Nationwide survey of fluoroscopy: radiation dose and image quality

PURPOSE: To determine the average abdominal entrance air kerma, low-contrast sensitivity, and spatial resolution in upper gastrointestinal tract fluoroscopy in the United States. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A random sample of fluoroscopic facilities was selected to be surveyed for the Nationwide Evaluation of X-ray Trends program. Measurements were performed by using a newly developed fluoroscopic phantom. The surveys were conducted by state radiation control personnel. RESULTS: Average air kerma rates 1 cm above the tabletop, free in air, were 43 mGy/min (n = 340). The rate increased to 64 mGy/min when a 1.6-mm-thick copper filter, which simulated the use of barium contrast medium, was added to increase attenuation. The average entrance air kerma, free in air, for radiographs was 3.4 mGy, and an average of 12 radiographs were obtained per examination. Of 352 facilities surveyed, 306 (87%) were able to resolve wire mesh with 20 or more lines per inch. Of 339 facilities for which percentage contrast could be calculated, 192 (57%) had minimum percentage contrast values of 4% or more. CONCLUSION: Spatial resolution for fluoroscopy is adequate for most of the facilities surveyed, but a substantial proportion of facilities could not visualize low-contrast test objects, which strongly suggests image quality problems.     

Lymphoma cell burden in progenitor cell grafts measured by competitive polymerase chain reaction: less than one log difference between bone marrow and peripheral blood sources

The suppressor of Hairy-wing [SU(HW)] binding region disrupts communication between a large number of enhancers and promoters and protects transgenes from chromosomal position effects. These properties classify the SU(HW) binding region as an insulator. While enhancers are blocked in a general manner, protection from repressors appears to be more variable. In these studies, we address whether repression resulting from the Polycomb group genes can be blocked by the SU(HW) binding region. The effects of this binding region on repression established by an Ultrabithorax Polycomb group Response Element were examined. A transposon carrying two reporter genes, the yellow and white genes, was used so that repression and insulation could be assayed simultaneously. We demonstrate that the SU(HW) binding region is effective at preventing Polycomb group repression. These studies suggest that one role of the su(Hw) protein may be to restrict the range of action of repressors, such as the Polycomb group proteins, throughout the euchromatic regions of the genome.     

Cholestatic hepatocellular injury with azathioprine: a case report and review of the mechanisms of hepatotoxicity

PURPOSE: The goal of this study is to describe asymmetrical forms of primary open angle glaucomas in black african originated patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Data of 514 glaucomatous patients (1022 eyes) followed between 1993 and 1997, and attending our hospital eye department are retrospectively analysed. All the participants were diagnosed as primary open angle glaucomas; asymetry was defined as a difference of 0.2 at least between the vertical cup disc ratio of the same patient. RESULTS: The mean age of all 514 glaucoma patients was 34.52 +/- 15.55 years; 254 patients (49.40%) had no differences between cup disc values while 260 remaining others had asymmetric glaucomas (50.58%). Of them, 189 (72.69%) had a difference of 0.2 between both eyes; 49 (18.8%) had 0.3 difference; 7 (2.69%) had 0.4 difference; 4 (1.53%) had 0.5 difference, and 11 (4.23%) a difference of 0.6. Besides, 114 eyes (11.15%) had a vertical ratio of 0.9 at the first diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Carefully recognition of asymmetric cup disc ratios is of great diagnostic value in the the early stages of primary open angle glaucoma because 50% of all patients presented with this clinical form in our experience. This strategy would improve early diagnosis of glaucoma in our areas.     

The evolution of virus-induced apoptosis

Viruses from several different families are able to exploit their host's cell death programmes so as to maximize viral fitness. Consideration of the evolution of such strategies has lead to the suggestion that the virus should inhibit apoptosis, in order to prolong the life of the cell and thereby maximize the number of progeny virions. The host, on the other hand, should stimulate apoptosis thereby inhibiting viral growth and blocking viral spread. For example, the function of the latent membrane protein I (LMPI) of the Epstein-Barr virus and the bcl-2 homologue gene A179L of African swine fever virus is to inhibit apoptosis. However, in other cases it is the virus that stimulates cell death or the host that benefits from inhibiting apoptosis, such as in fatal alphavirus encephalitis. This has been explained by assuming that virus-induced apoptosis in non-regenerating cells would be detrimental to the host. We present a mathematical framework for understanding virus-induced apoptosis which accounts for these two opposite solutions to virus infection with respect to the mode of virus replication and the life cycle of the target cell.     

Improved osseointeraction of calcium phosphate-coated external fixation pins. Studies in calves

The analysis of health state of drivers sent for an extra health examination for the estimation of driving capability for the driving of motor vehicle in alcoholic state was presented. The study included 380 drivers who were found driving drunk by traffic police (studied group) and 180 drivers of control group sent for an extra health examination for some other reason. The disorders in psychomotor sphere were noticed in the drivers of studied group and it was determined that they had caused significantly larger number of traffic accidents in last five-year period compared to the drivers of control group. The alcohol consumption in driving population represents significant medical, social, economic and traffic problem. The control of driver's alcoholism, the sending of alcoholic drivers to an extra health examination for the repeated estimation of driving capability and including in therapeutic and health-educational program can present significant measure of the primary prevention of road traffic traumatism which is on the constant increase.