Pathological changes in the reproductive tract of male rhesus monkeys associated with age and simian AIDS

The pathological changes associated with ageing and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection in groups of immature, adult and ageing Rhesus monkeys were studied. Eighty three per cent (5 of 6) of uninfected ageing animals had hyperplasia of the prostate, 33 per cent (2 of 6) had mild prostatitis and in 66 per cent (4 of 6) there were calcified concretions in the seminal vesicles. The testes were normal and showed active spermatogenesis. In the SIV-infected animals, two types of lesion occurred; the most common, in 81 per cent (18 of 22 monkeys), was the presence of focal lymphoid infiltrations in the epididymis, prostate or seminal vesicles. The other was hypospermatogenesis (23 per cent, 4 of 17) with degeneration of seminiferous tubules. Immunocytochemical staining demonstrated that the lymphoid masses contained approximately equal numbers of B and T lymphocytes, but the majority of diffusely scattered cells were T lymphocytes. Staining for SIV antigen identified small numbers of positive lymphocytes and macrophages in all tissues.

Surgical Outcome of Orchiopexy. I. Previously Unoperated Testes

A total of 1209 undescended testes in 961 boys who had no previous surgery for this problem have been reviewed with particular regard to the outcome of surgery in relation to the pre-operative and intra-operative assessment of the position of the testis. A third of impalpable testes were found at operation in the abdomen, a third in the inguinal canal and a quarter in the superficial inguinal pouch; 1% of all testes and 7% of impalpable testes were absent; 96% of all testes reached the scrotum at operation and this figure included 69% of abdominal and 94% of canalicular testes. In all 24 testes were excised--7 of which were abdominal, 8 canalicular and 9 were in the superficial inguinal pouch. The generalisation that the higher the undescended testis before operation the poorer the result, does not always hold true.

Interstitial pneumonia in simian immunodeficiency virus infection

Interstitial pneumonia unrelated to Pneumocystis carinii or other infections was observed histopathologically in 5 of 25 rhesus monkeys infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). The predominant lesion was lymphocytic infiltration of interalveolar septa and hyperplasia of peribronchial and perivascular lymphoid tissue. Immunohistochemical staining using a panel of antibodies against human T and B lymphocytes, macrophages, and immunoglobulins showed that peribronchial aggregates and interstitial infiltrates were predominantly B cells, whereas perivascular masses consisted mainly of T cells. One animal with a primary B-cell lymphoma of the spinal cord had secondary plasmacytoid lymphomatous nodules throughout the lung which were accompanied locally by reactive B-cell lymphoid follicles. Another animal also had large areas of diffuse alveolar fibrosis and epithelial metaplasia to a bronchiolar type. In two monkeys, branches of the pulmonary arteries showed intimal proliferation and organizing occlusive thrombi, some of which were mineralized.

Plasma metronidazole concentrations after single and repeated vaginal pessary administration

Metronidazole concentrations in plasma were measured by h.p.l.c. in 12 healthy female volunteers after single and repeated vaginal administration of 500 mg metronidazole pessaries. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC(0,12 h) was 8.4 +/- 3.9 micrograms ml-1 h (mean +/- s.d.) on day 1 and 20.6 +/- 7.1 micrograms ml-1 h (mean +/- s.d.) on day 5. The peak plasma drug concentration on day 1 was 1.2 +/- 0.6 micrograms ml-1 (mean +/- s.d.) and on day 5 it was 2.0 +/- 0.7 micrograms ml-1 (mean +/- s.d.). The plasma concentration of metronidazole at steady state was above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for anaerobic Streptococci and Clostridium tetani. These results demonstrate much lower systemic exposure than after oral administration.

Factors affecting the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon content of cereals, fats and other food products

Factors affecting polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations in oils and fats, cereals and related foodstuffs have been investigated. Levels of PAHs were low in retail fish and animal-derived oils and fats, such as butter, where the mean benzo(a)pyrene concentration was 0.06 microgram/kg. Higher and more variable amounts were present in retail vegetable oils for which the mean level of benzo(a)pyrene was 1.29 micrograms/kg. Margarine was the major dietary source of PAHs in the oils and fats total diet group accounting for 70% of the benzo(a)pyrene intake from these commodities. The levels of benzo(a)pyrene were less than 0.1 microgram/kg in white flour and similar amounts were found in bread showing that PAHs are not formed to any significant extent during baking of bread. Higher concentrations of up to 2.2 micrograms/kg benzo(a)pyrene were detected in cereal-derived products containing higher levels of edible oils such as pudding-based desserts, biscuits and cakes. The presence of vegetable oils as an ingredient also appeared to increase PAH levels in infant formulae as the mean benzo(a)pyrene content of 0.49 microgram/kg was four times higher than that found in skimmed milk. The mean value in the feed, after reconstituting the formulae with water, would however have been less than 0.1 microgram/litre. Investigations of rape seed drying showed no increase in any PAHs when cold, or electrically-heated air was used. Combustion gas drying had no effect for the larger PAHs such as benzo(a)pyrene but caused mean increases of between 41% and 126% for fluoranthene, pyrene and chrysene. These increases did not correlate with reductions in moisture content of the rape seed implying that the combustion conditions were more important to PAH contamination than the degree of exposure to combustion gases. Concentrations of these three PAHs and also benz(a)anthracene were all significantly reduced by up to a factor of five when crude oils were refined suggesting that carefully controlled direct drying need not contribute PAHs to refined oils and fats.

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in simian immunodeficiency virus infection: immunohistological and scanning and transmission electron microscopical studies

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia occurred in 6 of 17 rhesus monkeys infected with simian immunodeficiency virus and was studied by immunohistochemistry and by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. A monoclonal antibody/streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase staining method was highly sensitive for detecting the organisms in small, early lesions and was much more sensitive and specific than traditional silver impregnation methods. Reprocessing of paraffin wax-embedded lung tissue for scanning electron microscopy and use of a video printer to produce a photographic montage of light microscopic lesions allowed the same areas of tissue to be examined and compared by both methods. The ultrastructural morphology of P. carinii in the rhesus monkey was identical to that in man, as were the histological and electron microscopic lesions, including pulmonary fibrosis. Trophozoites were seen attached to alveolar type I epithelium mainly by intimate apposition to the plasma membrane, but scanning electron microscopy also showed attachment by elongated filopodia. Few macrophages were present in infected alveoli, and though phagocytosis followed by digestion of P. carinii trophozoites was observed, it appeared to occur at a very low level.

Simultaneous determination of trimipramine and its major metabolites by high-performance liquid chromatography

Trimipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant drug often assayed by gas chromatographic or gas chromatographic-mass spectrometry techniques. A high-performance liquid chromatographic method with electrochemical detection is described for the assay of trimipramine and its major metabolites, monodesmethyltrimipramine and 2-hydroxytrimipramine, in plasma. The method is sensitive, accurate and robust and thus suitable for routinely assaying samples following single doses of trimipramine to man. The assay was applied to plasma samples obtained following a single 50-mg dose of trimipramine to healthy volunteers.

Effects of recombinant human alpha A interferon in gnotobiotic calves challenged with respiratory syncytial virus

The effects of recombinant human alpha A interferon were studied in gnotobiotic calves challenged with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Gnotobiotic calves given doses of interferon by intramuscular injection over five days showed a marked, dose-related, rise in rectal temperature and depression of circulating leucocytes. Differential counts showed decreases in both lymphocytes and neutrophils. No significant pathological differences were found between treated and untreated calves, nor could any difference be demonstrated in the pattern of RSV infection.

Post-transplant erythrocytosis and immunosuppression with cyclosporin: a case-control study

Review of 142 renal transplant recipients treated with cyclosporin and prednisolone revealed 23 patients with post-transplant erythrocytosis. The clinical characteristics of these patients were compared with 23 cyclosporin/prednisolone-treated control subjects matched for age, sex, and duration of transplant. Erythrocytosis developed between 6 weeks and 30 months (median 12 months) after transplant. It persisted in 16 patients and resolved spontaneously in five. In two patients the decrease in haematocrit was associated with acute leukaemia in one and sudden deterioration of renal function in the other. In the study group there were fewer HLA (A, B and DR) mismatches (P less than 0.05) and greater pretransplant haematocrit (P less than 0.01) than in the control group. Other clinical factors--previous allografts, panel reactive cytotoxic antibodies, duration and type of dialysis, transplant function, pre- and post-transplant blood pressure, number of rejection episodes, cyclosporin concentration and dose, smoking habits and use of diuretics--did not differ significantly between the two groups. In our experience, erythrocytosis in cyclosporin-treated patients is a relatively common phenomenon and does not, in general, resolve spontaneously. It is unrelated to transplant function or rejection episodes but affects patients with well-matched kidneys and elevated pretransplant haematocrit values.

Measurement of haloacetic acids and their decomposition in wine by capillary gas chromatography

A method has been developed for the analysis of haloacetic acids in wine involving solid-phase extraction followed by methylation and quantification by capillary gas chromatography with electron capture detection. Recoveries from spiked samples were greater than 85% for each of the acids and the limits of detection of the method were 100, 10 and 5 micrograms/litre for the chloroacetic, bromoacetic and iodoacetic acids, respectively. The haloacetic acids were not detected in a survey of over 30 retail samples. Separate stability studies showed that the concentration of chloroacetic acid added to wine was essentially unaffected by up to 90 days storage at 30 degrees C. Under the same conditions, however, less than 20% of bromoacetic acid and iodoacetic acid remained.

An investigation of the levels of N-nitrosodimethylamine, apparent total N-nitroso compounds and nitrate in beer

Over 170 retail samples of beer have been analysed for N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), apparent total N-nitroso compounds (ATNC) and nitrate. Levels of NDMA ranged from below 0.1 up to 1.2 micrograms/kg with a mean of 0.2 micrograms/kg. ATNC was detected in 42% of the samples in concentrations of up to 569 micrograms (N-NO)/kg. The levels of nitrate ranged from less than 0.2 up to 143 mg/kg with a mean of 16.8 mg/kg. There was no correlation between the amounts of NDMA and ATNC found in the retail beers. Samples taken during the course of fermentation showed that NDMA was unaffected by the bacterial reduction of nitrate which causes ATNC formation. HPLC studies using a photolysis/chemiluminescence detector revealed that the ATNC in beer are highly polar species of as yet unknown identity.

Histopathological changes in simian immunodeficiency virus infection

The histological lesions were studied in seven rhesus and three cynomolgus monkeys infected with simian immunodeficiency virus for periods ranging from nine weeks to 18 months. Lymphoreticular changes included hyperplasia, follicular involution and depletion, and one animal had amyloidosis of the spleen. Hyperplastic changes also took place in mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue and infiltrations occurred in the vaginal mucosa of one animal, which could be significant in sexual transmission of the infection. The range of opportunistic infections was small compared with that in human AIDS patients, although two monkeys had Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Enterocolitis was a common finding and brown adipose tissue was transformed into a large vacuolated type. Lesions of the central nervous system were found in five of nine monkeys, and consisted of foci of glial activity and perivascular and meningeal lymphocytic infiltration. A lymphoma involving the lumbar spinal cord developed in one animal.

The determination of nitrate and nitrite in cured meat by HPLC/UV

A rapid strong anion exchange HPLC/UV procedure has been developed for the determination of nitrate and nitrite in a wide variety of cured meats. The accuracy of this technique has been confirmed by the good agreement achieved with the existing British Standard colorimetric method. The applicability and repeatability of the procedure has been established in a survey of over 200 samples. The agreement between duplicate determinations and their respective means averaged +/- 3.4% for nitrite and +/- 4.3% for nitrate as defined by the term [(a - b)/(a + b)] X 100% where a and b are the repeat determination values.

Characteristics of cadaveric renal allograft recipients developing chronic rejection

As the early results of renal transplantation improve, chronic rejection is increasing in relative importance as a cause of graft loss. The aetiology of the condition is unknown. In order to identify possible predisposing factors, the characteristics of 22 patients with chronic rejection were compared with those of 50 patients with stable graft function 2 years or more after transplantation. Patients with chronic rejection had significantly more acute rejection episodes in the first 6 months after transplant (P less than 0.01), a higher incidence of acute rejection with vascular features (P less than 0.01), and longer ischaemic times (P less than 0.05) compared to patients with stable graft function. In a logistic regression analysis both frequency and severity of acute rejection episodes were significantly associated with the subsequent development of chronic rejection. Thus chronic rejection is associated with early injury to the transplanted kidney.

The increasing importance of chronic rejection as a cause of renal allograft failure

A consequence of reducing early graft failure due to acute rejection has been that more patients are at risk of chronic rejection, something which has become an increasingly important cause of graft loss. We examine the graft survival rates and reasons for failure in our unit from 1981 to 1986. Patients were divided into two series according to treatment of acute rejection episodes. From 1983 onwards, by treating acute vascular (poor prognosis) episodes with antilymphocyte globulin (ALG), we have significantly improved the 6-month actuarial graft survival rate. However, the percentage of total graft failure due to chronic rejection in this second series has significantly increased. The need for greater understanding of the aetiology of chronic rejection, together with its present unsatisfactory treatment, is discussed.

Bipolar diathermy treatment of long saphenous vein varicosities

A new technique of endoluminal diathermy of the long saphenous vein using a bipolar electrode is described. This is safer than conventional unipolar diathermy and histological examination of the diathermied veins shows similar appearances using unipolar and bipolar diathermy. Clinical assessment of both techniques yields similar results. Endoluminal bipolar diathermy is simple and relatively painless compared with conventional stripping of the long saphenous vein and can be recommended.

Choledochoscopy via the cystic duct: evaluation of a new ultrathin disposable choledochoscope

A 2 mm fibreoptic choledochoscope with a disposable (resterilisable) flexible section was evaluated in 25 cadavers and 13 patients undergoing cholecystectomy. It was possible to pass the instrument via the cystic duct (CD) into the common bile duct (CBD) in 23 out of 25 cadavers and in 12 out of 13 patients. The CD diameter in cadavers was 2.4 mm (SD 0.5). Optical clarity was excellent and it was easy to pass into the duodenum, but proximal passage required mobilisation of the CD/CBD junction. This instrument may be a useful adjunct or even an alternative to intraoperative cholangiography.

Investigation of ethyl carbamate levels in some fermented foods and alcoholic beverages

An analytical procedure has been developed for the determination of trace amounts of ethyl carbamate in fermented foodstuffs and alcoholic beverages. Concentrations were generally below the 1-5 micrograms/kg detection limit in bread, cheese, yoghurt, beer, gin and vodka. Higher concentrations were found in the other alcoholic beverages examined, which included whisky, fruit brandy, liqueur, wine, sherry and port.

Parasitic causes of obstructive jaundice

Short case reports are presented of two patients seen in the U.K. with 'parasitic' obstructive jaundice. In one case the parasite involved was Clonorchis, and in the other it was Echinococcus. Both these parasites are uncommon in this country.

Silastic foam dressing in hypospadias surgery

Silastic foam dressing is useful after more complex types of hypospadias surgery. It immobilises and protects the penis, avoids excessive swelling and allows early mobility of the patient. Details of its application and use are described.

The formation and occurrence of amino acid pyrolysates and related mutagens in cooked foods

The classes of cooked foods that contain detectable levels of mutagenic activity are discussed together with the effects of different cooking procedures on the extent of mutagen formation. Analytical procedures that have so far been devised to quantify the concentrations of specific mutagenic compounds are described and the levels of these species that have been detected in cooked foods are detailed.

Pharmacokinetic profile of controlled release ketoprofen in elderly patients

The pharmacokinetics of ketoprofen following the administration of the first and final dose of a controlled release formulation (200 mg ketoprofen) once daily for 10 days to nine elderly patients have been studied. Plasma ketoprofen concentrations were measured by h.p.l.c. The data were compared to previously reported studies in young male volunteers. Mean +/- s.d. peak plasma concentrations (5.6 +/- 1.75 micrograms ml-1 and 6.3 +/- 2.7 micrograms ml-1 on day 1 and day 10, respectively) were higher than those reported in young volunteers given similar treatment, but similar to those reported in young volunteers following 50 mg four times daily of conventionally formulated ketoprofen, and markedly lower than reported following a single 100 mg dose of ketoprofen. The half-life for drug release (mean +/- s.d.) from the controlled release formulation (8.5 +/- 7.4 h) and accumulation upon repeated dosing (28%) were essentially the same as reported for young volunteers. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve was about 65% greater than reported in young volunteers following administration of controlled release ketoprofen. This increase in exposure to ketoprofen is probably partly due to the lower volume of distribution in the elderly and partly due to a reduced renal excretion of the glucuronide metabolite of ketoprofen. It was concluded that controlled release ketoprofen may be administered in standard doses (200 mg once daily) to elderly patients whose elimination processes are not severely impaired (i.e. severe renal failure or hepatic disease).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Fracture of the glenoid fossa and dislocation of the mandibular condyle into the middle cranial fossa

Reported cases of dislocation of the mandibular condyle into the middle cranial fossa have been rare, and treatment modalities have varied. The case presented represents an instance of successful closed reduction. Numerous factors should be considered when determining the technique of reduction. Primary goals in selecting the method of treatment are stabilization of the neurologic status, control of the bone fragments in the brain, reduction of the occlusion, maintenance of ramus height for facial symmetry, preservation of growth potential, and assurance of satisfactory long-term function of the mandible.

Pharmacokinetics of metronidazole in patients with varying degrees of renal failure

Twenty-nine patients with varying degrees of renal insufficiency were given a single intravenous dose of metronidazole (500 mg). Plasma and urinary concentrations of metronidazole and two major metabolites were determined using a specific high performance liquid chromatographic assay. The pharmacokinetic parameters of metronidazole elimination half-life, area under the metronidazole concentration against time curve, apparent volume of distribution, metronidazole clearance and predicted degree of accumulation of metronidazole on repeated dosing were not statistically significantly affected by renal inadequacy of any degree. The urinary excretion of metronidazole in patients with moderate or severe renal insufficiency was approximately half the value in healthy volunteers. The renal clearance of metronidazole was significantly greater in healthy volunteers compared to renally insufficient patients, but accounted for less than 10% of the total metronidazole clearance in all groups. The elimination half-life and predicted accumulation (on three times daily dosing) of metabolite I [1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-hydroxymethyl-5-nitroimidazole] were significantly increased with decreasing renal function from 9.2 h and 2.3, respectively, in healthy volunteers to 34 h and 6.7, respectively, in patients with total renal failure. The degree of accumulation of this metabolite on repeated dosing is probably of limited clinical significance in all patients except those with severe or total renal failure for reasons detailed in the text. The elimination half-life and predicted accumulation on three times daily dosing of metabolite II, [2-methyl-5-nitroimidazole-1-acetic acid] increased rapidly with decreasing renal function.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A repeated dose pharmacokinetic study of a new hypnotic agent, zopiclone (Imovane)

Eleven volunteers were dosed once daily for 14 days with zopiclone (7.5 mg/day). The peak plasma zopiclone concentration (65 ng/ml) occurred at 1.4 h after dosing and thereafter declined by a biexponential process, with half-lives of 2.0 and 6.5 h, to 3 ng/ml by 24 h after dosing. Repeated once daily dosing did not markedly alter the peak plasma zopiclone concentration or the pharmacokinetic parameters of absorption or elimination.

Urinary pharmacokinetics of orally administered ketoprofen in man

The urinary pharmacokinetics of ketoprofen were compared after administration of single doses of standard ketoprofen capsules or two sustained-release pellet formulations of ketoprofen to nine healthy volunteers, using a specific and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic assay procedure. The sustained-release pellet formulation with the faster in vitro release characteristics was shown to be bioequivalent to ketoprofen capsules ('Orudis'). The mean (+/- standard deviation) apparent elimination half-life of ketoprofen after this sustained-release formulation was 7.4 +/- 3.1 h, compared with 4.1 +/- 0.85 h after ketoprofen capsules. The sustained-release formulation with the slower in vitro dissolution characteristics also exhibited slower in vivo dissolution, but was only 65% bioavailable, compared to ketoprofen capsules. A disproportionately large degree of elimination of free ketoprofen was observed between 0-6 h after dosing with ketoprofen capsules. This result could be explained by a saturable mechanism in the metabolism of ketoprofen to its glucuronide. however, since the renal excretion of free ketoprofen is not a major route of ketoprofen elimination, relatively large alterations in this parameter will not markedly alter elimination half-life or area under the plasma ketoprofen concentration against time curve. Thus, the clinical significance of such a mechanism is probably negligable.

Comparative pharmacokinetics of ketoprofen derived from single oral doses of ketoprofen capsules or a novel sustained-release pellet formulation

Nine healthy male volunteers took part in a crossover study to compare the pharmacokinetics of ketoprofen after administration of a single oral dose (200 mg) of ketoprofen as 'Orudis' capsules or encapsulated sustained-release pellets, 'Oruvail'. The mean +/- standard deviation values for highest observed plasma ketoprofen concentrations were determined by high performance liquid chromatography to be 23 +/- 11 micrograms ml-1 at 0.82 +/- 0.18 h after dosing with ketoprofen capsules and 3.5 +/- 1.0 micrograms ml-1 at 4.9 +/- 1.0 h after dosing with sustained-release pellets. The apparent ketoprofen elimination half-lives after these treatments were 3.3 +/- 1.2 h and 8.4 +/- 3.4 h, respectively. The systemic availability of ketoprofen was essentially the same after each treatment. Administration of sustained-release pellets (containing 200 mg ketoprofen) once every 24 h is predicted to produce similar average and markedly higher minimum plasma ketoprofen concentrations than are produced by ketoprofen capsules (100 mg) every 12 h, and similar minimum plasma ketoprofen concentrations to those achieved by dosing ketoprofen capsules (50 mg) every 6 h. Once-daily administration of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent has an obvious therapeutic advantage over more frequent dosing. This study suggests that the sustained-release pellet formulation described herein is a suitable formulation for once-daily administration of ketoprofen.

N-nitroso compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Icelandic smoked cured mutton

Five samples of Icelandic smoked cured mutton were analysed for volatile N-nitrosamines, N- nitrosoamino acids, total N-nitroso content and several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Levels varied considerably from sample to sample but generally the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and N-nitrosamines (as judged by N- nitrosoproline , N- nitrosohydroxyproline and total N-nitroso content) varied in the same way. It is suggested that in this product the smoking procedure is responsible for both groups of contaminants and that the curing process is relatively unimportant.

A pharmacokinetic study of repeated doses of a new controlled release form of ketoprofen

Nine volunteers were dosed once daily for 15 days with a controlled release formulation of ketoprofen. The peak plasma ketoprofen concentration (4.2 micrograms/ml) and apparent elimination half-life (8.4 h) did not markedly alter during the course of the study. Plasma ketoprofen concentrations at 24 h after dosing were 0.79 micrograms/ml. These minimum ketoprofen concentrations suggest that this formulation is suitable as a once daily dosing regimen.

Comparison of a capillary gas chromatographic and a high-performance liquid chromatographic method of analysis for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in food

Five food samples have been analysed for a number of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by capillary gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. The methods give similar results and there is no significant difference in their repeatability. The capillary GC method is favoured where it is desirable to analyse for a large number of PAHs, whereas the HPLC method is preferred for the individual analysis of a smaller number of PAH isomers.

Estimation of nitropolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in foods

A method is described for the sample clean-up and estimation of nitropolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (nitro-PAH) in foods. The analysis involves the novel use of a coupled capillary gas chromatograph/thermal energy analyser and provides a detection limit for 1-nitropyrene of 12 pg (equivalent to 0.02 micrograms/kg for a 50-g sample). Only 3 out of 24 samples contained detectable quantities of nitro-PAHs; these were in the range 0.2-2.0 micrograms/kg. In contrast to the widespread occurrence of the parent PAHs in foodstuffs, the presence of nitro-derivatives appears to be minimal.

Establishing a financial counseling and debt management program at Georgetown University School of Dentistry

The financial counseling and debt management program described in this paper represents a model that, with modification, could be used in other dental schools. This model, developed specifically for Georgetown University dental students, is based on average economic profiles, average parental income and contribution, employment opportunities in the Washington area, and the average first-year starting salaries of recent graduates. Any dental school considering such a program should base its model on the profile of its students. It is essential that schools, students, and families begin to address the reality of indebtedness effectively. Creative measures can be taken to ensure that debt levels are manageable and that graduates can realize a return on their dental school investment.

Analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in UK total diets

Analysis of UK total-diet samples for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons was carried out using a simplified sample clean-up and a high-performance liquid chromatography dual fluorescence detector system. The results indicate that cereals and oils/fats contribute the major part (approximately one third each) of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in these total diets. Fruit, sugars and vegetables provide much of the remainder (approximately one quarter) while meat, fish, milk and beverages make relatively minor contributions. These results are compared with others in the current literature on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in foods. The levels in the UK diet seem to be at least as low as those found elsewhere.

The effect of oxygen on nitrosamine formation in bacon

Bacon has been cooked in air and in nitrogen atmospheres and the effect on the formation of N-nitrosodimethylamine and N-nitrosopyrrolidine has been studied. Under nitrogen, reductions of 50%-90% were obtained in the concentrations of both nitrosamines in the cooking vapour. The results are discussed in terms of the likely role of nitric oxide in nitrosamine formation in cooking bacon.