Recent trends in the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of organic contaminants in environmental samples.

An overview of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry methods used for the determination of trace organic contaminants in environmental samples is presented. Among the organic contaminants the focus is given on five groups of emerging contaminants that raised most concern as environmental contaminants and therefore attracted attention of a research community: pharmaceuticals, drugs of abuse, polar pesticides, perfluorinated compounds and nanoparticles. Various aspects of current LC-MS methodology, using tandem and hybrid MS instruments, including sample preparation, are discussed.

Delineation of the ADULT syndrome phenotype due to arginine 298 mutations of the p63 gene.

The ADULT syndrome (Acro-Dermato-Ungual-Lacrimal-Tooth, OMIM 103285) is a rare ectodermal dysplasia associated with limb malformations and caused by heterozygous mutations in p63. ADULT syndrome has clinical overlap with other p63 mutation syndromes, such as EEC (OMIM 604292), LMS (OMIM 603543), AEC (106260), RHS (129400) and SHFM4 (605289). ADULT syndrome characteristics are ectrodactyly, ectodermal dysplasia, mammary gland hypoplasia and normal lip and palate. The latter findings allow differentiation from EEC syndrome. LMS differs by milder ectodermal involvement. Here, we report three new unrelated ADULT syndrome families, all with mutations of arginine 298. On basis of 16 patients in five families with R298 mutation, we delineate the ADULT syndrome phenotype. In addition, we have documented a gain-of-function effect on the dNp63gamma isoform caused by this mutation. We discuss the possible relevance of oral squamous cell carcinoma in one patient, who carries this p63 germline mutation.

Immunohistochemical expression of p63 in human prenatal tooth primordia.

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of the p63 gene in normal human tooth buds at different gestational stages. This is the first detailed study of p63 expression in normal human prenatal tooth primordia. The material consisted of sections of the midaxial tissue block from the cranial base of three human fetuses of gestational ages (GA) 11, 15, and 21 weeks. The sections included tooth primordia representing cap stages and bell stages of human tooth morphogenesis. In the present study, immunostaining was carried out using the primary antibody, monoclonal mouse anti human p63 protein, clone 4A4. The sections were counterstained with hematoxylin Mayer. p63 immunoreactivity was identified by microscopy. The study showed a positive reaction of p63 in both the cap stage and the bell stage. In both stages, positivity was observed in the cells of the oral mucosa, the inner and outer enamel epithelium, and in the primary and secondary dental lamina. In the early cap stage, there is a strong positive reaction to p63 in the enamel knot, but not in the late cap stage. We suggest that p63 may have an important regulatory function in the enamel knot.

[Contact and dialogue between drug companies and the global regulatory authorities throughout research and development phase]. / Kontakt og dialog mellem et laegemiddelfirma og de globale registreringsmyndigheder under et forsknings- og udviklingsforløb.

Contact between pharmaceutical companies and local as well as global regulatory authorities (Ministry of Health) takes place throughout the development phase and especially when a clinical study is to be initiated. This contact is important both for the company and for the authorities, as both parties are constantly kept informed about the development progress and about the potential unexpected findings in connection with development of a new drug. The authority dialogue secures that authorities and companies exploit their resources optimally and patients get access to new, safe and efficacious drugs without delay.

The essence of humour and its effects and functions: a qualitative study.

Humour is one of the innate abilities that an individual develops whilst growing up and which is affected by his/her experiences in life. The purpose of this study was to describe which categories can be included in the term 'humour' and to describe the effects and functions that humour has on people. The study was exploratory. The data were based on 20 interviews, nine of which were made with women and 11 with men who had no formal connection to health services or nursing. Ages ranged from 17 to 75 years and all the interviewees were from Sweden. The research question was: 'what does humour mean to you?'. The answers given were labelled as: laughter, happiness, unforeseen events/situations, real humour/art form, jokes, plays on words/puns, situation comedy and political satire. The categories were: possibilities/obstacles and weapon/protection. We conclude that the essence of humour can be categorized as possibilities/obstacles and weapon/protection. Humour has effects and functions on individuals. Empathy is a prerequisite for the use of humour in the context of health services and nursing.