Familial müllerian agenesis

Müllerian agenesis is characterized by the absence of the fallopian tubes, uterus and internal portion of the vagina. Patients have normal female phenotype and genotype, with normal secondary sex characteristics but with amenorrhea. We report a family in which müllerian agenesis was diagnosed in three siblings and their two paternal aunts. This family was ascertained when the proband was evaluated for primary amenorrhea. She had normal secondary sexual development. Her karyotype was 46, XX. Ultrasound examination and magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis revealed absence of the uterus and vagina. The proband had three sisters and two of them showed similar physical and radiological findings. Two of the proband's paternal aunts had no uterus. Although the pathogenesis of müllerian agenesis is well understood, the etiology and genetics are still unknown. Various forms of inheritance patterns have been suggested by several authors. In conclusion, it would appear that müllerian agenesis is influenced by multifactorial inheritance and polygenic and familial factors.     

Sulphates, nitrates, and chlorides in particle fractions of different size

This paper describes a pilot study of chloride, nitrate, and sulphate content in thoracic and high-risk respirable fractions of airborne particles. Samples were collected at one measuring site in Zagreb in autumn 1998 and spring 1999. The results showed that almost total chloride, nitrate, and sulphate content was present in the respirable particle fraction. The average mass contribution of these pollutants to the particle mass amounted to 25%. Although chloride mass concentrations were quite low, the findings indicated that all pollutants originated from the same source.     

Fear of flying: an overview

Flying gives the aviator a sense of power and control. Aviators challenge their own skills and test the physical limitations of the plane. They must maintain the balance between fear and joy, sacrifice and love, and risks and rewards of flying in order to continue to fly without reservation. Flying is dangerous. The danger is both real and symbolic, generating fears and anxiety. Interpretation of fear of flying spans from the psychoanalytic-endogenous on one side to the behaviouristic-exogenous on the other side. Unless strictly understood, both models should be taken to consider the interaction between the endogenous and exogenous factors. The therapy of the fear of flying is based on the correlation between the symptoms and underlying dynamics. The prognosis depends on the ability to work through those psychodynamic conflicts. Aviators may continue to fly if the symptoms are minor and the motivation to resolve conflicts is high.     

Cancer of the respiratory organs with respect to environmental and life style factors in the areas of Split, Solina and Kastela] Citation

This investigation focused on Split and the industrial area of the Solin-Kastela bay, as it has been known for cement production for over 130 years, and for asbestos cement production for some 80 years. Environmental factors (air pollution) and lifestyle (cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption) were investigated in persons who died of cancer of respiratory organs. The aim was to see what is the combined effect of several noxious factors and how it may increase the risk of cancer of the respiratory organs. The sample of 473 subjects was randomly selected from 1490 persons who died of cancer of respiratory organs in the studied area between 1970 and 1990. The data on the subjects' lifespan, smoking habit, and alcohol consumption were obtained by interviewing their families. Environmental data showed that 5% had lived in an area with industrial air pollution (cement, asbestos-cement) for up to 15 years, 19% from 16 to 29 years, 33% from 30 to 49 years, and 44% for 50 years and over. The number of those exposed to air pollution for 50 years and over ranged from 36% to 68% in different districts. Of 473 subjects 85% had been cigarette smokers; 42% had smoked over 40 cigarettes a day, 83% had smoked for over 30 years, and 74% of subjects had consumed alcohol. The largest number of persons in the studied group were in the category with the longest exposure to air pollution and the longest and most intensive smoking experience. This indicates the possibility that simultaneous action of environmental factors and lifestyle may increase the risk for the development of cancer of respiratory organs. Smokers showed a significant shift (in percentage) towards shorter length of living in the studied area. That suggests that the risk of cancer of respiratory organs was greater in cigarette smokers than nonsmokers, regardless of the fact that both were exposed to comparable air pollution.     

Monte Carlo calculations of LR115 detector response to 222Rn in the presence of 220Rn

The sensitivities (in m) of bare LR115 detectors and detectors in diffusion chambers to 222Rn and 220Rn chains are calculated by the Monte Carlo method. The partial sensitivities of bare detectors to the 222Rn chain are larger than those to the 220Rn chain, which is due to the higher energies of alpha particles in the 220Rn chain and the upper energy limit for detection for the LR115 detector. However, the total sensitivities are approximately equal because 220Rn is always in equilibrium with its first progeny, which is not the case for the 222Rn chain. The total sensitivity of bare LR115 detectors to 222Rn chain depends linearly on the equilibrium factor. The overestimation in 222Rn measurements with bare detectors caused by 220Rn in air can reach 10% in normal environmental conditions. An analytical relationship between the equilibrium factor and the ratio between track densities on the bare detector and the detector enclosed in chamber is given in the last part of the paper. This ratio is also affected by 220Rn, which can disturb the determination of the equilibrium factor.     

Cardiovascular evaluation of the worker and workplace: a practical guide for clinicians

Unlike several other branches of medicine (e.g., pulmonology), primary cardiology has yet to fully develop a discipline of occupational cardiology. The authors outline an approach for including a focused occupational history in the CV work-up and present a graded, risk-stratified algorithm for occupational cardiologic assessment. This work-up can help clinicians make specific recommendations concerning working conditions, as these impact upon the patient's CV status.     

Why the workplace and cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the major cause of morbidity and mortality in the industrialized world. Current approaches to managing the CVD epidemic are based on powerful engineering models and advanced medical techniques. Innovative research has identified a number of risk factors for hypertension and CVD. However, our understanding of these disorders and our ability to manage the epidemic remain limited. A social epidemiologic paradigm suggests that essential hypertension and CVD are diseases of industrialized society of rather recent historical origins. To better understand and manage the CVD epidemic, current models need to incorporate a heretofore relatively neglected realm of social life in the workplace.