Particulate matter inhalation during hay storing activity induces systemic inflammation and platelet aggregation.

The aim of this study was to investigate possible pathomechanisms behind the cardiovascular morbidity caused by inhalation of particulate matter (PM(10)). For that purpose, healthy volunteers were exposed to high PM(10) concentrations during a 2 h hay storing activity. Blood was drawn in the evening before and after PM(10) exposure and in the morning and evening of the day after exposure. The leukocyte count increased after PM(10) exposure with an initial increase of segmented neutrophils followed by banded forms. C-reactive protein increased over time. Fibrinogen and plasma viscosity became increased in the evening of the day after PM(10) exposure. Platelet aggregation was increased in the evening after PM(10) exposure. At the same time von Willebrand factor and factor VIII were increased, reflecting endothelial activation. These results confirm that acute inhalative exposure to high PM(10) concentrations during hay storage activity leads to a systemic inflammatory reaction, endothelial activation, and platelet aggregation.

[Conformal irradiation technique for the peri- and retrobulbar space in endocrine orbitopathy]. / Konformations-Bestrahlungstechnik für den Peri- und Retrobulbärraum bei endokriner Orbitopathie.

The clinical target volume (CTV) for the irradiation of the endocrine orbitopathy (Graves ophthalmopathy) includes the peri- und retrobulbar space with the extraocular muscles. We present here a conformal irradiation technique aimed at optimal coverage of the CTV. The irradiation technique consists of two rotation fields with a central lens block and two lateral fixed fields with dorsal blocking. In each Gantry position, the lenses are faded out through the central lens block. The isocenter of the two rotation fields is located in the lenses. For quality assurance of this irradiation technique, verification of the dose distribution was performed by film dosimetry using the humanoid Aldersone phantom. The use of this irradiation technique yielded a dose distribution with conformal CTV coverage of the peri- and retrobulbar space and of the extraocular muscles. The film dosimetry of the Aldersone phantom showed a maximal deviation of 5% between the measured and the calculated dose distribution. The radiation load to the eye lenses was 25% of the applied total dose.