pH-Independent Optical Sensing of Heparin Based on Ionic Liquid-Capped Gold Nanoparticles.
pH-independent optical sensing of heparin based on ionic liquid-capped gold nanoparticles.
Analyst. 2013 Jul 3;
Hemmateenejad B, Dorostkar S, Shakerizadeh-Shirazi F, Shamsipur M
A simple pH-independent optical method for the sensing of heparin, as a biomedically important polyionic drug, based on aggregation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is described. The polyanionic heparin induces the aggregation of positively charged ionic liquid stabilized AuNPs, which results in a shift in the surface plasmon band and a consequent color change of the AuNPs from red to blue. The color change was monitored using UV-vis spectrophotometry and image analysis methods. The aggregation was confirmed by transmission electron microscopic measurements. The degree of aggregation was found to be proportional to the concentration of the added heparin, allowing its quantitative detection. The change in the absorbance and color-value has been used to monitor the concentration of heparin. This optical method can quantify heparin as low as 0.010 ?g mL(-1) and the calibration is linear for a wide range of concentration. HubMed – drug
Illicit drug overdose – Prevalence and acute management.
Aust Fam Physician. 2013 Jul; 42(7): 481-5
Li W, Gunja N
Illicit drug use is common in Australia, with nearly 40% of Australians having tried an illicit substance in their lifetime. While cannabis is by far the most prevalent substance used, heroin and other opiates contribute to over 90% of deaths associated with illicit drug use.This article describes the current epidemiology and harms related to illicit drug use, and outlines the principles in the management of acute overdose.The acute management of a suspected overdose involves the identification of the toxicants by taking a careful history accompanied by a focused physical examination. An understanding of the pharmacological profile of the illicit drug and its corresponding toxidrome is essential in providing acute care before referral to emergency medical services. HubMed – drug
Pre-meal water consumption for weight loss.
Aust Fam Physician. 2013 Jul; 42(7): 478
Drinking 500 mL of water 30 minutes before each meal can be used in conjunction with a hypocaloric diet to lead to greater weight loss in overweight or obese middle-aged and older adults. Pre-meal water consumption for weight loss is an easy to implement intervention. It has NHMRC Level 2 evidence of efficacy and adverse effects are unlikely. There are some considerations, and the intervention would be contraindicated in patients with congestive cardiac failure, and in those with severe renal impairment. HubMed – drug