Genome-wide analysis in 756,646 individuals provides first genetic evidence that ACE2 expression influences COVID-19 risk and yields genetic risk scores predictive of severe disease.

SARS-CoV-2 enters host cells by binding angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Through a genome-wide association study, we show that a rare variant (MAF = 0.3%, odds ratio 0.60, P=4.5×10-13) that down-regulates ACE2 expression reduces risk of COVID-19 disease, providing human genetics support for the hypothesis that ACE2 levels influence COVID-19 risk. Further, we show that common genetic variants define a risk score that predicts severe disease among COVID-19 cases.

Type testing of a head band dosemeter for measuring eye lens dose in terms of H(P)(3).

A new head band dosemeter, for the measurement of eye lens dose in terms of Hp(3), has been type tested by Public Health England's Centre for Radiation, Environmental and Chemical Hazards [formerly part of the UK Health Protection Agency (HPA)]. The type tests were based on the International Standard ISO 12794, drawing also upon earlier work at HPA. The results show that, unlike many existing dosemeters, the new head band dosemeter correctly measures Hp(3) for beta radiations as well as photons.

Evaluating the performance of the Harshaw™ DXTRAD LiF:Mg,Cu,P finger ring with two different thickness filters.

Amongst the dosemeters offered by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) Personal Dosimetry Service are finger rings, which use the Harshaw™ DXTRAD element. This paper describes restricted-type testing carried out by HPA on the previously untried combination of the LiF:Mg,Cu,P material and a thicker filter (42 mg cm(-2)). The tests were based on ISO 12794 [International Organization for Standardization. ISO 12794:2000 nuclear energy--radiation protection--individual thermoluminescence dosemeters for the extremities and eyes. ISO (2000)] and included energy and angle dependence of response for photons. The conclusion was, for photon dosimetry applications the thicker filter is acceptable for use in the HPA service.

B-Prolymphocytic leukemia: a case study.

The case study reported is of a patient initially misdiagnosed as chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Immunophenotyping studies ultimately identified the nature of the disease as B-cell prolymphocytic leukemia with concomitant warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia. The leukemia and hemolytic anemia were refractory to all conventional treatments administered. The patient survived a significantly shorter period of time than the median time of three years reported in the literature. The patient expired from complications resulting from B-cell PLL, warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and combination chemotherapy.

The novel hypothalamic peptide ghrelin stimulates food intake and growth hormone secretion.

Ghrelin, a novel 28 amino acid peptide found in hypothalamus and stomach, was recently identified as the endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R). We have now found that both intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) and intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of ghrelin in freely feeding rats stimulated food intake. The onset of increased feeding was rapid and after i.c.v. administration was sustained for 24 hours. Following i.c.v. administration of 3 nmol ghrelin, the duration and magnitude of the feeding stimulation was similar to that following 5 nmol neuropeptide Y (NPY). Plasma growth hormone (GH) concentration increased following both i.c.v. and i.p. administration of ghrelin. Release of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) was stimulated and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) inhibited following i.c.v. administration of ghrelin. These data suggest a possible role for the newly identified endogenous hypothalamic peptide, ghrelin, in stimulation of feeding and growth hormone secretion.

Venipuncture tips for radiologic technologists.

Radiologic technologists may be called upon to perform venipuncture to start intravenous lines to administer contrast media. This article provides advice to facilitate successful venipuncture techniques. It should not be considered a substitute for appropriate training.

Chronic beryllium pneumonitis: first case accepted by U.K. register from Scotland.

We report the first case from Scotland of chronic beryllium pneumonitis to be accepted into the UK Beryllium Case Register. The exposure was due to 'spot welding' and this source causing disease has not been described previously.

The roles instructors play in clinical education.

Instructors in clinical radiologic technology education play many roles. These include expert, formal authority, socializing agent, facilitator, role model and person. This article explains the roles educators play in the teaching-learning process and how their appropriate portrayal can optimize the translation of theory into practice for students.

Clues for success on examinations.

To sum up, the best advise is to manage time effectively and efficiently both before and during the examination. The days prior to the examination should be spent in a constructive manner allowing time for institution of good study habits, rest and relaxation. A state of good physical health should be maintained by regular dietary habits, sleep habits, and physical exercise. Students should do their homework and be positive about the outcome. Each individual can provide himself with the best opportunity to pass the examination.

Test wiseness.

Most test will have some questions worded in such a way that the recall button is automatically triggered. Answer those questions first, utilizing the body of knowledge that has been accumulated from the course content and assignments. Answer the remaining questions on the test by applying the answer analysis techniques outlined above. Review the answers and make the necessary changes. The combination of knowledge and answer analysis techniques will improve the ability of students to pass all types of examinations.

The pathology and mineral content of lungs in cases of mesothelioma in the United Kingdom in 1976.

A study was made of 93 cases of mesothelioma who died in 1976 in the United Kingdom. Lung tissue was available for mineral fibre analysis from 86 of these cases, and also from 29 cases of cerebrovascular disease and 27 cases of bronchial carcinoma, matched for place of death, age and sex with the mesothelioma cases. It was observed that: (1) mesothelioma patients had more amphibole fibres in their lungs than did control cases; (2) chrysotile fibres were not present in greater numbers in the mesothelioma patients than in the control cases; (3) four of the mesothelioma cases had no amphibole fibres in their lungs; two of these had chrysotile fibres, and the other two had no asbestos fibres; and (4) 30 cases of mesothelioma had no chrysotile fibres in their lungs.

Biosynthesis and characterisation of IgMlambda in a case of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia with intracellular immunoglobulin inclusions.

Lymphocytes from a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia were found to contain crystalline inclusions in the cytoplasm. These crystals were characterised as IgMlambda immunoglobulin. The cells did not have detectable surface immunoglobulin. No paraprotein was detected in the serum and no excess of immunoglobulin was detected in the urine. The cells incorporated radioactive leucine into mu and lambda chains during an 18-hour culture. Studies of labelled lysate immunoglobulin revealed a molar excess of heavy chain over light chain while in contrast free light chain was the only detectable secreted immunoglobulin product during the culture period. These findings are discussed in relation to immunoglobulin synthesis by normal and other neoplastic lymphocyte preparations.

Distant visceral metastases in pleural mesothelioma.

Distant visceral metastases were found in 15 of 32 cases of pleural mesothelioma (47%). Contrary to earlier reports pleural mesothelioma should be regarded as a tumour in which visceral metastases are not uncommon. No association was found between the histological type of mesothelioma and visceral metastases; the peritoneal involvement found in five cases is probably due to local infiltration and seeding.