Prevalence of hepatitis A, B, C, and E antibody in flying airline personnel.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to detect the prevalence of antibodies against hepatitis A, B, C, and E viruses in flying airline personnel, and to determine the necessity of hepatitis A vaccination to prevent such infections related to occupational exposure. METHODS: Antibodies against hepatitis A (HAV), B (HBV), C (HVC), and E (HEV) were tested for using standard enzyme immunoassay in airline personnel, 208 flying personnel, 199 ground crew, and 204 employees from companies not involved in travel activities. RESULTS: Prevalence of antibodies against HAV was less than 5% in each group, and there was no significant difference between the three groups. Prevalence of antibodies against HEV was significantly higher in flying personnel (3.4%) than in the control groups. Prevalence of antibodies against HBV and HCV was low in each of the three groups and there were no differences between the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Infection with HAV, HBV and HCV does not seem to represent an occupational hazard to flying personnel. It is possible that flying personnel are exposed to infection with HEV, however, presently no vaccine is available.     

Acute appendicitis, echographic findings

A case of acute appendicitis in which an appendicolith was present is described. The diagnosis was made by plain abdominal radiography and ultrasound, and was confirmed at surgery. The plain abdominal film showed a lamellated, round calcification, projecting over the right iliac wing. Ultrasound revealed a tubular, hypoechogenic structure, containing an oval hyperechogenic area with acoustic shadow. The recent literature was reviewed, and the "graded compression" technique is described. A summary is given of the ultrasound findings of acute appendicitis, and of its most important differential diagnoses in childhood: mesenterial adenitis, and--less frequently--terminal ileitis.     

正常涎腺组织中E-cadherin，p16，RASSF1 A，DAPK和MGMT基因甲基化检测

目的：检测组织学正常的涎腺组织中5个抑癌基因的甲基化情况,为进行涎腺肿瘤的甲基化研究提供参照。方法甲基化特异性PCR （ methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction , MSP）法分析60例组织学正常的涎腺组织中E-钙黏蛋白（cadherin）, p16, RASSF1A,DAPK和MGMT基因启动子区的甲基化水平,并与前期研究中涎腺腺样囊性癌中的甲基化水平相比较,同时分析正常涎腺组织中E-cadherin（E-cad）, p16, RASSF1A,DAPK和MGMT基因的甲基化与患者的性别、年龄及吸烟之间的关系。结果13％（8/60）涎腺组织中发现存在甲基化,包括7％（4/60）E-cad,4％（2/60）p16,4％（2/60）RASSF1A,4％（2/60）DAPK,2％（1/60）MGMT。与之前腺样囊性癌中的结果比较,E-cad（P＜0．01）, p16（P＜0．01）, RASSF1A（P＜0．01）,DAPK（P＜0．01）基因的甲基化在肿瘤组织及腺体组织中有明显差异。但涎腺组织中E-cad, p16, RASSF1A,DAPK和MGMT基因的甲基化与患者的性别、年龄及吸烟均无明显的相关性。结论正常的涎腺组织中E-cad, p16, RASSF1A,DAPK 和 MGMT基因的甲基化均为少发事件。     

高温,噪声及二者结合对大鼠血浆部分生化指标的影响

为探讨环境因素对飞行人员的影响，８０只Ｗｉｓｔａｒ大鼠随机分为：高温组、噪声组、两组条件相加的复合组和对照组。用特异性放射免疫法测定各组血浆心钠素（ＡＮＰ）、心脏扩张素（ＣＤＤ）、内源性洋地黄因子（ＥＤＬＳ）、血浆紧张素Ⅱ（ＡⅡ）及内皮素（ＥＴ）含量。高温组血浆ＡＮＰ含量明显低于对照组（Ｐ〈０．０５）。高温组、噪声组血浆ＣＤＤ含量明显高于对照组（Ｐ〈０．０５）。高温组、噪声组及复合组血浆ＡⅡ明显高     

CT characteristics of intrahepatic, periportal, extramedullary hematopoiesis

A case of primary myelofibrosis that showed intrahepatic periportal extramedullary hematopoiesis on CT and sonography is presented. Pathological correlation of the autopsy material was obtained. It should be included in the differential diagnosis of periportal abnormality on CT.     

Fast, automated, N-dimensional phase-unwrapping algorithm.

This work investigates the general problem of phase unwrapping for arbitrary N-dimensional phase maps. A cost function-based approach is outlined that leads to an integer programming problem. To solve this problem, a best-pair-first region merging approach is adopted as the optimization method. The algorithm was implemented and tested with 3D MRI medical data for venogram studies, as well as for fMRI applications in EPI unwarping and rapid, automated shimming.     

Lightning fatality with blast,flame, heat and current effects: A macroscopic and microscopic view

A case is presented of a fatal environmental accidental injuries of lightning. A pedestrian was struck by lightning. The macroscopic and microscopic lightning injuries are reviewed.     

Myositis ossificans with atypical clinical,radiographic, or pathologic findings: A review of 23 cases

Myositis ossificans is a relatively rare, well-defined entity. The 23 cases sent for consultation to two of us (L.V.A. and A.N.) were reviewed. Clinical, radiologic, and microscopic information was reexamined, and special attention was given to features infrequently seen in typical myositis ossificans. Average age at presentation was 23 years, but 1 patient was younger than 2 years, and 2 were younger than 10 years. Due to the uncommon location of 15 lesions and an unusual presentation in 5, the correct diagnosis was not obvious in these cases. A history of trauma was elicited in 8 patients, denied by 7, and was not queried in the remainder. Radiologic studies raised the possibility of a malignant bone-forming tumor in at least three instances; myositis ossificans was originally diagnosed in 6 cases radiologically. In 8 cases, histologic evidence suggested malignancy, including osteosarcoma, either parosteal or extraosseous, in 6. Other diagnoses included epithelioid sarcoma and callus formation. Presentation of these variations from the norm highlights the importance of recognizing the evolution of a nonneoplastic fibro-osseous and cartilaginous entity in which conservative treatment is curative.     

Pharmacokinetics, immune response, and biodistribution of iodine-131-labeled chimeric mouse/human IgG1,k 17-1A monoclonal antibody

Pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity, and biodistribution of a 131I-labeled mouse/human chimeric monoclonal antibody (C-17-1A) was studied in six metastatic colon cancer patients. Pharmacokinetics obtained from serum radioactivity or chimera concentration were identical after 5 mCi of 131I-C-17-1A with mean alpha half-lives of 17.6 +/- 2.3 and 19.7 +/- 2.9 and mean beta half-lives of 100.9 +/- 16.1 and 106.4 +/- 14.1 hr, respectively. HPLC analysis documented the monomeric chimeric 17-1A without evidence of immune complexes or free 131I. None of the patients developed antibody after 131I-chimeric 17-1A exposure. Radiolocalization occurred in known areas of disease greater than 4 cm in all patients. The half-life of total-body radioactivity was 58 +/- 7 hr by whole-body counts and 64 +/- 13 hr by urine measurements. Whole-body and bone marrow dose estimates ranged from 0.75-1.03 and 0.76-1.05 rad/mCi, respectively. These studies confirm the prolonged circulation and reduced immunogenicity of chimeric 17-1A versus murine 17-1A. Marrow radiation exposure using antibodies with prolonged circulation is a critical factor in planning for radioimmunotherapeutic applications.     

The use of the STRs HUMTH01, HUMVWA31/A,HUMF13A1, HUMFES/FPS,HUMLPL in forensic application: Validation studies and population data for Galicia (NW Spain)

The 5 tetranucleotide short tandem repeats, HUMTHOI, HUMVWA31/A, HUMF13A1, HUMFES/FPS and HUMLPL were studied using different electrophoretic methods and PCR amplification conditions in order to optimize the typing conditions. A genetic population study in the population of Galicia was carried out and the allele and genotype frequencies are given. Compliance with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was tested using different statistical parameters, with clear advantages resulting in favor of using the exact test (Guo-Thompson method) instead of conventional chi-square methods. Some statistical parameters of forensic interest (PD, CE, h) were also calculated. There were no mutations found in a total of 73 paternal meioses and 101 maternal meioses. Abnormal electrophoretic mobility was found in the AT-rich STR HUMF13AI under non-denaturing conditions and, therefore, the use of denaturing conditions is absolutely necessary. No "stutter" bands were found, although double peaks in the HUMFES/FPS system were observed in some samples. The advantage of using automated sequencers with fluorescent technology is also reported.     

A personal thermoluminescence dosimeter using LiF:Mg,Cu,Na,Si detectors for photon fields.

A new personal thermoluminescence (TL) dosimeter for photon fields using LiF:Mg,Cu,Na,Si TL detector was developed by taking advantage of its dosimetric properties including energy dependencies. Solid pellet type LiF:Mg,Cu,Na,Si detector was developed and fabricated at Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) and has been studied on its dosimetric properties such as TL grow curve, dose response, energy response and reusability. Its dosimetric properties show the feasibility of application of LiF:Mg,Cu,Na,Si TL detector to personal dosimetry fields. A new dosimeter using LiF:Mg,Cu,Na,Si TL detector was designed and tested through irradiation experiments. This multi-element TL dosimeter allows the measurement of a personal dose equivalent Hp(d) in photon fields. Based on the experimental results of the proposed dosimeter, it was demonstrated that a personal TL dosimeter using sintered LiF:Mg,Cu,Na,Si TL detector is appropriate to estimate personal dose equivalent for wide range energy of photon fields.     

Craniopagus twins: neuroradiological findings (CT,angiography, MRI)

Summary A pair of craniopagus twins was examined with CT, angiography and MRI, to preoperatively assess their cerebral anatomy and blood flow. Angiography revealed a common venous sinus and a venous cross-flow from one brain to the other. This common sinus was also identified in magnetic resonance images. The significance of accurately evaluating the veins and sinuses in craniopagus twins is stressed.     

Importance of examination of buccal cavity, trachea, hand and all injuries

Four cases are discussed, with the point in view that examination of oral cavity, trachea, hands and all injuries is a vital part of post-mortem examination for the administration of justice. The cases are as follows. 1. Alleged case of death due to faulty treatment by physician, in which the death was due to choking by a medicinal tablet given forcefully to the child by his grandmother. 2. A case of hanging in which examination of the left palm revealed a ball pen testing mark on the hypothenar region. 3. In a case of homicidal death, a metal fragment was found in an incised wound which became an important piece of evidence for the administration of justice. 4. A case of hanging in which the suicide note was found in the oral cavity.     

Stress, catecholamines, and sleep

Difficulties in defining stress stem from its subjective nature. Measurements of stress based on its effects on physical and mental morbidity tend to be speculative because of the multifactorial causation of stress-related diseases, and the characteristically long time-lag between stress states and morbidity. In this study catecholamine output was measured in a group of adults Oxfordshire villagers and the observed variations were related to their lifestyles and health perceptions. A marked circadian variation was observed with adrenaline showing the most marked associations with lifestyle. In men it was possible to account for a relatively high proportion of the variation in adrenaline excretion by relating values to certain factors associated with stress. In women there appears to be a similar association between adrenaline output and the social class of the husband. Data were also obtained on sleep characteristics, which were assessed with regard to lifestyle. Very broadly, sleep duration is related to the level of waking activity, while sleep latency and quality are correlated with people's self-perception of health.     

MRI, volumetry, 1H spectroscopy, and cerebropetal blood flowmetry in childhood idiopathic anatomic megalencephaly

PURPOSE: To evaluate cerebral abnormalities in childhood idiopathic anatomic megalencephaly (MC) by means of different magnetic resonance (MR) modalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MRI, volumetry, spectroscopy, and cerebropetal blood flowmetry were performed in six children with idiopathic anatomic MC, and seven volunteers. RESULTS: MRI revealed an increased ventricular system in five of six patients. A thalamic hamartoma was found in one patient and a Chiari I malformation was found in two. Volumetric analysis showed a disproportional increase of ventricular volume but normal subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume. Supratentorial volume was disproportionally increased compared to cerebellar volume. Intracranial volume correlated significantly with skull circumference. MR spectroscopy (MRS) N-acetyl aspartate/choline (NAA/Cho) peak ratios in WM were significantly higher in patients than in controls. Choline/creatine (Cho/Cr) peak ratios in WM were significantly lower in patients. Cortical gray matter (GM) MRS ratios were unaltered. Cerebropetal flow was increased in MC, possibly related to increased brain volume. CONCLUSION: This study reveals associated developmental anomalies for idiopathic anatomic MC. A relative ventriculomegaly was found, which should not be misinterpreted as true hydrocephalus. In contrast to metabolic MC, MRS showed no severe disturbances. Total intracranial volume is correlated to skull circumference and cerebropetal blood flow.     

Seroprevalence of hepatitis A, B, and C in a United States military recruit population.

One thousand five hundred thirty-eight U.S. Navy and Marine Corps enlisted recruits were tested for hepatitis A, B, and C serologic markers. The recruit population (mean age, 19 years) was 91% male, 69% white, 17% black, 9% Hispanic, 2% Filipino, and 2% "other" racial/ethnic group. Anti-HAV was found in 129 (8.4%) recruits, anti-HBc in 35 (2.3%), HBsAg in 5 (0.3%), and anti-HCV in 4 (0.3%). For recruits born in the U.S., the prevalence of anti-HAV and anti-HBc was 5.5% and 1.3%, respectively; for the 7% of recruits born outside the U.S., the prevalence was 44.9% and 14.0%, respectively. By logistic regression analysis, seropositivity for hepatitis A and B was independently associated with age, nonwhite racial/ethnic groups, and birth outside of the U.S. This study indicates that there is a relatively low risk of hepatitis A, B, and C infection among Navy and Marine Corps recruits.     

Intrahepatic extramedullary hematopoiesis: MR, CT, and sonographic appearance

A 45-year-old patient with focal intrahepatic extramedullary hematopoiesis is presented in which the liver was imaged by CT, ultrasound, and MR. The appearance of the lesions on MR consisted of slightly increased signal on T2-weighted images with heterogeneous enhancement of some of the lesions during bolus infusion of gadolinium. The T1-weighted images postgadolinium showed no delayed enhancement.     

Spanish population data and forensic usefulness of a novel Y-STR set (DYS437, DYS438, DYS439, DYS460, DYS461, GATA A10, GATA C4, GATA H4)

DNA typing of 8 recently described STRs on the Y chromosome was carried out by means of 2 multiplex amplification reactions for 134 unrelated males from Cantabria, a region in northern Spain. Multiplex 1 included loci DYS460 (GATA A7.1), GATA A10, GATA H4 and DYS439; multiplex 2 included DYS461 (GATA A7.2), GATA C4, DYS437 and DYS438. Haplotype diversity was found to be 99.36%, similar to that obtained with the standard 9-STR set ("minimal haplotype") of the European Y-user group (99.35%). The 13-locus haplotype resulting from the combination of the standard minimal haplotype and the 4-locus multiplex 1 showed a 99.89% diversity. Further inclusion of the 4 loci in multiplex 2 resulted in a haplotype diversity of 99.93%. The combination of the "minimal haplotype" and the multiplex 1 in the present study may be an efficient way of increasing the power of discrimination in forensic cases.