Metal complexes of anti-inflammatory drugs. Part VIII: Suprofen complex of copper(II).

The preparation and properties of the copper(II) complex Cu(SUP)2.H2O are reported for the anti-inflammatory drug Suprofen (SUP). The diffuse reflectance spectra and magnetic moment are consistent with a dinuclear structure as found for [Cu(aspirinate)2(H2O)]2.

Study into the ability of healthy people of small stature to satisfy the sampling requirements of breath alcohol testing instruments.

In a previous study (Gomm et al., 1991) people with a variety of respiratory diseases were tested and criteria defined for assessing their ability to provide samples for Breath Alcohol Testing Instruments. This study investigated the possible problems which may be encountered by healthy people of small stature--5ft 5in (166cm) or less--who do not suffer from a respiratory disease.

The effect of salbutamol on breath alcohol testing in asthmatics.

Subjects suffering from asthma can occasionally experience difficulty in providing adequate breath samples for evidential breath alcohol testing devices and may therefore resort to the use of bronchodilators such as salbutamol to improve their respiration. Experiments showed that although salbutamol caused bronchodilation it did not affect breath alcohol levels of asthmatics who have been drinking. The blood:breath alcohol ratios obtained from asthmatics were within the normally recorded range before and after use of salbutamol.

Study into the ability of patients with impaired lung function to use breath alcohol testing devices.

A subject who fails to provide an adequate breath sample for a breath alcohol measuring device under the provisions of Road Traffic Act 1988 may be charged with refusing to supply a sample unless the police officer believes the person is genuinely unable to do so. Subjects who are confronted with this situation may approach their general practitioner or chest physician for advice on whether they are medically able to provide adequate breath samples to satisfy the breath testing devices. There is currently no guidance available for medical practitioners concerning respiratory performance or lung function which will impair the use of such breath testing devices.

The effect of respiratory aerosol inhalers and nasal sprays on breath alcohol testing devices used in Great Britain.

Subjects suffering from respiratory diseases occasionally experience difficulty when attempting to provide breath samples to satisfy the requirements of breath alcohol testing devices. In order to assist ventilation, such subjects may resort to the use of an aerosol inhaler. Twenty aerosol inhalers containing drugs which exhibit an effect on the respiratory system and five nasal sprays used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever, have been tested for interference on the range of breath alcohol measuring devices used by the police in Great Britain.