Case of true cyclopia.

True cyclopia is a rare anomaly in which the organogenetic development of the two separate eyes is suppressed. A case of true cyclopia with normal karyotype is presented. There was a history of the use of an intrauterine device for contraception and of drug ingestion during early pregnancy. An anatomicopathological study of the monster with detailed presentation of the cyclopean eye is reported. The possible causes of cyclopia with particular relation to this case are discussed.     

Lead exposure and birth outcomes in five communities in Shoshone County, Idaho

INTRODUCTION: This study examined birth outcomes in five towns in Shoshone County, Idaho, where residents were exposed to high levels of lead in air emissions during a 6-month period after a fire had damaged the main baghouse (pollution-control device) of a local lead smelter plant in September 1973. METHODS: We studied birth certificate data of 169,878 live singleton infants born to mothers who resided in Idaho at the time of delivery. The outcomes evaluated were preterm infants, small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants, low birthweight among term infants (TLBW), and mean birthweight among term infants (TMBW). The study compared births in the five towns in Shoshone County (exposed group) to births in the rest of Idaho during three exposure periods: "pre-fire," January 1, 1970-August 31, 1973; "high exposure," September 1, 1973-December 31, 1974; and "post-fire," January 1, 1975-December 31, 1981. RESULTS: During the high-exposure period, the exposed group had an increased prevalence of TLBW (OR=2.4; 90% CI: 1.6-3.6) and SGA (OR=1.9; 90% CI: 1.3-2.8) compared with the rest of Idaho. During the pre- and post-fire periods, the ORs for TLBW were 0.8 and 1.3, respectively, and for SGA, 1.0, and 1.3, respectively. During the high-exposure period, TMBW for the exposed group was 71 g lower than in the comparison group. The TMBW in the exposed group was 8 g lower in the pre-fire period and 26 g lower in the post-fire period than in the comparison group. The study found no increased risk for preterm birth in the exposed group. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal exposures to airborne lead emissions appeared to be associated with increased risks for SGA, TLBW, and reduced TMBW.     

Laboratory assessment and diagnosis of congenital viral infections: Rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), parvovirus B19 and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Viral infections during pregnancy may cause fetal or neonatal damage. Clinical intervention, which is required for certain viral infections, relies on laboratory tests performed during pregnancy and at the neonatal stage. This review describes traditional and advanced laboratory approaches and testing methods used for assessment of the six most significant viral infections during pregnancy: rubella virus (RV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), parvovirus B19 and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Interpretation of the laboratory tests results according to studies published in recent years is discussed.     

Feasibility Study of Contrast‐Enhanced Automated Acoustic Mammography

The feasibility of implementing image subtraction in through‐transmission breast sonography was examined. Acoustic mammograms of women with suspicious findings were obtained using through‐transmission imaging. Precontrast images were initially acquired. Then a perflutren liquid microsphere contrast agent solution was injected intravenously, and new sets of images were acquired. Precontrast‐postcontrast subtraction images depicting the resulting changes were then obtained and visually compared with other imaging modalities. The ability to detect changes stemming from contrast agent injection in the through‐transmission mode was verified. The comparability with x‐ray mammography and magnetic resonance imaging was shown. Finally, the ability to compare images obtained before and several months after surgery was confirmed.     

Factors associated with childhood cancer survivors’ knowledge about their diagnosis,treatment, and risk for late effects

Background

While most children with cancer survive their initial disease, cancer therapy places them at risk for late effects (LE). Knowledge of their diagnosis, treatment, and LE risk may motivate survivors to attend long-term follow-up care. The aims of this study were to examine knowledge of cancer history and future risks, and to identify factors associated with such knowledge, in a cohort of childhood cancer survivors.

Methods

Survivors (i.e., patients finished cancer treatment, regardless of time since completion) aged 15 to 26 years from three Canadian cancer centers were invited to complete a questionnaire that assessed knowledge of cancer history and potential LE of treatments, including five specific LE known to have considerable long-term health impact. Clinical data were extracted from hospital records and used to validate participants’ answers.

Results

Of 250 participants, 16 (6 %) were unable to name their cancer, 79 (32 %) had partial or no knowledge of their therapy, and 83 (33 %) were unaware of at least some of their risks for LE. Decreasing age (OR for increase in age?=?1.2 (1.1–1.4)), having had a renal tumor compared to leukemia (OR?=?0.3 (0.1–0.9)), and lacking knowledge about treatment (OR?=?0.4 (0.2–0.9)) were associated with lack of knowledge of LE. Of the five, the most and least familiar LE was LE associated with impaired pulmonary function and risk of second malignancy, respectively.

Conclusion

This study highlights knowledge deficits in survivors, specifically regarding their risk for LE.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Findings can be utilized to target survivors at risk for knowledge deficits.