Brain tumors and occupational exposures in a cohort of female textile workers in Shanghai, China

OBJECTIVES： This study assessed the associations between brain tumors and specific processes and exposures among female textile workers in Shanghai, China. METHODS： A case-cohort study was conducted that was nested in a cohort of textile workers originally included in a randomized trial of breast self-examination. Incident brain tumor cases （N=114） were identified from 1989 to 1998 from a tumor and death registry operated by the Shanghai Textile Industry Bureau. A subcohort （N=3188）, representing an agestratified random sample of the entire cohort, was selected as a comparison group.     

Donor cell leukemia developing six years after marrow grafting for acute leukemia

A patient who developed recurrent leukemia more than six years after marrow grafting from an HLA-identical same-sex sibling is reported. Difference in DNA restriction fragment length polymorphisms between donor and host demonstrated that the DNA in the recurrent leukemia sample was probably of donor origin. Possible mechanisms that could explain the long latent period between transplantation and expression of leukemic transformation are discussed. We conclude that future cases of late leukemic recurrence after marrow grafting should be studied to determine whether, in contrast to early relapses, late relapses occur in donor cells in most or all instances.     

IMPROVED TOLERABILITY OF FELODIPINE COMPARED WITH AMLODIPINE IN ELDERLY HYPERTENSIVES: A RANDOMISED,DOUBLE-BLIND STUDY IN 535 PATIENTS,FOCUSING ON VASODILATORY ADVERSE EVENTS

SUMMARY The primary aim of this double-blind, parallel group trial was to compare incidence of newly occurring vasodilatory adverse events in elderly patients treated with recommended once-daily doses of felodipine extended release (ER) or amlodipine. A total of 535 patients over 65 years old with a sitting diastolic blood pressure of 90-115 mmHg and/or systolic blood pressure 160-220 mmHg, were recruited at 46 centres worldwide. Patients were randomised to felodipine ER 2.5 mg or amlodipine 5 mg. If blood pressure was >160/90 mmHg after three or six weeks, felodipine ER was increased to 5 and 10 mg and amlodipine to 10 mg. After nine weeks, average doses of felodipine ER and amlodipine were 5.5 mg and 7.3 mg, respectively. Newly occurring vasodilatory adverse events were reported by 32% of felodipine ER patients and 43% of amlodipine patients (p=0.007). Both treatments effectively reduced blood pressure 24 hours post-dose. Using a low starting dose and individual titration, felodipine ER achieves good control of blood pressure with few vasodilatory side-effects.     

The mechanism of white cell reduction by synthetic fiber cell filters

The mechanism of white cell (WBC) retention by synthetic fiber-based WBC filters was studied. Filters were made of nonwoven fleece prepared from polyester, surface-modified polyester, or polypropylene fibers. Human platelet concentrates were filtered through experimental filters consisting of 8 to 54 layers of nonwoven fleece with mean pore sizes from 7.3 to 14.2 microns. Filters made of fleece of smaller pore size removed WBCs less effectively than filters with larger-pore fleece. Retention of lymphocytes and granulocytes gradually dropped to 0 percent as increasing loads were applied to the filters. The maximal retention capacity for these cell types (i.e., the number of cells retained when "saturating" numbers of WBCs were applied) was proportional to the number of layers of filter material used. Platelet retention did not correlate with WBC retention. Depth filtration, rather than mechanical sieving, seems to be the principal means of WBC removal by nonwoven fiber filters. A low initial number of WBCs in the component to be filtered is important for successful WBC filtration.     

Reconciling scientific and religious discourse about madness during the age of reason: lessons for today?

Reconciling scientific and religious discourse about madness during the age of reason: lessons for today? This paper argues that the secularization of madness, during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, occurred as a consequence of cultural change that accompanied the social upheavals of the age. In examining the reconciliation of competing explanations for madness, from theological and empirical viewpoints, it is suggested that these paradigms were never totally separated and argued that developments during this period were a consequence of continual interaction and dialogue between these contrasting views. Furthermore, it is suggested that an understanding of these changing times can illuminate present debates surrounding mental illness.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis is a rare familial sterol storage disease with accumulation of cholestanol and cholesterol particularly in xanthomas, bile and brain. Magnetic resonance imaging is a useful modality for imaging the affected tissues. It contributes to the evaluation and management of the disease.