Dynamic infrared imaging for the detection of malignancy

The potential for malignancy detection using dynamic infrared imaging (DIRI) has been investigated in an animal model of human malignancy. Malignancy was apparent in images formed at the vasomotor and cardiogenic frequencies of tumour bearing mice. The observation of malignancy was removed by the administration of an agent that blocks vasodilation caused by nitric oxide (NO). Image patterns similar to those that characterize malignancy could be mimicked in normal mice using an NO producing agent. Apparently DIRI allows for cancer detection in this model through vasodilation caused by malignancy generated NO. Dynamic infrared detection of vasomotor and cardiogenic surface perfusion was validated in human subjects by a comparison with laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF). Dynamic infrared imaging technology was then applied to breast cancer detection. It is shown that dynamic infrared images formed at the vasomotor and cardiogenic frequencies of the normal and malignant breast have image pattern differences, which may allow for breast cancer detection.     

Cryptococcus infection in tropical Australia

Eighteen cases of disease caused by the saprophytic fungi Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus bacillisporus are described from the Northern Territory of Australia. The majority of infections were with Cryptococcus bacillisporus and in the rural Aboriginal population, often causing pulmonary mass lesions.     

Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery residency match: applicant survey

OBJECTIVE: To examine satisfaction with the match process and reported failures to comply with the match rules among applicants of the January 2002 Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery match. DESIGN: A survey was mailed to all applicants completing the 2002 San Francisco Matching Program match. PARTICIPANTS: Surveys were mailed to 312 applicants, and the 151 returned surveys were entered into a database, which was then subjected to statistical analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Survey questions asked whether the applicant matched and how highly, how well the applicant considers the match to fulfill its goals, how many interviews the applicant attended, and how many of these included perceived noncompliance with San Francisco Matching Program rules by region of the country. RESULTS: Satisfaction with the match correlated significantly (P<.001) to how highly the applicant matched among those successfully matching. The satisfaction among matching applicants was significantly better (P<.001) than those not matching. The 151 respondents had a total of 970 interviews. The respondents reported that they identified noncompliance with the match rules in 42 (4.3%) of these encounters. Most (87%) respondents reported full adherence to the match rules, and the degree of adherence did not correlate significantly to applicants' satisfaction (P =.71). CONCLUSIONS: Applicants' satisfaction with the match process depended significantly on their match outcome. Rule noncompliance was rare and not significantly related to applicant satisfaction. This study suggests that otolaryngology applicants perceive high levels of satisfaction with the match and infrequent breaches of stated match rules.     

Outpatient rehabilitative treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME)

Aims: To assess the outcome of outpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitative treatment (graded activities/exercise programme, family sessions, and supportive care) compared with supportive care alone for children and adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME). Methods: Fifty six young people (aged 9–17 years) with CFS/ME by standard criteria were followed up for 3–24 months. All subjects received supportive care. Families additionally opted to either enter the rehabilitation programme (supportive care plus graded activities/exercise programme and family sessions) or have no additional treatment. Results: Twenty two (39%) subjects had supportive care alone and 26 (46%) entered the programme. Treatment groups were comparable at baseline in terms of age, severity and duration of illness, Wellness score, and school attendance. At end of follow up, those in the programme group had significantly higher Wellness score and school attendance than those having supportive care alone. The programme significantly reduced the overall severity of illness: after the programme, 43% had complete resolution of CFS/ME compared to only 4.5% of those having supportive care alone. The presence of depressed mood and family beliefs about the aetiology of CFS/ME were not significantly associated with outcomes. Conclusions: Outpatient rehabilitative treatment offers significant potential to improve the prognosis of CFS/ME in childhood and adolescence.     

Nursing care of special populations: issues in caring for elderly people with mental retardation

TOPIC: Changes in the life expectancy of people with mental retardation (MR) and its impact on nursing. PURPOSE: To outline issues associated with health care of an aging MR population. Advances in medicine and technology have contributed to gains in life expectancy for people with MR. Nurses, therefore, will be providing increased care for these individuals in both acute and community settings. Nurses and other healthcare providers must be educated concerning the special needs of individuals with MR. SOURCES: Review of CINAHL, MEDLINE, PUBMED, government documents, and policy papers from 1993 to 2003. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses need education and increased exposure to the special clinical challenges of caring for individuals with MR. In addition, accessible and appropriate community-based services are required to enhance the quality of life for people with MR.     

Total body iron overload in welder's siderosis

Welder's siderosis occurs as a consequence of the inhalation of iron dust. The iron overload of welder's siderosis is usually considered to be confined to the lungs. Here we present three proven cases of welder's siderosis associated with evidence of increased total systemic iron stores, as evidenced by increased serum ferritin levels. Multiple investigations including molecular genotyping for the common mutations found in genetic haemochromatosis failed to prove this was due to haemochromatosis, nor was there any evidence of any other recognised cause of systemic iron overload. Thus the systemic iron overload described seems likely to be due to either occupational exposure, an uncharacterised genetic haemochromatosis, or a combination of both.