Cryptococcal meningitis presenting concurrently with systemic lupus erythematosus

Cryptococcal meningitis is a rare but well recognized complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Since in all previously reported cases in the medical literature the patients developed this opportunistic infection as the result of immunosuppressive therapies, whether the intrinsic immunological abnormalities of SLE per se contribute to the susceptibility remains controversial. We report on a patient who presented concurrently with cryptococcal meningitis and cryptococcaemia at the time of her diagnosis of active SLE. This highlights the possibility that intrinsic immunological defects of SLE may be directly responsible for the predisposition to fungal infections. In addition, when SLE patients present with neurological symptoms, the possible presence of central nervous system (CNS) infection must be checked for, even if immunosuppressive treatment is not being considered.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

Microstructural influence on the work hardening of aluminum-lithium alloy 2090 at cryogenic temperatures

Previous studies indicate that the work hardening characteristics of a Vintage III 2090-T81 12.7-mm (0.5-in.) plate is highly dependent on the through-thickness position. This dependency has been linked to two distinctly different microstructures existing as laminates within the plate. An investigation of the two microstructures by both optical and transmission electron microscopy reveal a difference in the distribution of grains and subgrains. It is believed that these factors affect the work hardening characteristics by governing the manner in which slip is transmitted from grain to grain. The findings are positive as they suggest a practical means by which improvements in work hardening can be obtained through modifications of the microstructure at the polygranular level. 24 refs., 7 figs