Blood cell proliferation response to beryllium: analysis by receiver-operating characteristics

Article Abstract:

Occupational exposure to beryllium dust produces a multisystem disease that predominantly affects the lungs. The disease is manifest in the acute condition by tracheopneumonitis that occurs in flashes, and in the chronic state, by the development of granulomatous lesions, primarily in the lungs. Chronic beryllium disease (CBD) occurs in a small number of beryllium workers. It is difficult to diagnose because cases usually occur singly and take extended periods of time to develop, and because it is histologically and clinically similar to sarcoidosis. Criteria for the diagnosis of CBD include either beryllium exposure or its presence in lung tissue, lymph nodes or urine, and at least three of the following: a clinical course consistent with CBD with lower respiratory tract involvement, interstitial disease consistent with a fibronodular process, decreased carbon monoxide diffusing capacity or restrictive or obstructive ventilatory defects, and non- caseating lung or lymph node granulomas. Additionally, beryllium hypersensitivity is another criterion for diagnosing CBD. A screening test, based on the proliferation of peripheral blood cells, in patients of known beryllium hypersensitivity, was the object of this study. Twenty-seven persons with CBD, 15 sarcoidosis patients with no history of beryllium exposure, five beryllium workers, four persons with other lung diseases, and six controls were evaluated by the beryllium blood proliferation test. Significant differences were noted between the beryllium cases and the controls with 100 and 10 micromolar concentrations of beryllium salts. The sensitivity (the ability to detect the positive cases) of the test was determined to be 38 percent and the specificity the ability to identify those who didn't have the disease was 97 percent. In order for a screening test to be widely acceptable, the sensitivity and specificity should be as close to 100 percent as possible. Futhermore, time required for the blood proliferation test is not acceptable for an adequate screening procedure. As currently constructed and conducted, this procedure fails as a routine, singular-use screening technique for CBD. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Diagnosis, Medical examination, Physiological aspects, Pneumonia, Cell proliferation, Blood cells, Beryllium

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From the laboratory to the inventor

Article Abstract:

Two forms of the 'argument from design,' argument from temporal order and argument from spatial order, are among the strongest arguments for the existence of God. It is irrational to believe that it is merely a huge coincidence that every single bit of matter throughout time and space behaves in accordance with the same fundamental laws, and that the initial conditions of the universe were so finely tuned as to allow the evolution of plants, animals and humans. However this data can be explained by the existence of an omnipotent, omniscient and perfectly free God.

God, Proof of God

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Mobile drug detection instrument deters drug activity

Article Abstract:

The cities of Dothan, Elba, Enterprise, Ozark and Troy in southeast Alabama formed an alliance to purchase an device from Barringer Instruments Inc. that detects drug residue. The Ion Mobility Spectrometer has been effective at curtailing drug crimes in public housing units in the 5 cities.

Justice, Public Order, and Safety Activities, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, Analytical instruments, Alabama, Ion Mass Spectroscopy, Law Enforcement & Prosecution-Local, Instrument industry, Instrument industry (Equipment), Usage, Product information, Equipment and supplies, Narcotics, Control of, Narcotics control, Public housing, Law enforcement, Crime, Mass spectrometry, Spectrometers, Spectrometer, Barringer Instruments Inc.

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