Cytogenetic Biomonitoring of Human Radiation Exposures: Possibilities, Problems and Pitfalls

Overview of radiation environments and human exposures.

Human exposures to ionizing radiation have been vastly altered by developing technology in the last century. This has been most obvious in the development of radiation generating devices and the utilization of nuclear energy. But even air travel has had its impact on human exposure. Human exposure increases with advancing aircraft technology as a result of the higher operating altitudes reducin...

Conceptual Modelling and Ontology: Possibilities and Pitfalls

Assessing developmental toxicant exposures via biomonitoring.

Most of the developmental effects that populations experience are believed to be linked with their exposure scenario and/or their susceptibility to these exposures. In environmental public health, most studies have focused on exposures to environmental chemicals but certainly other environmental factors and susceptibility factors must be considered. Our laboratory assesses exposure to environme...

Results and pitfalls in prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis.

Since 1969, we have cultured over 200 diagnostic amniotic fluids. Of these, 183 were for cytogenetic diagnosis. The chromosome analysis was successful in 168 cases. The indications and the results ofthe affected fetuses (followed by therapeutic abortion) are: (1) previous child with Down's syndrome: 62 cases (1 :47,XX,+21); (2) advanced maternal age: 54 cases (1 :47,XXY; 1 :45,X/46,XY mosaicism...

Commentary: describing differences--possibilities and pitfalls.

Reports of attempts to investigate, characterize, compare, and contrast those who are mentally ill fill the literature and invite controversy. It seems to be part of human nature to reestablish and define the differences between us. Creative descriptive studies continually challenge our perspective, yet they must be balanced with thoughtful consideration of possible selection bias, an understan...