ABSTRACT
Radiotracers labeled with high-energy positron emitters, such as those commonly used for positron emission tomography studies, emit visible light immediately following decay in a medium. This phenomenon, not previously described for these imaging tracers, is consistent with Cerenkov radiation and has several potential applications, especially for in vivo molecular imaging studies. Herein we detail a new molecular imaging tool, Cerenkov Luminescence Imaging, the experiments conducted that support our interpretation of the source of the signal, and proof-of-concept in vivo studies that set the foundation for future application of this new method.
Subject(s)
Electrons , Light , Luminescent Measurements/methods , Animals , Colonic Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 , Humans , Mice , Positron-Emission Tomography , Radioactive Tracers , Ultraviolet RaysABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: In the immuno-competent adult Ebstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is a self-limiting disease that resolves spontaneously. CASE REPORT: We report a case of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) complicating severe EBV pneumonia and requiring prolonged artificial ventilation. The diagnosis was confirmed by specific serology and estimation of the viral load by PCR. Apart from supportive treatment with artificial ventilation the medical treatment included the use of Acyclovir and polyclonal immunoglobulins in the early phase and corticosteroids in the late phase. Recovery was progressive and complete. CONCLUSION: ARDS can complicate EBV pneumonia in an immuno-competent subject. Its management represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.
Subject(s)
Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/complications , Pneumonia, Viral/complications , Respiratory Distress Syndrome/virology , Acyclovir/therapeutic use , Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use , Adult , Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use , Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/blood , Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/drug therapy , Female , Herpesvirus 4, Human/isolation & purification , Humans , Immunization, Passive , Pneumonia, Viral/blood , Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy , Recovery of Function , Respiration, Artificial , Viral LoadABSTRACT
We aimed to evaluate exposure to hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HBC) and candidate risk factors among the Lebanese population. All individuals presenting to all laboratory units in the country over a 2-week period were asked for a 5-mL whole blood sample and answered a questionnaire addressing risk factors. For individuals under 15 years of age the mother was interviewed. In all, 2893 blood samples were examined. Refusal rate was 2.9%. Exposure to HBV antigen was 18.9%; 1.9% were carriers and acute hepatitis B point prevalence was 0.1%. Exposure to HCV antigen was 0.7%. Exposure to both HBc and HCV antibodies was 0.2%. HBc prevalence increased with age and was higher among men. Significant risk factors included blood transfusion, haemodialysis and gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Subject(s)
Hepatitis B/epidemiology , Hepatitis C/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Age Distribution , Carrier State/blood , Carrier State/epidemiology , Carrier State/immunology , Child , Cross-Sectional Studies , Emigration and Immigration/statistics & numerical data , Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal/adverse effects , Female , Hepatitis B/blood , Hepatitis B/etiology , Hepatitis B/immunology , Hepatitis B Antibodies/blood , Hepatitis C/blood , Hepatitis C/etiology , Hepatitis C/immunology , Hepatitis C Antibodies/blood , Humans , Lebanon/epidemiology , Logistic Models , Male , Middle Aged , Population Surveillance , Renal Dialysis/adverse effects , Residence Characteristics/statistics & numerical data , Risk Factors , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Sex Distribution , Socioeconomic Factors , Surveys and Questionnaires , Transfusion Reaction , Vaccination/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
We aimed to evaluate exposure to hepatitis B and C viruses [HBV and HBC] and candidate risk factors among the Lebanese population. All individuals presenting to all laboratory units in the country over a 2-week period were asked for a 5-mL whole blood sample and answered a questionnaire addressing risk factors. For individuals under 15 years of age the mother was interviewed. In all, 2893 blood samples were examined. Refusal rate was 2.9%. Exposure to HBV antigen was 18.9%; 1.9% were carriers and acute hepatitis B point prevalence was 0.1%. Exposure to HCV antigen was 0.7%. Exposure to both HBc and HCV antibodies was 0.2%. HBc prevalence increased with age and was higher among men. Significant risk factors included blood transfusion, haemodialysis and gastrointestinal endoscopy
