Determination of urinary ortho- and meta-cresol in humans by headspace SPME gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

ortho-Cresol (o-C) and meta-cresol (m-C) are minor urinary metabolites of toluene, a widely used chemical with neurotoxicological properties. A new assay for their determination in human urine is here proposed. Urinary cresol sulphates and glucuronates are submitted to acid hydrolysis, urine is neutralized, added with o-cresols-d8, and analytes are sampled in the headspace of urine by SPME using a polydimethylsiloxane fiber.

Application of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the determination of urinary ethylenethiourea in humans.

Ethylenethiourea (ETU) is a major metabolite of ethylenebisdithiocarbamate pesticides: a sensitive and specific assay for its determination in human urine is proposed below. ETU is extracted on a diatomaceous earth column using dichloromethane and derivatized with the mixture of N-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-N-methyltrifluoroacetamide and tert-butyldimethyilsilyl chloride. The derivative is analyzed using GC/MS in the EI/SIM mode.

Randomized comparison of vaporizing electrode and cutting loop for endometrial ablation.

Objective: To compare endometrial ablation using a vaporizing electrode with resection using a standard cutting loop, evaluating distension fluid absorption, operating time, and ease of procedure.

Methods: Premenopausal menorrhagic women with normal hysteroscopic and endometrial biopsy findings were allocated randomly to endometrial vaporization (n = 47) or resection (n = 44). Distension medium deficit, operating time, and degree of difficulty of the procedure were determined at surgery.

Determinants of reproductive outcome after abdominal myomectomy for infertility.

Objective: To determine the effect of myomectomy as a therapy for infertility and to define the factors that influence reproductive outcome.

Design: Retrospective study of a case series.

Setting: An academic department specializing in conservative surgery.