Vacant Building Removals Associated with Relative Reductions in Violent and Property Crimes in Baltimore, MD 2014-2019

Vacant and abandoned buildings are common features in many post-industrial US cities, and are consistent predictors of violence. Demolition programs are regularly employed as an urban land use policy to stabilize housing markets and mitigate public health problems including violence. The objective of this research was to examine the effect of vacant building removals on violent and property crimes in Baltimore, MD from 2014 to 2019. We conducted a difference-in-differences analysis using spatio-temporal Bayesian mixed models on six crime types on block faces with and without building removals, before compared with after removal. There were significant reductions in total, violent crimes (with and without assaults), thefts, and burglaries on block faces with building removals relative to their controls. Total crimes decreased 1.4% per mi2 (CrI: 0.5 - 2.3%), which translates to a relative reduction ~ 2.6 total crimes per mi2 per year. The largest relative decreases in crime were found among assaults (4.9%; CrI: 3.4 - 6.3%) and violent crimes (3.0%; CrI: 1.9 - 4.1%). Building removals were associated with relative reductions in crime in Baltimore City. The relative reductions in crime, at building removals compared to at control vacant lots, were found among assaults and violent crimes, the crimes of greatest public health concern. Building removals provide co-benefits to their communities, and may be considered part of a crime reduction strategy compatible with other approaches. A systematic effort to understand the role of care for remaining vacant lots could further inform our findings, and efforts to further decrease violence and improve community health.

Using the Default Nudge to Increase Plant-based Meal Consumption on College Campuses

Objectives

Climate, environmental, and nutrition scientists have recommended reduced meat and dairy consumption as key to reducing adverse planetary and human health impacts. We conducted this study to (1) investigate the effect of a default plant-based nudge on participant meal choices at a higher education institution and (2) to project the footprints of these choices: greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (g CO2-eq), blue water (m3), land use (m2), nitrogen (g N), and phosphorus (g P) usage.

Methods

Data collection was performed at two student events where catering was provided. We used a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design to determine if students presented with a plant-based meal as the default option were less likely to choose a meat option. At each event, students were randomly assigned to two groups. The control group received a RSVP form that presented a meal with meat as the default option. The intervention group received a form that presented a plant-based meal as the default. To project and compare the environmental impacts of each group, we modeled two plant-based and two meals with meat. Using these meals we calculated the footprints of two 100-person events based on the RCT meal selections.

Results

We observed a large effect size (p < 0.0001) across both experiments. In the first event (n = 108) the intervention decreased the selection of meat meals by 43 percentage points (85% to 42%). In the second event (n = 81) the intervention decreased meat meal selection by 56 percentage points (83% to 27%). When comparing the projected 100-person events based on the RCT meal selections, we found reductions in GHG emissions (28–59%), land use (24–59%), nitrogen (40–57%), and phosphorus (37–61%) footprints. However, we also found an increase in blue water usage (41–77%).

Conclusions

This intervention is a low-effort, high impact way to decrease the share of meals containing meat in institutional settings. Adopting a default plant-based policy may be an effective way to reduce environmental impact and encourage healthier options while maintaining choice.

Funding Sources

Better Food Foundation, National Science Foundation.

Tracking antibiotic resistance through the environment near a biosolid spreading ground: Resistome changes, distribution, and metal(loid) co-selection

The application of urban wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) products to agricultural lands has contributed to the rising level of antibiotic resistance and drawn a critical public health concern. It has not been thoroughly investigated at which spatial scales a biosolid applied area as a potentially predominant source affects surrounding soil resistomes. This study investigated distribution and impact of WWTP biosolids treated with anaerobic digestion on an agricultural area. Heterotrophic plate counts (HPCs) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were performed for detection of selected antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), selected antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), intI1 genes, and 16S rRNA genes. Biosolid samples contained significantly higher levels of selected ARGs than the raw agricultural soils (p < 0.05). The average relative abundances of intI1, sul1, bla_SHV, and ermB genes were significantly higher in biosolid-amended soils than nearby agricultural soils (p < 0.05). Spatial interpolation analysis of relative gene abundances of intI1, sul1, sul2, and tetW across the studied area further indicated directional trends towards the northwest and southeast directions, highlighting possible airborne spread. Concentrations of Co, Cu, Ni, and Fe were found to be significantly and positively correlated with relative abundances of intI1, sul1, and tetW genes (p < 0.05). The resistance ratios of culturable antibiotic-resistant bacteria in agricultural soils with biosolid amendments were generally identical to those without biosolid amendments. This study will advance the understanding of the antibiotic resistome in agricultural soils impacted by long-term waste reuse and inform the evaluation strategies for future biosolids application and management.

Neuropsychiatric Disturbance in Huntington’s Disease: Approach to Management

Introduction

Huntington’s Disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant, neurodegenerative condition with a prevalence of 10.6-13.7 per 100,000, caused by the trinucleotide CAG (cytosine, adenine, guanine) repeat expansion in the HTT gene. HD is characterized by a range of motor, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms, the latter of which usually manifest prior to the onset of motor or cognitive disturbances. Amongst psychiatric symptoms, changes in personality are most common, followed by depression. Psychosis has a higher prevalence in those with early-onset HD.

Objectives

This case report aims to demonstrate an apporach to the management of neuropsychiatric disturbances in HD as well as expose the need for development of an evidence-based apprach to treatment.

Methods

PubMed was searched for the criteria Huntington’s Disease AND Psychosis, with a secondary search for Management of Psychosis in Huntington’s Disease.

Results

The patient is a 54-year-old male with no psychiatric history and reported past medical history of Huntington’s Disease, diagnosed one month ago. He was brought to the Psychiatric ED due to agitation and disorganized behavior at home. On admission, he demonstrated disorganized behavior, grandiose delusions, neurocognitive deficits, and reported auditory hallucinations. With the initiation of tetrabenazine and risperidone his psychiatric symptoms improved and he was able to be discharged to a long-term care facility.

Conclusions

Literature is scarce regarding treatment of psychiatric manifestations of HD. We catered our approach towards safe and effective symptoms management in a multidisciplinary manner. Further research is required to reach an evidence-based consensus as well as develop specific guidelines for managing psychiatric conditions related to HD.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Tolerability of Ziprasidone Use in Children and Adolescents: A Prisma Model: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction

Studies have demonstrated that Ziprasidone use may be beneficial in children. Determining its potential risks and benefits when used in children is therefore important.

Objectives

To examine the tolerability of Ziprasidone, an atypical antipsychotic, in children and adolescents.

Methods

We conducted a literature search of open label or randomized control trials that report on Ziprasidone use in children on three databases: Embase, PsychInfo and PubMed using the PRISMA guidelines of Systematic review and Meta-analysis. Out of 1690 articles, 11 studies met inclusion criteria. Outcome measures included adverse effects such as weight gain, increase in BMI, QTc prolongation, changes in metabolic parameters, sedation, and dizziness. We conducted a random effects meta-analysis and meta-regression of potential moderators. Publication bias was assessed with funnel plots.

Results

Data from Eleven studies was meta-analyzed (Total n= 474, mean age=12.87 years, male= 68..37%) that reported the use of Ziprasidone in children and adolescents with Psychosis, Bipolar, Autism spectrum disorders and Tourettes syndrome. Mean Ziprasidone dose = 84.40 mg and mean study duration = 2.85 months). We found that Ziprasidone was not found to cause any significant weight gain (1.72, p>0.05) or change in BMI (0.58 , p>0.05). QTc prolongation was found to be significant (11.9 , p<0.05). Most common side effects were sedation (42.44%), Nausea(19.32%), Headache (22.92%), fatigue (16.67%) and Dizziness (16.96 %).

Conclusions

Results demonstrate that Ziprasidone does not cause significant weight gain, however QTc prolongation and sedation were found to be significant side effects of Ziprasidone use. Therefore, baseline EKG and thorough history must be obtained before prescribing Ziprasidone in children and adolescents.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Social Determinants of Mental Health and Psychiatric Decompensation

Introduction

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has propelled changes in healthcare delivery, incorporating new technologies and resulting in interruptions of care and access to treatment.

Objectives

To understand the ways that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected mental health, particularly in those with psychotic disorders. The unique nature and scale of the COVID-19 pandemic today presents an opportunity to learn more about the challenges faced by our patients and improvements that can be made in the delivery of mental healthcare.

Methods

We report five cases of patients with preexisting psychotic disorders seen on an inpatient psychiatry unit who decompensated for reasons relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a review of the literature by searching the PubMed database for the keywords “mental health,” “psychosis,” “COVID-19,” “epidemic,” “pandemic,” and “coronavirus.

Results

The prevalence of psychotic disorders in the US is estimated to be between 0.25% and 0.64%. In the context of an epidemic or pandemic, the incidence of psychotic symptoms in those infected with a virus is estimated to be between 0.9% and 4%, demonstrating increased risk to this group. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to psychiatric decompensation.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic is an opportunity to identify ways in which our patients are at risk and how we can attempt to alleviate those risks to provide improved care going forward. By appreciating the multifaceted ways in which the current situation has affected our patient population, we can extrapolate lessons that will allow us to better serve our patients even when this pandemic passes.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Limited Bacterial Removal in Full-Scale Stormwater Biofilters as Evidenced by Community Sequencing Analysis

In urban areas, untreated stormwater runoff can pollute downstream surface waters. To intercept and treat runoff, low-impact or "green infrastructure" approaches such as using biofilters are adopted. Yet, actual biofilter pollutant removal is poorly understood; removal is often studied in laboratory columns, with variable removal of viable and culturable microbial cell numbers including pathogens. Here, to assess bacterial pollutant removal in full-scale planted biofilters, stormwater was applied, unspiked or spiked with untreated sewage, in simulated storm events under transient flow conditions, during which biofilter influents versus effluents were compared. Based on microbial biomass, sequences of bacterial community genes encoding 16S rRNA, and gene copies of the human fecal marker HF183 and of the Enterococcus spp. marker Entero1A, removal of bacterial pollutants in biofilters was limited. Dominant bacterial taxa were similar for influent versus effluent aqueous samples within each inflow treatment of either spiked or unspiked stormwater. Bacterial pollutants in soil were gradually washed out, albeit incompletely, during simulated storm flushing events. In post-storm biofilter soil cores, retained influent bacteria were concentrated in the top layers (0-10 cm), indicating that the removal of bacterial pollutants was spatially limited to surface soils. To the extent that plant-associated processes are responsible for this spatial pattern, treatment performance might be enhanced by biofilter designs that maximize influent contact with the rhizosphere.

Effect of dietary palmitic and stearic acids on sucrose motivation and hypothalamic and striatal cell signals in the rat

We have reported that motivation for sucrose is increased in rats fed a moderate (31%) mixed-fat diet for 4-6 wk. In this study, rats were fed diets containing 32% stearic (STEAR) or palmitic (PALM) acid, and behavior, metabolic profile, and cell signals were compared with those of rats fed a matched low-fat diet (LF; 11% fat) diet. Rats fed STEAR or PALM increased sucrose motivation relative to LF rats (one-way ANOVA for lever presses; P = 0.03). Diet did not change fasting glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, intravenous glucose tolerance test glucose profile, percent body fat, or total kilocalories, although kilocalories as fat were increased (ANOVA, P < 0.05). Cell signals were assessed in rats ranked from high to low sucrose motivation. Diet did not alter Thr and Ser phosphorylation of Akt in the medial hypothalamus (HYP) and striatum (STR). However, Ser phosphorylation of GSK3Β was decreased in HYP and STR from both high- and low-performer tertiles of STEAR and PALM rats (ANOVA within each brain region, P < 0.05). Two histone 3 (H3) modifications were also assessed. Although there was no effect of diet on the transcription-repressive H3 modification, H3K27me3, the transcription-permissive H3 modification, H3K4me3, was significantly decreased in the HYP of high performers fed PALM or STEAR (ANOVA, P = 0.013). There was no effect of diet on H3K4me3 levels in HYP of low performers, or in STR. Our findings suggest signal-specific and brain region-specific effects of PALM or STEAR diets and may link downstream signaling effects of GSK3Β activity and H3 modifications with enhanced motivational behavior.

Post-depositional fracturing and subsidence of pumice flow deposits: Lascar Volcano, Chile

Unconsolidated pyroclastic flow deposits of the 1993 eruption of Lascar Volcano, Chile, have, with time, become increasingly dissected by a network of deeply penetrating fractures. The fracture network comprises orthogonal sets of decimeter-wide linear voids that form a pseudo-polygonal grid visible on the deposit surface. In this work, we combine shallow surface geophysical imaging tools with remote sensing observations and direct field measurements of the deposit to investigate these fractures and their underlying causal mechanisms. Based on ground penetrating radar images, the fractures are observed to have propagated to depths of up to 10 m. In addition, orbiting radar interferometry shows that deposit subsidence of up to 1 cm/year^-1 occurred between 1993 and 1996 with continued subsidence occurring at a slower rate thereafter. In situ measurements show that 1 m below the surface, the 1993 deposits remain 5°C to 15°C hotter, 18 years after emplacement, than adjacent deposits. Based on the observed subsidence as well as estimated cooling rates, the fractures are inferred to be the combined result of deaeration, thermal contraction, and sedimentary compaction in the months to years following deposition. Significant environmental factors, including regional earthquakes in 1995 and 2007, accelerated settling at punctuated moments in time. The spatially variable fracture pattern relates to surface slope and lithofacies variations as well as substrate lithology. Similar fractures have been reported in other ignimbrites but are generally exposed only in cross section and are often attributed to formation by external forces. Here we suggest that such interpretations should be invoked with caution, and deformation including post-emplacement subsidence and fracturing of loosely packed ash-rich deposits in the months to years post-emplacement is a process inherent in the settling of pyroclastic material.

The association between drug related deaths and prior contact with hospital-based services

Reducing drug related deaths has been identified as a health priority by the Scottish Executive.

AIMS

This study investigates the association between drug related deaths in the Lothian region and prior contact with hospital-based services in the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

DESIGN/SETTING

Retrospective analysis of 90 drug related deaths in Lothian from 2003-2005. Hospital episodes within five years of death were identified by searching the electronic patient record system within the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

FINDINGS

Seventy-five of the 90 drug related deaths occurred in the hospital catchment area. Forty five of these 75 deaths (60%) occurred in patients who had used hospital-based services in the previous five years. The median time from hospital contact to deaths was five months and median number of hospital attendances/admissions was three (range 1 - 26).

CONCLUSION

Liaison between emergency departments, clinical toxicology services and community based drug addiction services is important to identify drug misusers at high risk. A hospital-based specialist nurse-led liaison service may be able to fulfil this role.

Growth, CO2 consumption and H2 production of Anabaena variabilis ATCC 29413-U under different irradiances and CO2 concentrations

AIMS

The objective of this study is to develop kinetic models based on batch experiments describing the growth, CO(2) consumption, and H(2) production of Anabaena variabilis ATCC 29413-U(TM) as functions of irradiance and CO(2) concentration.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A parametric experimental study is performed for irradiances from 1120 to 16100 lux and for initial CO(2) mole fractions from 0.03 to 0.20 in argon at pH 7.0 +/- 0.4 with nitrate in the medium. Kinetic models are successfully developed based on the Monod model and on a novel scaling analysis employing the CO(2) consumption half-time as the time scale.

CONCLUSIONS

Monod models predict the growth, CO(2) consumption and O(2) production within 30%. Moreover, the CO(2) consumption half-time is an appropriate time scale for analysing all experimental data. In addition, the optimum initial CO(2) mole fraction is 0.05 for maximum growth and CO(2) consumption rates. Finally, the saturation irradiance is determined to be 5170 lux for CO(2) consumption and growth whereas, the maximum H(2) production rate occurs around 10,000 lux.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The study presents kinetic models predicting the growth, CO(2) consumption and H(2) production of A. variabilis. The experimental and scaling analysis methods can be generalized to other micro-organisms.

Body image and weight change in middle age: a qualitative study

AIMS

To explore men's and women's experiences of weight change in adulthood, body image preferences and beliefs about the health consequences of overweight and to inform the development of a primary care intervention to prevent obesity.

SAMPLE

Seventy-two men and women aged 35-55, with a range of BMIs from 22 to 29.9, were identified from two UK general practice registers and invited to participate in an interview about experiences of weight change in adulthood.

METHODS

Audio tape recorded, semi-structured interviews were conducted in respondents' homes by trained researchers. Open-ended questions were used to collect experiences of weight change since early adulthood and views about weight change in middle age. Illustrations of a range of men's and women's body shapes were used to prompt discussion of respondents' preferences for male and female body shapes and their perspectives of the health, social and practical problems associated with underweight and overweight. The data were analysed using both quantitative and qualitative methods.

RESULTS

Some 87% (33/38) of the women and 59% (20/34) of the men said that they had ever tried to lose weight. At least one instance of successful weight loss was reported by 58% of the women and 47% of the men, although many of these attempts were relatively short-lived and often motivated by specific goals such as a holiday or a wedding. Respondents were sceptical of the possibility of controlling weight without considerable personal sacrifice. Explanations for middle-age weight gain included a sedentary lifestyle, as well as several gender-specific reasons, including hormonal changes and comfort eating for women and beer drinking for men. Nearly all (97%) respondents associated heart disease with overweight, while diabetes was mentioned by only 22% and none mentioned cancer.

CONCLUSION

People who have gained weight in middle age may be deterred from trying to prevent further gain by pessimism about the effort required. The efficacy of interventions to encourage relatively small substitutions and changes to diet and physical activity need to be tested. Interventions to help prevent weight gain in middle age could include information about the less widely known health risks such as diabetes and cancer.

The role of dihydrocodeine in causing death among drug users in the west of Scotland

There has been a wealth of information relating to the role of methadone in fatalities over the past decade. However, a dearth exists in the literature of deaths involving dihydrocodeine, a substitute that is being increasingly prescribed by general practitioners for drug harm reduction purposes. Over the past five years in the Strathclyde region of Scotland there has been an increase in the number of drug related deaths involving dihydrocodeine with the largest increase occurring in the latter two years. This in combination with a general acceptance for this drug as a substitute for methadone amongst general practitioners highlights its potential abuse factor which is addressed in this paper. As the number of methadone deaths in relation to the total number of accidental drug related deaths per annum decrease, those related to dihydrocodeine are shown to be increasing.

Genetic screening in a large family with juvenile onset primary open angle glaucoma

AIMS

A number of genetic loci have been implicated in the pathogenesis of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). The aim of this study was to identify the genetic cause of POAG in a large Scottish family and, if possible, offer genetic screening and advice to family members.

METHODS

Family members were examined to determine their disease status. Base excision sequence scanning was carried out in order to test for the presence of a POAG causing mutation at known genetic loci. Direct DNA sequencing was performed in order to determine the mutation sequence.

RESULTS

All family members of known affected disease status and two family members of unknown disease status were found to have a mutation in the TIGR gene. The mutation resulted in the substitution of a glycine residue with an arginine residue at codon 252 (Gly252Arg). No other sequence variations were present in any members of the family.

CONCLUSION

The Gly252Arg mutation in the TIGR gene results in the development of POAG in this family. It was possible to identify younger, currently unaffected, members of the family who carry the mutation and who are therefore at a very high risk of developing POAG themselves. This is the first demonstration that Gly252Arg can be a disease causing mutation rather than a benign polymorphism. The possible pathogenic mechanisms and wider implications of the mutation are considered.

Urinary Incontinence in Women

Despite the prevalence of urinary incontinence, most affected women don't seek help, primarily because of embarrassment or because they are not aware that effective treatment is available. Failure to store urine may be caused by an abnormality in any component of the lower urinary tract. Common abnormalities are poor bladder compliance and bladder outlet failure. Patients who experience failure to empty can present with recurrent urinary tract infections, retention or incontinence. Using a symptom-based classification of incontinence, this would be referred to as overflow incontinence. Other possible categories of urinary incontinence are failure to store and empty and functional incontinence. A combination of a failure to store and empty is difficult to diagnose and treat clinically. Treatments are directed at the particular cause of incontinence and can include medical or surgical therapies.

Can data collection during the grieving process be justifiable?

Research has shown that there are a number of competing theories regarding the use of bereaved people for research purposes. One view emphasizes their vulnerability, weakness and inability to take part in decision-making. Another is that there is an infringement of rights if people are denied the freedom of choice to take part in research. This article considers issues concerned with data collection from recently bereaved relatives who were at some stage of the grieving process. The participants were interviewed as part of the OXMIS study which aimed to identify the incidence of myocardial infarction in Oxfordshire. A total of 142 interviews took place (59 home visits and 83 telephone interviews). Of the cases not interviewed, sufficient information was gained in 94% from other sources to fulfil the required criteria. The perceived benefit or apparent risk of vulnerable groups participating in research is discussed in light of the study results.

Lack of correlation of the American Urological Association Symptom 7 Index with urodynamic bladder outlet obstruction

The objective of this study is to assess whether subjective information from the American Urological Association (AUA) Symptom 7 Index correlates with or predicts objective urodynamic parameters of bladder outlet obstruction. Seventy-five men, mean age 67 years (range 42-85 years), were referred for evaluation of "prostatism." Evaluation consisted of the AUA Symptom 7 Index, noninvasive uroflow, post-void residual (PVR) urine measurement, and pressure-flow analysis. Men were categorized as "obstructed," "equivocal," or "unobstructed" according to pressure-flow nomogram of Abrams and Griffiths. The total AUA 7 score, and all individual components, were compared with all invasive urodynamic parameters, and to the pressure-flow categories of obstructed, equivocal, or unobstructed. The AUA index severity categories (mild 0-7, moderate 8-19, and severe > or = 20) were compared to the urodynamic pressure flow categories. Thirty-three men had severe symptoms, and 42 had moderate or mild symptoms. Forty men were urodynamically obstructed, and 35 men were equivocal or unobstructed. There was no correlation of any AUA index parameter (total symptom score, obstructive or irritative score component, or any individual question) with any noninvasive urodynamic parameter. The sensitivity and specificity of the AUA index for urodynamic obstruction was 42.5% and 54.3% respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine whether clinical data easily obtained in the office setting (age, PVR, noninvasive maximum and average flow rates) could predict urodynamic obstruction when combined with any component of the AUA index. Only age was found to be a significant predictor of obstruction status (P = 0.026). Subjective information from the AUA Symptom 7 Index does not correlate with objective data assessing bladder outlet obstruction. Though the AUA index is a valid clinical tool, it should not be used to gauge the presence or severity of bladder outlet obstruction.

Neurogenic inflammation, vascular permeability, and mast cells. Capsaicin desensitization fails to influence IgE-anti-DNP induced vascular permeability in rat airways

Mast cells and neuropeptide-containing nerves occur in close proximity throughout the mucosa. The vasodilation that characteristically occurs after mast cell mediator release in skin is dependent upon sensory nerve activation with neuropeptide release. It was therefore of interest to examine the relationship between antigen-induced mast cell activation, vascular permeability, and the influence of capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves in the airways. To examine this question, capsaicin was administered systemically and the "desensitization" of the animals to topical capsaicin confirmed. Thereafer, capsaicin-desensitized animals were studied to see if mast cell mediator-induced vascular permeability was affected. Plasma protein extravasation (PPE) was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by intratracheal infusion of capsaicin or by intratracheal infusion of mouse serum albumin-dinitrophenol (MSA-DNP) after passive sensitization with IgE-anti-DNP. Leaking vessels in the airways were localized by using Monastral blue B, a macromolecular tracer. In the trachea, leaking vessels were predominantly located in the anterior wall after capsaicin challenge and in the posterior wall after antigen challenge. PPE was quantified by preinjecting animals with 125I-labeled BSA and expressed as microliter of plasma deposited in the trachea, bronchi, lungs, and tracheobronchial lavage (TBL). Within one minute after challenge, concentrations of capsaicin greater than 10(-7) M significantly increased PPE in trachea and bronchial wall (+ 160% and + 175% above control, respectively, with 10(-5) M). PPE was also observed in the trachea and bronchi after antigen challenge in animals passively sensitized with IgE-anti-DNP (+ 200% and + 153%, respectively).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Posttraumatic pseudoaneurysm of the extracranial middle meningeal artery

Pseudoaneurysms of the extracranial arterial tree are uncommon. To our knowledge, four cases of pseudoaneurysm of the internal maxillary artery have been reported, but there have been no reports of pseudoaneurysm of the extracranial segment of the middle meningeal artery. A 15-year-old girl, who suffered a gunshot wound in the right maxillary region, suffered a pseudoaneurysm of the proximal portion of the middle meningeal artery, as shown by carotid angiography six days after injury. The lesion was successfully treated with absorbable gelatin sponge embolization. Treatment of pseudoaneurysms reduces the risk of hemorrhage from subsequent rupture. Although these lesions are amenable to surgery, transvascular embolization or mechanical interruption appears to be simpler and equally effective.