 0.002, n = 43], and the mean saliva-to-plasma methadone concentration ratios were 1.1 (+/-1.3 SD), 1.5 (+/-1.5), and 0.8 (+/-0.8), for (RS)-, (R)-, and (S)-methadone, respectively. Corresponding values based on unbound concentrations of methadone in plasma were 21 (+/-20.6, n = 31), 21 (+/-19, n = 34), and 17 (+/-15, n = 36). The salivary concentration-to-dose ratios showed statistically significant but weak inverse correlations with saliva pH [(RS)-, r = 0.27, P < 0.001; (R)-, r = 0.25, P < 0.001; (S)-, r = 0.29, P < 0.001, respectively]. There were significant correlations between predicted and observed saliva/plasma ratios [(RS)-, r = 0.44, P < 0.001, n = 31; (R)-, r = 0.58, P < 0.001, n = 32; (S)-, r = 0.10, P = 0.04, n = 34], but the mean predicted saliva concentrations were about 5 times lower than the mean observed values. The poor correlations between salivary and plasma methadone concentrations observed in this study are partly related to the effect of variable saliva pH. However, saliva pH explained only 10%-36% of the total variation. As a conclusion, monitoring methadone concentrations in saliva may not be a useful alternative to plasma concentration measurements. Correction for saliva pH measured immediately after collection improves the relationship between saliva and plasma methadone concentration, but most of the variation remains unexplained.

Objective: To determine the frequency of microalbuminuria and its associations in type-2 diabetic subjects attending diabetes centers/clinics across Karachi, Pakistan., Methods: Two thousand one hundred subjects with type-2 diabetes were screened for microalbuminuria using Micral test strip II. A single screening test was performed in 25 diabetes centers/units in different districts of Karachi from January 2003 to December 2003., Results: The overall prevalence of microalbuminuria was 34%. Mean age of subjects was 53.1 years +/- 11.9 years, mean BMI was 25.8 +/- 4.1 and mean duration of diabetes was 8.8 +/- 5.21 years. Fifty seven percent were males and 43% females. Sixty two percent of the subjects had a systolic blood pressure > or = 130 mmHg. Forty five percent had a family history of diabetes and 5% had a family history of hypertension. Univariate analyses demonstrated significant associations between microalbuminuria and age, duration of diabetes, male gender, smoking status, microvascular and macrovascular complications, hypertension, high triglycerides, high serum LDL, low serum HDL, and high fasting and random blood sugars. When adjusted for the effects of other variables in the model, age, diastolic blood pressure, serum LDL and retinopathy were found to be significantly associated with microalbuminuria., Conclusion: The prevalence of microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetic subjects in this cross-sectional multicentre study across Karachi was 34% and this was significantly related to age, diastolic blood pressure, serum LDL and retinopathy.

Background: This study was carried out to assess the association of glycemic control and hypertension with chronic complications in type 2 diabetic subjects attending a tertiary care centre in Karachi, Pakistan., Methods: This was a cross sectional analytical study. First visit of type 2 diabetic subjects to the outpatient department of Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology, from September 1996 to December 2001, were analyzed for this study. Sociodemographic attributes and clinical profiles were obtained from the computerized records of these patients retrospectively. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval were reported for independent variables associated with outcome variables., Results: Records of 2199 subjects (48.5% males, 51.5% females) were analyzed. Mean age of the male and female subjects was 52.2 and 50.6 years respectively. Hypertriglyceridemia [OR: 1.74; 95% CI (1.18-2.57)] and diabetic foot ulcers [OR: 2.32; 95% CI (1.14-4.01)] were significantly associated with poor glycemic control according to HbA1c. Whereas hypertriglyceridemia [OR: 2.39; 95% CI (1.42-4.03)] and hypertension [OR: 1.65; 95% CI (1.13-2.41)] were significantly associated with poor glycemic control according to FPG. Obesity [OR: 1.44; 95% CI (1.18-1.75)], Retinopathy [OR: 1.95; 95% CI (1.49-2.53)], nephropathy [OR: 1.99; 95% CI (1.45-2.75)], neuropathy [OR:1.40; 95% CI (1.15-1.71)] and presence of coronary arterial disease [OR: 1.33; 95% CI (1.02-1.72)] were found to be significantly associated with systolic blood pressure. Obesity [OR:2.07; 95% CI (1.69-2.54)], hyperglycemia [OR: 1.40; 95% CI (1.04-1.90)] and nephropathy [OR: 1.92; 95% CI (1.39-2.64)] had significant association with high diastolic blood pressure., Conclusion: In conclusion this study shows the association of chronic complications with glycemic control and hypertension amongst type 2 diabetics in Karachi. This information needs to be verified by multicentred large scale studies in order to be helpful in planning healthcare and treatment strategies.

Observations on associations between fatness and metabolic risks among South-East Asian adults have resulted in devising lower thresholds of body mass index (BMI) for them. Metabolic abnormalities, including type 2 diabetes, are now also appearing in children and are associated with obesity. There has not been much work done to identify indicators of metabolic risks among South Asian children. This study was undertaken to observe the relationship among fatness, blood lipids, and insulin resistance in Pakistani children. Fatness, lipids, and insulin resistance were assessed in 92 middle-class Pakistani school children aged 8-10 years. Height, weight, waist, hips, mid-arm circumference, and triceps skin-fold, measured in school, were used for calculating various indicators of fatness, i.e. BMI, waist hip ratio (WHR), and arm-fat percentage. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for total lipids, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), glucose and insulin levels. Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index was calculated to assess insulin resistance. Two separate multiple regression models of various risk indicators (family history, sex, BMI, WHR, arm-fat percentage) showed that only arm-fat percentage had a significant positive association both with insulin levels (b = 2.04, p = 0.044) and LDL (b = 2.11, p = 0.037). Only five children were overweight (BMI-for-age > 85th percentile according to National Center for Health Statistics 2000 reference). Neither overweight children nor those who were in the uppermost tercile of BMI-for-age differed significantly from other children in terms of presence of higher-than-desirable values of lipids or insulin. However, compared to those in the lowest tercile, children who were in the uppermost tercile of armfat percentage had a significantly higher frequency of high blood cholesterol (40% vs 67%, p = 0.027), high LDL (33.3% vs 61.3%, p = 0.026), and markedly higher proportion above average insulin levels (16.7% vs 35.5%, p = 0.083). Arm-fat percentage could be developed as a practical tool for determining the risk status of children. However, further cross-sectional assessments are needed to ascertain accurate relationships among arm-fat percentage, lipid profiles, and insulin resistance in larger and varied groups of children.

Objective: To compare the risk factors for diabetes in children of two different socioeconomic status., Design: A cross-sectional analytical study., Place and Duration of Study: Visits to one government (low income) and two private (middle income) schools of Karachi in 1999 and 2000., Patients and Methods: A total of 260 children; 157 children (mean age 12.10 +/- 4 years) from low-income group and 103 children (mean age 10.6 +/- 0.9 years) from middle-income group were surveyed. Data of physical fitness score (PFS) and BMI was calculated. Dietary records were taken by 24 hours self-reported diet recall charts of two weekdays. Knowledge about health was obtained by a questionnaire given to children and mothers., Results: A significant difference was found in the mean age of low-income and middle-income groups (p-value < 0.001). Significant association was seen in low-income group compared to middle-income group on the basis of TV viewing (p-value = 0.04). BMI (p-value = 0.011) and positive family history of diabetes (p-value < 0.001). Forty-seven percent (n=74) of children from low-income group while 51% (n=53) of middle-income group had poor knowledge about health. The children in both the groups also consumed inadequate amount of calories, the diet being poor in fruit, vegetables and milk and high in the fat content., Conclusion: Although children in both the groups had increased risk factors for diabetes the difference between the two socioeconomic groups was significant in terms of middle-income children having more risk. Thus, changes in lifestyle and behaviour including diet is needed in this high risk group to prevent future generations from developing diabetes.

Background: During the last two decades with the introduction of statins large reductions in cholesterol concentrations were easily and safely achievable and this led to studies that demonstrated benefits of statin use. But only fewer than one fourth of adults with coronary heart disease were receiving lipid-lowering drugs in a cross sectional health survey done in England. Thus this study was designed to evaluate the frequency of statin use in type 2 Pakistani diabetic subjects with macrovascular disease attending a tertiary care unit in Karachi, Pakistan., Methods: Records of type 2 diabetic subjects coming to the outpatient department of Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology from September 1996 to December 2001 was analyzed for their anthropometric and biochemical characteristics. Patients having any macrovascular disease were identified and frequency of statin use by these subjects was studied., Results: Out of a total of 2152 patients 502 (252 males, 250 females) having macrovascular disease were identified. Only 16.5% of them (44 males, 39 females) were taking statins. Use of statins was higher amongst those who had angina (20%) or myocardial infarction (17%) compared to those who had stroke (10%). Sixty two percent of the users while 52% of the non-users had elevated blood cholesterol., Conclusion: Frequency of statin use in the subjects studied was much lower than was warranted with respect to their disease status. Presence of elevated blood cholesterol despite using statins suggested inappropriate treatment in these subjects. Further studies are required to identify the factors leading to low use of statins in type 2 diabetic subjects with macrovascular symptoms.

Aims: To compare the prevalence of personality disorder in alcohol and drug populations with special attention to its impact on psychopathology and service characteristics., Design: Cross-sectional survey., Setting: Three alcohol and four drug services in four urban UK centres., Participants: Two hundred and sixteen drug and 64 alcohol service patients randomly sampled from current treatment populations., Measurements: A treatment population census recorded demographic and diagnostic data. Patient interviews assessed the presence, cluster type and severity of personality disorder using the Quick Personality Assessment Schedule (PAS-Q). Other psychopathology was measured using the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale (CPRS). A case-note audit recorded psychotic psychopathology using the OPCRIT schedule and data regarding social morbidity., Findings: The overall prevalence of personality disorder was 37% in the drug service sample and 53% in the alcohol service sample. The distribution of severity and clusters differed markedly between the two samples. There was a significant association between the severity of personality disorder and psychopathology in both samples. Levels of morbidity associated with clusters B and C were similar. Clinical diagnosis of personality disorder showed high specificity but low sensitivity when compared to PAS-Q., Conclusions: In both alcohol and drug service populations, personality disorder is associated with significantly increased rates of psychopathology and social morbidity that worsens with increasing severity of the disorder. Despite this, personality disorder is poorly identified by clinical staff. The PAS-Q may be useful as a clinical assessment tool in the substance misuse population for the early identification and management of patients with personality disorder.

Objective: To assess the frequency of chronic complications of type II diabetes in subjects attending a tertiary care unit in Karachi, Pakistan., Design: A cross-sectional analytical study., Place and Duration of Study: First visit of all type II diabetic subjects attending the outpatient department of Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology from September 1996 to December 2001., Subjects and Methods: Computerized clinical records of 2199 type II diabetic subjects were analyzed for this study. The clinical and laboratory variables were statistically evaluated with significance at p., Results: Means of glycosylated hemoglobin HbA1c, fasting and random plasma glucose levels, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides and high density lipoproteins (HDL) were higher than the risk indicator value for both genders (p <0.005). Mean body mass index and total blood cholesterol was higher for females only. Hyperglycemia was present in 88%, high HbA1c in 81%, low HDL in 81%, obesity in 66% and hypertriglyceridemia in 54%, neuropathy in 36%, proteinuria in 28% and hypertension in 50% of the subjects. Frequency of obesity, low HDL and hypertension was higher among females (p < 0.001 in each case). Retinopathy (p<0.05), nephropathy (p<0.005), neuropathy (p<0.005) and foot ulcers (p<0.001) were higher among males. Frequency of obesity was significantly higher among those with shorter duration and in younger group while frequency of other complications was higher among those with longer duration and in the older groups., Conclusion: Higher rates of complications were observed compared to previous studies. Certain variables showed significant association with gender and age as described above.

Aims: To assess CYP2D6 activity and genotype in a group of patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment (MMT)., Methods: Blood samples from 34 MMT patients were genotyped by a polymerase chain reaction-based method, and results were compared with CYP2D6 phenotype (n = 28), as measured by the molar metabolic ratio (MR) of dextromethorphan (DEX)/dextrorphan (DOR) in plasma., Results: Whereas 9% of patients (3/34) were poor metabolizers (PM) by genotype, 57% (16/28) were PM by phenotype (P < 0.005). Eight patients, who were genotypically extensive metabolizers (EM), were assigned as PM by their phenotype. The number of CYP2D6*4 alleles and sex were significant determinants of CYP2D6 activity in MMT patients, whereas other covariates (methadone dose, age, weight) did not contribute to variation in CYP2D6 activity., Conclusions: There was a discordance between genotype and in vivo CYP2D6 activity in MMT patients. This finding is consistent with inhibition of CYP2D6 activity by methadone and may have implications for the safety and efficacy of other CYP2D6 substrates taken by MMT patients.

Background: Children show variation in certain diabetes related risk factors according to the family history. Early detection of high risk groups could prevent or delay the onset of diabetes. Insulin level and fatness of Pakistani children has never been compared according to family history. This study was designed to observe the differences in insulin sensitivity, lipids and fatness in children from high and low risk families., Methods: Two groups of 8-10 year old school children were assessed for the differences in insulin sensitivity, lipids, fatness, food and activity habits. The first group had no family history for diabetes (low risk group, n = 40) in any first or second degree relative. The second group had positive family history of diabetes (high risk group n = 40) Data were collected through questionnaire sent to parents and children's interview. Blood test and anthropometric assessments were done at the schools by a physician., Results: The two groups of children had similar level of insulin sensitivity. Children having positive family history for diabetes had markedly higher mean values for BMI, and arm fat % as compared to the controls. Though the low risk group had markedly higher level of total lipids and triglycerides the high risk group had markedly lower HDL and significantly higher LDL (p = 0.008) and HDL-LDL (p = 0.009) ratio than the low risk group. There was no significant difference in food and activity habits of the two groups., Conclusion: Marked variations in lipid profile of children from high and low risk families are evident at an early age. Presence of these differences in the absence of differences in food and activity habits and insulin sensitivity suggests that variation in lipid storage and metabolism could precede the appearance of reduced insulin sensitivity in children from high-risk families. Measures to control excessive fat deposition in childhood could be an initial step towards the prevention of diabetes and heart disease in adult life.

A highly sensitive enzyme immunoassay is described for the detection of atrazine residues in water. Atrazine derivative was conjugated to Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) to obtain an immunizing antigen and to Horseradish Peroxidase enzyme (POD) to obtain a marker for immunoassay. The formation of these conjugations was confirmed by UV spectroscopy as well as by gel-electrophoresis. Polyclonal antibodies were raised in rabbits by immunization with an atrazine-BSA conjugate containing 29 atrazine residues per BSA molecule. An ELISA on microtitration plates was optimized with peroxidase-atrazine conjugate. The middle of the test (50% B/Bo) was found to be at 90 ng/l, which is well below the maximum concentration permitted by the EC guidelines for drinking water. Detection limits for atrazine of about 1 ng/l could be reached. The assay did not require concentration or cleanup steps for drinking or ground water samples. Validation experiments showed good accuracy and precision. No cross-reactivities were shown by other s-triazines like terbutryn, ametryn, terbuthylazine, des-isopropylatrazine, and de-ethylatrazine except hydroxyatrazine. The latter was present at very low levels that can be calibrated/standardized before analysis or it may be considered as leftover residues of atrazine. Based on these results, it is suggested that this test can be applied to obtain fairly accurate results for atrazine concentration in water samples from different sources.

Many reviews describe the effectiveness of methadone treatment in reducing illicit drug use and associated behaviours among opiate misusers. The strongest evidence includes social outcomes such as reduced debt and crime, and relates overwhelmingly to maintenance rather than detoxification treatment. Drug clinics are often dominated by individuals unable to withdraw fully from methadone, while the "harm reduction" model accepts some ongoing drug use, with attendant risks. Security measures are necessary to avoid abuse of treatments, but these may be undermined by the agenda of "partnerships with patients" in decision-making. Buprenorphine appears both safer and less addictive than methadone, and lofexidine is effective as a non-substitute detoxification method. Naltrexone can clearly reduce relapse rates, provided consumption is assured, while for individuals unable to detoxify or avoid euphoriant opiates, morphine and diamorphine are sometimes used. In non-opiate misuse, clinical studies of a wide range of medications have produced relatively few positive findings.

Nitrate flux from a bedrock aquifer due to a storm was calculated by hydrograph separation. The hydrograph generated by a 20-mm rain in Cedar River of Iowa was separated into the following three components: the constant baseflow, the rainwater, and the water released from aquifer in excess of baseflow. The separation was conducted by using oxygen isotopes, dissolved nitrate, and stream discharge. The peak discharge was 33h long. During this period, the water released from the aquifer storage in excess of baseflow was 36% of the total discharge. The rainwater and the pre-storm baseflow equivalents were 17% and 47%, respectively. The nitrate concentrations in the instantaneous discharge ranged between 8.6 and 10.0 mg/L. The average concentrations in the rainwater and the baseflow were 3.7 and 9.8 mg/L, respectively. A total of 3.6 x 10(5) mol of nitrate was transported by the stream during the 33 h of peak discharge. Approximately 35% (1.3 x 10(5) mol) of this mass was derived from the aquifer storage in excess of baseflow contribution. The rainwater and the constant baseflow equivalentswere 7% (2.6 x 10(4) mol) and 58% (2.1 x 10(5) mol), respectively. The release of a significant amount of nitrate from the aquifer suggests that the local geology is favorable for vertical recharge of rainwater which causes an increased fluid pressure within the aquifer forcing ground water to discharge laterally into the stream. Such observation also implies that the aquifer is effectively flushed out during storms, thus restricting long term build-up of nitrate from agricultural sources.

Normal phase ion-pair high performance liquid chromatography has been used for simultaneous separation of nitrite and nitrate using tetraethylammonium (TEA)(+) as ion-pairing reagent. The concentration effect of (TEA)(+), buffer salt and pH of the eluent on separation is investigated. The UV detector response at various wavelengths has been optimized. The performance of the proposed method is compared with ion chromatography for quantification of the anions in potable water, wastewater and in food samples, such as spinach and lettuce.

Five new pregnane-type steroidal alkaloids (1-5) have been isolated from Sarcococca saligna. A combination of UV, IR, MS, and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic studies established their structures as salignarine A [(20S)-2beta-hydroxy-4beta-acetoxy-5alpha, 6alpha-epoxy-20-(dimethylamino)-3beta-(tigloylamino)pregnane ] (1), salignarine B [(20S)-2beta-hydroxy-20-(dimethylamino)-3beta-(tigloylamino) -pregn-5- ene] (2), salignarine C [(20S)-2beta-hydroxy-20-(dimethylamino)-3beta-(senecioylamino++ +)-pregn- 5-ene] (3), salignarine D [(20S)-20-(dimethylamino)-3beta-(senecioylamino)-5alpha-preg n-16-ene] (4), and salignarine E [(20S)-20-(dimethylamino)-3beta-(tigloylamino)-pregn-4-ene] (5), respectively.

A simple method is presented for the separation of no-carrier-added 111Ag from neutron irradiated natural palladium. The method is based on sorption of 111Ag in 0.01 M HCl on alumina. Palladium is removed by washing with 0.1 M HCl and the 111Ag is eluted with 4 M HCl. The overall yields of 111Ag are better than 85% with < 1 microg/ml palladium as an impurity. The whole procedure from dissolving the target to the final 111Ag solution takes about 2 h.

A new monoterpene-glycoside (2-exo-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-1,8-cineol) named bucharioside from the methanol-soluble part and a new sesquiterpenoid (4,10-epoxy-6alpha-hydroxyguaiane) named buchariol from the hexane-soluble part of Salvia bucharica were obtained. Their structures were elucidated with the help of NMR spectroscopy including 1D and 2D experiments.

Soil macropores are widely studied because they are known to serve as avenues for rapid contaminant transport. Currently, it is understood that a macroporous medium develops regions of mobile and immobile water during flow. Consequently, solutes in the mobile phase bypass a considerable portion of the medium, thus limiting their natural attenuation. It is, however, not adequately documented in the literature what role the macropores play during intense rain events that result in variable ponding depths. Macropore flow under ponded water conditions was studied on two undisturbed soil columns taken from the loam soils of northeastern Iowa, U.S. The columns were placed on a four-segment outflow collector system. A slug of water labeled with Br was applied to the columns followed by simulation of 58 mm of rain on column 1 and 53.6 mm on column 2, in one hour, 30 minute, and 15 minute events. During the highest intensity rain event (15 minutes), the total volume of water that exited through the bottom of segments 1,2, 3, and 4 were 21.6%, 34.5%, 28.5%, and 15.4% in column 1, and 1.3%, 15.9%, 72.2%, and 10.5% in column 2, respectively. As the intensity of rain was increased from one hour to the 15 minute event, the total bromide mass recovery increased from 45% (29.2 mg) to 57% (36.9 mg) of the total application (65 mg) for column 1, and from 51 % (33.2 mg) to 59% (38.2 mg) for column 2, respectively. Finally, an examination of dye-stained high flow regions in column 1 demonstrated that macro-porosities made approximately 20% of the total cross-sectional area of the column. These results suggest that solute transport behavior in macroporous soils can be impacted by ponding depths, and intense rain events can severely restrict contaminant degradation in soils.

The present study compares plasma fibrin network characteristics of fetal blood and that of normal and diabetic pregnant women. Plasma fibrinogen concentration, clotting curves, mass-length ratio of the fibrin fibers, gross permeability and tensile strength of the networks, have been measured. Plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin are used as glycemic index in diabetic gestational women. The fetal plasma has a lower concentration of fibrin and exhibits delayed clotting, the networks are made up of thinner fibers, are more cross-linked, have lower permeability, and increased tensile strength than in normal adults. The tensile strength of the networks prepared from the plasma of diabetic gestational women are more highly crosslinked than those made from plasma of normal women of corresponding length of pregnancy. The fibrin fiber-thickness is increased during the first and second trimester but is significantly reduced during the third trimester in the diabetic gestational women. The gross permeability of the networks is significantly reduced during the second and third trimester in the diabetic gestational women. The SDS-PAGE shows characteristic pattern of alpha, beta, and gamma-polypeptides in both normal and diabetic gestational women.

Welding is one of the processes which cause multivarious problems to health. It requires considerable attention because of its severe hazards. During welding very harmful fumes and heat are emitted which have adverse effects on the health of the welder and people working in his vicinity. In the present work microfibre glass filter paper (GF/A) was found to be the preferable media for sampling of the fumes from mild steel electric welding electrodes for the evaluation of the trace elemental composition of the fumes. Using neutron activation analysis considerable amounts of the most harmful elements such as Ba, Co, Cr, Sb, Rb, Sc, As and Fe were observed.

Copper complexes of L-alanine, L-arginine, L-histidine, L-lysine, L-proline and L-threonine were studied for their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Escherichia Coli. The complexes of 1-alanine, 1-proline and 1-threonine were nearly as active as ampicillin against Strep. Pyogenes. Mixed complexes of these amino acids showed similar effect. Other complexes were also active to a significant extent against all the three strains studied.

A patient had right ventricular infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock. Volume expansion along with high doses of dopamine hydrochloride successfully alleviated hypotension in this patient. However, he had persistent mental obtundation and low cardiac output, and adverse chronotropic responses to high doses of dopamine developed. Counterpulsation effectively maintained an adequate arterial pressure and dopamine therapy was discontinued. Counterpulsation, however, failed to augment cardiac output. Simultaneous use of dobutamine hydrochloride along with counterpulsation was associated with a noticeable increase in cardiac output. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of right ventricular infarct complicated by shock in which the simultaneous use of counterpulsation and dobutamine therapy resulted in a substantial increase in cardiac output.