The potential for acquiring cryptosporidiosis or giardiosis from consumption of mung bean sprouts in Norway: a preliminary step-wise risk assessment

The current work evolved from a microbial survey of fruits and vegetables conducted in Norway between 1999 and 2001. This survey found that mung bean sprouts were more likely to be contaminated with Cryptosporidium and Giardia than the other produce included in the survey. To support this observation and to demonstrate to public health officials that this might be a risk warranting further attention, a simple risk assessment was initiated. Assuming that 60,000 people in Norway consume a single serving of bean sprouts per week, and contamination levels are similar to those found in the survey, it was calculated that there could be in the order of 20 cases of Giardia or Cryptosporidium infection per 100,000 population attributable to consumption of mung bean sprouts. A number of assumptions were made for the calculations, including parasite factors (e.g. viability, genotype), product factors (e.g. extent of product contamination) and host factors (e.g. composition and extent of consumer group). These assumptions and areas of uncertainty, where further data would improve the risk assessment, are highlighted throughout. Not only does the risk assessment identify new areas of research, but it also demonstrates how risk assessment can be used as a tool to try to influence public health surveillance.     

Radionuclide imaging and ultrasound in liver/spleen trauma: a prospective comparison

In a prospective blind study of liver/spleen trauma, 32 consecutive patients were evaluated by radionuclide imaging (99mTc-sulfur colloid) and gray-scale ultrasound. Six patients (19%) had inadequate sonograms due to injuries and pain. Thirteen (41%) were normal, 13 (41%) were abnormal with one technique or the other, and there was a discrepancy in 2 (6%). Of the 13 abnormal patients, 1 had a lacerated spleen, 2 had angiographic confirmation of a subcapsular hematoma, and 10 showed resolution on follow-up. Two patients with left-sided trauma had abnormal radionuclide scans of the liver; sonograms were initially normal in one of them, but subsequent imaging confirmed the abnormality. The authors feel that imaging with 99mTc-sulfur colloid should be the primary screening examination for liver/spleen trauma.     

Transmetacarpal amputation of the index finger: a clinical assessment of hand strength and complications

A clinical study of hand strength and complications in 41 patients with a transmetacarpal amputation of the index finger found that the average prehension strength was reduced by 20% and stability of grip by almost 50%. Tendon transfers or other operative modifications did not affect the results. The most disabling complication, hyperesthesia, or painful sensitivity to light touch, in the thumb--long-finger web was present in 59% of patients and interfered with hand function in 37%.     

Properties and applications of electrodes covered with a porous diaphragm—2. Theoretical and practical aspects of electrosynthesis in single compartment electrolysis cells

The use of porous coverings on the counterelectrode for the reduction of the rate of loss reactions in single compartment electrolytic reactors has been studied. The theoretical current efficiencies for various overall reaction schemes have been calculated. The method has been tested for the electrosynthesis of potassium permanganate, ceric sulphate and sodium hypochlorite. Considerably improved reactor performance was realised. The experimental performance was in accord with that calculated theoretically.     

Organic inhibitors for hydrogen permeation in iron

Organic molecules have been added to gaseous hydrogen to assess their effect on hydrogen permeation through iron. Ethylene and ethane reduce the hydrogen permeation rate by up to a factor of 50 at 200°C, while methane has a negligible effect. Removing the ethylene or ethane from the gas allows the original higher permeation rate to resume. 1,2-dibromoethylene reduces the permeation rate by up to a factor of 90; this compound is difficult to remove from the surface once it is adsorbed. These effects are rationalized on the basis of adsorption of ethylene, ethane, or dibromoethylene at adjacent metal surface sites, blocking these sites to hydrogen adsorption, dissociation and entry into the metal.     

Folie á deux in a child

Acrosome development in the Australian Brush-tailed possum, Trichosurus vulpecula, displays a number of extraordinary features. This is particularly evident in the later stages of spermiogenesis, when the area of the nuclear surface bounded by the nuclear ring, and covered by the acrosome, is reduced considerable. As a result, the acrosomal material becomes located over its definitive position on the anterior third of the dorsal nuclear surface; in this process it is thrown into a series of folds, and a wide subacrosomal space is formed. Further changes around the time of spermiation result in the release of a spermatozoon in which a thin layer of acrosomal material is closely applied to the nucleus over the area of the definitive location of the acrosome, whilst its margins are greatly extended and project freely away from the nucleus. The latter feature does not appear to have been reported for the sperm of other mammals.     

An electron beam induced current study of grain boundaries in zinc selenide

An electron beam induced current investigation of crystalline samples of zinc selenide in the scanning electron microscope has proved particularly useful in revealing the existence of grain boundaries. Changes in the EBIC contrast which are observed when the bias is altered, or at places where twin bands intersect the grain boundaries, are explained in terms of a model which associates a potential energy barrier, similar to two Schottky barriers back to back, with a grain boundary.     

The graduate record examination and selection of graduate students.

The sample was comprised of 50 students who entered the graduate program of the University of Florida between 1955 and 1959. The GRE Verbal and Quantitative aptitude scores were available on all of these students, and a complete undergraduate record on 38 of the 50 students… . Nine of the 11 full-time faculty were asked to rate each student." Only the GPA in math-science courses correlated significantly (.37) with the staff ratings. The "combination of X̄ GRE and GPA (math-science) yielded a multiple correlation of .46 with faculty ratings. Thus, combining these two predictors would be a definite improvement over selection based on either one alone." From Psyc Abstracts 36:04:4KJ48R. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)