Novel derivatives of barbiturates functionalized with free carboxylic acids were designed and synthesized. Coupling of 5-cyclopentyl-5-carboxycrotylbarbituric acid via its active ester to an aminofluorescein derivative produced a fluorescent tracer. Conjugation of the 5-cyclopentenyl-5-carboxyethylbarbituric acid via its mixed anhydride to thyroglobulin allowed for subsequent development of a polyclonal antibody which was evaluated for binding in a fluorescence polarization immunoassay format with various barbiturates. The binding studies showed good cross-reactivity of a variety of barbiturates containing both aromatic and aliphatic 5-substituents with the tested antisera. The relationship between the immunogen architecture, the chemical structure of the binding analytes, and the characteristics of the antisera is also presented.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A barbiturate screening assay for the Abbott AxSYM analyzer.

A fluorescence polarization immunoassay for barbiturates on the Abbott AxSYM analyzer is described. The assay displayed dilution linearity up to 1200 ng/mL; coefficients of variation varied from 5.96 to 8.61%; recovery varied from 94.9 to 105.3%; and sensitivity was less than 40 ng/mL. Good correlation between the standard six- and factory two-point calibration methods was observed. The Immunoassay demonstrated good cross-reactivity to several commonly prescribed barbiturates; low cross-reactivity with structurally similar compounds; low interference from endogenous substances, dyes, preservatives, and several commonly available adulterants; and good correlation with the TDx Barbiturate Urine assay.

Autoanalysis↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Trends in molluscum contagiosum in the United States, 1966-1983.

We analyzed data on molluscum contagiosum infection in the United States from two sources: the National Disease and Therapeutic Index Survey of private patients, collected during 1966-1983; and two sexually transmitted disease clinics, collected during 1977-1981. Patient visits to private physicians for molluscum contagiosum increased 11-fold from 1966 to 1983. Over the same time span, the proportion of private patient visits also increased: from 1.2 to 11.0 per 100,000 total clinic visits. Clinic patients, however, showed stable trends in proportions of individuals infected over the period 1977-1981. Clinic patients 15-24 years old and private patients aged 20-29 years were more likely to present with molluscum contagiosum than patients in other age categories. Like the prevalence of other viral sexually transmitted diseases in the private medical community, that of molluscum contagiosum infections appears to have increased dramatically over the 18-year span covered by this study.

Adolescent↗