Impact of thermal desorption tubes on the variability of exhaled breath data.

Due to the overall low abundance of volatile compounds in exhaled breath, it is necessary to preconcentrate the sample prior to traditional thermal desorption (TD) gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis. While certain aspects of TD tubes, such as volatile storage, have been evaluated, many aspects remain uncharacterized. Two common TD tubes, Tenax TA and Biomonitoring 5TD tubes, were evaluated for background content and flow rate variability. The data illustrate that the Biomonitoring 5TD tubes have the highest number (23) and abundance of background contamination greater than 3x the mean noise when compared to Tenax TA (13) and empty tubes (9). Tentative identifications of the compounds in the background contamination experiment show that greater than 59% (16/27) of the compounds identified have been reported in the breath literature. The data illustrate the TD tube background abundance could account for more than 70% of the chromatographic signal from exhaled breath for these select compounds. Flow rate measurements of 200 Tenax TA and 200 Biomonitoring 5TD tubes show a large range in measured flow rates among the TD tubes (Tenax: 252.9-284.0 ml min-1, 5TD: 220.6-255.1 ml min-1). Finally, TD tubes of each type, Tenax TA and Biomonitoring 5TD, previously established to have high, medium, and low flow rates, show insignificant differences (p> 0.05) among the tubes of different flow rates, using both gas standards and an exhaled breath from a peppermint experiment. Collectively, these results establish overall background compounds attributed to each TD tube type tested. Additionally, while measured flow rate variability is present and plausibly impacts exhaled breath results, the data demonstrate no statistically significant difference was observed between tubes showing high, medium, and low flow rates from two separate sample types.

High species richness in the lichen genus Peltigera (Ascomycota, Lecanoromycetes): 34 species in the dolichorhizoid and scabrosoid clades of section Polydactylon, including 24 new to science.

Applying molecular methods to fungi establishing lichenized associations with green algae or cyanobacteria has repeatedly revealed the existence of numerous phylogenetic taxa overlooked by classical taxonomic approaches. Here, we report taxonomical conclusions based on multiple species delimitation and validation analyses performed on an eight-locus dataset that includes world-wide representatives of the dolichorhizoid and scabrosoid clades in section Polydactylon of the genus Peltigera. Following the recommendations resulting from a consensus species delimitation approach and additional species validation analysis (BPP) performed in this study, we present a total of 25 species in the dolichorhizoid clade and nine in the scabrosoid clade, including respectively 18 and six species that are new to science and formally described. Additionally, one combination and three varieties (including two new to science) are proposed in the dolichorhizoid clade. The following 24 new species are described: P. appalachiensis, P. asiatica, P. borealis, P. borinquensis, P. chabanenkoae, P. clathrata, P. elixii, P. esslingeri, P. flabellae, P. gallowayi, P. hawaiiensis, P. holtanhartwigii, P. itatiaiae, P. hokkaidoensis, P. kukwae, P. massonii, P. mikado, P. nigriventris, P. orientalis, P. rangiferina, P. sipmanii, P. stanleyensis, P. vitikainenii and P. willdenowii; the following new varieties are introduced: P. kukwae var. phyllidiata and P. truculenta var. austroscabrosa; and the following new combination is introduced: P. hymenina var. dissecta. Each species from the dolichorhizoid and scabrosoid clades is morphologically and chemically described, illustrated, and characterised with ITS sequences. Identification keys are provided for the main biogeographic regions where species from the two clades occur. Morphological and chemical characters that are commonly used for species identification in the genus Peltigera cannot be applied to unambiguously recognise most molecularly circumscribed species, due to high variation of thalli formed by individuals within a fungal species, including the presence of distinct morphs in some cases, or low interspecific variation in others. The four commonly recognised morphospecies: P. dolichorhiza, P. neopolydactyla, P. pulverulenta and P. scabrosa in the dolichorhizoid and scabrosoid clades represent species complexes spread across multiple and often phylogenetically distantly related lineages. Geographic origin of specimens is often helpful for species recognition; however, ITS sequences are frequently required for a reliable identification. Citation: Magain N, Miadlikowska J, Goffinet B, et al. 2023. High species richness in the lichen genus Peltigera (Ascomycota, Lecanoromycetes): 34 species in the dolichorhizoid and scabrosoid clades of section Polydactylon, including 24 new to science. Persoonia 51: 1-88. doi: 10.3767/persoonia.2023.51.01.

The decision-making threshold and the factors that affect it: A qualitative study of patients' decision-making in knee replacement surgery.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis is a significant cause of burden to the ageing population and knee replacement is a common operation for treatment of end-stage disease. We aimed to explore these factors to help understand patients' decision-making, which is critical in informing patient-centred care. These can be used to enhance decision-making and dialogue between clinicians and patients, allowing a more informed choice. METHODS: The study consisted of two focus groups, in a patient cohort after total knee replacement followed by more in-depth interviews to further test and explore themes from the focus groups, in patients in either the deliberation stage or the decision-making stage. RESULTS: Using qualitative research methods (iterative thematic analysis) reviewing decision-making and deliberation phases of making informed choices we found nine key themes that emerged from the study groups. CONCLUSIONS: An awareness of the deliberation phase, the factors that influence it, the stress associated with it, preferred models of care, and the influence of the decision-making threshold will aid useful communication between doctors and patients.

Efficient one-pot synthesis of amino-benzotriazolodiazocinone scaffolds via catalyst-free tandem Ugi-Huisgen reactions.

Herein we describe a catalyst-free, one-pot procedure employing an Ugi-4CR between propargyl glycine, functionalised 2-azidoanilines, different isocyanides and aldehydes, followed by a thermal azide-alkyne Huisgen cycloaddition to generate a 14-member set of amino-benzotriazolodiazocine-bearing dipeptides with multiple points of diversification and high atom economy. These structures were derivatized by means of Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions at two positions with good to excellent yields, leading to conformationally constrained tricyclic structures. In silico and NMR conformational analysis studies demonstrated that turn conformations are adopted by these structures.

Patients' decision making in total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review of qualitative research.

OBJECTIVES: A patient-centred approach, usually achieved through shared decision making, has the potential to help improve decision making around knee arthroplasty surgery. However, such an approach requires an understanding of the factors involved in patient decision making. This review's objective is to systematically examine the qualitative literature surrounding patients' decision making in knee arthroplasty. METHODS: A systematic literature review using Medline and Embase was conducted to identify qualitative studies that examined patients' decision making around knee arthroplasty. An aggregated account of what is known about patients' decision making in knee arthroplasties is provided. RESULTS: Seven studies with 234 participants in interviews or focus groups are included. Ten themes are replicated across studies, namely: expectations of surgery; coping mechanisms; relationship with clinician; fear; pain; function; psychological implications; social network; previous experience of surgery; and conflict in opinions. CONCLUSIONS: This review is helpful in not only directing future research to areas that are not understood, or require confirmation, but also in highlighting areas that future interventions could address. These include those aimed at delivering information, which are likely to affect the satisfaction rate, demand, and use of knee arthroplasties. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2015;4;163-169.

Efficient synthesis of conformationally constrained, amino-triazoloazepinone-containing di- and tripeptides via a one-pot Ugi-Huisgen tandem reaction.

Herein we describe a catalyst-free procedure employing an Ugi-4CR between a ß-azido-α-amino acid, propargylamine, an isocyanide and an aldehyde, followed by a thermal azide-alkyne Huisgen cycloaddition to generate a 16-member library of amino-triazoloazepinone-bearing di- and tripeptides with up to four points of diversification and high atom economy.

A systematic review of plate versus intramedullary fixation in the treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures.

The best method of fixation for clavicle fractures is not known. The purpose of this review was to examine the evidence comparing plate and intramedullary fixation for midshaft clavicle fractures. A search of MEDLINE in September 2011 identified five papers that compared plate and intramedullary fixation, and fulfilled our eligibility criteria, consisting of; one randomised controlled trial, two quasi-randomised controlled trials, and two retrospective studies. Level of evidence was assessed using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guidance and the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group's quality assessment tool. No attempt at meta-analysis was made due to the heterogeneity of the study populations and interventions. We found no difference between intramedullary fixation and plate fixation. There was a trend towards a lower complication rate with intramedullary fixation. On the basis of the available evidence, we would advocate both techniques for the treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures.

Effect of cotton padding on the setting properties of plaster slabs.

INTRODUCTION: Plaster of Paris (PoP) impregnated bandages have been used to maintain the position of bones and joints for over a century. Classically, wool dressing is applied to the limb before the PoP, which can then be moulded to the desired shape. A modification of this practice is to wrap the PoP bandages circumferentially in cotton before wetting and applying to the patient in an attempt to reduce inhalation of plaster dust and reduce mess. However, this may affect the water content of the cast and therefore also its setting properties and strength. This study compared the setting properties of PoP casts when used with and without cotton wrapping. METHODS: Sixty specimens, compliant with the American Society for Testing and Materials standards for three-point bending tests, were prepared, with thirty wrapped in cotton. All were weighed before and after water immersion, and wrapped around a plastic cylinder to mimic limb application. Bending stiffness and yield strength was measured on a servohydraulic materials testing machine at 2, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours. RESULTS: The water content of cotton-wrapped plaster was significantly higher (50%) than that of standard plaster. It had significantly lower strength up to 24 hours and significantly lower stiffness up to 72 hours. CONCLUSIONS: The initial decrease in strength and stiffness of the cast wrapped in cotton may comprise the ability of the backslab to hold the joint or bone in an optimal position. Any modification of the standard plaster slab application technique should allow for the potential adverse effects on the plaster setting properties.

Arsenic speciation in polychaetes (Annelida) and sediments from the intertidal mudflat of Sundarban mangrove wetland, India.

This paper documents the concentration of total arsenic and individual arsenic species in four soft-bottom benthic polychaetes (Perenereis cultifera, Ganganereis sootai, Lumbrinereis notocirrata and Dendronereis arborifera) along with host sediments from Sundarban mangrove wetland, India. An additional six sites were considered exclusively for surface sediments for this purpose. Polychaetes were collected along with the host sediments and measured for their total arsenic content using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Arsenic concentrations in polychaete body tissues varied greatly, suggesting species-specific characteristics and inherent peculiarities in arsenic metabolism. Arsenic was generally present in polychaetes as arsenate (As(V) ranges from 0.16 to 0.50 mg kg(-1)) or arsenite (As(III) ranges from 0.10 to 0.41 mg kg(-1)) (30-53 % as inorganic As) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA(V) <1-25 %). Arsenobetaine (AB < 16 %), and PO(4)-arsenoriboside (8-48 %) were also detected as minor constituents, whilst monomethylarsonic acid (MA(V)) was not detected in any of the polychaetes. The highest total As (14.7 mg kg(-1) dry wt) was observed in the polychaete D. arborifera collected from the vicinity of a sewage outfall in which the majority of As was present as an uncharacterised compound (10.3 mg kg(-1) dry wt) eluted prior to AB. Host sediments ranged from 2.5 to 10.4 mg kg(-1) of total As. This work supports the importance of speciation analysis of As, because of the ubiquitous occurrence of this metalloid in the environment, and its variable toxicity depending on chemical form. It is also the first work to report the composition of As species in polychaetes from the Indian Sundarban wetlands.

Exposure of burrowing mammals to 222Rn.

Estimates of absorbed dose rates to wildlife from exposure to natural background radionuclides are required to put estimates of dose rates arising from regulated releases of radioactivity and proposed benchmarks into context. Recent review papers have estimated dose rates to wildlife from (40)K, and (238)U and (232)Th series radionuclides. However, only one study previous has considered the potential dose rates to burrowing animals from inhaled (222)Rn and its daughter products. In this paper we describe a study conducted at seven sites in northwest England. Passive track etch detectors were used to measure the (222)Rn concentrations in artificial burrows over a period of approximately one year. Results suggest that absorbed dose rates to burrowing mammals as a consequence of exposure to (222)Rn are likely to be at least an order of magnitude higher than those suggested in previous evaluations of natural background exposure rates which had omitted this radionuclide and exposure pathway. Dose rates in some areas of Great Britain will be considerably in excess of incremental no-effects benchmark dose rates suggested for use as screening levels. Such advised benchmark dose rates need to be better put into context with background dose rates, including exposure to (222)Rn, to ensure credibility; although the context will be determined by the purpose of the benchmark and the assessment level.

A cross-sectional study of aggression levels in physicians and orthopaedic surgeons: impact on specialty selection and training?

OBJECTIVES: To determine if current validated psychometric evaluations could determine a difference in basic behavioural characteristics between surgical and medical specialties. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Two district general hospitals and one University teaching hospital in England, UK. PARTICIPANTS: Internal medicine (16) and trauma and orthopaedic (20) consultants. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Aggression levels as assessed by the Buss and Warren questionnaire. The self-administered questionnaire assesses aggression in terms of physical, verbal, anger, hostility, indirect hostility and an overall assessment of aggression. RESULTS: All participants had aggression scores below the population average. We found a significant difference (P < 0.01) in total level of aggression, with orthopaedic consultants scoring a mean of 61.1 (standard deviation [SD] 9.2) and physicians 51.3 (SD 9.5). When analysis of the five different subtypes of aggression was carried out, orthopaedic surgeons scored significantly higher in terms of verbal aggression (P = 0.005), hostility (P = 0.002) and indirect hostility (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: This study joins a growing evidence base for aspects of behaviour indicative of a given specialty. Aggression is a relatively stable behavioural characteristic from adolescence, and as such this is the first study of its type to suggest that the differences in behavioural characteristics seen between specialties are inherent, rather than learned. It is unclear if the differences observed represent an attraction of that specialty to the personality type or is required for success within the given specialty. Whether this can be used in terms of selection into higher specialty training, or influence training within specialties, requires further work.

First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused by Leveillula taurica on Giant Blazing Star (Mentzelia laevicaulis).

Mentzelia laevicaulis (Dougl. ex Hook.) Torr. & Gray (Loasaceae; common names are giant blazing star and smoothstem blazing star) is widely distributed throughout western North America in sites ranging from lowland deserts to mountainous areas in Canada and the United States. During a plant disease survey in June 2007 in the Owyhee Mountains, Canyon County, Idaho, leaves of M. laevicaulis displaying whitish, mycelial growth were collected from plants growing on stream banks and gravelly road embankments. Diseased leaves exhibited localized, chlorotic discolorations associated with signs of a powdery mildew. Of approximately 20 plants at the site, 50% were infected. White mycelia and conidia were more abundant on the adaxial leaf surfaces than on the abaxial surfaces. Severely diseased leaves were buckled and slightly twisted. By August and through September, sporulation was greatest on mature plants, and lowermost leaves were completely covered with flocculose, dense, white mycelia. Dimorphic conidia were lanceolate or cylindrical and measured (44-) 46 to 67 (-71) × (14-) 14.5 to 20 (-21) µm. DNA was extracted and PCR was used to amplify the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region as described previously (2), except that primers ITS 5 and P3 (4) were used. The resulting 633-bp sequence (GenBank Accession No. GQ860947) included a 616-bp region identical to a sequence reported previously for Leveillula taurica (Lév.) Arnaud from eastern Washington (GenBank No. AY912077), as well as ITS regions from L. taurica previously reported from Iran (GenBank No. AB048350) (2) and Australia (GenBank No. AF 073351) (2). Based on the ITS sequence, the present fungus grouped within Khodaparast et al. (3) Clade 1 that included L. taurica strains they distinguished from other, superficially similar species of Leveillula. On the basis of morphological and sequence data, the fungus was determined to be L. taurica (1,3). A voucher specimen was deposited in the Mycology Herbarium (WSP) at Washington State University. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a named powdery mildew species from a member of the Loasaceae. The only previous report of a powdery mildew on a loasaceous host was an undetermined Oidium sp. on a species of Mentzelia (1). The discovery of L. taurica on a previously unknown native host species is further evidence that this introduced pathogen is becoming endemic to the Pacific Northwest. Native host species, such as M. laevicaulis, may play a role in the epidemiology of powdery mildew diseases caused by L. taurica on crop and ornamental species in the Pacific Northwest. References: (1) U. Braun. Beih. Nova Hedwigia 89:1, 1987. (2) D. A. Glawe et al. Mycol. Prog. 4:291, 2005. (3) S. A. Khodaparast et al. Mycol. Res. 105:909, 2001. (4) S. Takamatsu and Y. Kano. Mycoscience 42:135, 2001.

A randomized trial of radical radiotherapy for the management of pT1G3 NXM0 transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

PURPOSE: We conducted a multicenter randomized trial in the United Kingdom to determine the efficacy of radical radiotherapy in reducing the incidence of progression of pT1G3 transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder to muscle invasive disease and subsequent disease fatality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with a new diagnosis of pT1G3 NXM0 transitional cell carcinoma with unifocal disease and no carcinoma in situ (group 1), or with multifocal disease and/or carcinoma in situ (group 2) were eligible for the trial. Patients in group 1 were randomized between observation and radiotherapy to the bladder, and in group 2 between intravesical therapy and radiotherapy. RESULTS: From September 1991 to February 2003 a total of 210 patients from 37 centers in the United Kingdom were entered into the study. There were 77 patients in group 1 and 133 patients in group 2, and 6 patients were excluded from analysis because they were found to have pT2 disease by the reference pathologist. No evidence of an advantage with radiotherapy was found in terms of progression-free interval (hazard ratio 1.07; 95% CI 0.65, 1.74; p = 0.785), progression-free survival (hazard ratio 1.35; 95% CI 0.92, 1.98; p = 0.133) or overall survival (hazard ratio 1.32; 95% CI 0.86, 2.04; p = 0.193). CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge this is the largest randomized trial performed in patients with pT1G3 disease for which 210 patients were recruited during 11 years. There is no evidence that radiotherapy is better than more conservative treatment. The prognosis of this group of patients appears to be poor irrespective of treatment and new treatment strategies need to be investigated.

The utility of presurgical CA125 to predict optimal tumor cytoreduction of epithelial ovarian cancer.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of a preoperative serum CA125 to predict whether optimal debulking (OD) could be achieved for patients with stage III and IV epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). The records of consecutive patients who underwent primary surgery for EOC at Indiana University Hospital between January 1997 and January 2003 were reviewed. Eligibility criteria included FIGO stage III/IV disease, surgery by gynecologic oncology faculty, preoperative CA125, and an operative note clearly defining volume of residual disease. The Medcalc software statistical package was used to generate a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Two hundred and eighty-nine cases of stage III/IV EOC were identified, of which 164 met the eligibility criteria. Serum CA125 /=75% of the time. Conversely, OD was achieved in /=4500. The area under the ROC curve for CA125 was .670. The OD rate for those with and without ascites was 49% and 79%, respectively (P < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis using CA125, age, and ascites, the area under the curve was 0.686. We conclude that preoperative serum CA125 did not reliably predict OD in patients with stage III-IV EOC.

Amnesic shellfish poison.

Amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) is caused by consumption of shellfish that have accumulated domoic acid, a neurotoxin produced by some strains of phytoplankton. The neurotoxic properties of domoic acid result in neuronal degeneration and necrosis in specific regions of the hippocampus. A serious outbreak of ASP occurred in Canada in 1987 and involved 150 reported cases, 19 hospitalisations and 4 deaths after consumption of contaminated mussels. Symptoms ranged from gastrointestinal disturbances, to neurotoxic effects such as hallucinations, memory loss and coma. Monitoring programmes are in place in numerous countries worldwide and closures of shellfish harvesting areas occur when domoic acid concentrations exceed regulatory limits. This paper reviews the chemistry, sources, metabolism and toxicology of domoic acid as well as human case reports of ASP and discusses a possible mechanism of toxicity.

The mechanism of DNA repair by uracil-DNA glycosylase: studies using nucleotide analogues.

2',4'-Dideoxy-4'-methyleneuridine incorporated into oligodeoxynucleotides forms regular B-DNA duplexes as shown by Tm and CD measurements. Such oligomers are not cleaved by the DNA repair enzyme, UDG, which cleaves the glycosylic bond in dU but not in dT nor in dC nucleosides in single stranded and double stranded DNA. Differential binding of oligomers containing carbadU, 4'-thiodU, and dU residues to wild type and mutant UDG proteins identify an essential role for the furanose 4'-oxygen in recognition and cleavage of dU residues in DNA.

Formation of deaminated products in styrene oxide reactions with deoxycytidine.

The reaction of racemic styrene oxide with deoxycytidine under aqueous conditions was studied. The four principal products isolated were a pair of diastereomeric N(4)-(2-hydroxy-1-phenylethyl)deoxycytidines ( approximately 20% of the products) and a pair of diastereomeric 3-(2-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)deoxyuridines ( approximately 80% of the products). Reactions with optically active styrene oxides allowed the configurations of the 3-(2-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)deoxyuridines to be assigned, and these structures were confirmed by an independent synthesis from deoxyuridine. Also, it was possible to tentatively assign the configurations of the N(4)-(2-hydroxy-1-phenylethyl)deoxycytidines that had undergone some racemization during the reaction (the ratio of the retained to inverted configuration of the products was approximately 1:7).

Effectiveness of student assistance programs in Nebraska schools.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated whether Nebraska schools with Student Assistance Programs (SAP) are associated with reduced adolescent alcohol use and a higher level of academic achievement than students from schools without a SAP. METHODS: In 1992, the Toward a Drug Free Nebraska (TDFN) survey was administered to 3,454 students in grades seven to twelve at eighty-three Nebraska schools. A second survey, the TDFN "team activity report" collected from each school's team, the presence of a SAP (n = 34 schools) or absence of a SAP (n = 49 schools). Student responses for alcohol use and academic achievements were linked with the presence of a SAP through use of a school identification number on both surveys. RESULTS: Students from schools with a SAP reported a lower use of alcohol in the last thirty days, compared with students from schools without a SAP program (p < 0.05), and they also reported a significant difference in academic achievement (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: While this study used post hoc analysis of data, the results suggest lower alcohol use and higher academic achievement among students from SAP schools. Given SAPs' popularity, these trends suggest that further research should be conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of student assistance programs.

Detection of 1,N6-etheno-2'-deoxyadenosine and 3,N4-etheno-2'-deoxycytidine occurring endogenously in DNA.

1,N6-Etheno-2'-deoxyadenosine (epsilon dA) and 3,N4-etheno-2'-deoxycytidine (epsilon dC) are DNA adducts formed by a number of genotoxic chemicals, including vinyl chloride. They are also formed endogenously in tissue DNA, probably from a reactive metabolite of lipid peroxidation. Both the qualitative and quantitative detection of endogenous adducts is important in order to place adduct formation by chemicals such as vinyl chloride in the context of this natural background level. Methods with sufficient sensitivity are therefore being developed to measure the natural background of epsilon dA and epsilon dC adducts. We have developed a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-32P-postlabelling method to measure epsilon dA and epsilon dC at alkylation frequencies of 1 adduct in 10(7)-10(8) nucleotides in 10-microgram samples of DNA. In HPLC-32P-postlabelling analysis of liver DNA from control Wistar rats, epsilon dA and epsilon dC were determined at levels of 1 adduct in 8.1 x 10(7) and 1 adduct in 1.8 x 10(7) nucleotides, respectively. The levels of epsilon dA and epsilon dC measured in liver DNA of animals exposed orally to five daily doses of 50 mg/kg body weight vinyl chloride were found by this method to be 1 adduct in 2.9 x 10(7) and 1 adduct in 1.4 x 10(7) nucleotides, respectively. In contrast, in a direct labelling study, radiolabelled epsilon dA and epsilon dC were not detected in liver DNA of rats exposed for 6 h by nose-only inhalation to [1,2-14C]vinyl chloride at up to 45 ppm v/v. Immunochemical procedures are also being developed for recognizing etheno adducts. Thus, a monoclonal antibody raised to protein conjugates of epsilon dC showed high selectivity in the recognition of this DNA adduct. When the antibody was immobilized on a solid support and used in an immunoenrichment procedure to purify epsilon dC from a large excess of normal nucleotides, one epsilon dC adduct from about 10(8) normal nucleotides could be resolved. Coupling the immunoaffinity enrichment procedure with capillary zone electrophoresis permitted the detection of approximately one epsilon dC adduct in 3 x 10(6) nucleotides.