Asbestos fiber type in malignant Mesothelioma: An analytical scanning electron microscopic study of 94 cases

Although the association between asbestos exposure and malignant mesothelioma is indisputable, controversy continues regarding the relative contribution of the various types of asbestos fibers to the development of mesothelioma. We examined the types of asbestos fibers recovered from lung parenchyma in more than 90 cases of malignant mesothelioma from the United States, using an analytical scanning electron microscope. Almost half of the patients were former asbestos insulators or shipyard workers. The fibers were recovered from lung tissues obtained at autopsy or surgical resection by means of a sodium hypochlorite digestion procedure. Amosite absestos was identified in 81% of the cases and accounted for 58% of all fibers 5 μm or greater in length. Tremolite/actinolite/anthophyllite were identified in 55% of the cases and accounted for 10% of all fiber types. Chrysotile was identified in 21% of the cases and accounted for 3% of fibers exceeding 5 μm in length. Crocidolite was found in 16% of the cases and accounted for 3% of fibers exceeding 5 μm in length. Nonasbestos mineral fibers (commonly found in the lungs of the general population) were observed in 71% of the cases and accounted for 25% of all fibers 5 μm or greater in length. The findings in this study are at odds with the assertion that crocidolite asbestos is responsible for most mesotheliomas in the United States. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Synthesis and anthelmintic activity of a series of pyrazino[2,1-a][2]benzazepine derivatives

A series of 1,2,3,4,6,7,8,12b-octahydropyrazino[2,1-alpha][2] benzazepine derivatives was prepared and the cestocidal activity of the compounds evaluated in an in vitro Taenia crassiceps screen. Many of these derivatives proved to be highly active, and 2-(cyclohexylcarbonyl)-4-oxo-1,2,3,4,6,7,8,12b- octahydropyrazino[2,1-alpha][2]benzazepine, epsiprantel (BAN) (22), was selected for further development. The structure-activity relationships are discussed.     

The health and wellbeing of informal caregivers: a review and study program

Abstract: Informal caregivers are the families and other unpaid caregivers in the home who support people of all ages with severe and chronic mental or physical disabilities. Home care of this sort has been increasing over the past 30 years because of the reduced number of beds in hospitals and nursing homes and increased outpatient and community care. Moreover, with an aging population and increasing rates of disability, the demand for family caregiving will continue to rise. This has important implications for the development of health, community service and social policy. At the same time, however, very little is known about the impact such changes are having on the caregivers of various ages and in various circumstances. The Victorian Health Promotion Foundation is funding a research and intervention program in Melbourne to promote wellbeing and prevent ill-health in caregivers.