Key factors in imprecision in radiological emergency response assessments using the NAME model.

In the very early stages of response to an accidental release of radioactivity leading to environmental contamination, it is likely that only limited measurements of radioactivity in the local environment will be available on which to base decisions concerning protection measures and radiation monitoring activities. Model predictions will be used to aid understanding of the radiological situation and to form a basis for emergency health protection decisions. This paper presents an analysis of the relative importance of contributors to the imprecision associated with emergency response calculations based on a few off-site measurements, using predictions from the UK Met Office's NAME III (Numerical Atmospheric dispersion Modelling Environment version 5.2) dispersion model. The results presented extend those from a previous study in which a simple Gaussian plume model was used and confirm the key parameters contributing to imprecision. The potential extent of the sheltering countermeasure resulting from a hypothetical release in real weather conditions occurring in 2007 and 2008 is also presented.

Does avulsion of the puborectalis muscle affect bladder function?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The levator ani muscle is generally thought to play a role in urinary continence, with incontinence assumed to be due to abnormal muscle function or morphology. This study examined whether avulsion of the puborectalis muscle is associated with symptoms or signs of bladder dysfunction. METHODS: In a retrospective observational study, we reviewed the records of 425 women who had attended a urogynecological unit for independent flowmetry, multichannel urodynamic testing, and 4D pelvic floor ultrasound. RESULTS: Mean age was 55 years (range, 17-87 years). Of 420 women with complete datasets, 104 (25%) were diagnosed with a puborectalis muscle avulsion. These women were less likely to suffer from stress urinary incontinence (SUI; P < 0.001) and urodynamic stress incontinence (USI; P = 0.065) and more likely to present with symptoms of prolapse (P < 0.001) and show signs of voiding dysfunction (P = 0.005). The negative association between avulsion and SUI persisted in multivariate models. CONCLUSION: Puborectalis muscle trauma is not associated with an increased risk of SUI or USI in a urogynecological population, even when controlling for symptoms or signs of prolapse and previous surgery.