Search

The total United States production in 1972 of plastics, synthetic rubbers, and synthetic fibers amounted to 37 billion pounds, up an average of 14.6% over the previous year [1]. While these figures are justifiably a source of joy to producers, processors, and fabricators of these polymeric materials, two problems cloud the horizon. First, the nation is entering a so-called “energy crisis” and the ultimate source of the vast majority of polymer produced in this country is petroleum (including natural gas). While only a small portion of the total petroleum production goes into plastics (perhaps 1% or so), the shortage of petroleum-based feedstocks is already forcing up the price of monomers and the polymers made from them. Second, there is increasing pressure to find answers to the question “What do we do with these polymers when objects made form them are discarded?” Currently, polymers account for only about 3% by weight of the total waste mix, although this figure is rising. They present significant disposal problems. As a result of their low density and the fact that much polymer waste is in the form of empty containers, they waste available sanitary landfill space. They are not ordinarily subject to corrosive or to microbial degradation. They are difficult to incinerate, at least with present equipment and operating procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Various components of garlic and aged garlic extract, including allicin, S-allylcysteine (SAC) and volatile metabolites of allicin were determined in breath, plasma and simulated gastric fluids by HPLC, gas chromatography (GC) or HPLC- and GC-mass spectrometry (MS). Data indicate that allicin decomposes in stomach acid to release allyl sulfides, disulfides and other volatiles that are postulated to be metabolized by glutathione and/or S-adenosylmethionine to form allyl methyl sulfide. SAC can be absorbed by the body and can be determined in plasma by HPLC or HPLC-MS using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI)-MS.

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was the major technique used to determine various metabolites after consumption of dehydrated granular garlic and an enteric-coated garlic preparation, in breath, plasma, and simulated gastric fluids. A special short-path thermal desorption device was used as an introduction technique for the gas chromatograph for the determination of volatiles. These garlic preparations release allicin, which decomposes in stomach acid or with time in the intestine to release allyl sulfides, disulfides and other volatiles, some of which are postulated to be metabolized by glutathione and/or S-adenosylmethionine to form allyl methyl sulfide, the main sulfur containing volatile metabolite. S-Allylcysteine, a non-volatile bioactive component of aged garlic preparations, was determined in human plasma and urine by HPLC-MS using the negative ion atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mode (APcI)- MS. The technique of selected ion monitoring was used for quantitation. A synthetic internal standard of deuterated S-allylcysteine was added to the plasma or urine to ensure recovery and to obtain reliable quantitative data.

Delirium is a common but underdiagnosed problem among hospitalized older adults. Delirium in this population has serious consequences and can contribute to the patient's demise. Consequently, understanding the nature of delirium in older adults is essential for safe clinical management. The delirious older adult requires physiological and environmental support, protection, judicious administration of medication, and diligent nursing care.

Blacks are at increased risk than others for developing chronic renal failure, a disease that is probably best treated with kidney transplantation. Tragically, donation among this race is low. The required request law, which fundamentally mandates that health care professionals seek donation, needs to be placed in a cultural context. Therefore, this law is discussed with particular emphasis on how it should be implemented, especially in regard to its importance for the Black population.