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The MacDonald triad posits that animal cruelty, fire setting, and bed wetting in childhood is indicative of later aggressive and violent behavior in adults. Researchers refer to this phenomenon as a precursor to later antisocial behaviors including serial and sexual murder; while practitioners cite the triad in clinical formulations and risk assessments. However, there is yet to be a critical review and consolidation of the literature that establishes whether there is empirical support. This article explores the validity of the triad. We conducted a narrative review of the relevant studies examining the MacDonald triad and its individual constituents. There is evidence that any one of the triad behaviors could predict future violent offending, but it is very rare to find all three behaviors together as predictors. Thus, the empirical research on the MacDonald triad does not fully substantiate its premise. Rather, it would appear that the triad, or its individual constituents, is better used as an indicator of dysfunctional home environments, or poor coping skills in children. Future research is needed with robust and rigorous methodologies (e.g., adequate control groups, longitudinal designs) to fully establish the MacDonald triad's validity. Finally, further consideration is needed as to whether the triad behaviors are more indicative of other problematic outcomes (e.g., maladaptive coping to life stressors).

The homogeneity of comminuted composites of 20 lb samples of apples, cabbage, and green beans containing field-incurred residues of p, p'-methoxychlor was studied to determine whether a 5 min comminution in a 40 qt vertical cutter mixer produces a homogeneous composite and whether the size of test portions used accurately represents the composite. Duplicate test portions of 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, and 2 g taken from each of 6 separate sections of the mixer were analyzed by standard pesticide residue methodology for p, p'-methoxychlor. Results of this study confirmed that comminution of fresh produce in a 40 qt vertical cutter mixer, according to instructions described in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Pesticide Analytical Manual, Volume I, Section 203B, produces a homogeneous composite. No significant differences were found in the data for the 3 crops taken from the 6 sections of the mixer. Test portion weights of 100, 50, and 25 g produced equivalent results for all 3 crops. Statistically significant differences were observed for cabbage at 2, 5, and 10 g and for green beans at 2 g.

The Total Diet Studies conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provide yearly information on levels of pesticide residues, contaminants, and nutrients in the food supply and diets of specific age-sex groups. They also identify trends and changes in the levels of these substances in the food supply and in diets over time. Results are useful in making policy decisions regarding the safety of the food supply, food additives, pesticide use, nutrient fortification, and food labeling. This paper provides information on studies performed by FDA from 1987 to 1993.