Prescription data as a tool in pharmacotherapy audit (II). The development of an instrument.

In many countries, prescription data are used as an instrument to provide feedback on prescribing. This article describes the development and implementation of a computer program as a tool for pharmacotherapy audit meetings and it illustrates the possibilities of such a program. The program was developed to support the optimisation of prescribing in the various stages of behavioural change.

Prescription data as a tool in pharmacotherapy audit (I). General considerations.

This article discusses how prescription data that are available from pharmacies can be used as a tool to support the improvement of prescribing behaviour. For the optimal use of prescription data in pharmacotherapeutic audit, the specific aim of the audit meeting must be clear. Next, appropriate measures (quality of drug choice, volume, cost) have to be selected for the presentation and discussion of prescribing.

The effect of processing conditions on glucosinolates in cruciferous vegetables.

Glucosinolates are found naturally in cruciferous plants, such as brassica vegetables, which are important in the human diet. Glucosinolates are readily converted into a range of physiologically active compounds by hydrolysis under the influence of an endogenous thioglucosidase, which becomes active when plant cells are disrupted. Cruciferous vegetables are eaten raw, they are also consumed in the processed form.

Mutagenic activity of selected aromatic amines and polycyclic hydrocarbons in Drosophila melanogaster.

With the use of a series of wild-type and repair-deficient strains and appropriate application procedures, it is possible to demonstrate that carcinogenic aromatic amines and polycyclic hydrocarbons are mutagens in Drosophila. We have shown evidence that AAF, N-OH-AAF, AcO-AAF, BP, DAS and DMBA produce recessive lethals when fed to or injected into adult males. Mutagenic activity was also observed when male larvae were exposed to AAF, BP, DMBA, 3-MC or NA.