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Although active smoking is well established as the main cause of lung cancer, there is accumulating evidence that history of prior lung diseases may be an independent risk factor for lung cancer.

Five species of fishes(Dicentrarchus labrax, Gobius microps, Stizostedion lucioperca, Gadus luscus, Merlangius merlangus) and their major prey organisms were collected monthly from two stations in the Loire estuary (France). The levels of several trace elements (Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn) in their tissues were determined by means of atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The concentrations of Cd, Pb and Cu were shown to decrease in the highest trophic levels: the relatively highest metal levels were determined in annelids, followed by crustaceans, the lowest levels being encountered in fishes. However, a preferential uptake of Cu was observed in crustaceans. There is no biomagnification for these three metals, the concentrations in preys being generally lower than in predators. For Zn, the highest concentrations were measured in worms and copepods but preys such as shrimps and mysids exhibit values of the same order of magnitude compared to predator fishes.

An epidemiologic study was carried out to examine the possible role of beta-agonists and other respiratory medications in the development of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Associations with respiratory medications, bronchial asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis were examined by comparing newly diagnosed cases (n = 129) ascertained from five Washington, DC, area hospitals for the period 1990-1992 with neighborhood controls (n = 258) identified by using a random digit dialing technique. The cases and controls were matched on sex and 5-year age intervals and were compared in the analysis using conditional logistic regression methods. A statistically significant association was observed between idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and history of emphysema or chronic bronchitis (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 4.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6-12.4). The association with bronchial asthma was of borderline significance (adjusted OR = 1.9, 95% CI 0.9-4.2). Associations were also observed with use of oral beta-agonists (adjusted OR = 3.4, 95% CI 1.1-11.0) and beta-agonist inhalers or nebulization (adjusted OR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.4-7.1), as well as with use of oral corticosteroids, inhaled corticosteroids or cromolyn, and theophylline medications. A total of 20.0% (23 of 115) of the cases had a reported history of beta-agonist inhaler use compared with 6.7% (17 of 254) of the controls. The strength of these associations was diminished when the temporal relation between exposure to beta-agonist inhalers or oral preparations and clinical diagnosis of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy was taken into account, however, and the associations with duration of beta-agonist medication use were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The results of this study suggest, but do not prove, that use of beta-agonists has an etiologic role in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Angular correlations of light particles are calculated for sequentially statistical decay following fusion. It is shown that these correlations are sensitive to the deformation, and the calculation iscompared to experiment data for the reaction28Si(12C, 2α)32Sgs. It is not possible to reproduce the angular correlation governed by the angular momenta of the first step transition40Ca →36Ar*using standard transmission coeffecient. Good quantitative agreement is obtained intoducing a strong deformation (β2∼ 1.1) compatible with the deformation of fusion state as predicted from the TDHF calculations, but much higher than expected from the rotating liquid drop model.

Marsh harriers and other raptors may become poisoned by ingesting lead gunshot in the flesh of their prey. Blood lead is a suitable indicator of exposure to lead. The method usually used in our laboratory for the analysis of human blood induced coagulation of avian blood. In this paper we report upon the optimization and quality control of a method to determine lead in avian blood samples. Samples were prepared using a diluent and matrix modifier. Analysis was carried out using graphite furnace AAS with a L'vov platform and Zeeman-effect background correction. The method was validated using international intercalibration comparisons of lead in human blood. The method proved to have a high degree of sensitivity, reproducibility and accuracy. The detection limit was low (0.004 ppm). The method used is discussed in relation to those previously used for lead analysis in avian blood.

Les leucémies aiguës lymphoblastiques de l’enfant (LAL) pourraient être favorisées par une stimulation insuffisante du système immunitaire dans la petite enfance. L’objectif de cette étude est d’étudier le lien entre la LAL et certains marqueurs d’une exposition précoce aux agents infectieux (la mise en collectivité précoce, les antécédents d’infection banale avant un an, être puîné) et l’allaitement.

PURPOSE:Indoor air pollution has been linked with lung cancer in China. In contrast to previous studies conducted in urban areas with high levels of industrial pollution, we undertook a lung cancer case-control study in a rural area of China, where residents live in underground dwellings. We evaluated the effects of radon, wood and coal combustion, cooking oil fumes, and environmental tobacco smoke on lung cancer risk.