Ultrasensitive detection of inhaled organic aerosol particles by accelerator mass spectrometry.

Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) was shown to be applicable for studying the penetration of organic aerosols, inhaled by laboratory mice at ultra-low concentration ca. 10(3) cm(-3). We synthesized polystyrene (PS) beads, composed of radiocarbon-labeled styrene, for testing them as model organic aerosols. As a source of radiocarbon we used methyl alcohol with radioactivity. Radiolabeled polystyrene beads were obtained by emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization of synthesized (14)C-styrene initiated by K2S2O8 in aqueous media. Aerosol particles were produced by pneumatic spraying of diluted (14)C-PS latex. Mice inhaled (14)C-PS aerosol consisting of the mix of 10(3) 225-nm particles per 1 cm(3) and 5·10(3) 25-nm particles per 1 cm(3) for 30 min every day during five days. Several millions of 225-nm particles deposited in the lungs and slowly excreted from them during two weeks of postexposure. Penetration of particles matter was also observed for liver, kidneys and brain, but not for a heart.

[Traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta with stratification of the esophageal and gastric wall]. / Posttravmaticheskii razryv grudnoi aorty s rasslaivaniem stenki pishchevoda i zheludka.

An observation of a delayed posttraumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta attended by acute stratification of the esophageal and gastric wall by blood is described. The patient who had been strongly hit into the thorax in a car accident died of acute massive blood loss 10 days after the trauma. Breaks in the aortal intima occurring at the moment of the trauma may be conducive to the aortal rupture.