Do recorded doses overestimate true doses received by Chernobyl cleanup workers? Results of cytogenetic analyses of Estonian workers by fluorescence in situ hybridization

Immunoscreening of an expression library constructed with Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoite mRNA with sera from toxoplasmosis-positive humans has led to the identification of a new parasite antigen. Sequence analysis of the gene encoding this antigen allowed the calculation of the theoretical molecular mass (25,857 Da) and showed that the protein contains a putative signal sequence. The C-terminal region contains two hydrophobic regions, the last of which has the characteristics of a membrane-spanning domain. When the protein was heterologously expressed in E. coli and tested by Western blot, it reacted with the human sera originally used for screening. The new antigen also reacted with a monoclonal antibody raised against the entire parasite. Ultrastructural analysis showed that the protein is localized in the dense granules. After host cell invasion, the protein is secreted into the vacuolar network, the parasitophorous vacuole membrane, and into extensions protruding in the cytoplasm. Therefore, it is suggested to designate this new dense granule protein GRA7, following the established nomenclature for this protein family.     

Utilisation of genitourinary medicine services by general practitioners: effect of geographic location, fundholding status, and potential effect of total fundholding

OBJECTIVES: To determine the current utilisation of genitourinary medicine (GUM) services by general practitioners (GPs) and any changes likely to occur with moves towards a primary care led NHS. METHODS: A questionnaire survey of practising GPs appearing in the Medical Directory in England and Wales to determine the effect of geographical location, fundholding status, and potential effect of total fundholding on referrals to GUM clinics. RESULTS: Referral patterns for STDs varied according to the genital infection concerned, being highest for gonorrhoea and lowest for Trichomonas vaginalis infection. Referral patterns were little affected by geographic location of the practice or fundholding status. The reported intention on becoming total fundholding was a modest shift towards more STDs being treated in the community which varied according to the genital infection concerned. CONCLUSIONS: Although some GPs elect to always treat some STDs in the community most refer patients to GUM clinics. There appears to be little enthusiasm among GPs, should they become total fundholders, to extend their range of services to include STD provision.     

Spring coil embolization of a patent ductus arteriosus in an adult

60 cases of immuno-sterility (treated group) were treated with Guyin Decoction, and were compared with 25 control cases treated by Western medicine. The results showed that in the treated group 19 cases were cured, 32 improved and 9 failed respond, while in the control group 6 were cured, 8 improved and 11 failed. The decoction had significant effect on serum IgA and IgG.     

The reliability physics approach to failure prediction modelling

Empirically based failure rate modelling methodologies employed in reliability prediction handbooks, and deterministic modelling methods are both critically examined using microelectronic packages as vehicles. As an alternative, a coupled mechano-stochastic approach to reliability prediction modelling is presented. The goal is to use physics of failure principles with appropriate failure probability density distributions to design for failure-free operation and predict failure times for components now available, as well as new components resulting from new materials, technologies and processes. In addition, an approach for extending the model to aid in logistics support analysis is discussed.