Quantitation of the nitrosamine 2-ethylhexyl-4-(N-methyl-N-nitrosoamino) benzoate (NPABAO) in sunscreen products.

We have devised a method to quantitate the nitrosamine, 2-ethylhexyl-4-(N-methyl-N-nitrosoamino) benzoate (NPABAO), in commercial products containing the sunscreen ingredient, Padimate O. The method involves a minimum of cleanup steps to afford a nonaqueous extract from product emulsions suitable for analysis by a liquid chromatograph interfaced to a thermal energy analyzer (LC/TEA). The method is applicable to lotions, creams, and gels. Oils are normally soluble in the mobile phase and can be analyzed directly on the LC/TEA without additional cleanup procedures. The method has a minimum detectable limit of about 30 ppb and yields greater than 80% recovery. It is highly reproducible and generates no NPABAO artifactually prior to quantitation on the LC/TEA. Application of the method to 22 different commercial product formulas disclosed that the level of NPABAO in each of the products is below 250 ppb, with 18 of the products containing less than 100 ppb. Of interest was the observation that musk ketone, a common fragrance constituent, produces a false-positive TEA response that can interfere with accurate analysis of NPABAO content in typical commercial products.     

Expression of β2-integrin on monocytes and blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the periparturient period in dairy cows

The hypothesis that an altered expression of CD11/CD18 on bovine circulating monocytes, polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), or both, contributes to an increased mastitis susceptibility in periparturient cows was tested. Expression of CD18 and CD11a, -b, -c on bovine monocytes and PMN were assessed in 8 Friesian-Holstein cows by flow cytometry from 2 wk before calving to 5 wk after calving. Minor changes in adhesion molecule expression levels were detected throughout the experimental period. Compared with PMN, monocytes exhibited an expression level that was similar for CD18, higher for CD11a and CD11c, but lower for CD11b. Differences in density may reflect the relative importance of these adhesion molecules on both leukocyte types. In this study, the decreased number of milk resident macrophages and PMN observed during the periparturient period could not be attributed to changes of CD11/CD18 levels on circulating leukocytes.     

Comparison of Closely Related Orthopoxvirus Isolates by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis

The reliability and reproducibility of random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis (RAPD) was compared with restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) by analysing three virus strains isolated from zoo animals in Berlin and three isolates which were cultivated from pets from Northern Germany. The RAPD technique was evaluated as a reliable tool with good reproducibility of the patterns for each virus strain investigated. Problems of interpretation due to inconsistent intensity of bands in different polymerase chain reaction runs may arise for less experienced personnel. The RAPD analysis can be performed within one working day and needs less DNA compared with RFLP so costs will be reduced. The obvious advantage of RFLP is that the pattern can be traced to the recognition site of the restriction enzyme whereas the RAPD primer sequence is not present in the orthopoxvirus genome at all. To the authors knowledge, the RAPD technique has never been applied in DNA viruses before and they conclude that this technique is a useful tool for the discrimination of closely related cowpoxviruses.     

Adrenocortical suppression associated with topical otic administration of glucocorticoids in dogs

Commercial otic preparations that contained dexamethasone or triamcinolone acetate were applied twice daily to both ears of 2 groups of dogs (n = 8). Marked adrenocortical suppression, reflected by low serum cortisol concentrations, was observed in all dogs. Results of ACTH response tests were blunted after 7 days of treatment. Twenty-one days after treatment, serum cortisol concentrations still were suppressed in all dogs, compared with pretreatment control concentrations. Fourteen days after cessation of otic treatment, 5 of 8 dogs still had inadequate release of cortisol in response to ACTH.