Sensitivity enhancement and matrix effect evaluation during summation of multiple transition pairs—case studies of clopidogrel and ramiprilat

Sensitivity enhancement via summation of multiple MRM transition pairs is gaining popularity in tandem mass spectrometric assays. Numerous validation experiments describing the assays for two model substrates, clopidogrel and ramiprilat, were performed. The quantitation of clopidogrel was achieved by the summation of transition pairs m/z 322.2 to m/z 212.0 and m/z 322.2 to m/z 184.0, while that of ramiprilat was achieved by the summation of transition pairs m/z 389.2 to m/z 206.1 and m/z 389.2 to m/z156.1. The use of summation approach achieved sensitivities of >2 fold for both compounds as compared with the reported single MRM transition pair assays. The validation experiments addressed some important assay development issues, such as: (a) lack of impact of matrix effect; (b) unequivocal verification of the percentage contribution of each MRM transition pair towards sensitivity; (c) sensitivity enhancement factor achieved by summation approach of MRM transition pairs; and (d) accurate prediction of quality control samples using summation approach vs a single MRM transition pair. In summary, the appropriateness of using two MRM transition pairs for quantitation was demonstrated for both clopidogrel and ramiprilat. Additionally, pharmacokinetic application of the MRM transition pair assays using a summation approach was established for the two compounds. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sets and indices in linear programming modelling and their integration with relational data models

LP models are usually constructed using index sets and data tables which are closely related to the attributes and relations of relational database (RDB) systems. We extend the syntax of MPL, an existing LP modelling language, in order to connect it to a given RDB system. This approach reuses existing modelling and database software, provides a rich modelling environment and achieves model and data independence. This integrated software enables Mathematical Programming to be widely used as a decision support tool by unlocking the data residing in corporate databases.     

Non-radiative decay of the benzene 1B2u and 3B1u states

Optic-acoustic measurements on high pressure benzene are presented, and are used to analyse the nature of the decay channels form the highly vibrationally excited ³B_1u state. The vibrationally relaxed benzene ³B_1u state is deactivated by n-pentane with a collisional efficiency of 3 × 10^?5. A model, introducing an intermediate state close in energy to the ³B_1u state, is shown to be in good accord with the results.     

Yield of I(2Psol:12) in the photodissociation of CH2I2

The production of I(²P_{$\text{1}\text{2}$}) in the photolysis of CH₂I₂ has been studied optoacoustically at excitation wavelengths between 365.5 and 247.5 nm. Bands found at 32200 and 47000 cm^?1 correlate with I(²P_{$\text{3}\text{2}$}) whilst those at 34700 and 40100 cm^?1, which correlate with I(²P_{$\text{1}\text{2}$}), give final ²P_{$\text{3}\text{2}$}/²P_{$\text{1}\text{2}$} ratios of 1.75 and 1.1, respectively, after curve crossing.     

Influence of number of calibration standards within a defined range on pharmacokinetic disposition—case studies with omeprazole and clopidogrel carboxylic acid

While the practice of using a smaller number of non‐zero standards (typically seven to eight) has not been entertained in routine bioanalytical work, it is important to innovate and be pragmatic about minimizing the number of calibration standards to promote cost‐effective and speedy assessment. In this exercise, two important compounds, omeprazole and clopidogrel carboxylic acid, were considered. Additionally, both analytes offered a 1000‐fold calibration curve range with eight non‐zero standards to permit a systematic evaluation. Accordingly various scenarios of post‐hoc analysis of the calibration data were formulated which included step‐wise reduction of the number of calibration standards from a maximum of n = 8 to a minimum of n = 3. In all the scenarios evaluated in this exercise, a calibration curve was reconstructed and both quality control samples and in vivo pharmacokinetics were calculated in each instance. Based on the data generated in this exercise, a minimum of three non‐zero calibration standards were adequate to predict the quality control samples with the predefined accuracy and precision estimates for both omeprazole and clopidogrel carboxylic acid. Additionally, the in vivo pharmacokinetic characterization of the chosen compounds was not hampered by the reduction of calibration standards (from n = 8 to n = 3). Hence, consideration for reducing number of calibration standards in bioanalytical work may provide a viable alternative in several situations such as formulation screening strategies, routine therapeutic drug monitoring and sparse sample analyses. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

4-Amino-1-naphthylphosphate as a substrate for the amperometric detection of alkaline phosphatase activity and its application for immunoassay

Immunosensors and biochemical array detection systems based on electrochemical transducers have many advantages such as low detection limit, fast response, simple design and ease of miniaturization. However, further development of such sensors will depend on the availability of suitable substrates that can be converted by a labeling enzyme to an electrochemically active product. Here, we report the synthesis of 4-amino-1-naphthylphosphate and it’s application as a new substrate for alkaline phosphatase. The electrochemical and enzymatic properties of this compound were investigated and compared with the properties of other aromatic 1,4-dihydroxy and 1,4-hydroxy-amine derivatives. The product of the enzyme reaction was 4-aminonaphthol, which was rapidly converted in the presences of air to 1,4-iminonaphthoquinone. This compound could then be detected in an amperometric flow injection assay (AFIA) with −200 mV versus Ag/AgCl potential application. The analytical range for mouse IgG, in an alkaline phosphatase amplified sandwich immuoassay with amperometric detection, was 0.01-100 μg ml⁻¹.     

Laser optoacoustic studies of intermolecular V-V processes: CH4/n-alkanes,and density of state aspects in V-V and E-V rates

Using laser excitation of CH₄ at 2947.9 cm^?1, V-V processes from the bending modes of CH₄ to deformation modes in a series of n-alkanes are studied optoacoustically. The results, like other V-V and E-V processes, show an incremental change in acceptor level density with the number of n-alkane C atoms.     

Photoacoustic measurements of photofragmentation in CH3I

Photoacoustic measurements are described giving branching ratios for the I(²P_{$\text{1}\text{2}$}) and I(²P_{$\text{3}\text{2}$}) atom production following vapour-phase photolysis of CH₃I. A range of excitation wavelengths are used from the long wavelength tail up to 248 nm. The presence of three bands is shown within the σ^* ← n continuum; in the strong-coupling model these are E ← A₁(⊥), A^*₁ ← A₁(||) and E ← A₁(⊥) with only the A^*₁ ← A₁ transition giving excited iodine atoms.