The radial depth-dose distribution of a 188W/188Re beta line source measured with novel,ultra-thin TLDs in a PMMA phantom: comparison with Monte Carlo simulations

The radial depth-dose distribution of a prototype 188W/188Re beta particle line source of known activity has been measured in a PMMA phantom, using a novel, ultra-thin type of LiF:Mg,Cu,P thermoluminescent detector (TLD). The measured radial dose function of this intravascular brachytherapy source agrees well with MCNP4C Monte Carlo simulations, which indicate that 188Re accounts for > or = 99% of the dose between 1 mm and 5 mm radial distance from the source axis. The TLDs were calibrated using a 90Sr/90Y beta secondary standard. Several correction factors are calculated using analytical and Monte Carlo methods. An analysis of the measurement uncertainty is made. Since it is partly determined by components of uncertainty arising from random effects, repeated measurements yield a lower uncertainty. The expanded uncertainty in the absolute dose at 2 mm radial distance equals 11%, 10%, 9% and 8% for 1, 2, 3 and 5 measurements, respectively. After a correction for source non-uniformity, the measured dose rate per unit source activity at 2 mm radial distance equals (1.53 +/- 0.16) Gy min(-1) GBq(-1) (2sigma), in agreement with the value of (1.45 +/- 0.01) Gy min(-1) GBq(-1) (2sigma) predicted by the MCNP4C simulations.     

Reis-Bücklers corneal dystrophy

In the literature two types of anterior corneal dystrophy are referred to as Reis-Bücklers' dystrophy. These are the one originally described by Bücklers in 1949 and known by us as the geographical form, and a honeycomb form. On the basis of electron-microscopic findings the geographical form is considered by some authors today to be a superficial variant of the granular dystrophy (Groenouw I), while the honeycomb form is looked upon as the "true" Reis-Bücklers' dystrophy. However, there is no clinical resemblance between the honeycomb type and the dystrophy described by Bücklers. Clinically it is easy to distinguish the geographical and the honeycomb type, and this is important for the prognosis of a corneal graft. The present authors do not agree that the term granular dystrophy should include the dystrophy described by Bücklers. There is a lack of clarity concerning this type of dystrophy, and clinically it bears no resemblance to granular dystrophy. In the authors' opinion it would be preferable to speak of the geographical and the honeycomb form of Reis-Bücklers' dystrophy.     

Erythema nodosum and oral contraceptive therapy

A generalized erythema nodosum developed in a 17 year old girl receiving oral contraceptive therapy, which was immediately discontinued. The erythema failed to respond to tetracycline, potassium iodide or prednisone therapy (partially successful), and recurred 6 times, usually just before menstruation. The recommended therapy is bed rest, salicylates and 10 cm roller elastic bandages. No medication can help in the face of unrestricted physical activity.     

Avoiding Medical Complications During the Refeeding of Patients With Anorexia Nervosa

Nutritional rehabilitation and weight restoration are key underpinnings of the treatment protocol for patients with anorexia nervosa. While their inherent state of malnutrition and weight loss is certainly not a healthy one, ironically, the very essence of the refeeding process, if done injudiciously, can also be unsafe for patients with anorexia nervosa. In this article we will provide a review of the major complications that may arise during refeeding, how best to avoid them, and how to treat them.     

Disgusted by Sexual Abuse: Exploring the Association Between Disgust Sensitivity and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Among Mothers of Sexually Abused Children

Nonoffending mothers of sexually abused children often exhibit high levels of posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms. Emerging evidence suggests that trait‐like individual differences in sensitivity to disgust play a role in the development of PTS symptoms. One such individual difference, disgust sensitivity, has not been examined as far as we are aware among victims of secondary traumatic stress. The current study examined associations between disgust sensitivity and PTS symptoms among mothers of sexually abused children (N = 72). Mothers completed the Impact of Event Scale‐Revised and the Three Domain Disgust Scale (Tybur, Lieberman, & Griskevicius, 2009). More than one third of mothers scored above a suggested cutoff (mean score = 1.5) for high levels of PTS symptoms. Hierarchical linear regression analysis results indicated that sexual disgust sensitivity (β = .39, p = .002) was associated with PTS symptoms (R² = .18). An interaction analysis showed that sexual disgust sensitivity was associated with maternal PTS symptoms only when the perpetrator was not biologically related to the child (β = ?.32, p = .047; R² = .28). Our findings suggested that sexual disgust sensitivity may be a risk factor for developing PTS symptoms among mothers of sexually abused children.