Decoding Rocks: An Assessment of Geomaterial Microstructure Using X-ray Microtomography, Image Analysis and Multivariate Statistics.

An understanding of the microstructure of geomaterials such as rocks is fundamental in the evaluation of their functional properties, as well as the decryption of their geological history. We present a semi-automated statistical protocol for a complex 3D characterization of the microstructure of granular materials, including the clustering of grains and a description of their chemical composition, size, shape, and spatial properties with 44 unique parameters. The approach consists of an X-ray microtomographic image processing procedure, followed by measurements using image analysis and statistical multivariate analysis of its results utilizing freeware and widely available software.

Application of liquid chromatography method with electrochemical detection for bioequivalence study of trimetazidine in human plasma.

A method to estimate trimetazidine (CAS: 13171-25-0) levels in human plasma by means of HPLC with electrochemical detection was developed. Trimethoprim (CAS: 26807-65-8) was used as an internal standard. This method of analysis was fully validated according to the guidelines of the United States Food and Drug Administration, European Medicines Agency and Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and Good Laboratory Practice rules.

Application of ultra-performance columns in high-performance liquid chromatography for determination of albendazole and its metabolites in turkeys.

Methods for determination of albendazole (ALB), albendazole sulfoxide (SOX) and albendazole sulfone (SON) in turkey blood plasma, using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection, were developed. Moreover, comparison of HPLC columns with ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) columns was performed. Albendazol was administered orally in 5-week-old birds (n = 18) at a dose of 25 mg/kg b.

Chromatographic/mass spectrometric method for the estimation of itraconazole and its metabolite in human plasma. Application to a bioequivalence study.

A HPLC/mass spectrometry method for the estimation of itraconazole (CAS 84625-61-6, ITR) and its active metabolite hydroxyitraconazole (CAS 112559-91-8, HOX) in human plasma was developed. Terconazole (CAS 67915-31-5) was used as an internal standard. The analytical method was fully validated according to FDA and EMEA requirements.

Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationship of rocuronium under stable nitrous oxide-fentanyl or nitrous oxide-sevoflurane anesthesia in children.

Background: The aim of this study was to compare pharmacokinetics and pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) relationship of rocuronium in children anesthetized with nitrous oxide (N2O) and fentanyl or with N2O and sevoflurane.

Methods: Twenty-four children (3-11 years old, ASA PS I or II) were randomized to receive N2O/O2-fentanyl or N2O/O2-sevoflurane (one MAC) anesthesia. Neuromuscular transmission was monitored electromyographically.