Food sampling practice in the United Kingdom.

As an integral part of the UK food surveillance scheme, routine food sampling is undertaken by officers at local councils. One of the main purposes of the food sampling programme is to detect food contaminants before they are sold to the public. This paper investigated the current UK food sampling activity undertaken by the local Environmental Health Departments and examined the effectiveness of the food programme. A national survey was undertaken by means of a questionnaire sent to 439 UK local authorities and a response rate of 39.2% (172 LAs) was achieved. Thirty-nine per cent of replies indicated that ensuring food safety and hygiene was the most important aim of sampling. Less than half of the returns suggested that their food programmes contributed to the prevention of foodborne illness. However, over three-quarters agreed that the current food sampling system could be improved upon. This study concluded that current UK food sampling is marginalized by financial constraints. In order to design an effective routine food programme, it should be based on an overall co-ordinated approach from local to European levels. Future work towards a statistically validated approach to the design will improve the effectiveness of food sampling programme.

Early HIV detection: a community mental health role.

This paper documents the changing need for early detection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and proposes a role for community mental health centers (CMHCs). Ignorance of HIV infection status can result in greater risk of medical complications and denies the individual the opportunity to take the steps necessary to prolong life and prevent further transmission of the virus. Individuals who know they are infected can obtain good medical care, avoid infection, avoid becoming pregnant, behave responsibly and plan their lives appropriately. Advances in specific therapeutics now make it important for infected individuals to know their HIV status well before becoming overly ill. The social history, sexual history, drug use history, and physical and mental status of each client will provide important clues regarding infection status. Reluctance to refer for testing because of concerns about level of stress, liability and confidentiality should be tempered by a policy of referring for testing whenever any indication of infection arises.

Epigastrius with omphalocele--report of a case.

An epigastrius (parasitic twinning in the epigastrium) was delivered via the vaginal route spontaneously and died 37 days later. The autosite had cardiac hypertrophy with VSD, PDA, and PFO and an omphalocele. The liver was partly conjoined. There was a small swelling at the lower part of the autosite's bifurcated sternum to which the parasitic left pelvis and lower extremity were attached. On the second day after birth, parasitectomy was performed. The amputated specimens consisted of a small left pelvic girdle with a free extremity, a scrotal mass, nipplelike structures and two small protuberances externally. The liver, intestines, two testes, one kidney, one ureter, and the bladder were contained within the omphalocele. Although all of the organs and external structures of the parasite had abnormal histopathological findings, differentiated muscle fibers and submucous and/or myenteric plexus were observed.

Neuropsychological functioning after prolonged high altitude exposure in mountaineering.

This prospective study examined the possibility of long lasting CNS sequelae of high altitude exposure in mountaineering. An extensive battery of neuropsychological and personality tests was given to 22 subjects before and after Himalayan climbs above 5334 m (17,500 ft). All subjects were at altitude for long periods without supplemental oxygen, but did not suffer other physical insults such as serious injury or food or water deprivation. Although several climbers experienced acute effects of mountain sickness while at altitude, their post-climb evaluations revealed no evidence of lasting cerebral dysfunction or psychological deficit. A few climbers' subjective ratings of mental functioning were worse after their expeditions, but these self-assessments were unsupported by their performances on the objective testing. It was concluded that in healthy people who do not suffer other physical insults as well, acute CNS effects of low oxygen tensions during high altitude climbs are reversible.

Lowland sheep: the nutrition and management cycle.

Good management of lowland sheep depends on strategic uses of resources during the management cycle and manipulation of body reserves. Critical periods are around mating, late pregnancy and early lactation. Good condition at mating is achieved by expanding the grazing area apportioned to the ewes in autumn. Thereafter, ewes are restricted to allow the resting of pasture for spring growth. A feeding plan for late pregnancy is given which takes account of body condition score and expected lambing date. The recommended concentrate ration contains a proportion of undegradable protein which is fed until grass growth can support lactation. Nutrition in later lactation is not limiting provided fertiliser nitrogen is applied regularly at a level related to stocking rate. By integration with other enterprises (cattle and crops), efficient use of resources is achieved.

Thermal conductivity comparison method based on silicon diode thermometry.

A room-temperature thermal conductivity comparison method is described which does not required calibrated thermometers and which involves temperature rises <1 K. The method is based on silicon diode thermometry, and the results obtained on three unknowns measured against alumina are presented. For the short samples measured, the uncertainty is approximately +/-5%. Methods for applying the technique at other temperatures and for improving the accuracy are discussed.

The "bronze baby" syndrome: postmortem data.

The case history and autopsy findings of an infant with the "bronze baby" syndrome are presented. These findings substantiate that kernicterus occurs in term infants receiving phototherapy for concentrations of serum indirect bilirubin below 20 mg/dl. The findings at autopsy suggest that the photodecomposed pigmented products of bilirubin are unable to pass the blood-brain barrier. The need for establishing the cause of jaundice prior to initiation of phototherapy is stressed.