Transrenal DNA in pulmonary tuberculosis patients during the first 14 days of treatment.

This study presents the results of the evaluation of a novel method for the detection of , the causative agent of tuberculosis, in urine. Detecting parts of the mycobacteria in urine is of particular interest as it allows us to use a sample that is easy to obtain and that does not require uncomfortable procedures or safety precautions like obtaining sputum for culture, which is the most commonly used sample in the diagnosis of tuberculosis. In certain groups of individuals who cannot produce sputum, for example, children, non-sputum-based methods have particular importance.

Lipid Mediators From Timothy Grass Pollen Contribute to the Effector Phase of Allergy and Prime Dendritic Cells for Glycolipid Presentation.

Plant pollen are an important source of antigens that evoke allergic responses. Protein antigens have been the focus of studies aiming to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for allergic reactions to pollen. However, proteins are not the sole active agent present in pollen.

Biomonitoring results and cytogenetic markers among harbour workers with potential exposure to river silt aerosols.

Background: Workers on dredgers and lighters on rivers are potentially exposed to a variety of substances.

Aims: To determine the internal load of heavy metals and arsenic as well as levels of cytogenetic markers in workers exposed to river silt aerosols.

Methods: One hundred exposed workers were examined up to eight times within three years.

Mobile phones and children: is precaution warranted?

Are there health related arguments to recommend that children limit their use of mobile telephones? The International Expert Group on Mobile Phones from the UK concluded so, but did not come up with convincing scientific data to back this statement. The Health Council of the Netherlands approached the problem by considering whether developmental arguments might be found, i.e.

[Respiratory diseases in European farmers-II. Part of the European farmers' project].

Background: The aim of the European Farmers' Project was to estimate the prevalence of respiratory diseases in farmers across Europe. Furthermore, risk factors for respiratory symptoms in different parts of agricultural production should be assessed.

Methods: In the first part of the study, 7496 farmers from four European countries answered a written questionaire.