[en] For an estimate of the potential danger of a final store for radioactive waste, comparisons with a mineral forming ores and containing heavy metals and with filter dust from coal-fired power stations were made based on hazard measurement for radioactive and chemically toxic materials. The results show that the radioactive toxicity of a finally stored fuel element 10⁹ years after storage and that of high activity waste several times 10⁷ years after final storage is higher than the chemical toxicity of elements which occur in minerals forming sulphide ores. The concentrations and the derived hazard measurements for chemically toxic elements in electrical filter dust are 1-3 orders of magnitude less for the elements examined here than those of ore deposits and are lower in the course of time. Taking into account the filling factor for radioactive waste, as is usual in borehole technique, then the times are reduced to 10⁵ and 10⁴ years respectively. (orig./HP)

[en] In this report, the general and special features of atmospheric dispersion models are presented. The information necessary results from the evaluation of reports and publications as well as from meetings and discussions with the authors of the respective models. The report contains the more general aspects of dispersion modelling and the details of the codes basing on these general aspects. Additonally the modelling of windfield and turbulence as well as the modelling of deposition is treated with. The information gained is compared to a special set of requirements. The tabular presentation of the results allows a relative comparison of the models. The main advantages, disadvantages, and boundary-conditions are summarized. In an additional technical appendix the main equations and approximations of the models are presented. (orig.)

[en] The amount of plutonium produced is estimated. A survey of fuel cycles employed to date and of the use of plutonium is set up. The existing safety analyses are registered and characterized. Possible fuel cycle alternatives are registered, the state-of-the-art in the various fuel cycle concepts are examined, intervention of third parties and subnational deviation are discussed. (DG)

[en] This report sets down how the Alara (as low as reasonably achievable) principle is applied in radiation protection of the occupationally exposed personnel at light-water reactors in EC countries. In some instances the practices, experiences and results from EC countries are supplemented by the practice in other States (e.g. USA, Sweden). Commencing with a short summary of the legal situation in the Member States of the European Community with regard to Alara, the report describes the framework in which the optimization practice has been developed. The main chapters elaborate in detail how the Alara principle has been put into practice in design and operation in LWRs. The importance of qualification and training of power-plant personnel in relation to optimization of radiation protection is considered and some comparisons are drawn with the US practice. Recommendations are made where reason for modification or harmonization of practices is seen in the conclusions of the different chapters and the overall conclusions and summary of the report

[en] To determine the remission rate in adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Study Design:Descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study:Department of Oncology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi from January, 2016 to March, 2017. Methodology:Adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients aged 15-39 years, newly diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia from January, 2016 to March, 2017. Diagnosis was confirmed by bone marrow trephine biopsy and immuno-phenotyping. All the patients were treated with daunorubicin, vincristine, prednisone, and L-asparaginase in the induction phase. The response evaluation was done on day 35 of the induction phase and the remission rate was assessed by the bone marrow examination. Results:Of the total 50 AYA patients diagnosed with ALL, 41 patients could complete induction phase and 9 patients died during the first week of induction, therefore excluded from the study. Forty (97.8%) patients were <35years of age, 28 (68.3%) were male, of female 10 (24.4%) were housewives, 33 (80.5%) patients belonged to Sindh, 28 (68.3%) presented with fever and body ache, 17 (41.5%) patients had precursor B cell type ALL, with 7 (17.1%) patients had hemoglobin of <7 g/dL,11 (26.8%) patients had white cell count of >30x10/sup 9//L, platelet count of <20x103/mu L in 6 (14.6%) patients and complete morphological remission was reported in 29 (70.7%) patients. Conclusion:The remission induction rate was 70.7% in the adolescents and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at the study centre. (author)

[en] Hepatitis B is the major health problem globally casting an enormous burden on health care system and major source of patient's misery. It is also an important cause of hepatocellular carcinoma and is likely to remain a serious health problem resulting in substantial morbidity and mortality for several decades to come. Objective of the study was to determine the level of awareness regarding hepatitis B among women attending obstetric and gynaecology clinic at Isra university Hospital. It was descriptive study and conducted in Obstetric and Gynaecology, Outpatient Department of Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad, Sindh from 2nd January to 3rd June 2008. Total 121 women of 20-50 years were gathered by sample of convenience. Information was collected on pre designed questionnaire containing questions regarding basic knowledge of disease, its causative organism, route of transmission and its prevention. Informed consent was taken. All the data was analyzed by computer software Programme of Social Sciences (SPSS version 11.0). Out of 121 women, 82 (67.76%) women correctly responded that virus is a cause of hepatitis. When they were asked about the organs affected by hepatitis B infection, 91 (75.20%) correctly mentioned liver, while 30 (24.79%) gave incorrect answer. Regarding mode of transmission of HBV 41 (33.88%) mentioned infected blood transfusion, 49 (40.49%) contaminated needles, 46(38.0%) un-sterilised instruments, 21 (17.35%) from mother to child and only 23 (19.0%) mentioned sexual intercourse. Only 51 (42.14%) women knew that vaccine is available for prevention. This study found that the knowledge about hepatitis B virus among women is inadequate and there are certain misconceptions regarding its mode of transmission through sharing room, touching etc which needs to be clarified. Majority of women don't know that HBV infection can be prevented by using condoms. (author)

[en] This appendix deals with the production of fission products in the core, possible release of these fission products from the core during incidents or accidents, the transport and deposition processes in the containment system and the relase from the plant into the environment. The processes, starting from the production of the fission products up to the release from the plant, are dealt with using the models employed in WASH-1400. The only difference is that the plant-specific parameters and safety systems corresponding to the German reference plant Biblis-B are introduced into the model. The analyses were carried out with the program CORRAL employed in WASH-1400. The results show, that in the case of incidents and accidents, the containment vessel has a major retention capability. This also applies with limitations to accidents where the containment vessel fails early. (orig.)

[en] The objective of the study was to test the association of two polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene, MTHFR C677T; MTHFR AI298C with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). A case-control study involving 308 AMI patients (age 30-74 years; 230 males and 78 females) and 319 age and gender matched normal healthy controls (235 males and 84 females) was carried out on a Pakistani population. Genotyping of the two polymorphisms was done using PCR-RFLP based assays. Fasting levels of plasma homocysteine and other biochemical parameters were determined using kit methods. Plasma homocysteine concentrations were found to be elevated in both cases and controls (18.1 +- 7.7 micro mol/l vs 18.1+- 8.1 micro mol/l, respectively). Compared to Caucasian populations, homozygous variant genotype MTHFR Al 298 C was found to be highly prevalent (27%) in Pakistani population. Neither MTHFR C677T nor MTHFR Al 298 C polymorphism was found to be associated with myocardial infarction (MI). Age-at-onset of MI was significantly affected by MTHFR C677T (TT=39 years vs CT/CC= 49 years; P=0.006). MTHFR polymorphisms appear to have no role in AMI in Pakistani population. (author)

[en] Triple negative and triple positive breast cancer have adverse effects than other types of breast cancer. However, triple negative has poor prognosis with short survival as compared with triple positive breast cancer. Good prognosis is one of the key factors for successful treatment trial. This study aimed to find out the association of sociodemographic and reproductive features like parity, menopause, number of child bearing as risk factors in the development and prognosis of triple negative and triple positive breast cancer. Methods: This study is a part of an ongoing project which is being conducted in Karachi from 2013 to 2020. Informed consent from triple negative breast cancer (n=134) and triple positive breast cancer (n=87) patients were taken prior to their recruitment into the study. Demographic, anthropometric, reproductive and disease history of patients were recorded. Means, frequency distribution, data classification and association analyses were done by SPSS version 17.0. Results: Statistical analyses revealed that delayed first child bearing age and lower number of children are associated with the development of triple negative breast cancer. However, no significant effect of these parameters has been observed on the outcomes of triple positive breast cancer. Conclusions: Reproductive factors have more pathological implications than sociodemographic factors in both triple positive and triple negative breast cancer development. These findings might prove to be beneficial for effective and better breast cancer management. (author)

[en] The human immunodeficiency virus/Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) pandemic continues it deadly assault in different parts of the world. Over 20 million people have died since the first case of AIDS was identified in 1981. Despite increased spending on HIV/AIDS programmes and improved responses by many governments, current global efforts remain entirely inadequate for an epidemic that is continuing to spiral out of control. The objective of this study was to determine the level of awareness about HIV and AIDS among women attending the obstetrics and gynaecology clinic. This Descriptive study was conducted in the Obstetric and Gynaecology clinic at LUMHS, Hyderabad Pakistan from fifth July 2007 to third Dec 2007. A total of 178 women attending obstetric and gynaecology clinic of age 20-55 years were selected randomly. Information was collected by pre-designed questionnaire to assess the level of awareness about HIV/AIDS. About 83.7% women had heard about HIV/AIDS and only 44.3% correctly stated the difference in HIV/AIDS. Only 41.5% of respondents knew how infected person would present, and 55.6% respondents knew that it is transmitted through close sexual relationship, while less than 50% correctly answered about mode of transmission through coughing, sneezing, hand shaking, kissing and ear/nose piercing. Among the respondents, 52.2% correctly answered that screening of blood before transmission can prevent HIV and only 38.2% respondents knew that HIV is preventable disease. Women demonstrated lack of knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS and there are considerable misconceptions and myths in certain aspects which need to be clarified through educating women. (author)